WALES NEWS ONE HOUR

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STV reversed a broadcasting trend yesterday when it announced it was setting up a nightly hour-long news and current affairs programme.

From early next year, probably January, stv will opt out of the network at 5.30pm and "provide a dedicated hour of news for Scotland each weekday

UTV in Northern Ireland has used the hour-long 5.30pm news-led format very successfully for about 10 years.

"STV will take control of the schedule and provide a dedicated hour of news for Scotland each weekday."

ITV in Wales should opt out of the British schedule too and provide a dedicated hour of news for Wales each weekday.

WALES ESSENTIALS

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Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward (British) has insisted that handing over criminal justice powers to the province was an "essential" part of devolution.

He told delegates at Bournemouth: "Conference, we still have an important task to complete devolving policing and criminal justice.

If it is "essential" for Northern Ireland it is "essential" for Wales.

A cut in the rate of corporation tax is vital if Northern Ireland's economy is to succeed, the Rev Ian Paisley has told a function at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.

Mr Paisley said it was vital that the legacy of several decades of under-investment in Northern Ireland was tackled.

He said: "Corporation tax is a specific area we would like to see addressed... A change would allow Northern Ireland to expand its export base through the attraction of profitable foreign direct investment.

Our First Minister should be making the same case for Wales to the British - for powers over all business taxation to be transferred to the Senedd.

FINANCING WALES'S INFRASTRUCTURE

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ETS came into being officially on 2 September 2004, by virtue of (Regional Government Act) Ley 6/2004, passed by the Basque Parliament as a consequence of the recently approved General Plan for Sustainable Transport. One of the Plans priority objectives was to achieve a new balance between environment-friendly forms of transport, with particular emphasis being placed on the rail system.

Today the Agencys main purpose is to build, maintain, manage and administrate rail infrastructures in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country and contribute to the creation of a modern, efficient and sustainable communications system.

ETS is carrying out infrastructure improvements and is asking for up to 300 milion euro finance from the European Investment Bank.

Around 150 euro million has already been provided for Basque rolling stock.

In Wales:

The previous Welsh Assembly Government considered that it was not eligible to borrow money directly from the EIB. It appears that Section 71 of the GoWA 2006 gives the new Welsh Assembly Government sufficient legal authority to borrow from the EIB. In practice, however, it is likely that approval would be required from HM Treasury, which controls overall government borrowing.

Wales can't afford not to act independently of the British and apply for the finance needed to improve Wales's infrastructure direct from the European Investment bank.

Removing Britain's right to make laws for Wales

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"The first Dominion Day was a holiday for public servants and every schoolchild received a commemorative medal. A guard of honour and band marched through Wellington, school cadets took part in the parade, a Maori haka was performed, and concerts and fetes were held in other parts of the country.

"Wellington's Dominion newspaper was founded on Dominion Day, and for many years Dominion Day on 26th September was a public holiday marked by banks, and law and accountancy firms, but its significance gradually declined.

"Its constitutional importance was overtaken by New Zealand ratifying the Statute of Westminster in November 1947, removing Britain's right to make laws for New Zealand.

"Dominion Day, however, remains an important symbolic anniversary, marking the end of our colonial status and paving the way for New Zealand to become an important international player in its own right," Helen Clark said.

Removing Britain's right to make laws, works for small countries.

We need every Welsh person

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“Thank you for keeping Estonian values alive here, but also be aware that Estonia has progressed and is waiting for you,” said President Ilves at the reception organized by the New York Estonian Educational Society at the New York Estonian House.

“Estonia is no longer a poor country. It has grown vigorously and I encourage you to come to Estonia and see all this,” said President Ilves. “We have arrived at the point, where the people here could start thinking—maybe my income in the United States is a bit higher than in Estonia, but in Estonia it is possible to teach my children Estonian, to eat Estonian bread, and live an Estonian life.”

Welsh values - the languages of Wales - Welsh food - the Welsh way of life - we can all be equally proud of.

