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Link to the blog of Peter Black AS/AM

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Link to the blog of Glyn Davies

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Link to the website of Jonathan T Clark

WALES'S DOMAIN - .cym

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Is this how Welsh citizens will interact with the Welsh Government?

Click on www.government.cym

Campaigning for a .cym internet domain.

WALES'S CORPORATE TAX

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The economic boom of the past decade has transformed Ireland and delivered far more social gains than losses, major new research by the Economic and Social Research Institute has concluded;

• Social mobility has increased as more people from modest backgrounds ascend into white-collar occupations

• Poverty and deprivation rates have declined, although income inequality remains wide.

• The stresses of too much work and of juggling job and family life are less socially damaging than the stresses of too little work.

• Social support networks and attachments to communities remain strong. The image of masses of people lost and isolated in anonymous housing estates is belied by how settled and at home people feel in the new suburbs.

• People are marrying and having children at a higher rate than 15 years ago.

• National morale is among the highest in Europe.

Ireland is a small, open, trade-dependent economy and is one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world. With the power to vary it's corporate tax rate for it's own benefit. Wales needs the same power to compete.

WALES'S PARLIAMENT WALES'S RIGHT

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From:
One Wales A progressive agenda for the government of Wales
2. A Strong and Confident Nation p.6

We will set up an all-Wales Convention within six months and a group of MPs and AMs from both parties will be commissioned to set the terms of reference and membership of the Convention based on wide representation from civic society.

From:
THE SCOTTISH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

The Convention held its inaugural meeting on 30 March 1989 in the Church of Scotland's General Assembly Hall in Edinburgh. It adopted a declaration, which was signed by all its members. This was a Claim of Right, the third in Scotland's history, and its purpose was to root the Convention solidly in the historical and historic Scottish constitutional principle that power is limited, should be dispersed, and is derived from the people.

This was the text:

We, gathered as the Scottish Constitutional Convention, do hereby acknowledge

the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government

best suited to their needs, and do hereby declare and pledge that in all our actions

and deliberations their interests shall be paramount

We further declare and pledge that our actions and deliberations shall be directed

to the following ends:

* To agree a scheme for an Assembly or Parliament for Scotland; * To mobilise Scottish opinion and ensure the approval of the Scottish people for that scheme; and * To assert the right of the Scottish people to secure the implementation of that scheme.

DRAGONSAVER

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KiwiSaver is a government initiative involving employers, KiwiSaver scheme providers and several government agencies. It is open to all New Zealand citizens and people entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely, aged up to 65.

Each payday your KiwiSaver contributions are deducted from your pay. You can choose to save 4% or 8% of your gross pay. Inland Revenue ensures the safe transfer of your money to your KiwiSaver scheme provider, who invests the money for you in a KiwiSaver scheme. After a year in KiwiSaver you can take a break from saving, called a contributions holiday.

If you're 18 or over, each year the government will pay into your account a member tax credit matching the contributions you've made that year, up to a maximum of $1,042.86. This is the equivalent of up to $20 a week. This will be paid until you're eligible to access your savings - when you're eligible for NZ Super (currently 65) or after five years' membership, whichever is later. To qualify for the member tax credit, your principal place of residence must be in New Zealand (although there are some exceptions).

Just the Government of a small nation making it's own laws to meet the real needs of it's own people.

WALES'S POLICE

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The largest independent survey of the views of police superintendents in England and Wales for five years, conducted as part of a major report into police reform*, has revealed startling levels of dissatisfaction amongst commanders. The survey was conducted for a new report ‘Fitting the bill: Local policing for the 21st century’ to be published by Policy Exchange.

71% of superintendents believe the (BRITISH) Home Office’s reporting requirements have a negative impact on the quality of policing in their area.

Secretary of the Police Federation in Wales, Wayne Baker, also believes enforcement by quotas can mitigate against good police work and damage public confidence in the force. He said, “The targets culture removes the element of discretion in police work. If you’re given points for doing certain things you’re going to go chasing after those points. “There needs to be a level of discretion reinstated into police work because that would mean a better service to the public.”

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HOUSING WALES

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Housing New Zealand Corporation is a Crown agency that provides housing services for people in need. It is also the New Zealand Government's principal advisor on housing. Mission:

Housing New Zealand provides access to decent homes, helping New Zealanders to manage their own circumstances and contribute to community life.

Purpose:

Our main role has traditionally been to provide good quality, affordable rental homes for people on low incomes or with special housing needs. Rental housing is still a large part of what we do. We own or manage more than 66,000 properties nationwide, including about 1,500 homes for community groups providing residential services. We also work in many ways to improve access to affordable homes for New Zealanders.

