Wow what a year it has been, not many pundits predicted that did they......
Who would have known we'd be on our way out of Europe and the 45th POTUS would be a certain Donald Trump, not many of us.
So let's start with the referendum which decided we leave the European Union. Now I'm not going to go over the arguments for or against that decision, it's been made, the public decided..so we move on.
Of course lets us not forget the real reason David Cameron called the referendum and passed an act of parliament to bring this about - it was not about you or me or Sid down the street, but all about the Tory party and keeping the waring factions within together.
So what do we now know - well it seems no one expected the result, this is clear from the fact no one had a plan, furthermore we decided a complex question; which as the current Prime Minister said was more than a binary choice, on a question that was a binary choice. Go figure!
Moving forward, we now face what...a hard brexit or a soft brexit, or May's Red White and Blue Brexit (she alone decides that apparently, we must trust her).
Put simply...Low growth a gig economy, over reliance on the service sector and a expanding trade deficit does not make for a sustainable future.
We could suppose be like Norway, and yes we could, if it was a second best option, but good old Margaret Thatcher (and subsequent politicians) pissed that all away when she sold our gas and oil revenues down shit creek rather than what Norway did and invest it in the future.
Lets be honest we don't know what the brexit future holds, nothing like this has happened before, the economist have no model to refer to, we can only hope for the better. One thing for sure we need to keep access to the single market, we need to be Norway lite, not an ideal situation, but better that the other nuclear option a hard brexit.....
What does that mean, it means negotiating to have our seat at the WTO back, you know that democratic trade body with neoliberal globlisation at its heart....you remember the last time you voted for the WTO don't you?
It means imports to our country would be more expensive, as well as our exports, we would see less tax from the city as they move some of their operations abroad, we would have less corporation tax as we try and entice inward investment.
And what would those brexiters say when we still need the same level of immigrants to balance an every growing older population to keep our economy running? .... Don't blame the majority of migrants for the minority that are being exploited, blame those who are exploiting them!
The world is growing closer, lets not build false walls and leave ourselves behind.
Friday, 23 December 2016
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
And so it begins...
It didn't take long for the nasty tory party to show their teeth, and remove that carefully manufactured image for election purposes only (sell by date 8 May, 2015) of a one nation caring sharing Conservative Party.
It was not surprising, that when the fawning political presenters of BBC News talked about the new government cabinet, they rather than analysing the new appointees ability to deliver their portfolios instead talked about how good they were in front of the microphone.
Style over substance then.
Take their grim determination to rid them of the 'budresome' European Court of Human Rights, that dares defend the human rights of us all. All because like the spoilt posh kids they are, when they can't get their own way they want to sulk and take the ball home.
Of course they could follow the recommendations of the Independent Commission On Human Rights that reported back in 2012 which said and I quote:
In accordance with the Commission’s terms of reference this conclusion is put forward on the basis that such a Bill would incorporate and build on all of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the wider constitutional and political dimension is also of crucial significance in considering the way forward towards the introduction of a Bill of Rights, and it is essential that it provides no less protection than is contained in the Human Rights Act and the devolution settlements, although some of us believe that it could usefully define more clearly the scope of some rights and adjust the balance between different rights. [my emphasis]
I await with interest to see whether this comes about, but I'm not holding my breath, after all for such a change you would need someone at the Justice Department whom has a deep understanding of the both domestic and international law, a lawyer for example.
A former Justice Secretary and barrister Kenneth Clarke last year lambasted Tory plans to ensure that rulings by the European court of human rights (ECHR) are no longer enforceable in the UK, warning that future governments could make arbitrary decisions.
So it seems better appoint someone who will do as asked, and not raise important legal questions that cast doubt as to the principle or legality of their actions.
Someone like Michael Gove, he with an English degree and a background in journalism.
Yep you've guessed style over substance.
And wot was that cry again made by Call me Dave, something about the Conservatives being the new working man's party was it.
Lets see what Sajid Javid, the former banker appointed by David Cameron to be business secretary, has in store.
Lets begin with what he believes and as reported by the BBC:
"I believe passionately in free enterprise, that free enterprise is the lifeblood of any successful economy. My decisions for creating more jobs… crating investment in the economy will be looking towards free enterprise and what more deregulation we can have.” “What we do know is that sometimes when government creates new rules and regulations they make things worse not better. We are clearly on the side of business and as a government we can help make a better environment for business because it’s those businesses by and large that create jobs.”
And there within is the failed neo liberal ideology of small government and private enterprise knows best, if you choose to gloss over the banking crash of 2008, which according to the rewritten history as presented by the defenders of the right wing, was all the fault of Gordon Brown for doing what they preach, and nothing at all to do with private business greedily corrupting the banking system.
The party of the working person did they say?....that's as long as you are compliant, and loyal and never say boo to a goose maybe.
But wot have they in store for the rest of us. Take their hatred of the public sector, that occassionaly exercise their basic human right to withdraw labour and strike for better terms and conditions.
The party that now governs with just 37% of the popular vote, wants to impose a test greater than that for when a strike can be called. Hypocrites is not the word for it, it's a word not used often in polite society rhymes with punts.
In any contract it's important that the rights of both parties are equal, or otherwise it is unfair. Some say that employment law already favour the employer side too much. This proposal by a party of deregulation to regulate (they can't see the irony in that) to make it even harder to strike is blatantly unfair.
But don't expect the red tops to point this out, especially the Desmond and Murdoch papers and shareholders in rival TV stations to the BBC. After all Murdoch assisted Thatcher to break the unions if you recall.
And talking of the BBC and the current review of its Charter. I'm not optimistic that we will see a better BBC by the end of 2020, but one radically different, with less choice and variety on offer.....After all, will Dave and co say no when the media moguls coming knocking and demand payback for their support. I doubt it very much.
