The National Trust for Wales

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The role of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is:

To secure the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems and maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland,

To implement the Wildlife Act, 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 and the EU Habitats and Birds Directives,

To designate and advise on the protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) having particular regard to the need to consult with interested parties,

To make the necessary arrangements for the implementation of National and EU legislation and policies and for the ratification and implementation of the range of international Conventions and Agreements relating to the natural heritage,

To manage, maintain and develop State-owned National Parks and Nature Reserves.

The British still run the National Parks in Wales through a charity based in Swindon, England.

Just as in Scotland and Ireland, Wales should be acting independently.

WALES'S TREASURY

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The Office of State Revenue (OSR) is 1 of 2 offices which comprise the NSW Treasury.

OSR administers State taxation, collects revenue, outstanding fines and penalties, develops policy and implements legislation relating to State taxation for and on behalf of the people of NSW.

New South Wales (NSW) is fully integrated into the Australian and global economy and has the powers to collect its own revenue, in fact enhancing its own competitiveness. No reason why the same powers would not work for Wales either.

Wales's Prisons Commission

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The Commission will:

Consider how imprisonment is currently used in Scotland and how that use fits with the Government's wider strategic objectives.

Raise the public profile of this issue - providing better information to allow a deeper understanding of the options, outcomes and costs.

Compare the underpinning rationale with current law and practice, including the impact for courts, prisons and community justice services of early release provisions of the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007; and make a report and recommendations by 30 June 2008.

Powers of Prisons should be transferred to the Senedd to deliver a progressive penal policy which improves public safety, delivers appropriate and proportionate punishment, ensures that the interests of victims and communities are given proper consideration, contributes to reducing re-offending and encourages rehabilitation in order to build a safer and stronger Wales.

LABOUR MARKET CONTROL

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The Committee of Wise Men has reached an agreement to divide state reforms up into two phases. A first package of state reform measures has been agreed. The framework and timing for a second package of more far-reaching state reforms has also been agreed. The second phase of the state reforms is expected to be completed before the summer holiday.

In the first phase a number of smaller competencies will be regionalised. These include a number of economic and industrial policies- which will largely be competencies of the regions; rental and leasing legislation; mobility, agriculture, socio/economic and pricing policy.

The second phase of state reforms agreed by the Committee of Wise Men includes the more complex state reforms which especially the Flemish parties insisted on. These measures are to be translated into draft legislation by mid-July, just before the parliamentary recess.

The subjects of the second package of reforms are being listed. These include competencies regarding the labour market, healthcare and family policy and civil servant affairs.

Like Flanders, Wales will benefit by controlling its own rental and leasing legislation; mobility, agriculture, socio/economic and pricing policy, combining this with gaining control over the labour market, healthcare and family policy and civil servant affairs. Of course it would mean the British would lose power.

2009-2010-2011

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While neither of the two major parties are likely to win an absolute parliamentary majority, nationalist parties from Catalonia and the Basque Country will play an important role when forming government.

The campaign of a general election in Spain started on Friday's 00:00 as a darkening economic outlook and the end of a housing boom and the relationship of pro-independence regions with Spain set the stage for a close-run race.

While neither of the two major parties, the Socialists and the Popular Party, are likely to win an absolute parliamentary majority, nationalist parties from Catalonia and the Basque Country will play an important role when forming government.

Comparisons between Kosovo and Catalonia and the Basque Country have been drawn since the new Balkan state declared its independence. The fact that the creation of new nations within the 21st century Europe is possible is likely to be a recurring theme during the election campaign.

Attempting to close the door on a referendum in Wales before 2011 is mistakenly putting narrow personal interest before the interests of the Welsh people. Wales should not be placed in a position ever again where it is dependent on a British Government that the majority in Wales did not vote for.

PARADE

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America's Independence Day Parade takes place late morning every July 4th, right on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of over 300,000 spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP's, and is a patriotic, flag waving, red white and blue celebration of America's birthday. The Parade is co-hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, which is under contract to the National Park Service.

If you would like to take part in a Parade you don't have to go to the USA. Stay in Wales.