For example: * home ownership loans and education for people on low to medium incomes * support for councils and community groups wanting to increase their involvement in providing social housing * research on New Zealand's housing market * locally-based programmes to strengthen communities * partnerships with Māori, iwi, local government and community organisations to address housing issues in their areas.

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WALES'S REFERENDUM

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SNP activists want to by-pass parliament on the issue of independence by starting a massive petition to force MSPs to agree to a referendum, it emerged last night. Alex Orr, an SNP activist, said the idea would be to secure the support of as many members of the public as possible, in a petition which would be impossible for the parliament to ignore. Activists believe the parliament would be left with no choice but to accept the referendum plan if the petition was signed by 100,000 people or more.

The National Assembly is introducing a new petitions system. For the first time, members of the public will not only be able to petition the National Assembly and ask for action to be taken in those areas of policy for which the Assembly is responsible, but the Assembly will be required to act on the petition, if it is within the powers of the Assembly.

A petition can be used in Wales calling for a Referendum.

WALES'S REVENUES

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An independent commission is to investigate how Wales receives public money from the UK Treasury and look at possible tax-varying powers.

In 2006 the annual budget for the Flemish Government amounts to EUR 19.889 billion (exclusive loans). The vast majority originates from taxes transfered from the Federal government. A growing share of Flemish revenues originates from regional taxes. For the eight time in a row, the budget has shown a positive balance, which will be used tot pay off the debt at an accelarated rate. Expenditure for 2006 is estimated at EUR 19.853 billion. This implies a balance of EUR 36 million. In this way the Flemish Government maintains a strict and orthodox budget policy through which, thanks to debt repayments, resources can be freed for new policy initiatives. This policy also makes it possible to reduce taxes or even abolish certain taxes altogether.

It works for Flanders it can work for Wales.

The independent commission must also investigate the need for Wales to opt out of British spending plans that do not meet Wales's National interest and for the Welsh taxpayers money taken by the British for this spending to be returned to the Welsh Government.

WALES'S NATIONAL HOLIDAY ACT

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The National Holiday Act was assented to and came into force on June 8, 1978. It was subsequently amended on various occasions. Sometimes, the sole purpose of the amendments was to ensure a certain conformity with the various pieces of legislation.

Quebec has it's own National Holiday on the 24th of June, St. John the Baptist Day and it is a statutory public holiday. Canada is not inconvenienced by it.

Swansea Council may go it alone in giving staff a day off work to celebrate St David's Day.

The Senedd must be the sovereign body representing the people of Wales with the powers to make Laws for the Welsh people;

Not an individual appointed by a British Prime Minister elected from a constituency outside the borders of Wales.

Not a British House of Commons made up of people, the vast majority of whom are elected from a constituency outside the borders of Wales.

Not a British House of Lords completely undemocratic by its nature.

WALES AT UNESCO

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The Welsh Government is not represented at the UNESCO Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The Government of Quebec is participating in the First Ordinary Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions which is being held in Paris from June 18 to 20. During this time, countries attending will elect the 24 members of the Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee, the body mandated by the Conference to formulate a plan for implementing the Convention.

Quebec can do this because it has negotiated an Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec concerning Quebec's own representation at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Welsh Government should be doing the same.

NDM3617

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NDM3617 is a Motion for Debate on 20 June 2007 in the Senedd.

NDM3617

William Graham (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to:

a) Draw up a programme of action in order to achieve annual carbon-equivalent emissions reductions of 3% per year by 2011 and set up an independent body to monitor the Government’s progress;

b) Publish and implement a Renewable Energy Strategy with the aim of achieving a renewable energy target of 20% by 2015, with a greater emphasis on the diversity of technologies available;

c) Review the TAN8 planning guidance policy to ensure it promotes the full range of renewable energy sources.

An Amendments to this Motion has been tabled by Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Adding a new point at the end of the motion:

Seek devolution of planning decisions on energy projects over 50 MwH.

The Scots already have those powers.

An application was submitted to Scottish Ministers on August 1, 2006 for a 550 Megawatt Decarbonised Fuel power generation plant, adjacent to the existing Peterhead power station, in Aberdeenshire. Ministers have approved the construction and operation of the plant under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said:

"Carbon capture technology has the potential to transform the way we generate power. In significantly reducing carbon emissions, this project could become an icon for clean energy production throughout the world. "The proposal to build the carbon capture plant in Peterhead would put Scotland at the forefront of that clean electricity revolution and leading the fight against climate change. "The reasons behind BP's recent announcement on this project are well known. I share their frustration with the DTI (British Ministry) about the length of time it has taken to move forward. The First Minister has written to Alistair Darling (British Minister) to express his disappointment and to ask what more can be done.

