THE CROWN ESTATES

Plaid had stated that “Profits from Wales’ natural resources should flow to Wales to boost our economy”.  

Plaid Cymru has a debate to the Senedd today (Wednesday 12th July) to call for the devolution of powers over the management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales.

The Revenue from the Crown Estate, valued at over £600 million in 2021, flows straight to the UK Treasury. The Sovereign Grant, which is taken from public spending to cover the expenses of the royal household, is determined as a proportion of Crown Estate profits.

This has been set at 25% since 2017/18, which means that the Sovereign Grant paid to the royal family this year will be worth a record £110 million, based on the fact that the Crown Estate registered record profits in 2022/23.

Delyth Jewell MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on energy and the environment has said that “profits from Scotland’s natural resources goes to the Scottish Government - why not in Wales?”

Ms Jewell says that the money could be used to help create well-paid green jobs, further research into solutions to tackle the climate crisis, and help Wales reach its net zero targets.

One such opportunity could be investment in a research vessel, the Prince Madog, which would offer Welsh scientists the opportunity to understand more about Wales’ coastline, both offshore and the near shore environment.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Energy and the Environment, Delyth Jewell MS said:

“Wales’ natural resources should be controlled by Wales for the benefit of the communities of Wales, not Westminster.

“This is no more true than with the Crown Estate – a company which holds assets in Wales, valued at more than £600m in 2021, and yet the profits of which go straight to the UK Treasury.

“Profits made from Wales’ natural resources should be kept in Wales to boost our economy, not that of the UK Treasury. It should be as simple as that. It’s the case in Scotland, where those powers have been transferred and the revenue from Scottish assets now go straight to the Scottish Government.

“That’s why we’re calling for those powers to be devolved to Wales. With that money, thousands of well-paid green jobs could be created, research into solutions to tackle the climate crisis could be furthered, and opportunities to reap benefits from our own natural resources could be maximised.

“Ultimately, it’s the people of Wales who should be able to direct how best to benefit from that economic opportunity – not Westminster, and this starts with the Senedd voting for Plaid Cymru’s motion to demand power over the Crown Estate.”

Speaking about the Prince Madog, a research vessel commissioned by Bangor Uni that enables UK's marine scientists to study the biology, chemistry, geology and physics of the seas, Dr Michael Roberts, R & D Manager, Centre for Applied Marine Sciences at Bangor University, said:

“The Prince Madog has a real role to play in maximising Wales’ benefit of its natural resources. The ship has the capacity to research the offshore environment in a huge amount of detail – through mapping the sea bed so that we can better understand what it’s made of and the physical processes that operate within it.

“We also have capacity to look at the near shore environment – the difficult to access areas using a small boat with portable multi beam systems.

“It’s important that this mapping work is done so that we have a better understanding of those environments and how to manage and exploit them in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way - it has the potential to help bring economic and environmental benefits to Wales.

“However, we are only in this position because of funding from the EU. Without further funding to utilise all this, an opportunity will be lost in a relatively short space of time.”

FAIRER, GREENER, AMBITIOUS, AND MORE PROSPEROUS

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MP has announced his team in the Senedd which will build "a fairer, greener, ambitious and more prosperous Wales". Mr ap Iowerth said that the party's focus in the Senedd would be "firm" on key issues including the health service, housing and living costs.

The Plaid Cymru Leader added that the group would continue to work together with the government through the Collaboration Agreement to fulfill promises to change people's lives for the better such as free school meals and reform of the Senedd, while also holding Labor to account. there are “flaws”.

Delyth Jewell has been appointed Deputy of the Senedd and will deputize for parliamentary matters including Prime Minister's Questions in the Leader's absence. Llyr Gruffydd resumes his role as Chairman of the Senedd Group while Heledd Fychan takes on the role of Business Manager. Mabon ap Gwynfor will take on the role of Chief Whip as well as responsibility for the core Health and Care portfolio.

In announcing the Senedd team, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MP said,

"I am proud to lead a united, talented and committed team in the Senedd that will build a fairer, greener, ambitious and more prosperous Wales.

