Field slams Labour record
Labour has failed its core voters on immigration and public services, leading rebel Frank Field will say later today. The former welfare minister and leader of the backbench rebels responsible for Gordon Brown’s humiliating 10p income tax U-turn will make the claim in a lecture at the University of Hertfordshire, where he is chancellor. Mr […]
Morgan hospitalised as Plaid agree deal
Talks on the new Welsh government have been delayed while first minister Rhodri Morgan is treated in hospital. Rhodri Morgan was admitted to Llandough Hospital yesterday suffering from stomach problems. His spokesman confirmed he would be given a heart test today. The Labour first minister had been due to discuss the make-up of his Cabinet […]
Labour to vote on Plaid power-sharing
Welsh Labour will today vote on whether to form a coalition with Plaid Cymru. First minister Rhodri Morgan has been accused of risking political “suicide” over the issue and admits he will have to quit if he loses. However, he argues the power sharing deal, developed as One Wales, will allow Labour to carry out […]
Queen opens third Welsh assembly
The Queen officially opened the Welsh assembly today, as AMs gathered for the third session at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. The presence of the monarch marks a new period for the assembly, which has gained extended powers and an enhanced status. For the first time she will officially appoint Rhodri Morgan as first minister, […]
Welsh Labour forced to consider assembly coalition
A disappointing result for Labour in next month’s Welsh assembly election could see the return of a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition. The latest opinion polls predict Labour will lose its already slim majority in the assembly, returning with as few as 25 seats and the worst election result in Wales in recent times. An ITV Wales/NOP […]
Plaid Cymru unveils assembly manifesto
Plaid Cymru today unveiled its manifesto ahead of May’s Welsh assembly election. Focusing on practical issues ahead of Welsh independence, Plaid Cymru expanded on its Seven for 07 policies, presenting a manifesto based on “fairness, sustainability and trust”. Plain Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones declared: “Our manifesto is brimming with new and innovative ideas to […]
Ron Davies to stand as assembly member
Former Welsh secretary Ron Davies, who quit the cabinet after a “moment of madness” on Clapham Common nine years ago, is to stand for the Welsh assembly. He confirmed today that he will be standing in Caerphilly as an independent candidate, but said he still had the same “left-of-centre” values that first prompted him to […]
Tensions increase over state of the union
Welsh secretary Peter Hain has added his voice to warnings that the Conservatives’ call for English-votes for English laws risks the “Balkanisation of Britain”. As celebrations begin for the 300th anniversary of the Acts of Union that brought together England and Scotland into the UK, rhetoric for and against separatist elements both north of the […]
Brown calls for stronger Britain
Gordon Brown has called for supporters of the United Kingdom to “speak up” against growing separatist calls, saying it could be a “beacon for the world”. Writing in this morning’s Telegraph, the chancellor describes a growing threat from secessionists in Scotland, Wales and even England who seek a break-up of the union as it heads […]
Scottish devolution chief calls for English parliament
One of the architects of Scottish devolution has backed the idea of a separate English parliament – and said there was a “real possibility” of it happening within a decade. Kenyon Wright, who chaired the committee which paved the way for the Scottish parliament’s creation in 1999, will today speak at a meeting of English […]