Estonians are proud of their heritage and we should be proud of Welsh heritage too.

In this fateful hour the Estonian National Council, as the legal representative of our land and people, has, in unanimous agreement with Estonian democratic political parties and organizations, and by virtue of the right of self-determination of peoples, found it necessary to take the following decisive steps to shape the destiny of Estonian land and people.

THE BRITISH VETO

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The instruments under the Code include new powers to set environmental quality standards governing the minimum acceptable quality of air, water, soil and the environment in general. Environmental sanction charges have been introduced as a more rapid way of dealing with infringements. These are levied directly by the authorities responsible for inspections and enforcement.

Fifteen existing environmental laws were modernised and amalgamated to form the Environmental Code in 1999.

A Swedish Government elected by the people of Sweden delivering on their own environmental legislative needs and not vetoed by another Government.

In Wales the Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (No.2) Order 2007(Relating to Environmental Protection and Waste Management) can be vetoed by the British at any moment.

The Western Mail has been told that one of the Assembly Government’s first lawmaking proposals under new arrangements brought in since May’s election is threatened with a Whitehall veto.

Wales needs a Parliament with full Law making powers to pass the legislation it's people need just as other countries do without the interference of other Governments.

Fifteen environmental quality objectives for Wales could be: 1. Clean air 2. High-quality groundwater 3. Sustainable lakes and watercourses 4. Flourishing wetlands 5. A balanced marine environment and sustainable coasts and archipelagos 6. No eutrophication 7. Natural acidification only 8. Sustainable forests 9. A varied agricultural landscape 10. A magnificent mountain landscape 11. A good built environment 12. A non-toxic environment 13. A safe radiation environment 14. A protective ozone layer 15. Limitation of climate change

WALES'S BAR AND LAW SOCIETY

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A full debate with the legal community on the creation of a separate criminal justice system for Wales is inevitable if the National Assembly gains greater powers, Counsel General Carwyn Jones told a meeting of the Law Society today.

The One Wales agreement between the two parties of the Welsh Assembly Government includes a commitment to consider the evidence for the devolution of the criminal justice system,” he said. “This is within the context of the devolution of funding and moves towards the establishment of a single administration of justice in Wales.

The many facets of the legal community in Wales need to play a central role in informing the Welsh Assembly Government’s consideration of those matters, and I hope that they will enter fully, frankly and enthusiastically into the debate.

Some of the other countries with their own Bar and Law Societies setting a clear precedent for Wales to have it's own are:

Continue reading "WALES'S BAR AND LAW SOCIETY" »

WALES'S PIPELINES

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Considering the sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia in territorial waters and national interests in Estonia’s exclusive economic zone, the Government decided at today’s cabinet meeting not to agree to issue a permit for the survey application of Nord Stream AG.

Nord Stream is a gas pipeline to link Russia and the European Union via the Baltic Sea. It will carry natural gas to supply both businesses and households. The new pipeline will be an important factor of energy security in Europe.

Estonia a country of about 1,5 million people located on the edge of Europe and a full member state of the EU making decisions to suit it's own national interest.

Two new terminals to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are being built at Herbrandston and Waterston, both of which are near to Milford Haven. The terminals are being developed by South Hook LNG and Dragon LNG. The LNG will arrive by ocean-going tanker, be transferred ashore into LNG storage tanks and then converted back into gaseous form, for onward transportation through the National Gas Transmission System. Although the terminal developers are independent from National Grid (share price 773.5 GBP -4 21/09/2007 11:45) , under the terms of our operating licence we have a duty to connect them to our National Gas Transmission System, to ensure that the gas they export is safely and economically delivered to where it is most needed by users throughout the UK.

The Welsh Government must have the powers to decide whether pipeline developments in the territory of Wales are to be allowed, based on the national interests' of Wales. These powers must be transferred from the British to the Senedd.

WALES'S HOME RULE

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Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary (British), was yesterday drawn into cross-party talks about changes to Scottish home rule.

