Electrifying success

The electrification of the rail line from London to Swansea is good news. So good that sometimes it's easy to forget that not that long ago Network Rail were publishing plans that showed the electric line not coming to Wales.

What made the difference and made sure that Wales got an electrified line? Well the work of the Plaid's Ieuan Wyn Jones AM was an important part of it. His hard behind-the-scenes lobbying as Deputy First Minister has helped to secure this project.

The benefits of electrification have been demonstrated in other countries - that's why Plaid has been campaigning for this since as far back as 1977. And we'll continue to campaign to ensure that the rest of Wales is well connected to Europe ’s major networks - electrification of the London to Swansea line is a major step in the right direction.

This news comes on top of the boost to public transport recently announced by Ieuan in the National Transport Plan. Amongst a host of measures announced, in the region I represent, there are plans to increase the capacity, quality and performance of the Valleys Lines network by creating additional platforms at Pontypridd, Caerphilly and Barry. There are also plans to introduce additional services on the lines from Pontypridd and Caerphilly to Cardiff and for additional half-hourly services on the Vale of Glamorgan line.

Guantanmo detainees in Cardiff on Wednesday

Cageprisoners Presents:

WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY at 7 PM
THE GREAT HALL
STUDENT UNION BUILDING
PARK PLACE
CARDIFF

ADMISSION- FREE

TWO SIDES - ONE STORY: GUANTANAMO FROM BOTHS SIDES OF THE WIRE

SAMI AL HAJ (Ex Guantanamo Detainee and Aljazeera Journalist)
CHRISTOPHER ARENDT (Ex-Guantanamo Guard)
MOAZZAM BEGG (Ex-Guantanamo Detainee, Spokesman for Cageprisoners)

Guantanamo Bay stands as one of the most potent symbols of unlawful detention in the world today. The detention of suspected terrorists as the prison camps has evoked emotion from those seeking its closure and continuance. Cageprisoners presents Two Sides – One Story, a tour of the UK that brings those on opposite sides of wire at Guantanamo together for the first time. Chris Arendt, a former guard at the base has agreed to speak about his experiences in detaining suspected terrorists and bring new insights into the way the US administration carried out policies against them. Also for the first time the detained Al Jazeera journalist Sami El Haj will be speaking with Moazzam Begg as they both reflect on life at the prison on the opposite to Chris. This unique tour is a historic moment in the continued War on Terror and will be launched on 11th January 2009, exactly seven years after the first transfers to Guantanamo Bay.

Save the Vulcan

There is a danger that Cardiff’s heritage could be wiped out by new developments. When cities change, there is always a risk that the older side of the city could be lost. The Vulcan is a pub which symbolises Cardiff and our people’s history, and it would be a shame to see it go

A wide variety of people have been campaigning to save the Vulcan. The pub is threatened by a car park development related to the St. Davids 2 shopping centre. Demolition could take place in June 2009, but I hope that the developers could be persuaded to incorporate the Vulcan into their plans for the area.

I've signed a Statement of Opinion at the Assembly which was put down by Jenny Randerson AM. Campaigner Graham Craig is also organising a petition which I have signed, and the South Wales Echo reported this week that broadcaster John Inverdale has become the thousandth person to support saving this profitable and unique pub.

The text of the Statement of Opinion reads:

This Assembly:

* Opposes the proposed demolition of The Vulcan Hotel in Adamsdown, Cardiff and calls on the developers to re-consider their proposals with a view to saving this historic pub.

* Believes that it will be a great loss to Cardiff and Wales if, in 2009, this pub pulls its last pint.

Demonstrate for Women's Rights

Ann Widdecombe MP and Lord David Alton are touring to present their anti-abortion message as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill moves through Parliament. They are supported by hard-line anti-abortionists the All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, Right To Life, Christian Medical Association, Care and LIFE and on 4th March, they come to Cardiff.

Worryingly, David Cameron has made supportive noises showing that these groups are gaining support from mainstream politicians.

83 per cent of people support a woman's right to choose yet abortion rights are set to come under the biggest attack in 18 years in Parliament this spring - particularly the abortion time limit. A small handful of anti-abortion MPs will succeed in removing our rights, unless there is opposition.

Women need more rights to choose, not less. Abortion Rights will be calling public events including a mass lobby of Parliament at strategic points in the parliamentary timetable to make sure MPs know women's views in the run up to the key votes on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. They are also asking people to write to their MPs.

Later abortion is rare. Less than 2 per cent of abortions take place between 20 and 24 weeks. Later abortions are needed by women facing exceptional and unavoidable circumstances including undiagnosed pregnancies, domestic violence, incest and rape, health problems and NHS delays. Lowering the abortion time limit would force such women to continue to term a pregnancy against their will or force them to travel to other countries for a termination or seek a ‘backstreet’ abortion.

It is important that MPs from all parties understand that the abortion debate is subject to misinformation on science by a vocal anti-abortion minority. The scientific evidence does not support any further restriction in the Abortion Act. It does not support a reduction in the time limit. None of the main medical bodies support such an attack.

Lets show Ms Widdicombe that we won't accept this attack on women's rights. Assemble 6.30pm outside the City Temple, Cowbridge Road East, Tuesday 4th March.