The British still ignore Wales's national interests and keep the power to control energy projects over 50 MwH for themselves, though not in Scotalnd.

Any AS/AM not voting for the ammendment seeking devolution of planning decisions on energy projects over 50 MwH will be voting with the British against Wales's national interest.

The results of the vote will be posted here.

The following AS/AM's voted against the ammenment - all from the British Labour Party.

Andrews, Leighton
Barrett, Lorraine
Chapman, Christine
Cuthbert, Jeff
Davidson, Jane
Davies, Alun
Davies, Andrew
Gibbons, Brian
Gregory, Janice
Griffiths, John
Griffiths, Lesley
Hart, Edwina
Hutt, Jane
James, Irene
Jones, Ann
Jones, Carwyn
Lewis, Huw
Lloyd, Val
Mewies, Sandy
Neagle, Lynne
Sargeant, Carl
Sinclair, Karen
Thomas, Gwenda
Watson, Joyce

WALES'S PRISON AND PROBATION SERVICE

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From the Danish Prison and Probation Service
Please click on "english" then click on "A Programme of Principles for Prison and Probation Work in Denmark" then scroll down to "Principles" and click on " 4. SECURITY"

4. SECURITY Prison and probation work shall ensure that the sentence of the court is carried out with due attention paid to the protection of the community from crime as well as protecting the inmate from aggression or damaging influences emanating from other persons. The principle of security is chiefly of weight in relation to the enforcement of imprisonment. The purpose of security is partly to ensure that the sentence is carried out and partly to prevent inmates from committing further offences during the period of imprisonment or in connection with granted absence from the prison. It is important to keep in mind that the maintenance of security has multiple aspects. It does not depend on physical barriers and technical means alone (passive security) but also on the staff's personal contact with inmates and its knowledge of what is going on in the institution (dynamic security). The security principle is also relevant to work in connection with community sanctions. In this context the aim is to provide supervision which will lessen the risk of fresh criminality and violation of the rights of others to the greatest possible extent. The principle is therefore of importance for the control aspects of the work of the probation service.

In Wales under British control:

A FORMER Cardiff prison governor has accused the government of breaking a promise that only carefully-vetted prisoners, who were unlikely to be violent, would be placed in court cells.

The British system has failed.

Like Denmark, Wales must have it's own accountable Prison and Probation service fit for purpose, serving the needs of the Welsh people.

Welsh Business Ambassadors

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The Catalonia Investment Agency (ACI) presented this week the "Catalan Business Ambassadors" programme at Barcelona's Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan Government. The ACI has appointed 30 high-ranked Catalan business executives as ACI's Ambassadors, a distinction open exclusively to executives holding major responsibilities for prestigious multinational businesses. Companies represented include Henkel, Nestlé, Autoliv, Clariant, Hewlett Packard, Velcro, Benteler Automotive, Sanofi Aventis, Mapa Spontex, Solvay, Yamaha, Kao Corporation, Danone, Epson, IBM, Schneider Electric, Eastman Kodak, and General Electric

Why has the Welsh Government continually failed to engage meaningfully with the Diaspora? Is it because we are not British enough for them?

WALES'S INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

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Norway's energetic foreign minister Støre thinks he needs to strengthen the country's international reputation, but first he also wants to find out just how the rest of the world views his homeland. "A good national reputation has a lot to do with our impact overseas, both culturally, economically and politically," Støre said, roughly translated, in a press statement Tuesday. He said the forum is charged with contributing to "more debate and dialogue" among public authorities, business, academia and others to pinpoint in which areas "we can coordinate strategies for Norway’s reputation."

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The United Kingdom under pressure

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In recent decades, the trend has been towards greater independence for the North Atlantic parts of the United Kingdom of Denmark. It therefore cannot be ruled out that changes to or even a final dissolution of the United Kingdom of Denmark may become relevant in the longer term, especially as there are no signs of a strong Danish desire to try to preserve it against the will of the North Atlantic parts of the country. In Denmark it appears to be generally accepted that ultimately such political choices must be made by the respective populations themselves.

