Why Labour’s pledges on NHS and pensions are meaningless

An announcement by the Labour Party that it would invest £45bn in the NHS and social care over five years as well as protect pensions could be rendered meaningless by Brexit, Liberal Democrats have said.

Treasury analysis from 2016 estimated that the form of Brexit supported by the Labour and Conservative parties – a negotiated bilateral agreement as opposed to membership of the single market – would rob public services of £36bn EACH YEAR. A botched Brexit could cost the Exchequer up to £45 billion a year. The government has neither formally rejected this analysis nor commissioned new figures since the referendum.

Susan Kramer, Liberal Democrat Business spokesperson, said: “In the biggest fight for the future of our country in a generation, Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour has let down those who need a strong NHS and a secure pension by voting with Theresa May on Brexit – not against her. Jeremy Corbyn ordered his MPs to vote in favour of Article 50 despite the Government making no concessions to them whatsoever, including on staying in the single market.

“Over the course of a parliament, Labour would have to find many times the amount they are promising on the NHS and social care just to pay its Brexit bill. But with trade with Europe set to be hit by an extreme Brexit, how could this be delivered?

“That’s why Liberal Democrats will give the people a chance to change Britain’s future by letting them reject a bad Brexit deal, putting a penny on income tax to rescue the NHS and social care, and reversing Theresa May’s heartless cuts to school funding.”

£500,000 expansion of business park in Presteigne already creating interest

Two plots have already been sold, subject to contract, to a local business wishing to expand – and discussions are taking place with other local businesses and individuals looking to build their own premises.

The expansion followed enquiries from a number of companies, including businesses based in Presteigne, that wanted to expand.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:

“This investment is the latest in a number of proactive interventions taken by the Welsh Government to support businesses based in areas of rural Wales that wish to expand.

“As a Government we are committed to supporting business growth which in many parts of Wales means we have to step in and invest in premises and infrastructure when the private sector is not delivering.

“I want to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared across Wales and the expansion of Broadaxe Business Park supports this strategy as we know the availability of sites and premises is fundamental in attracting new investment, retaining existing investment and creating jobs.”

He added that last week he officially opened a new £1.8m facility the Welsh Government had built to enable Zip-Clip to expand its operations in Welshpool and ground works are also underway by the Welsh Government that will pave the way for Charlies Stores to build a new headquarters and ecommerce fulfilment centre on Offa’s Dyke Business Park in Welshpool.

The Broadaxe project was carried out by Jones Brothers (Henllan) Limited. It involved the construction of a new road and the installation of associated services which have opened the 4 acre site and created six serviced development plots for businesses.

Gareth Jones, Director, Jones Bros (Henllan) Ltd said:

“As a long established Welsh business, we are naturally delighted to have been involved in bringing this prestigious development site to fruition by constructing the access road and the installation of associated services and infrastructure.

“We have had recent involvement in a number of business park projects in Carmarthenshire (Cross Hands Food Park and Trostre Retail park), as well as other parts of Wales and hope that this investment will help deliver the same economic and employment opportunities that the other have delivered.”

Press release: Change of British High Commissioner to Cameroon

2014 – Present FCO, Deputy Director, Head of Overseas Security 2013 – 2014 Mogadishu, Deputy Head of Mission 2010 – 2013 Special Political Adviser to UN Special Representative for Somalia 2007 – 2009 FCO, Head, South Asia Group 2004 – 2007 FCO, Deputy Head, Drugs and International Crime Department 2003 – 2004 FCO, Head of Western Mediterranean Section, EU Directorate 2002 – 2003 Kabul, Deputy Head of Mission 2001 – 2002 FCO, Afghanistan Unit, Head of Political Section 1997 – 2000 Islamabad, Head of Chancery 1995 – 1997 FCO, Head of Nuclear Policy Section, Non-Proliferation Department 1993 – 1995 FCO, Supernumerary, South-East Asia Department 1993 Joined Foreign and Commonwealth Office

News story: OCR English literature exam, 26 May 2017

Ofqual’s statement about the error in OCR’s English literature exam paper.

We are very disappointed to learn of the error in OCR’s English literature exam paper today. Incidents of this nature are unacceptable and we understand the frustration and concern of the students who may have been affected.

We will be scrutinising how OCR intends to identify and minimise the impact on these students. We will be closely monitoring OCR’s investigation of how this incident occurred and seeking reassurance regarding its other papers this summer.

Ofqual does not see exam boards’ examination papers in advance of the tests being sat.

Let’s remember that we have more in common than that which divides us – First Minister supports the Great Get Together

Following the appalling terror attack in Manchester this week, the First Minister has called for unity in the face of adversity.

He said:

“At a time when many people across the country will be feeling upset, scared and angry, it is important we remember the words of Jo Cox; we have far more in common that than which divides us.

“The appalling attack in Manchester was an attempt to divide us, but we will not allow this to happen. Our hope, togetherness and unity will always beat hate, and those who seek to divide us.

“The Great Get Together is a timely opportunity to reject divisions and, instead, bring people together and celebrate all that unites us.”

Inspired by MP Jo Cox, who was tragically murdered last year, The Great Get Together aims to bring together communities, neighbours, pupils and friends to share and celebrate all that we hold in common.

The Welsh Government has written to schools and councils to encourage them to get involved in events, which will take place across the country between 16 – 18 June.

On 16 June, the First Minister is attending CBI Wales’ annual lunch, which is being held in honour of Jo Cox. Details of further activities and events will be released in the coming weeks.

The First Minister added:

“From the tragedy of Jo’s death, The Great Get Together was created to bring all of us together to celebrate what we share and hold in common.

“I’m proud to be supporting The Great Get Together and encourage people from right across Wales to get involved.”

Brendan Cox said:

“I’m humbled and touched by the way the people of Wales have united behind the idea of The Great Get Together. Many events are being hosted all across Wales – from a Theatr Clwyd picnic in North Wales to the Scouts and Girl-guides combining forces in Carmarthen, and a sing along in Cardiff Bay, the spirit of The Great Get Together will be captured in so many different ways.

“When people seek to divide us and drive communities apart we show our strength by rejecting hatred and coming together with a determination never to let the extremists win.”

People can visit www.greatgettogether.org to find out more about the thousands of activities taking place across the country – ranging from street parties to BBQs, dog shows to scarecrow festivals, bake-offs to multi-faith Iftars to break the Ramadan fast.