Labour, LibDem and Conservative leaders at Holyrood met for the first time yesterday, and agreed the next stage will be to draw in their Scottish leaders at Westminster.

LibDem leader Nicol Stephen is eager to set up a new grouping that would consider further devolution, with suggestions of taxation powers going as far as a Scottish share of North Sea oil revenue.

While LibDems at their Brighton conference yesterday reaffirmed their support for more powers to be devolved to Holyrood, Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie has recently discussed the way ahead with Shadow Chancellor George Osborne and with Shadow Scottish Secretary David Mundell. Tories shifted two years ago to agree there should be a review of devolved powers, while Labour has been most resistant to changing the settlement it introduced in legislation nine years ago.

The joint talks have been welcomed by the Scottish National Party, as a sign that its rivals have "signed up" to the argument that parliament needs more powers to be more effective.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "There's clearly a dynamic at work there. We see that dynamic being very much in the context of the national conversation and look forward to it moving forward."

The Senedd needs to become a proper Parliament with full law making powers similar to the Scots. A clear majority of the Welsh people are of this opinion.

FIRST CLASS WELSH

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This September Chinese students will for the first time undertake studies in Norwegian language and culture at a Chinese University.

Beijing Foreign Studies University is renowned for its special focus and competence on language studies and offers the largest number of foreign language programs in China. It has evolved to an important training base for diplomacy, foreign trade, translation, journalism, culture and education. Former Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is a former BFSU graduate together with over 300 ambassadors and more than 700 councillors. No wonder, BFSU is known as the “cradle of diplomats” in China.

Now the myth that everyone just wants to learn English has been put to bed.

The new Legislative Competence Order concerning the Welsh language must also include the promotion of Welsh and Welsh English outside the borders of Wales.

WALES HOUSES

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The plan will add to the three official Scottish Government delegations in Washington DC, Beijing and Brussels.

Although ministers have yet to decide on how many extra 'embassies' they will create, and where they will be, top choices are understood to include Germany, Canada and France.

Another option, and one which is thought to be particularly favoured because of the low cost implications, is expanding the emerging network of privately established 'Scotland Houses'. Some have already been set up abroad by businesses and offer advice to Scots firms looking to move into new overseas markets.

Despite the name, there is no formal link to Scotland House in Brussels. So far, these not-for-profit private bodies operate in Estonia and in India, and there are plans to open at least three more by the end of next year.

The Welsh Government should placing great value on our relations with other countries, especially those with whom we trade, whose populace are likely to visit Wales and those looking to enter higher education here.

WALES'S FUTURE FUND

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At least 245 million euros is to be set aside for a rainy day in the so-called Future Fund".

The "Future Fund" was set up to help deal with the consequences of an aging population.

The Minister also said that Flanders should be debt-free by the end of next year.

With the powers to collect tax revenue Flanders can plan for the best future for it's citizens. The people of Wales deserve no less, dependence on the British for the collection and distribution of Wales's tax revenue is a strategic weakness we can no longer afford.

Strong economic growth in Flanders during the past twelve months means that revenue from the taxes levied by the regional authorities has risen sharply to 4.5 billion euros.

Owain Glyndŵr Day

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How others celebrate National Days.

How Wales is doing it.

Even the Welsh Government is at last getting in on the act.

Unfortunately this great tourism opportunity is missed yet again by VisitWales.

VisitWales should take advice from these people.

WALES'S SECOND RATE DEVOLUTION

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I beg to move

“That this Assembly (Northern Ireland) supports the transfer of tax varying powers to the Executive, along with the establishment of an Executive borrowing facility.”