We will have less rights, we will be spied on more, our jobs won't be as secure as before, and with BBC neutered it will be all style over substance.
It was not surprising, that when the fawning political presenters of BBC News talked about the new government cabinet, they rather than analysing the new appointees ability to deliver their portfolios instead talked about how good they were in front of the microphone.
Style over substance then.
Take their grim determination to rid them of the 'budresome' European Court of Human Rights, that dares defend the human rights of us all. All because like the spoilt posh kids they are, when they can't get their own way they want to sulk and take the ball home.
Of course they could follow the recommendations of the Independent Commission On Human Rights that reported back in 2012 which said and I quote:
In accordance with the Commission’s terms of reference this conclusion is put forward on the basis that such a Bill would incorporate and build on all of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the wider constitutional and political dimension is also of crucial significance in considering the way forward towards the introduction of a Bill of Rights, and it is essential that it provides no less protection than is contained in the Human Rights Act and the devolution settlements, although some of us believe that it could usefully define more clearly the scope of some rights and adjust the balance between different rights. [my emphasis]
I await with interest to see whether this comes about, but I'm not holding my breath, after all for such a change you would need someone at the Justice Department whom has a deep understanding of the both domestic and international law, a lawyer for example.
A former Justice Secretary and barrister Kenneth Clarke last year lambasted Tory plans to ensure that rulings by the European court of human rights (ECHR) are no longer enforceable in the UK, warning that future governments could make arbitrary decisions.
So it seems better appoint someone who will do as asked, and not raise important legal questions that cast doubt as to the principle or legality of their actions.
Someone like Michael Gove, he with an English degree and a background in journalism.
Yep you've guessed style over substance.
And wot was that cry again made by Call me Dave, something about the Conservatives being the new working man's party was it.
Lets see what Sajid Javid, the former banker appointed by David Cameron to be business secretary, has in store.
Lets begin with what he believes and as reported by the BBC:
"I believe passionately in free enterprise, that free enterprise is the lifeblood of any successful economy. My decisions for creating more jobs… crating investment in the economy will be looking towards free enterprise and what more deregulation we can have.” “What we do know is that sometimes when government creates new rules and regulations they make things worse not better. We are clearly on the side of business and as a government we can help make a better environment for business because it’s those businesses by and large that create jobs.”
And there within is the failed neo liberal ideology of small government and private enterprise knows best, if you choose to gloss over the banking crash of 2008, which according to the rewritten history as presented by the defenders of the right wing, was all the fault of Gordon Brown for doing what they preach, and nothing at all to do with private business greedily corrupting the banking system.
The party of the working person did they say?....that's as long as you are compliant, and loyal and never say boo to a goose maybe.
But wot have they in store for the rest of us. Take their hatred of the public sector, that occassionaly exercise their basic human right to withdraw labour and strike for better terms and conditions.
The party that now governs with just 37% of the popular vote, wants to impose a test greater than that for when a strike can be called. Hypocrites is not the word for it, it's a word not used often in polite society rhymes with punts.
In any contract it's important that the rights of both parties are equal, or otherwise it is unfair. Some say that employment law already favour the employer side too much. This proposal by a party of deregulation to regulate (they can't see the irony in that) to make it even harder to strike is blatantly unfair.
But don't expect the red tops to point this out, especially the Desmond and Murdoch papers and shareholders in rival TV stations to the BBC. After all Murdoch assisted Thatcher to break the unions if you recall.
And talking of the BBC and the current review of its Charter. I'm not optimistic that we will see a better BBC by the end of 2020, but one radically different, with less choice and variety on offer.....After all, will Dave and co say no when the media moguls coming knocking and demand payback for their support. I doubt it very much.
We will have less rights, we will be spied on more, our jobs won't be as secure as before, and with BBC neutered it will be all style over substance.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
I see dark clouds on the horizon, the future look pretty bleak for most.
It was an unexpected election result, that many, including me, hoped we wouldn't get....to poorly paraphrase Monty Python "nobody was expecting a tory majority". Even if Labour had not melted as rapidly as the ice caps of the North Pole in Scotland, they still would have lost.
And now who knows the horrors the triumphant Tory party will unleash onto the UK. Let's say I'm not optimistic at all, for all of Cameron's talk of one nation politics, we know he only means in reality England.
Boris Johnson it seems was ready when he purchased in advance them water cannons, for he must have had predicted the likely ground swell of anger that would rise even there, when Ian Duncan Smith is released to decimate the welfare state, and we find out where the axe will fall, and where the £12 billion in cuts will come from. When those who can least afford it are hit hardest and those whom don't need it are given a handout.
True, the Conservatives in Wales had their best result for aeons, as they defeated Labour in Gower of all places, and kicked Clegg further by gaining two seats from the Lib Dems. But don't expect this motley crew of Welsh Tories to stand up for Wales when the tories impose policies that favour England at the cost of us Welsh.
Not that I'm saying anyone one of them (the eleven welsh tories) don't have Wales interests at heart - in reality, they will be told where to stand and what to say...period.
I suppose if I was digging around for good news, it would be that maybe Cameron might keep his promise to devolve more power to Wales as he devolves more power to the English regions. Though what are the odds do you think that whilst the devolution of powers will be imposed in England, here in Wales he will want a referendum held first. And the result of a referendum on further welsh assembly powers is not a certainty by any means.
Oh and Nigel Farage wasn't elected, nor UKIP's Welsh leader and son of polish hiring family, Nathan Gill.
Now, and this is important. With the Tories making gains in Wales and UKIP share of the vote rising we need to start worrying about next years Assembly Elections.
Let's think what would happened if the Tories gained power here, that would be goodbye to many many things that we the Welsh feel justly proud of. It would be goodbye free prescriptions, free school breakfast clubs, and the start of the end of the Welsh NHS as we know it, to name just three.