"Our focus will be firm and clear as we tackle the issues of the day: the health service, housing, and the economy - focusing on the cost of living crisis and ensuring sustainable public services.

"We will work diligently to achieve for our communities and make a difference to people's lives, working together with the government where there is common ground but at the same time holding them to account where there is a lack of urgency and provision.

"Together, we will continue to argue that Wales' best interests are served by making our own decisions as a nation. By talking to those who are confident about independence as well as those whose interest has not yet been sparked, we will continue to build the case for independence and a brighter future for all.

CONTACTING YOUR PLAID MS'S

 

SAVING LIBERTY STEEL

Plaid Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to take action to save to save the jobs of up to 200 steelworkers in Wales.

Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales East, said:

“Amid the discussions of the future and fortunes of Liberty Steel are the employees, caught in the middle, and who are desperately seeking reassurance that their governments are doing everything in their power to secure their jobs. For the near 200 workers in Wales, it’s imperative that the Welsh Government acts quickly and ensures that no stone is left unturned in the effort to save jobs in this key industrial sector. The only secure and sustainable future for Welsh steel plants in the long run is to return the ownership of the Welsh steel industry to Welsh hands – and ensuring that our workers and their communities have a seat at the table.”

ENDS

CALL FOR EVICTION BAN EXTENSION

Plaid Cymru calls for private tenants to be given security needed while coronavirus restrictions remain in place

 

Plaid Cymru has called for the Welsh Government to make a decision to extend the ban on evictions beyond 31 March 2021.

 

While a new law was passed in the Senedd on 23 February that provided more security to tenants, this doesn’t come into effect until ‘spring 2022.’ While the new law will ensure the minimum notice periods in the case of ‘no fault evictions’ must be extended from two to six months it is unclear what happens to private tenants in the interim – and indeed, what will happen after 31 March 2021 for all types of evictions.

 

Under current regulations (The Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021), the ban on evictions, ban on bailiffs going to houses and the extended notice periods will all come to an end on 31 March 2021. These regulations were brought in on a temporary basis to prevent the risk of private tenants being made homeless during the pandemic.

 

The Welsh Government committed to review these regulations at least every three weeks, but at the last review point on Thursday 18 February, it was decided that no changes would be made. This means that these additional protections will draw to a close on 31 March 2021.

 

The next review point falls on Thursday 11 March, and with an announcement not expected until Friday 12 March, means that this will be the last review point before the end of March.

 

Welsh Government has previously indicated that coronavirus restrictions are unlikely to be lifted in any significant way until Easter at the earliest.

 

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Minister for Housing, Delyth Jewell MS said,

 

“To delay announcing an extension to eviction protection is an assault on private tenants’ stability.

 

“In one breath, the Labour Welsh Government is at pains to tell us that restrictions are unlikely to be significantly changed until Easter, and yet in another, fails to extend security to private tenants, who fear being evicted in the middle of a pandemic.  

 

“Every incremental postponement in a landlord’s ability to evict serves to prolong tenants’ anxiety, since they don’t have a long period of time in which they can feel settled in their homes.

 

“With only one more regulation review period before the end of March, Welsh Government’s last minute approach only increases the cloud hanging over these tenants.”

 

ENDS

JONATHAN T CLARK NEWPORT WEST

Jonanthan T Clark for Newport West

Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales, has confirmed Jonathan T Clark as its candidate for the Newport West constituency for the forthcoming Senedd Elections.  

Jonathan T Clark said: 

"I am pleased to have been selected to contest Newport West constituency at the Senedd Elections in May 2021. For far too long the people of Newport West have suffered from the fact that Labour in Wales in Cardiff Bay, has long failed to consider the economic and social needs of the people of this constituency. “ 

He said:

“The people of Newport West need an MS who will actually put the real concerns of the electors of Newport to the forefront rather than party interests. Wales needs more Plaid MSs in the Senedd to work to deliver for the people of Newport and the people of Wales. The only way to get a government that will always put the interests of Newport at the heart of government in Wales is to vote Plaid Cymru at the next Senedd Elections". 