Ms J McCann:

The bottom line is that local politicians are those who should drive forward the agenda for change, and not British Treasury Ministers. It should be noted that the debate is not solely about income tax. The Assembly must cast the net wider than that. It must be bold in its approach and consider such incentives as targeted tax reliefs for rural businesses, the manufacturing sector and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Many hold the view that tax-varying powers could also help to offset investment problems that are created by industrial derating. Initiatives such as plastic-bag tax or other green levies could be considered, some of which — the plastic-bag tax, in particular — have been successful in the South. The Assembly could also examine taxes on inheritance, real estate, gambling and vehicles.

Dr Farry:

I support the motion, and in so doing, it is important to stress at the outset that that is not an endorsement of the potential of the current Executive to use such powers wisely, but rather a recognition on the part of the opposition in the Chamber that the ability to deliver real change for the economy of Northern Ireland and its people depends on the Assembly having real fiscal powers. Without those powers, we have only a second-rate form of devolution.

Mr McLaughlin:

In debates in the Programme for Government Committee, set up in the Hain Assembly, and in the Preparation for Government Committee, all parties clearly and consistently supported the introduction of tax-varying powers in order to grow the regional economy; develop and target tax incentives towards areas of high unemployment; encourage small businesses; and enable other specific sectors, such as the social economy sector.

Wales needs tailored solutions to address its unique political, economic, geographic and social profile. One size fits all British policies have failed, Wales needs it's own tax and borrowing powers too.

WALES'S RADIO SPECTRUM

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Wireless networks could make broadband available in virtually 100% of Welsh communities.

"It is critical to economic transformation in New Zealand that we take the necessary steps to achieve competitive broadband coverage throughout the country. Making radio spectrum available for wireless broadband is a key part of the government’s strategy," said Communications Minister David Cunliffe.

"The government has 75 area spectrum licences to allocate later this year for wireless access services in the 3.5GHz band. These commercial fixed licences have been created to facilitate the roll-out of wireless broadband services in New Zealand.

The problem is the British control Wales's radio spectrum and it's not a priority for them.

All main statutory functions of Government in relation to Broadcasting must be devolved to the Senedd because it's critical for the economic transformation of Wales that wireless broadband is available to all.

12.5%

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Sir David Varney, the man appointed by British prime minister Gordon Brown to head an economic review into the North, will next month make his findings public. What Varney says will go a long way to shaping the work and the nature of the Assembly.

The key question for Varney, at least in the eyes of politicians and businesspeople in the North, is the rate of corporation tax. Varney has already ruled out a 12.5 per cent rate, which would have brought the North in line with the Republic, but sources close to him say he is poised to recommend a ‘halfway house’ option.

According to the sources, Varney is considering an option which would allow businesses registered in the Republic to move some of their operations to the North and have corporation tax levied at the 12.5 per cent rate.

That money would go into the Republic’s coffers, while income tax paid by the company’s employees would go to the British exchequer.

Even appointees of the British conceding then that different rates of corporation tax may exist for companies operating in the constituent parts of the UK for the benefit of their individual economies. Wales must have the same possibility and the Welsh Government should set the rate of corporation tax in Wales in order to enhance Welsh business's global competitiveness - not the British.

WALES - A PACT FOR OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE

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After a long process of consensus-building and social dialogue, the secretaries general of the CCOOCatalonia and UGT-Catalonia trade unions, the chairmen of Foment de Treball (Promotion of Employment, a Catalan business association), PIMEC (Catalan Association of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and FEPIME (Catalan Federation of Small and Medium Enterprise Owners) and the ministers of Economy and Finance, Employment and Industry and Trade, Tourism and Consumer Affairs of the Generalitat of Catalonia (the autonomous regional government) signed the Strategic Agreement to Promote the Internationalisation, Job Quality and Competitiveness of the Catalan Economy. The consensus reflected in the Agreement between the Government, trade unions and business associations has taken the form of an initiative that aims to gradually transform the Catalan economic model from several vantage points and to orient it toward the new realities and needs of a highly competitive, internationalised and socially cohesive economy. Thus, the Agreement reflects the commitment of all of the institutions involved in its preparation and defines the strategic lines, measures and specific actions that should be carried out in order to meet the challenges of the future.