It would, in my humble opinion, be a disaster to most of us in Wales. This is why, Plaid Cymru must keep on building on the momentum they got from the General Election and the good standing that it gave Leanne Wood; though not maybe in share of vote, by taking progressive politics in Wales forward, by reaching out to all in Wales, by being the true one nation party of Wales, there to represent the interest of Wales first, second and last as their priority, without having to first gain permission from party headquarters over the border.
And I hope Carwyn Jones, won't do a Miliband and refuse to talk coalition, that all parties that want a progressive Wales, a successful Wales, with social justice and social principles at its heart form an alliance now or soon before we all wake up to being a region of England.
Lastly for now, I am truly concerned as to the UK's future (not in terms of the current union, I've long argued for a UK Federal Republic) but for it's future economic prosperity. For now it's highly likely there will be a referendum on continued membership of the EU, and again the result of that is far from certain.
Most serious commentators be they politicians, academics or business leaders agree it would be a disaster if the UK left the EU. They only hope is that Cameron can pull it off again as he did last week and over the Scottish Referendum, albeit with help from Labour in the later....or hold on, thinking about it, in both cases.
If Brexit happens, it could truly spell the end of the United Kingdom as a union. What many feared with a Labour/SNP coalition, because master strategist Lynton Crosby scared them to think so, they have by voting in the Tories in reality made the prospect of it happening a greater likelihood than ever before.
And now who knows the horrors the triumphant Tory party will unleash onto the UK. Let's say I'm not optimistic at all, for all of Cameron's talk of one nation politics, we know he only means in reality England.
Boris Johnson it seems was ready when he purchased in advance them water cannons, for he must have had predicted the likely ground swell of anger that would rise even there, when Ian Duncan Smith is released to decimate the welfare state, and we find out where the axe will fall, and where the £12 billion in cuts will come from. When those who can least afford it are hit hardest and those whom don't need it are given a handout.
True, the Conservatives in Wales had their best result for aeons, as they defeated Labour in Gower of all places, and kicked Clegg further by gaining two seats from the Lib Dems. But don't expect this motley crew of Welsh Tories to stand up for Wales when the tories impose policies that favour England at the cost of us Welsh.
Not that I'm saying anyone one of them (the eleven welsh tories) don't have Wales interests at heart - in reality, they will be told where to stand and what to say...period.
I suppose if I was digging around for good news, it would be that maybe Cameron might keep his promise to devolve more power to Wales as he devolves more power to the English regions. Though what are the odds do you think that whilst the devolution of powers will be imposed in England, here in Wales he will want a referendum held first. And the result of a referendum on further welsh assembly powers is not a certainty by any means.
Oh and Nigel Farage wasn't elected, nor UKIP's Welsh leader and son of polish hiring family, Nathan Gill.
Now, and this is important. With the Tories making gains in Wales and UKIP share of the vote rising we need to start worrying about next years Assembly Elections.
Let's think what would happened if the Tories gained power here, that would be goodbye to many many things that we the Welsh feel justly proud of. It would be goodbye free prescriptions, free school breakfast clubs, and the start of the end of the Welsh NHS as we know it, to name just three.
It would, in my humble opinion, be a disaster to most of us in Wales. This is why, Plaid Cymru must keep on building on the momentum they got from the General Election and the good standing that it gave Leanne Wood; though not maybe in share of vote, by taking progressive politics in Wales forward, by reaching out to all in Wales, by being the true one nation party of Wales, there to represent the interest of Wales first, second and last as their priority, without having to first gain permission from party headquarters over the border.
And I hope Carwyn Jones, won't do a Miliband and refuse to talk coalition, that all parties that want a progressive Wales, a successful Wales, with social justice and social principles at its heart form an alliance now or soon before we all wake up to being a region of England.
Lastly for now, I am truly concerned as to the UK's future (not in terms of the current union, I've long argued for a UK Federal Republic) but for it's future economic prosperity. For now it's highly likely there will be a referendum on continued membership of the EU, and again the result of that is far from certain.
Most serious commentators be they politicians, academics or business leaders agree it would be a disaster if the UK left the EU. They only hope is that Cameron can pull it off again as he did last week and over the Scottish Referendum, albeit with help from Labour in the later....or hold on, thinking about it, in both cases.
If Brexit happens, it could truly spell the end of the United Kingdom as a union. What many feared with a Labour/SNP coalition, because master strategist Lynton Crosby scared them to think so, they have by voting in the Tories in reality made the prospect of it happening a greater likelihood than ever before.
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Our AM election -Thursday 1 August
It goes without saying that there is only one candidate we on Ynys Mon should vote for this Thursday.....
And that would be Rhun ap Iorweth, he of Plaid Cymru and an Anglesey lad through and through
You know it makes sense.
And that would be Rhun ap Iorweth, he of Plaid Cymru and an Anglesey lad through and through
You know it makes sense.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Right-Wing Push For Austerity Based On Excel Spreadsheet Error
Do you remember the justifications given for the austerity we are all now facing?
George Osborne said in February, 2010 said:
So while private sector debt was the cause of this crisis, public sector debt is likely to be the cause of the next one. As Ken Rogoff himself puts it, “there’s no question that the most significant vulnerability as we emerge from recession is the soaring government debt. It’s very likely that will trigger the next crisis as governments have been stretched so wide.”
The latest research suggests that once debt reaches more than about 90% of GDP the risks of a large negative impact on long term growth become highly significant. If off-balance sheet liabilities such as public sector pensions are included we are already well beyond that. And even on official internationally comparable measures of debt, we are forecast to break through 90% of GDP in just two years time…
To entrench economic stability for the long term, we need fundamental reform of our fiscal policy framework….As I have made clear, our aim will be to eliminate the bulk of the structural current budget deficit over a Parliament.