Jonathan continued:

‘I can see no positives for Newport simply being a dormitory town for Bristol or Cardiff. I will not subscribe to the Severnside agenda, no matter how many times it gets rebranded. Along the coastal belt and in and around Newport and Torfaen and across Monmouthshire the last thirty years we have seen a spectacular growth in the amount of housing, much of which has never been aimed to fulfil local housing needs.’

He said:

“Our city has some massive advantages, take the river Usk has one of the highest rise and fall of tides in Wales, and with our history of manufacturing and industry, our city should be well placed to benefit from the development of tidal lagoons to the west and the east of the city and the harnessing of some of the tidal energy potential of the Severn estuary - with a combination of tidal turbines, wave power, off shore wind and solar power. It’s time for us to tap our potential.” 

Jonathan concluded: 

“We have had twenty-one years plus of Labour maladministration, they are the problem, we need them out of office. I aim to bring a combination of curiosity, stubbornness, tenacity and a real desire to seek the truth combined the skills acquired working as a journalist, in public relations for the police, in public sector education and recruitment. I have the ability to seek the truth and an understanding as to where it can be concealed which would be useful while working as Newport West’s representative in the Senedd.”

Adam Price MS, Jonathan T Clark, Delyth Jewell MS

Adam Price MS, Plaid Cymru Leader, said:

"We have an excellent candidate in Jonathan T Clark, in Newport West. Jonathan has the experience and the determination to make a real difference to the lives of people in Newport – tackling the housing crisis and investing in green jobs. All Labour is interested in is keeping hold of control; there’s no vision, no energy, no ambition.”

Adam Price MS concluded:

“The Labour Party’s tired managerialism is holding us back. Meanwhile, the Tories are pursuing their attacks on the Senedd’s powers, allowing candidates who support abolishing the Welsh Parliament to stand at the election. The choice facing people in May is simple - further decline under Labour, fewer powers with the Tories, or an ambitious Plaid Cymru government that will set Wales on a path to a fairer, more prosperous future with independence."

Jonathan T Clark on the stump in 2019

 Delyth Jewell MS, Plaid Cymru Candidate South Wales East Regional List, said:

"Jonathan is a tireless campaigner and has deep roots in Newport.  He has years of experience of strengthening people's rights through trade unions and has worked with both the police and the press to improve public understanding of so many of the issues we hold dear.  Helping the people living in this community is in his lifeblood.  I am certain that Jonathan will always endeavour to put Newport and the people who live there first.  He would be an excellent Member of the Senedd."

Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru Candidate South Wales East Regional List, said:

“Jonathan has years of experience campaigning for issues close to the heart of the community in Newport West. He would make an excellent addition to the Plaid Cymru team in the Senedd, making clear and well thought through arguments - particularly for Cymru to make our own decisions. His tenacity and keen mind will serve Newport West and Wales well in the challenges to come as we re-build in a post-covid world.”   

DIWEDD / ENDS 

DANIEL LLEWELLYN NEWPORT EAST

Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales, has confirmed Daniel Llewellyn as its candidate for the Newport East constituency for the forthcoming Senedd Elections.  

Daniel Llewellyn said:

"I am very pleased to have been selected to contest Newport East constituency at the Senedd Elections in May 2021. For far too long the people of Newport East have suffered from the fact that Labour in Wales in Cardiff Bay, has long failed to consider the economic and social needs of the people of this constituency.“

He said:

“The people of Newport East need an MS who will actually put the real concerns of the electors of Newport to the forefront rather than party interests. Wales needs more Plaid MS’s in the Senedd to work to deliver for the people of Newport and the people of Wales. The only way to get a government that will always put the interests of Newport at the heart of government in Wales is to vote Plaid Cymru at the next Senedd Elections".