People from across Wales are being urged to take part in a series of events being organised to mark St David's Day in Cardiff. A Parade, the motto of which is 'If You Love Wales You Should Be There', will take place in Wales' capital to mark the celebration of the country's patron saint on March 1. More than 2,000 people took part in 2007 and it is hoped that as March 1st falls on a Saturday this year, even more will take part in 2008 to show their pride in being Welsh and celebrate the country's unique heritage and history.

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

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The Flemish International Relations Minister, Geert Bourgeois (nationalist) has signed an agreement with the Catalan Government in Spain with a view to closer ties between the two regions.

Catalonia was recently granted a new autonomy status. This means that the region now enjoys greater powers and is able to sign international co-operation agreements.

The Senedd should have that power too. Unesco would be an appropriate body for Wales to sign an international agreement with.

WALES'S LAND

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Crown property comprises land and buildings owned in the name of Her Majesty the Queen. The New Zealand Government, through its land-holding departments, carries out day-to-day Crown property administration.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) administers more than 2 million hectares of Crown land or 11% of New Zealand's land area. This land is either Crown land administered under the Land Act 1948 and the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, or falls into the category of "lands of the Crown" (a collective term to describe land held by LINZ usually under the Public Works Act 1981, New Zealand Railways Corporation Restructuring Act 1990 and the Crown Forests Assets Act 1989).

Other land-holding departments (of the New Zealand Government) can acquire or dispose of Crown land under various Acts including the Public Works Act 1981 or Land Act 1948. They must follow the standards LINZ sets and submit work to LINZ for statutory approval.

Just as in New Zealand a Welsh Government should have total control over Crown property in Wales. To use for the benefit of the Welsh people.

Wales's Commission on Taxation

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The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, today (Thursday 14 February) announced the establishment of a Commission on Taxation, fulfilling the commitment in the Programme for Government, to review the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of the Irish taxation system.

The Commission is invited, in the context of maintaining an equitable incidence of taxation and a strong economy, to consider the structure of the taxation system and specifically to:

consider how best the tax system can support economic activity and promote increased employment and prosperity while providing the resources necessary to meet the cost of public services and other Government outlays in the medium and longer term;

consider how best the tax system can encourage long term savings to meet the needs of retirement;

examine the balance achieved between taxes collected on income, capital and spending;

review all tax expenditures with a view to assessing the economic and social benefits they deliver and to recommend the discontinuation of those that are unjustifiable on cost/benefit grounds;

consider options for the future financing of local government, and,

Investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax.

A Wales Commission on taxation would will help establish the framework within which tax policy will be set for the next decade at least, taking a strategic view, in a considered and balanced perspective that recognises the evolving challenges Wales faces.

The membership of the Commission should consists of representatives from the Social Partners - representing the business, trade union, farming and voluntary sectors - the accounting and tax advisory sectors that advise private sector business, both small and large, and includes economic expertise and people who have wide experience in central and local government.

U-turn on new tax power

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Gordon Brown has performed a dramatic U-turn that has opened the door for Holyrood to be handed new tax-raising powers.

In an interview with the BBC to be shown today, Brown appears to back the case for change, declaring there is "an issue" over the Scottish Parliament having responsibility for spending money but not for raising it.

He says he supports plans put forward by Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander to set up an independent commission to study plans to transfer more tax powers from London to Edinburgh.

This could lead to income tax rates, business taxes and VAT all being set by the Scottish Government and not Downing Street.

The Scottish Labour party has realised that without their own tax raising powers the Scottish people will be liable to endure the policies imposed upon them by a future British Conservative Government. So will we in Wales, therefore powers over income tax rates, business taxes and VAT should be transferred to the Senedd. These rates can then be set by the Welsh Government not the British.

ASSEMBLY

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1. We, the democratically-elected leaders of our people, hereby declare Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state. This declaration reflects the will of our people and it is in full accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.

2. We declare Kosovo to be a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We shall protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the conditions necessary for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes.

3. We accept fully the obligations for Kosovo contained in the Ahtisaari Plan, and welcome the framework it proposes to guide Kosovo in the years ahead. We shall implement in full those obligations including through priority adoption of the legislation included in its Annex XII, particularly those that protect and promote the rights of communities and their members.