The key phrase above, is one used by right wing politicians all over the world as justification for their austerity and its:
"The latest research suggests that once debt reaches more than about 90% of GDP the risks of a large negative impact on long term growth become highly significant."
And that research was carried out by economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff. But there's a problem they got it wrong.
The New Yorker Blog has an excellent summary of where they went wrong.
"To sum up, there may well be a threshold at which high levels of public debt tend to be associated with very bad growth outcomes and financial crises, but it isn’t ninety per cent of G.D.P., or even a hundred per cent. Maybe it’s a hundred and twenty per cent, although that figure isn’t a firm one, either".
And Chris Hayes explains further in this following video:
George Osborne said in February, 2010 said:
So while private sector debt was the cause of this crisis, public sector debt is likely to be the cause of the next one. As Ken Rogoff himself puts it, “there’s no question that the most significant vulnerability as we emerge from recession is the soaring government debt. It’s very likely that will trigger the next crisis as governments have been stretched so wide.”
The latest research suggests that once debt reaches more than about 90% of GDP the risks of a large negative impact on long term growth become highly significant. If off-balance sheet liabilities such as public sector pensions are included we are already well beyond that. And even on official internationally comparable measures of debt, we are forecast to break through 90% of GDP in just two years time…
To entrench economic stability for the long term, we need fundamental reform of our fiscal policy framework….As I have made clear, our aim will be to eliminate the bulk of the structural current budget deficit over a Parliament.
The key phrase above, is one used by right wing politicians all over the world as justification for their austerity and its:
"The latest research suggests that once debt reaches more than about 90% of GDP the risks of a large negative impact on long term growth become highly significant."
And that research was carried out by economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff. But there's a problem they got it wrong.
The New Yorker Blog has an excellent summary of where they went wrong.
"To sum up, there may well be a threshold at which high levels of public debt tend to be associated with very bad growth outcomes and financial crises, but it isn’t ninety per cent of G.D.P., or even a hundred per cent. Maybe it’s a hundred and twenty per cent, although that figure isn’t a firm one, either".
And Chris Hayes explains further in this following video:
Friday, 26 April 2013
The current model is broken - bring back the committee.
Ask yourself what is the core function of a Council?
I would reply to deliver high standard services which aspire to meet the expectations of the local ratepayer. And to deliver those services, be they i.e Planning Control or Education you need to employ professional people that know what they are doing.
In other words the day to day running of the Council should be left to those employed to do so, at the head of which would be a Chief Executive and a Board of Directors.
I have always thought the idea of a Council being run by a 'Cabinet' of Councillors was flawed. After all democracy isn't really that good at choosing suitable candidates to be given such powers. If you believe in democracy you must also accept that sometimes we will make the wrong choice.
And if you want a good example of where it has not worked, that would here on Ynys Môn. You see when you start paying the leader of the Council £45,000 then it becomes something worth fighting for, it's a good earner. So you start asking questions as whom do I need as allies, and what would I have to promise them for their support....etc etc - and you can see already how this can quickly descend to political infighting. After all if you hadn't been chosen as leader, you'd be upset right? ...you'd want to show that they'd made the wrong choice.
And as we know at Ynys Môn this is worse when the Council has no one in overall control, by which I mean, of the main political parties. And you are left with small groups of independents attempting to form coalitions whilst at the same time trying to promote whomever the leader of their small group is, whilst also attempting to discredit any perceived threat. Of course it's then important to be in the winning group of independents, so we have the hoping frog syndrome, after all if you support the new leader he might give you a nice paid cabinet post.
And history records the house of cards soon falls down - as I said the current model is broken, time to bring back the committee.
I would reply to deliver high standard services which aspire to meet the expectations of the local ratepayer. And to deliver those services, be they i.e Planning Control or Education you need to employ professional people that know what they are doing.
In other words the day to day running of the Council should be left to those employed to do so, at the head of which would be a Chief Executive and a Board of Directors.
I have always thought the idea of a Council being run by a 'Cabinet' of Councillors was flawed. After all democracy isn't really that good at choosing suitable candidates to be given such powers. If you believe in democracy you must also accept that sometimes we will make the wrong choice.
And if you want a good example of where it has not worked, that would here on Ynys Môn. You see when you start paying the leader of the Council £45,000 then it becomes something worth fighting for, it's a good earner. So you start asking questions as whom do I need as allies, and what would I have to promise them for their support....etc etc - and you can see already how this can quickly descend to political infighting. After all if you hadn't been chosen as leader, you'd be upset right? ...you'd want to show that they'd made the wrong choice.
And as we know at Ynys Môn this is worse when the Council has no one in overall control, by which I mean, of the main political parties. And you are left with small groups of independents attempting to form coalitions whilst at the same time trying to promote whomever the leader of their small group is, whilst also attempting to discredit any perceived threat. Of course it's then important to be in the winning group of independents, so we have the hoping frog syndrome, after all if you support the new leader he might give you a nice paid cabinet post.
And history records the house of cards soon falls down - as I said the current model is broken, time to bring back the committee.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
March - a busy month for emergency calls.
I see once again the Welsh Conservatives and their buddies, the Liberal Democrats, are "disgusted" that in March the Welsh Ambulance service failed to reach it's all Wales target of reaching 65% life threatening emergency calls withing 8 minutes. According to the BBC Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams accused Welsh ministers of failing to address the issue calling the figures an "absolute disgrace".
I've posted in the past that I think the statistics collected are a bit worthless see 999 responce times and pointless statistics.