Daniel continued:

‘I have never seen any benefits for Newport being a simple dormitory town for Bristol or Cardiff. I have never bought into the Severnside agenda, no matter how many times it’s relaunched. On the coastal belt and in and around Newport and Torfaen (not to mention around Cardiff and Caerphilly) and across Monmouthshire the last thirty years we have seen a significant if not spectacular growth in the amount of housing, a significant percentage of which has never been aimed to fulfil local housing needs.’

Daniel concluded:

“We have had twenty-one years plus of Labour misrule, Labour are part of the problem. As a community councillor (since 2019) in Bedwas, I feel that politics should start within the community. I have seen first-hand how our communities have been left behind by both Cardiff and Westminster. I want to be that change that we all need.  I want to take that chance to make a difference to people lives and I will bring to Newport East my passion, my drive and my commitment to make things better.”

Adam Price MS, Plaid Cymru Leader, said: 

"We have a superb candidate in Daniel Llewellyn, in Newport East, who is committed in changing the lives of the people of the constituency for the better – getting to grips with the housing crisis, creating well paid jobs to tackle the unemployment crisis and putting the needs of people of Newport front and centre. The choice facing people in May is simple - further decline under Labour, fewer powers with the Tories, or an ambitious Plaid Cymru government that will set Wales on a path to a fairer, more prosperous future with independence.”

Delyth JewelL, Plaid Cymru Candidate South Wales East Regional List, said:

"Daniel's enthusiasm for change is infectious.  As a councillor and community champion, Daniel has proven himself to be a determined advocate for the people he represents.  He is unafraid of speaking truth to power, and he would show the same determination as a Member of the Senedd.  I hope the people of Newport will show him their support to be their representative in our parliament, where I know he would always fight for the community."

Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru Candidate South Wales East Regional List, said:

I have known Daniel for a number of years and he never fails to impress me with his passion, enthusiasm and commitment to every task he turns himself to. He will not rest while there is a problem that needs fixing or an injustice that needs addressing. He will work tirelessly for the people of Newport East carrying your voice to the Senedd and standing up for Wales.

DIWEDD / ENDS

SHIELDING GUIDANCE CHANGES

Delyth Jewell MS questions change in policy despite “R” number remaining the same

Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell has raised concerns at the new guidance for those shielding from Coronavirus.

The Welsh Government confirmed today that those who had been shielding from Coronavirus could now exercise outdoors from Monday, following similar advice being issued to vulnerable people in England.

However Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell questioned why the guidance was changing for the group of "extremely vulnerable people" whilst the R rate had not changed.

The First Minister confirmed on Friday that the rate of transmission was still 0.8.

Ms Jewell questioned what advice the Welsh Government had received to change its policy and whether the new guidance would protect the most vulnerable people.

The Shadow Local Government Minister also raised concerns about the way the change was communicated to the press first before letters were sent to the shielding group.

Ms Jewell said letters should have been sent "weeks ago" and that telling the press first and people second was "wrong".

Those who are shielding will receive a letter from Wales' Chief Medical Officer over the next two weeks setting out the "next steps".

Plaid Cymru MS and Shadow Minister for Local Government Delyth Jewell said,

"The last few months have been incredibly challenging for those who have had to shield. They have had to go months without leaving the house and months without seeing loved ones. The huge sacrifices they have made must be recognised.

"However, questions must be asked on why the advice is changing for this extremely vulnerable group of people whilst the virus is still at the same rate of transmission as it was a few weeks ago. The First Minister himself confirmed on Friday that the R rate was still at 0.8 - which is dangerously close to 1.  What advice have the Welsh Government received to make them change this policy? Can they guarantee the new guidance will protect this vulnerable group of people?

"And why was this change in policy communicated to the press before the very people it will effect?

"Letters should have been sent to keep shielding people updated weeks ago, so that they could prepare for any changes. This will affect their lives hugely. Telling the press first and people second was both wrong and disappointing. No one should have found out about this change through reading confused reports in the press.

“Without a robust test and trace system in place we cannot possibly know where the virus is spreading in our communities. Loosening the lockdown without such a system in place risks a second wave. Getting track and trace right must continue to be the Welsh Government’s top priority going forward before we can even think about easing restrictions further.

ENDS