Hashim Thaçi Prime Minister of Kosovo said:

As my parents and grandparents taught me what being a Kosovar means, I ask you to speak to your children and grandchildren and explain to them the meaning of this day. Retell the story for generations of the joy and pride we now feel and never forget to teach them to remember the great sacrifices of those who have come before us.

In the new Europe of 21st century smaller nations are taking their destiny in their own hands, to provide social justice and the services that people need. Wales cannot afford be an exception.

WALES IN THE OECD

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The launch of negotiations on Slovenia's membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has come in a relatively unfavourable time due to Slovenia's EU presidency, Development Minister Ziga Turk said on Monday, but he added that Slovenia was still on track to become a member within two years.

The OECD uses its wealth of information on a broad range of topics to help governments foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability. We help ensure the environmental implications of economic and social development are taken into account.

There is no British only solution to foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability in Wales. A goal for a Welsh Government should be membership of the OECD actively participating in working bodies and in co-shaping policies for the benefit of Wales.

NEW JUSTICE

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The Welsh Committee of the AJTC (Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council) will be formally constituted on 1st June 2008. More details will be posted on this site in due course.

In accordance with the Act, the membership of the Welsh Committee will be made up of:

the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration; the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales; the one or two members of the AJTC who are appointed by the Welsh Ministers; and two or three other persons, not being members of the AJTC, appointed by the Welsh Ministers.

The Welsh Committee of AJTC must be able to act for Wales in the same way as happens in Scotland.

The Scottish Committee deals directly with the Scottish Government in considering and commenting upon proposals coming before the Scottish Parliament and Committee members formulate the Scottish input to UK-wide matters being considered by the AJTC itself.

The Committee produces its own Annual Report to the Scottish Ministers which is laid before the Scottish Parliament. Its formal meetings take place at its offices in Edinburgh.

WALES WINS EUROVISION

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Scotland has been given permission to break away from the UK and submit its own entry to the Eurovision song contest.

The competition's organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said there was nothing to prevent Scotland from entering on its own merit. It means that broadcasters BBC, ITV, STV and Border Television, which are all members of the EBU, could submit an entry.

S4C is a member of the EBU as well. Wales can enter the Eurovision Song Contest and winning it will bring economic benefit.

The Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Helsinki in May last year, brought 40,000 people from outside the Helsinki region to the Finnish capital. About ten per cent were guests from abroad.

A study commissioned by the City of Helsinki found that when Helsinki residents are included, about 80,000 people attended events linked with the contest.

The greatest economic impact of the contest resulted from the organisation. The Helsinki region got EUR 12.6 million, of which EUR 10.8 million was from the organising of the event itself. Less than EUR 5 million came from outside guests.

Foreign visitors especially were economically important. Whereas the Finnish Eurovision guests spent less than EUR 50 a day on average, hundreds of foreigners would spend more than EUR 500 in some cases.

"Finnish guests acme to enjoy the experience. The foreigners came to party and to spend money", says Seppo Laakso of the urban research company Kaupunkitutkimus, which conducted the follow-up study.

hat tip: Miserable Old Fart

BRITISH BEHAVING BADLY

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But the senior member of Ms Alexander's (Labour leader in Scotland) Holyrood team told The Herald the majority of Labour members in Scotland backed greater powers for the parliament and accused party chiefs in London of looking at the matter "from the wrong end of the telescope".

The aide said: "David Cairns (British Scotland Office minister) and some of his colleagues are out of step with party thinking.

"I would imagine that the bulk of the Scottish party believe in the dynamic of the situation, which is that if you ask the ordinary man or woman in the street do you think the Scottish Parliament should have more powers?' the answer overwhelmingly will be yes'.

LibDem MSP Robert Brown, yesterday accused Mr Cairns of living in a "Whitehall bubble". "I think he will find most people in the Labour Party and across Scotland do not agree with his view," he said.

A source close First Minister Alex Salmond added: "For David Cairns to dismiss the people of Scotland as the McChattering classes' is foolish and insulting, and speaks volumes for why Labour lost the election.

"It is reminiscent of the dismissive way Michael Forsyth and the Tories rejected devolution - which is no doubt one of the reasons why Labour is suffering a similar fate in Scotland: out of touch and divided, and with a leadership crisis."