And we all know what the Conservative led Coalition in England want to do with the NHS - privatise it completely. See BBC House of Lords to debate NHS 'privatisation'
But back to March 2013 - when fast swathes of Wales was covered in deep snow, whilst the rest of us shivered in bitter cold winds, it was not surprising that the number of emergency calls in March where up by 2,069 compared to March 2012. In fact March 2013 had the highest monthly number of Category A calls since the service classification changes introduced in December 2011.
Something both the BBC "Ambulance delays: Wales targets missed in every area." and the Daily Post "Ambulance Service misses 999 response time target for most serious calls for tenth month in a row" think not important to point out.
But why let the facts get in the way of a good story or some political point scoring.
For "latest National Statistics produced by the Welsh Government were released on 24 April 2013 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority" see Ambulance services, March 2013.
I've posted in the past that I think the statistics collected are a bit worthless see 999 responce times and pointless statistics.
And we all know what the Conservative led Coalition in England want to do with the NHS - privatise it completely. See BBC House of Lords to debate NHS 'privatisation'
But back to March 2013 - when fast swathes of Wales was covered in deep snow, whilst the rest of us shivered in bitter cold winds, it was not surprising that the number of emergency calls in March where up by 2,069 compared to March 2012. In fact March 2013 had the highest monthly number of Category A calls since the service classification changes introduced in December 2011.
Something both the BBC "Ambulance delays: Wales targets missed in every area." and the Daily Post "Ambulance Service misses 999 response time target for most serious calls for tenth month in a row" think not important to point out.
But why let the facts get in the way of a good story or some political point scoring.
For "latest National Statistics produced by the Welsh Government were released on 24 April 2013 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority" see Ambulance services, March 2013.
When asked people of Ynys Môn overall quite happy.
The BBC has an interesting report today on the well-being survey - What are the top five happiest parts of the UK?
It is a digest of the recently published Measuring National Well-being - Where we Live, 2012 by the ONS.
When asked "Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday":
It is a digest of the recently published Measuring National Well-being - Where we Live, 2012 by the ONS.
When asked "Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday":
Monday, 15 April 2013
Rescue at Sea - RNLI Peterhead Tamar Lifeboat in action.
 |
| The old and the new |
It will house the new Tamar class Lifeboat, named Kiwi, which replaces the old Mersey class lifeboat named Robert & Violet.
You can find out more about the Moelfre Lifeboat at: RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat Station.
The video below shows the Peterhead Tamar Lifeboat 'The Misses Roberston of Kintail' in action from 2009 and it was the RNLI film of the year. The little yaught rudder control had become stuck and she could only go in a straight line.
One of the other ships seen in the video is the Far Supporter, and is there in support and to stop large waves from crashing onto the yacht.
Friday, 12 April 2013
Leanne Wood - a natural welsh speaker.
When Plaid Cymru announced whom had won the contest to be the new leader of the party following our Ieuan, I was initially concerned that Leanne Wood's first language was not welsh.
However, judging by the following video, you'd be hard pressed to even know she was a welsh learner, coming across may I add far better in welsh than she does in the english version. In fact her spoken welsh is far better these day than many other so called welsh politician.
FIDEO: Plaid Cymru - Y bont sy'n arwain at ddyfodol gwell.
So da iawn Leanne for showing it's possible to learn and be fluent in welsh.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Dewis Doeth - Choose Well
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On Friday the Daily Post ran a report about the A&E at Ysbyty Gwynedd being overloaded one night.
We've all watched Casualty and know it happens sometimes.
In the first place I think it's important to recognise the A&E at Ysbyty Gwynedd is showing its age and is in urgent need of modernisation. And plans to do this are well on the cards: Emergency Department - Refurbishment and New Build (pdf)
Not sure at what stage this vital work is in terms of approval, but it seems Betsi Cadwaladr has submitted the £8.5 million scheme to the Welsh Government for approval.
See Wales Online - £8.5m casualty upgrade planned at Ysbyty Gwynedd
Lets hope these vital works can start soon.
Anyway back to the queuing problem, the Daily Post report quotes Health Board spokeswoman as saying "It is also important to remember that by Choosing Well for the right treatment, patients can help us free up emergency medical care for those facing life threatening illnesses or injuries."
Choosing Well is about all of us taking some responsibility for how we look after ourselves, and if we feel unwell or have an accident that we make the right choice and just don't panic and rush off to A&E :
See also: Betsi Cadwaladr Website
Friday, 1 March 2013
Plaid Cymru and the Living Wage
Plaid Cymru are today holding their Spring Conference at Biwmares, Ynys Môn.
They are also here to launch there campaign for the up and coming May elections at Ynys Môn Council.
According to their website - Plaid Cymru will put transforming the Welsh economy at the heart of its Spring Conference as voters were urged to make Anglesey proud at May’s council elections.
Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said "This is a very important year for Anglesey and for Plaid Cymru as we look forward to the county council elections here in May. Plaid Cymru is taking this election very seriously. It is time for a fresh start on Anglesey Council."
Note to Ieuan Wyn Jones though.....its Ynys Môn, got it.....Ynys Môn.... not difficult most people can say it, repeat after me it's Ynys Môn. The title of this blog being ironic of course.
Also to be honest with you, I'd take Plaid Cymru a bit more seriously if they asked Bob Parry to retire gracefully, he has far too much baggage for my liking.
One thing for sure Plaid Cymru is right, for it goes without saying improving the welsh economy should be a priority - which brings me to a 'Living Wage' which Plaid Cymru do support and campaign for.
Iain Duncan Smith keeps waffling on about making work more rewarding than being on the dole, but then fails to see that one way of achieving this would be a living wage. And it need not be imposed by government by regulation, the more companies join in and pay a living wage, the better it would be for all of us.
Because the more people we take out of poverty, the less the welfare bill will be, the more disposable income people have the better for the economy it will be.