While the Britsh just want to fight:

In his speech to the TUC Mr Brown (British Prime Minister) gave us British men and women, British workers, British jobs, British trade unions, British economic policy, British interests and even asserted, as he started to go for his shots, that we have "the skills, the inventiveness, the creativity and the spirit of enterprise to make it a British century".This lavish display of Britishness failed to hide the bitter truth that the trade unions have become entirely irrelevant

For all his talk of globalisation, he sounds like a curiously old-fashioned politician who believes he can master events. It is hard to say whether Mr Brown will be able to master events, but he has already shown a contempt for the TUC that is scarcely inferior to that of his predecessor, Tony Blair.

For Wales then consensus would be a better model to follow - just as the Catalans. Welsh Unions responsible to the Welsh workforce, Welsh business's and the Welsh Government working for the common good.

PLANNING TO IMMIGRATE TO WALES

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Q48 Hywel Williams: Can I tell you about a case I had a couple of years ago and ask you just to comment on this. You know that there is a great lack of Welsh-speaking dentists in Wales, in rural Wales in general. I had someone who was a Welsh-speaking dentist, but he could not be employed because he was from the Welsh-speaking community of Patagonia—that is, he could speak Spanish and he could speak Welsh but he could not speak English, and eventually he packed his bags and went back to Buenos Aires, not having found work. The law says at the moment that prospective dentists from outside the EU must be able to speak English, and I understand that that is the rule with doctors as well, but do you think that perhaps that could be amended in this particular and perhaps peculiar case in respect of the Welsh language?

The Prime Minister (British) will say that skilled workers — such as IT programmers and engineers — coming from outside the EU must pass an English-language test. Since December only workers categorised as “highly skilled” — doctors and lawyers, for example — have had to show proficiency in English as a condition of entry.

Clearly it is in Wales's interest to attract skilled workers with a knowledge of Welsh and/or English. While the British still control immigration into Wales this will not be the case as they use an English only rule to grant residency.

All powers over immigration must be devolved to the Senedd because only then can Wales's selection requirements and criteria for non EU skilled workers be satisfied. Just as they do in Quebec.

Please note that all applications submitted to Immigration-Québec are processed according to the same criteria. No priority or special consideration is given to the file of an applicant who uses the services of an immigration intermediary.

All applicants can submit their applications directly to a Québec immigration office abroad. Applicants must, however, satisfy the Government of Québec’s selection requirements and criteria.

WELSH RIGHT TO A HOME

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Right to Buy has been suspended in areas of Aberdeen to prevent serious shortages of affordable housing.

Ministers have accepted Aberdeen City Council's request to apply 'pressured area' status to 35 letting areas.

This will allow the council to retain homes for rent to people on low incomes in areas facing social housing pressures aggravated by Right to Buy.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said:

"Aberdeen City Council requested the suspension of Right to Buy to ease the substantial pressures facing affordable housing in the city.

The Welsh Government still does not have the powers to suspend the right to buy in areas of housing pressure in Wales but is requesting them from the British. The British can veto that request and not transfer those powers.

The Welsh Government must not be in a position where it is dependent on the British for law making powers necessary to improve the lives of families on low incomes in areas of housing shortage. The Welsh Government must be able to act independently without a British veto. Full law making powers for the Senedd are needed now!
Just as the Scots have.

WALES'S RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

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Iarnród Éireann is currently enjoying record investment, allowing us to move into the future with expanded and improved services. Record funding from the Irish Government under Transport 21 and the European Union is allowing us to transform our network and our service to our highest ever number of customers.

Ireland decides for itself on the expansion of rail services allowing the railway to play their full role in the economic and social development of the country.

Wales still suffers from the British veto.

The National Assembly’s Enterprise and Learning Committee is to hold a meeting in Carno to discuss calls for re-opening the town’s railway station.

A petition has been presented to the Assembly calling for Carno station to be re-opened.