Wales must have parity with Scotland because it is increasingly likely that future Governments in Whitehall will not have been elected by a majority of Welsh voters.

ST DAVIDS DAY - USA

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Wales Week USA is an annual event that takes place around March 1 – St. David’s Day. Wales Week is co-ordinated by the Welsh Assembly Government in New York in partnership with a wide variety of organisations, artists, writers and performers in both Wales and the USA.

The Welsh Assembly Government is the devolved government for Wales in the UK, brought into being by a referendum and subsequently by the Act of Wales 1998.

The Welsh Assembly’s USA headquarters are in the Chrysler Building in New York. We are involved in raising the profile of Wales in order to increase inward investment, trade, tourism and academic and cultural exchange between Wales and the USA.

All very good except the British still retain the right and responsibility to market Wales as a tourist destination in the USA and they continue to fail at it.

VisitBritain is as of now still marketing St Davids Day activities from 2007.

Clearly this state of affairs is damaging our tourism industry. The exclusive right and responsibility to market Wales as an overseas tourism destination must be taken away from the British and transferred to the Senedd. We can't afford not to.

Alternative forms of sentencing

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38% more individuals have served sentences of this type in 2007

The number of adults and minors who have served custodial sentences or been subject to mediation processes in 2007 was 31,108, according to data provided in the seventh information bulletin on penal statistics published by the Department of Justice.

The figure of over 30,000 individuals shows an increase of 10.73% over those dealt with in 2006. The increase is largely attributable to the 38.13% increase over the last year in the number serving alternative forms of sentence (MPA).

Sentencing policies for Wales should be decided in Wales too.

INDEPENDENCE

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In the 6th government meeting of Kosovo, which was leaded by prime minister Thaçi, accompanied by deputy prime ministers Kuçi and Manaj, were discussed the intensive preparations that are being done in the day of declaration of Kosovo status and issued that are related with this historical day for Kosovo.

Prime minister Thaçi emphasized in front of the council of the ministers that really the government of Kosovo is being engaged with all capacities and with the highest commitment for the successful finality of the process of independence off Kosovo, and also working maximally with all politic formation of the country of Kosovo, in close cooperation with Washington and Brussels, to conclude this major issue.

Will our First Minister make a statement recognising the independence of Kosovo?

Wales's Immigration Bill

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Mr Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, today announced the publication of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008.

It is a fundamental principle of immigration law that a foreign national has no right, as such, to enter or be in Ireland. There is considerable jurisprudential authority which makes clear that the State has not only the power (a power exercised mainly by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform) to manage the entry to, presence in and removal from the State of non-nationals, but has a duty to do so in protection of the interests of Irish society. This Bill sets out a legislative framework for the management of inward migration to Ireland.

The Irish Government is making its own Law to meet the needs of Irish Society. Powers over immigration should be transferred to the Senedd, for a Welsh Government to make its own Law on immigration, in the interests of Welsh society. Inward migration to Wales should be managed by the Welsh Government not the British.

Wales's National Economic Forum

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The inaugural meeting of Scotland's National Economic Forum, bringing together key representatives from the private, public, third sector and trade unions, was held today.

The Forum's purpose is to enable those at the forefront of driving Scotland's economy forward to debate and discuss the economic challenges and priorities. It is designed to inform the work of the Council of Economic Advisers, and play a pivotal role in delivering on the Government's Economic Strategy.

The First Minister said:

"Our aim is to close the growth gap with the rest of the UK in the lifetime of this parliament, and move forward to emulate the success of the 'arc of prosperity' round Scotland's shores - the small independent nations such as Ireland, Norway and Iceland.

"Today's launch of the National Economic Forum shows yet again our determination to reach out across Scotland's economy and society - to business, the public sector, the third sector and trade unions - to build a consensus on what we can achieve as a nation and the routemap to get there.

Welsh Business, Welsh Public Sector, Welsh Third Sector and Welsh Trade Unions - breaking free of British influence and building a consensus to work in the best interest of Wales, must be the Welsh way forward.