So that is why I think we should all support the 'Living Wage Campaign' and should you get a prospective candidate knocking on your door on Ynys Môn seeking your support in May, do ask them what their position on the living wage is.
They are also here to launch there campaign for the up and coming May elections at Ynys Môn Council.
According to their website - Plaid Cymru will put transforming the Welsh economy at the heart of its Spring Conference as voters were urged to make Anglesey proud at May’s council elections.
Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said "This is a very important year for Anglesey and for Plaid Cymru as we look forward to the county council elections here in May. Plaid Cymru is taking this election very seriously. It is time for a fresh start on Anglesey Council."
Note to Ieuan Wyn Jones though.....its Ynys Môn, got it.....Ynys Môn.... not difficult most people can say it, repeat after me it's Ynys Môn. The title of this blog being ironic of course.
Also to be honest with you, I'd take Plaid Cymru a bit more seriously if they asked Bob Parry to retire gracefully, he has far too much baggage for my liking.
One thing for sure Plaid Cymru is right, for it goes without saying improving the welsh economy should be a priority - which brings me to a 'Living Wage' which Plaid Cymru do support and campaign for.
Iain Duncan Smith keeps waffling on about making work more rewarding than being on the dole, but then fails to see that one way of achieving this would be a living wage. And it need not be imposed by government by regulation, the more companies join in and pay a living wage, the better it would be for all of us.
Because the more people we take out of poverty, the less the welfare bill will be, the more disposable income people have the better for the economy it will be.
So that is why I think we should all support the 'Living Wage Campaign' and should you get a prospective candidate knocking on your door on Ynys Môn seeking your support in May, do ask them what their position on the living wage is.
Together we can make a differences
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
NHS in Wales
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| Aneurin Bevan |
Yesterday, Judith Phillips in the Daily Post was all gloom and doom about the NHS in Wales. She does say and I quote "but it seems we have now reached a crisis point where public confidence in those running the NHS in North Wales is at an all time low."
What utter bullshit - yes complete and utter drivel....
Now what do you mean I hear you ask - well lets start with her conclusion and I quote again "but throwing the responsibility for the level of care given by community hospitals onto families and county council social services departments, is in my opinion going to open up yet another can of worms."
Which does rather show she has no clue what she is talking about, that she does not realise that the family and the local council was an integral part of our care system as envisaged when the NHS was established in the very first place.
We should be proud of the NHS, of what it has achieved, but we need also to recognise that in changing times what was the remedy of yesteryear may not be the best use of the 'limited' resources available to us now.
And in reaching those decision as to the future shape of the NHS within Wales they should be based on clear cut clinical opinion, made in the best interest of all of us. Not may I add the straw sample of a deluded correspondent of the Daily Post.
Take community hospitals....lets be honest they have had their day, they are not really the answer to our needs. Let me go further.....the moment someone comes a patient at a community hospital is in reality a sign of failure somewhere else.
We should be truly proud of the welfare system this country has, think....we are all living longer thanks to welfare, we have less infant deaths thanks to welfare.....and just on the simple fact there are more of us, will mean welfare costs will go up.
Which brings me to being old.
Think about....if put simply you have the countries GDP and from that you need to pay for children, adults and pensioners. Are we really in a society that as children demanded to be feed, then when working moaned that everyone else wanted to be fed and in our retirement demand that we are fed again?
Personal responsibility, the ability to plan and care for oneself - that is the aim we all should have. And the majority of us will live full and independent lives.
But sometime along the road we may need assistance, and sometimes we may need care, and sometimes we might even need acute care as we wait for death. Death is inevitable, but it need not be in pain.
We have plenty of care homes, the private sector in the most provide a very good service, and sometimes for some people whom cannot look after themselves that is the best place for them to be.
However what of those with acute needs - such as dementia or alzheimers, what they need is specialised palliative care in purpose built nursing homes. And that is one thing we lack, sufficient nursing homes to care for those who need specialised care, even if just means providing respite for the caring family.
Nursing homes built with the dignity of the patient in mind, with single rooms and trained staff, where someone comes to die because we cared and not because we pushed them aside.
So here in part is my prescription for the NHS:
But if we need to decide as to priorities in brick and mortar then that would be the need for more acute care nursing homes, to complement and build on the excellent work done by charities such as Marie Curie.
Now I know it wont be popular, but let's be clear
....no beating about the bush...
......Community Hospitals are not the answer.
.........you know do try an keep up....
What utter bullshit - yes complete and utter drivel....
Now what do you mean I hear you ask - well lets start with her conclusion and I quote again "but throwing the responsibility for the level of care given by community hospitals onto families and county council social services departments, is in my opinion going to open up yet another can of worms."
Which does rather show she has no clue what she is talking about, that she does not realise that the family and the local council was an integral part of our care system as envisaged when the NHS was established in the very first place.
We should be proud of the NHS, of what it has achieved, but we need also to recognise that in changing times what was the remedy of yesteryear may not be the best use of the 'limited' resources available to us now.
And in reaching those decision as to the future shape of the NHS within Wales they should be based on clear cut clinical opinion, made in the best interest of all of us. Not may I add the straw sample of a deluded correspondent of the Daily Post.
Take community hospitals....lets be honest they have had their day, they are not really the answer to our needs. Let me go further.....the moment someone comes a patient at a community hospital is in reality a sign of failure somewhere else.
We should be truly proud of the welfare system this country has, think....we are all living longer thanks to welfare, we have less infant deaths thanks to welfare.....and just on the simple fact there are more of us, will mean welfare costs will go up.
Which brings me to being old.
Think about....if put simply you have the countries GDP and from that you need to pay for children, adults and pensioners. Are we really in a society that as children demanded to be feed, then when working moaned that everyone else wanted to be fed and in our retirement demand that we are fed again?