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WALES'S FISHERIES

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Speaking in Luxembourg after attending his first European Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said: "It was a privilege to be the first Cabinet Secretary in the new Scottish Government to attend an EU council. "Watching 27 countries, some landlocked, debating fishing policy underlined the importance of giving the historic fishing nation of Scotland a much greater say on the future of our fishing communities."

At today’s Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, John Browne, voted against a plan for blue fin tuna management that ignores illegal fishing by several countries in the Mediterranean. Speaking today, Minister Browne said “The principle of payback should apply equally to all. I want to see rules agreed and implemented within the EU so that all can have confidence in equality of treatment. This matter is of direct relevance to Ireland in view of the payback terms on mackerel applied to Ireland and the UK which was subject to a Commission Regulation earlier this year.” “Irish Fishermen would find it difficult to understand how they should be subject to pay back requirements for illegal fishing in line with normal EU rules while in this case there would be no such requirement in an international agreement in respect of illegal fishing of blue fin tuna.”

Jane Davidson is the Minister responsible why not ask her by e mail, the address is: epc.requests@wales.gsi.gov.uk

DOUBLE STANDARDS

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In Belgium Thomas Cook operates in Dutch/Flemish and also in French.

Contrast this with Thomas Cooks statement in Wales:

The company has always requested that its staff, regardless of any geographical location, speak English to other staff members when discussing work-related matters in the work place.

Perhaps they should be operating in Welsh and English in Wales. We should be following a european model for language rights rather than a British one.

The Basque Government offers Basque companies the possibility to carry out a diagnosis for free about the situation of the Basque language and other tools to promote the Basque language in the working field. The Vice–councillor of linguistic politics will assign 2,3 million Euro to promote the use of the Basque language in companies. The budget is a 26% higher than last year. The executive has already contacted 1,800 companies to carry out a free diagnosis of their situation.

CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM COMMONPLACE

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SCOTLAND URGENTLY needs both a new constitutional settlement with the other countries in these islands and more participative governance at home which recognises the power and sovereignty of the people. Just as important, we need a new way of achieving these.

Results from federal elections in Flanders show a resurgent Christian democracy with losses for the two government parties, PM Guy Verhofstadt's Flemish liberals and Johan Vande Lanotte's Flemish socialists. However, the Christian democrats are in for a hard task as they will have to try and form a new coalition, pressing ahead with a constitutional reform.

We have Cymru Yfory – Tomorrow’s Wales, so lets get going.

One of who's objectives is:

in the longer term to facilitate a meaningful conversation between the political establishment, wider civil society in Wales, the Welsh public and the press and media in Wales on Welsh governance.

On the Falls Road

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The head of Pobal, the Irish language umbrella body in Northern Ireland, says she is saddened by the recent negative comments from a few politicians about Irish speakers and the Irish language. Janet Muller's comment comes as the group prepares for a march in Befast city centre to celebrate the Irish language and to press home their demand for for a comprehensive rights-based Irish Language act.

Pobal's mission is to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality through integrated social and economic development within communities. Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and The EU.

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WALES'S OWN VAT

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Millions of pounds a year in funding for agencies that help new Welsh business set up, could have been lost to the Treasury (The British) in VAT payments - this report is by Phil Parry.

You can view this report on Dragons Eye starting at 19.47 when viewed on Real Player for the 07.06.07 edition

Alun Cairns AM said

Its an example of money leaving Wales, it's there intended for business support but because of the way these organisations are constituted it means they are now subject to VAT, that they weren't subject to VAT (before) and Welsh business and Welsh economy and Welsh people are losing out.

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THE FULL MEMBERS DEAL

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At a meeting of EU finance ministers in the small but prosperous duchy, Luxembourg refused to agree to a lifting of the tax advantages that have prompted iTunes, Skype, eBay and other big Internet companies to set up shop there. "We have not made ourselves extremely popular in Europe," Juncker conceded at a news conference afterward, Reuters reported from Luxembourg. But "others do this much more frequently," he said. "Here, an essential interest of Luxembourg was at stake and therefore today I had no other possibility than to say no." With just 459,000 people Luxembourg has a tiny fraction of the EU population though, per capita, its people are among the wealthiest.

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SAFER STRONGER WALES

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We believe our criminal justice system must be guided by both rights and responsibilities. We must instil a culture of responsibility. Individuals must take personal responsibility for their actions and facce the consequences. Equally government and agencies must take responsibility for all our communities. We need to promote good behaviour as well as punish bad. We will come down hard on serious and dangerous offenders but at the same time we need to deal with the underlying social and economic problems that lead to a lack of self esteem, a sense of hopelessness and despair. We will detain the dangerous but treat the troubled.

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