Less than one week to go

We are less than one week away from the referendum on Assembly powers; just seven days away from people in Wales deciding whether or not our country should have a stronger voice.

This poll is crucial to the prospects of our country and there can be no room for complacency as we make one last push to convince voters that a ‘yes’ vote is a vote for common sense.

It is an argument that we are winning in the media, in public debates and through canvassing in the streets and over the phones. No campaigners have conducted a dirty tricks campaign based upon rubbishing the Welsh Assembly, its record and perpetuating myths about the implications of delivering a more accountable and democratic law-making system to the people of Wales. It is tantamount to saying that, here in Wales, we do not deserve the same legislative responsibility conferred to the people of Northern Ireland and Scotland because we are somehow inferior and need the approval of Westminster whenever we want to do something. This line of argument is insulting to peoples' intelligence.

Even for those who take a dim view of the Assembly’s performance, it should make sense to support moving to a system that would result in more accountablily. I am of the view that devolution has delivered many benefits, particularly for working people in Wales, but the referendum is not about these success stories. It is about process and whether the people of Wales want to stick with the expensive and convoluted status quo or move to a simpler, leaner and more efficient means of passing legislation.

In light of who has the keys to Number 10 Downing Street and who holds the purse strings at the Treasury, a strong Yes vote takes on even more importance. The stronger the Yes vote, the stronger is Wales's voice.

We have a chance to be waking up in a country with brighter prospects and a stronger voice by the end of next week. Let's hope the vote of confidence in the principle of devolution and in our country is a big one.

Cuts in RCT - Demo today

At 11.30 today, Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd will be host to a demonstration against the cuts.

"The Demonstration has been called by RCT UNISON Branch & is supported by PCS, UNITE, GMB, Pontypridd Trades Council, Right To Work South Wales and many more.

Contrary to what some Labour councillors have told local people, Plaid Cymru has not supported any of the moves to downgrade workers' terms and condidtions. We opposed the original motion which handed decision-making to council officers and we have opposed their heavy-handed tactics since.

In response to feedback that we have received from people who have been told that Plaid supported these decisions we have issued the following statement and we will be aupporting the demonstration today.

Sera Evans-Fear, Treorci councillor and Plaid Assembly candidate in the Rhondda said:

“Ed Milliband and Carwyn Jones will be at the Welsh Labour annual conference while workers in RCT are demonstrating against decisions taken by their party members. They must be asked whether they agree with the downgrading of workers' terms and conditions in RCT? Are they really happy with a Labour council initiating lockouts of unions; forcing workers to take a pay cut in an area which is blighted by low pay? What would they have to say if this was being done by a Tory council? My guess is that they would be outraged.

I know from speaking to council workers that they are very angry about this issue. They feel badly let down by their Labour councillors and have had nothing but a wall of silence from their Labour AM and Labour MP.

The Labour conference is taking place as far away from this rally as possible. Whatever the geographical distance, as party leaders, Ed Milliband and Carwyn Jones have to be held accountable for the actions of this Labour council in bullying their hard-working staff.”

Leanne Wood AM said:

“Workers and their trades unions are sending a very clear statement today. The cuts should not be paid for by those on the lowest incomes who had no hand in the cause of this financial crisis. The cuts that are being imposed by this Labour-run council are unacceptable. Other councils in Wales have managed to balance their books without bulldozing through slashed pay and conditions. Elsewhere in Wales, councils have managed to keep council tax rises low, at 0% in some cases, while Labour in RCT have increased council tax by 3%. How are council workers who are forced to take a £3,000 year pay cut meant to afford a council tax increase like this as well as the general rise in prices brought about by inflation and the rise in VAT? I have spoken to many workers who are not prepared to take this attack lying down and I fully support them."

And Justice For All?

The consultation ends today on plans by the UK Government to slash £350 million a year from the legal aid bill. This has been sold by Tory Justice Minister Ken Clarke as a common sense way of reducing the UK’s budget deficit as it will only hurt those with an interest in perpetuating the legal aid ‘gravy train.’ Closer scrutiny shows it will result in a legal system whereby only those with means will be able to pursue justice through the civil courts.

Advice groups, who have no political axe to grind and are solely concerned with giving advice to their clients, have warned the changes will be “devastating.”

Legal aid will still be available if the cut-backs are pushed through but there will be a dramatic reduction in the number of instances when it will become accessible. Got a problem with housing? Tough luck….unless you’re literally being thrown out of your front door that is.

It is estimated that more than half of the proposed cuts are expected in family cases like child access, non-violent domestic disputes, divorce cases and welfare. The cuts will clearly hit those who need help the most.

As Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd said, it is “bitingly ironic” that the consultation paper on these reforms actually says that “access to justice is a hallmark of any civilised society.” What deceit.

The savings are peanuts when compared to what could be recouped by making a few UK billionaires pay their taxes instead of evading or avoiding their obligations to the Treasury through the cleverest accounting that money can buy. Tax evasion and avoidance is a big problem and swift action to tackle it would make inroads into reducing the budget deficit but so far, the Tories have remained strangely (or perhaps not given their motley crew of donors) silent on the matter.

Are you concerned? Why not make you views heard before the consultation on this regressive policy closes at midnight today.

Reasons to be positive. Vote YES March 3rd.

Speaking at a Yes for Wales meeting. Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.
February 10th 2011.

With thanks to Cardiffian News.

Celyn

A special Yes For Wales issue of Celyn is out now, featuring former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan, former leader of Plaid Cymru, Dafydd Wigley, authors Rachel Trezise and Mike Parker, Jeff Evans, David Llewellyn Davies, Katie Dalton, Ian Ross, Joy Kent and Gordon James from Friends of the Earth Cymru.


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