Personal responsibility, the ability to plan and care for oneself - that is the aim we all should have. And the majority of us will live full and independent lives.
But sometime along the road we may need assistance, and sometimes we may need care, and sometimes we might even need acute care as we wait for death. Death is inevitable, but it need not be in pain.
We have plenty of care homes, the private sector in the most provide a very good service, and sometimes for some people whom cannot look after themselves that is the best place for them to be.
However what of those with acute needs - such as dementia or alzheimers, what they need is specialised palliative care in purpose built nursing homes. And that is one thing we lack, sufficient nursing homes to care for those who need specialised care, even if just means providing respite for the caring family.
Nursing homes built with the dignity of the patient in mind, with single rooms and trained staff, where someone comes to die because we cared and not because we pushed them aside.
So here in part is my prescription for the NHS:
- We need local doctor surgeries to be in modern buildings that offer a greater range of services to their patients.
- We need more district nurses.
- We need more paramedics.
- We need more pharmacists, and a consulting room in every pharmacy.
- We need more doctors
- We need more palliative care nurses
But if we need to decide as to priorities in brick and mortar then that would be the need for more acute care nursing homes, to complement and build on the excellent work done by charities such as Marie Curie.
Now I know it wont be popular, but let's be clear
....no beating about the bush...
......Community Hospitals are not the answer.
.........you know do try an keep up....
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Save our libraries
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Ynys Môn Council is currently carrying out a consultation on the future of the library services on the island.
I hope you will take part by visiting your local library or the Councils website - Anglesey Library Survey - you have till 4 March 2013 to do so.
I think libraries are an essential community facility and more should be made of them, so the aim should be longer opening hours and greater use of the space.
"What is more important in a library than anything else-than everything else-is the fact that it exists. Poet Archibald MacLeish"
See also: Voices for the Library
Monday, 18 February 2013
Household finance squeeze hits lowest income group hardest.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that during a economic downturn the hardest hit are most likely to be the poorest in society.
And latest findings of the Markit Household Finance Index™ (HFI™) show exactly this.
Key points being:
- Outlook for household finances dips from January’s four-month high
- Widening divergence in financial trends across the five household income groups
- Households’ living costs rise at sharpest pace since September 2011
- Cash availability perceived to have fallen at fastest rate in eight months, and incomes drop again
- Workplace activity rises at solid pace in February
And
"February data showed a widening divergence across the five household income groups. The lowest income category saw the sharpest deterioration in their finances for 14 months. Those in the second-lowest group (£15,000 – £23,000) indicated the greatest squeeze on their finances in the survey’s four-year history. By contrast, the remaining three income categories registered slower rates of deterioration than in January, with the highest earners (£57,751+) noting the joint-slowest pace of contraction in a year."
Tim Moore, Senior Economist at Markit and author of the report said:
“There was no let-up in the squeeze on UK household finances during February, as higher living costs and muted wage trends combined to reduce cash availability at the fastest pace since mid-2012. Inflation expectations remain close to their highest since the survey began four years ago, echoing recent warnings from the Bank of England that price pressures will remain elevated in 2013.
“Worsening consumer finances are likely to further rein in spending on the high street and, to complete this circle, latest survey data showed that retail sector workers were the most downbeat about their job security and workplace activity in February.
“The lowest income households saw their financial situation move in an entirely different direction to the highest earners in February, and by a much greater degree than in recent years, according to the survey’s main wellbeing indicators. Widening disparities across the income groups were most prevalent in terms of savings, debt trends and the year-ahead financial outlook.”
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Hislop denies Wales exists
A copyright infringement if I ever saw one
Now I know that Ian Hislop; the most English of educated gents, denies he is in fact welsh, although he is really...though we the welsh are happy he denies it......
But as editor of Private Eye he is taking it a bit far by denying the very existence of Wales.
As in the lack of Wylfa B in the above article, unless that is he thinks it acceptable to dump on Wales....oh hold on by his very denial you could say he's done that already.
Plaid Cymru and indepenence
I see Plaid Cymru are holding a special conference in Aberystwyth to consider a new constitution. see BBC News
I hope they don't think it necessary to ditch or weaken their stance on an independent Wales, or have fallen for the argument; as trumped by the Conservatives in the Scottish independence debate - it'll be hard and painful so don't bother, a self defeating cry if there ever was one.
In my humble opinion at its heart the central goal of Plaid Cymru should be an independent Wales.
And all Plaid Cymru policies should be driven by that main objective an independent Wales.
Nor matter how hard or painful it is - if it means and ends in a independent Wales.
I see no conflict in this idea - that a truly independent Wales standing on its own two feet, a Celtic beacon with its own identity and beliefs would be welcome in the European Family of Nations.
We need to rediscover our voice, our inner strength and re-quench our desire and belief in a independent Wales. Some say it has not been done before, but with these hands we can if we so desire build that road to independence.
And at the front leading the vanguard should be Plaid Cymru.
I hope they don't think it necessary to ditch or weaken their stance on an independent Wales, or have fallen for the argument; as trumped by the Conservatives in the Scottish independence debate - it'll be hard and painful so don't bother, a self defeating cry if there ever was one.
In my humble opinion at its heart the central goal of Plaid Cymru should be an independent Wales.
And all Plaid Cymru policies should be driven by that main objective an independent Wales.
Nor matter how hard or painful it is - if it means and ends in a independent Wales.
I see no conflict in this idea - that a truly independent Wales standing on its own two feet, a Celtic beacon with its own identity and beliefs would be welcome in the European Family of Nations.
We need to rediscover our voice, our inner strength and re-quench our desire and belief in a independent Wales. Some say it has not been done before, but with these hands we can if we so desire build that road to independence.