WALES'S LICENCE FEE

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Licence fee revenue is used to fund RTÉ's public service activities. The cost of providing these services is however substantially in excess of the amount of public funding received in the form of licence fee revenue and for this reason RTÉ also engages in a number of commercial activities. Currently, approximately 50% of RTÉ's revenue is derived from licence fees and approximately 50% from commercial income. Some of RTÉ's public service activities receive complete public funding, some receive limited public funding and some receive no public funding. The chart below illustrates how licence fee revenue was distributed across RTÉ's public service activities during 2004.

RTÉ is a Public Service Broadcaster, a non-profit making organisation owned by the Irish people. RTÉ is Ireland's cross-media leader, providing comprehensive and cost-effective free-to-air television, radio and online services, which are of the highest quality and are impartial, in accordance with RTÉ's statutory obligations.

Powers over broadcasting must be transferred to the Senedd. Wales needs its own public broadcaster.

THE RIGHT TO DECIDE

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Danish opposition to nuclear energy remains staunch even though the controversial energy source has received a renaissance in recent years.

Nuclear energy, which produces practically no carbon dioxide emissions, has been heralded as a wise choice in light of growing concerns about climate change.

The vast majority of Danes remain sceptical of nuclear energy, however, according to a Vilstrup/Politiken poll.

Only 16 percent of the 1400 respondents felt nuclear energy should power Denmark's homes and workplaces.

Security issues about nuclear energy caused the greatest amount of concern among Danes. Some 59 percent cited them as the main misgiving, while 37 percent attributed their opposition to problems disposing with nuclear waste.

Women and young people appeared to be the strongest critics, according to the poll.

Eirik Schrøder Amundsen, an environmental expert and a professor at the University of Copenhagen, considered the poll an accurate indicator of the country's attitude.

'Denmark is a little country and there would be far too many expenses involved in investing in nuclear energy,' said Amundsen. He noted that the logistics and cost of disposing of nuclear waste still presents a challenge.

Connie Hedegaard, the climate and energy minister, also interpreted the figures as a seal of approval of the country's current policy, which focuses on generating electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind power and bio-fuels.

'The figures show that there is still a large majority for what has been Denmark's main policy since 1985,' said Hedegaard. 'So instead of engaging in a new arduous battle about nuclear energy, I would prefer to work so we lead the pack with future technologies.'

Hedegaard also appears to have a unanimous parliament behind her. No parties currently advocate the development of nuclear energy sources.

The Welsh Government has a View on Nuclear Power in Wales too - it is, that the pursuit of new nuclear build in Wales is unnecessary.

The difference though is that the British still have the powers to decide what happens in Wales with regard to nuclear energy build. These powers must be transferred to the Senedd, for these matters to be decided in Wales in our own interests.

Unique sporting culture and identity

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New Zealanders believe winning in international events is important. It offers social, economic and health benefits:

It helps create a strong sense of national identity and pride. It creates a healthy image for marketing New Zealand goods abroad. It helps attract high profile sports events to New Zealand. It encourages New Zealanders to be more active.

Our First Minister takes the easy option of commenting just on Welsh rugby success instead of leading the calls for Welsh teams and individuals representing Wales to be allowed to compete in all kinds of sports at international competitions. The New Zealanders don't ask the British for permission neither should our Government.

Wales could be on the verge of a new golden age in world rugby thanks to a combination of talented players and top coaching staff, according to First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Wales is one with our land too.

We have a unique connection to the land and this has shaped our notions of what and who we are as a nation. We can be on the beach in the morning, on the field after lunch and in the hills in the evening. We are 'four million strong' - our communities have been built on the back of sport through clubs; through knowing that Tana Umaga will be throwing a ball around on the sideline with the local kids in the morning and playing for the Premier side in the afternoon.

Our performances in the club competition this weekend will contribute to the team in their quest for the America's Cup - wearing red socks under our uniform shows our support for our next door neighbour on the boat as the team brings it home!

Whatever the sport, whatever the colours we wear for ourselves, our school, club or province, we wear Black on the inside - embossed with the wheki-ponga - that drives us all to be the best we can be - whaia te iti kahurangi.

We are one with the land.

Review of devolution

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The Westminster Government has thrown its weight behind the planned review of Holyrood's powers, with a promise to clarify the funding of the Scottish Parliament.

It was also announced that Chancellor Alistair Darling is to publish a paper on the funding of devolved administrations, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Parity with Scotland and tax raising powers for the Senedd should be part of the review.