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UK Govt 'won't force water competition' on Wales

The UK Government says plans to encourage more competition in the water industry will not be imposed on Wales against the wishes of the Welsh Government. Legislation was announced in the Queen's Speech to reduce water companies' monopolies in an attempt to encourage more investment in the industry.

We are working closely with the Welsh Government in finalising the Water Bill and have no intention of forcing competition on Wales. However making sure we have enough water is one of the major challenges we face in coming years. The changes we are making to the water industry will encourage economic growth and build resilience for the future.

– Wales Office Minister Stephen Crabb MP

The Welsh Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies had said that any intervention by UK ministers would be an "affront to democracy". He vowed to safeguard the not-for-profit status of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, which supplies most of Wales and some neighbouring parts of England.

Britain's other water companies make returns to their shareholders. They include Dee Valley Water, which supplies Wrexham and Chester, and Severn-Trent, which supplies part of Powys. Plaid Cymru says it would be better to extend Dwr Cymru Welsh Water's model to other companies.

There is no need to introduce further competition into the water market in Wales. In fact, the rest of the UK should learn from the Welsh situation. What we need is long-term stability so that Dwr Cymru Welsh Water can continue to build on the excellent results it has achieved so far.

– Plaid Cymru Environment Spokesperson Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM

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First Gwynt y Mor turbine installed off Flintshire coast

The turbine is one of 160 that will be installed off the coast of Flintshire Credit: RWE npower renewables

The first turbine at Gwynt y Mor has been successfully installed off the coast of North Wales. It's one of 160 wind turbines which are being installed as part of the multi million pound windfarm project, which is expected to be completed in 2014.

First Minister opens Bridgend engineering facility

The First Minister officially opened the facility

The First Minister Carwyn Jones has returned to his Bridgend constituency this morning to open a new engineering facility.

The St David Engineering facility is part of a £1.3 million investment into the Bridgend firm Aircraft Maintenance Support Services Limited who provide aircraft support equipment for military and civilian use.

In the next five years up to 50 jobs are expected to be created with the company planning to work with Bridgend college to bring more apprentices through its doors.

The facility is being opened after a £1.3m expansion
Old Colwyn contractor jobs saved

Old Colwyn building firm goes into administration

A building firm in Old Colwyn confirmed today that they have gone into administration.

There have been fears for the future of Daniel Contractors, which employs 250 people at its North Wales site.

Administrators Deloitte say they are in discussions to sell all or parts of the business and safeguard as many jobs as possible.

Read more: Jobs under threat at Colwyn Bay firm

Actors' smoking ban to stay

Reducing smoking must be priority says Plaid

The Welsh Government's decision not to go ahead with an exemption for actors to smoke on film and television sets and on stage has been welcomed by Plaid Cymru. The party had opposed relaxing the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.

I’m glad that the Welsh Government has withdrawn this legislation. It was clear from the evidence given to the [Health] Committee that creating an exemption from the ban was not justified on health or economic grounds. Reducing smoking must remain one of the priorities for the Health Minister. Banning smoking in public places has been a great success and we believe that there are further measures that the Welsh Government could take to reduce smoking.

– Plaid Cymru Health Spokesperson Elin Jones AM

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Actors' smoking ban to stay

Smoking ban on film sets won't be lifted

The Welsh Government has abandoned its plans to allow actors to smoke on film and television sets and on stage, if the requirements of the production demand it. The Heath Minister has decided that there will be no exemption to the blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.

Regulations to provide an exemption for performers in certain circumstances were laid on 18 July. The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport and I have reviewed the evidence presented ... to date, and have concluded that the Government will not proceed with the original proposals at this time.

– Health Minister Mark Drakeford AM

Actors can smoke in such circumstances in England and there have been warnings that Wales would lose out if the Welsh Government did not follow suit. BBC Wales claimed that it had to drop a storyline about smoking from the series 'Casualty', but later admitted that was not the case.

Plaid's 'Plan C' proposals

Plaid Cymru has announced a series of proposals which it says will transform the economy. They've all been previously announced but party leader Leanne Wood says that brought together they offer an alternative both to the UK and Welsh Governments' programmes.

The proposals include:

  • Full implementation of Silk Commission recommendations
  • A ‘buy local’ campaign, including legislation to improve public procurement
  • A Business bank for Wales to support SMEs
  • A Green New Deal ... including a Green Skills Technical College
  • Support new infrastructure projects
  • Create apprenticeships and job opportunities by investing in training and working with both large and SME businesses and training providers
  • Promote co-operative and mutual forms of business, including social enterprises
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