And at the front leading the vanguard should be Plaid Cymru.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
A simple truth - too many horses
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Horse meat is used as a substitute for beef because it is cheaper than beef to source. In the UK alone last year 10,000 horses were slaughtered for human consumption.
The plain and simple fact of the matter is we breed too many horses and ponies.
Lee Hackett, senior executive of welfare at the British Horse Society said in January: “Most of the[. slaughtered horses] will be symptoms of the massive equine population problem in this country. We have simply got too many horses and ponies.”
And too many horses means low prices and poor welfare for animals, I'm sure we've all seen stories of horses been mistreated or abandoned by careless owners.
I think it important we distinguish between say beef cattle specifically breed for human consumption, to the trade in slaughtered horses as the direct consequence of too much breeding.
Time me thinks we regulated the breeding of horses, with an aim to reduce numbers and improve the condition and welfare of horses and ponies in the UK.
See Thousands of British horses slaughtered for European diners.
The plain and simple fact of the matter is we breed too many horses and ponies.
Lee Hackett, senior executive of welfare at the British Horse Society said in January: “Most of the[. slaughtered horses] will be symptoms of the massive equine population problem in this country. We have simply got too many horses and ponies.”
And too many horses means low prices and poor welfare for animals, I'm sure we've all seen stories of horses been mistreated or abandoned by careless owners.
I think it important we distinguish between say beef cattle specifically breed for human consumption, to the trade in slaughtered horses as the direct consequence of too much breeding.
Time me thinks we regulated the breeding of horses, with an aim to reduce numbers and improve the condition and welfare of horses and ponies in the UK.
See Thousands of British horses slaughtered for European diners.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Wind turbines
On Wednesday I posted about supplementary planning guidance on wind turbines, and subsequently was asked whether the idea of a bond to cover the eventual decommissioning of wind turbines was a good idea - do you front load the costs?
My answer no, and let me explain why not.
I think we are in danger of deciding that all wind turbines are bad, and then looking for all reasons why they should be bad.
So one thing that could go wrong is a slight possibility the operator could abandon the wind turbines....and who then pays for the decommissioning and return of the land back to its original state?
And some would point to Hawaii as an example of 'When Wind Farms Go Wrong', where I think a number of 1st generation wind turbines lay rusting and abandoned because they became uneconomical following the discovery of shale gas in the USA. But the Americans do make a habit of having spectacular boom and bust enterprises, just visit Baltimore.
In the UK with the feed in tariffs I don't see the risk, you know it's a licence to print money isn't it? ... and I have a feeling that a growing business will be the salvaging of old wind turbines...for the copper alone it may be worthwhile.
On Ynys Môn we are talking of individual wind turbines mostly erected by the landowner, mostly farmers, albeit in agreement with an operator. Whether the landowner wants the operator to provide a bond to cover the eventual decommissioning is I think a matter for them. The final responsibility should lie with the landowner.
It shouldn't be of concern to the Planning Authority, as I take the view that the Planning Authority deals with the principles of land use and not the mechanics of land use....i.e. say you've applied for planning permission for a new house, you don't need to satisfy the Council you can afford to build the new house.
And the 'before you ask' disclaimer - I am not a farmer, nor do I have plans to erect a wind turbine, nor do I know of anyone planning to do so either. Personally I cant see what the fuss is about, I think them quite elegant, and in my opinion a small turbine in the wrong place is less green than a large turbine in the right place, and if it helps say make farmers more carbon neutral more the better.
My answer no, and let me explain why not.
I think we are in danger of deciding that all wind turbines are bad, and then looking for all reasons why they should be bad.
So one thing that could go wrong is a slight possibility the operator could abandon the wind turbines....and who then pays for the decommissioning and return of the land back to its original state?
And some would point to Hawaii as an example of 'When Wind Farms Go Wrong', where I think a number of 1st generation wind turbines lay rusting and abandoned because they became uneconomical following the discovery of shale gas in the USA. But the Americans do make a habit of having spectacular boom and bust enterprises, just visit Baltimore.
In the UK with the feed in tariffs I don't see the risk, you know it's a licence to print money isn't it? ... and I have a feeling that a growing business will be the salvaging of old wind turbines...for the copper alone it may be worthwhile.
On Ynys Môn we are talking of individual wind turbines mostly erected by the landowner, mostly farmers, albeit in agreement with an operator. Whether the landowner wants the operator to provide a bond to cover the eventual decommissioning is I think a matter for them. The final responsibility should lie with the landowner.
It shouldn't be of concern to the Planning Authority, as I take the view that the Planning Authority deals with the principles of land use and not the mechanics of land use....i.e. say you've applied for planning permission for a new house, you don't need to satisfy the Council you can afford to build the new house.
And the 'before you ask' disclaimer - I am not a farmer, nor do I have plans to erect a wind turbine, nor do I know of anyone planning to do so either. Personally I cant see what the fuss is about, I think them quite elegant, and in my opinion a small turbine in the wrong place is less green than a large turbine in the right place, and if it helps say make farmers more carbon neutral more the better.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
What a refreshing change.....
I think we are all fed up of negative stories about immigrants - that they are all feckless layabouts here to scrounge welfare, and how it's the fault of UK being a member of the European Union. That things would be different if weren't in the EU, you know a bit like Norway.
I posted about the Norway question before: Should the UK leave the EU and do a Norway?
So it was refreshing to read in The Norway Post "[Norway's] Minister of Labour Anniken Huitfeldt [say she] is pleased with the increased number of immigrant workers who choose to come to Norway. She says the country is in need of even more workers, especially engineers and people from the health sector.
The Minister thinks our growing economy combined with good salaries and working conditions are part of the reason why more workers choose to come here. Huitfeldt also says that she is pleased with the shorter processing times now offered by the UDI, and the close contact they have with the labour market."
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