Gareth Jones AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “This is a very important local issue and many people feel strongly that the station should be open. However, it is important that the Committee should look at all sides of the argument before making any recommendation to the Assembly Government. We felt that we could do this best by holding a meeting in Carno itself and giving the petitioners the chance to explain their views. This also gives local people the opportunity to come along and hear the evidence given to the Committee and the Members’ discussions.”

Tony Burton, who organised the petition, will be speaking at the meeting, as will representatives from Arriva Trains, Network Rail, Powys County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Whether Carno is to re-open or not it must be a decision made in the best interests of Wales by those elected and exclusively answerable to the people of Wales. Network Rail (a British organisation) should not have the powers over the development of Wales's railway infrastructure or it's funding. Instead these matters must be devolved to the Senedd.

Network Rail can use British regulation's laid down by British Government Departments at any time.

2. Policy context 2.1 When considering proposals for new stations, Network Rail takes account of ‘New Stations – A Guide for Promoters’ published by the Department for Transport (DfT) – which sets out clear criteria for development of new stations,

WALES'S LICENSING LAW

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The days of cut price alcohol deals in the corner shop, convenience store or supermarket are coming to an end with new measures to tackle Scotland's destructive drinking culture, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said today.

Any promotion that provides alcohol free or at a reduced price on the purchase of one or more of the product or another product will be outlawed.

Mr MacAskill also revealed that mandatory conditions will require shops to have separate alcohol display areas - to help challenge the perception that alcohol is no different to juice or water.

The Scottish Government is also looking at the practices of deep-discounting. The Cabinet Secretary has asked for legal advice on how this practice can be ended as part of our wider alcohol strategy

A Welsh Government with the power to make laws on Licensing can as a government take a stand against excessive drinking and the impact it is having on people's health, wellbeing and safety. The British have failed and must devolve such powers to the Senedd.

WALES'S FUTURE DECIDED IN WALES

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In a press conference that marked the beginning of the political year after a Basque Government's cabinet meeting, Ibarretxe said the future of the Basque Country "will not be decided in Madrid" by the conservative party PP or socialist party PSOE. It will be decided in the Basque Country, he remarked.

The future of Wales must not be decided in London by the Conservative Party (British) or the Labour Party (British). It must be decided in Wales by it's people.

"When I was elected Basque Premier, I gave my word that the Basques would be asked their opinion and I will do it even if it is the last thing I do in my political life," Ibarretxe said.

WALES'S OIL AND GAS REVENUE

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In Québec, the rules governing the issue of oil and gas titles are set out in the Mining Act. They are based on the principle of free mining, in other words universal access to the resource. Titles, which confer an exclusive right to explore for and extract mineral substances such as oil and gas, are issued on a first come, first served basis.(by the Quebec Government in the form of production leases)

Production lease (petroleum and natural gas)

Conditions - Valid for 20 years. Renewable if the reserves are sufficient. May cover an area of 200 to 2 000 hectares. Obligations - Pay an annual rent of $2.50 per hectare. Pay a royalty of between 5% and 12.5% of market value at the wellhead for petroleum, and between 10% and 12.5% for natural gas.(paid to the Quebec Government)

The British still control the exploration and regulating development of Wales's oil and gas resources.These powers must be devolved to the Senedd as well as the revenue that is generated.

The Liverpool Bay development is BHP Billiton Petroleum’s largest operated asset. It comprises the integrated development of six offshore oil and gas fields in the Irish Sea.

Just for the sake of argument lets assume that half the Douglas oil field lies in Wales's territorial waters. That would mean a Welsh Government could collect a royalty of between 5 -12.5% (using Quebec as an example) on half the production of Oil 10.41 MMbbl (million barrels) in 2006. Lets say for the sake of argument that the price of a barrel of oil is 50USD. This would yield the Welsh Government revenue of roughly between 12,500,000 USD and 31,250,000USD in 2006.

We cannot afford not to have powers over, and revenue yielded from Wales's natural resources