Latest news with #SamuelKurtz
South Wales Argus
10 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Senedd members lambast bluetongue response as 'total chaos'
Samuel Kurtz, who is from a farming family, expressed deep concern about the Welsh Government's handling of the disease, saying it 'falls far short of what farmers deserve'. The Conservatives' economy secretary said Senedd members received no briefing from the deputy first minister nor the chief veterinary office on the science behind the decision. Mr Kurtz warned: 'There has been no economic impact assessment despite the far-reaching consequences for our rural community. 'And perhaps most troubling of all, the decision was issued via a written statement on a Thursday afternoon – just after the Senedd week had ended, ensuring no scrutiny, no questions and no answers until today.' He told the Senedd: 'We all understand the importance of protecting Welsh livestock from bluetongue but the measures imposed are not only excessive, they're unworkable.' 'Requiring pre-movement testing for all live imports, even vaccinated animals, might look reasonable on paper but – in the real world of Welsh farming – it's chaos." He put the cost of vaccinating all livestock in Wales at £32m – £6 a cow and £3 for every sheep or goat – placing a 'staggering financial' burden on a struggling industry. During a statement on the Welsh Government's approach to bluetongue on June 17, deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said policy will be kept under regular review.
South Wales Guardian
11 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Senedd members lambast bluetongue response as 'total chaos'
Samuel Kurtz, who is from a farming family, expressed deep concern about the Welsh Government's handling of the disease, saying it 'falls far short of what farmers deserve'. The Conservatives' economy secretary said Senedd members received no briefing from the deputy first minister nor the chief veterinary office on the science behind the decision. Mr Kurtz warned: 'There has been no economic impact assessment despite the far-reaching consequences for our rural community. 'And perhaps most troubling of all, the decision was issued via a written statement on a Thursday afternoon – just after the Senedd week had ended, ensuring no scrutiny, no questions and no answers until today.' He told the Senedd: 'We all understand the importance of protecting Welsh livestock from bluetongue but the measures imposed are not only excessive, they're unworkable.' 'Requiring pre-movement testing for all live imports, even vaccinated animals, might look reasonable on paper but – in the real world of Welsh farming – it's chaos." He put the cost of vaccinating all livestock in Wales at £32m – £6 a cow and £3 for every sheep or goat – placing a 'staggering financial' burden on a struggling industry. During a statement on the Welsh Government's approach to bluetongue on June 17, deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said policy will be kept under regular review.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Euros: Cardiff set to host Euro 2028 opening ceremony and matches
Cardiff is expected to host the opening ceremony of football's 2028 European Championships, a Senedd meeting has revealed. Wales was already due to co-host the tournament alongside England, Ireland and Scotland, but Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, lifted the lid on some upcoming major events on Tuesday, including hosting six matches of Euro answer, Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz went further in saying: "Six matches of the Uefa Euro 2028, and not just six matches, but the open ceremony as well."A spokesperson for the Football Association of Wales said they are "very confident" of an opening ceremony in Cardiff. The five-nation proposal was the only bid to host Euro 2028 and was officially confirmed at a Uefa meeting in Nyon in Switzerland in October Principality Stadium is one of 10 venues across nine cities and five countries presented by bid teams, but it's currently the second-largest capacity of the venues involved. It was previously known FAW were pushing for an opening game, and there were hopes Cardiff would stage at least three group games and a quarter-final. Ms Evans said hosting six matches of the Euro 2028, as well as securing a stage of the grand départ of the Tour de France in 2027, is a "significant achievement" for Wales."We can be confident that the economic benefits will be significant, and that a vibrant atmosphere for communities and visitors alike will be guaranteed," she discussion, Mr Kurtz added: "These events provide significant opportunities to boost our economy, showcase Welsh culture, and draw global attention to our landscapes, communities and world-class venues."
Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh unemployment remains highest in UK for eighth consecutive month
Calls for reform as business closures outpace new start-ups WALES continues to record the highest unemployment rate in the UK, according to the latest labour market figures published for March 2025. The unemployment rate rose from 4.8% in February to 5.2%, marking the eighth consecutive month that Wales has topped the UK unemployment rankings. The figures also show that Wales has the lowest employment rate of any UK nation, raising concerns about the resilience of the Welsh economy amid ongoing inflationary pressures and a sluggish post-pandemic recovery. Business formation remains a challenge, with new start-ups continuing to be outnumbered by business closures. Analysts have pointed to factors such as high business rates, uncertainty in the tourism sector, and limited access to investment as contributing to the economic stagnation. In response, the Welsh Conservatives have renewed calls for economic reform, including major changes to the business rates system. Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said: 'Under Labour, our economy is failing: unemployment is rising, and Wales remains the least competitive part of the UK. Business closures continue to outnumber new start-ups, and we are burdened with the highest business rates in Britain. Welsh Conservatives want to build a Wales that is open for business. We would overhaul business rates, slashing them for town centres and abolishing them entirely for small businesses, and scrap Labour's damaging tourism tax to stop penalising a vital sector of our economy.' However, Welsh Government ministers argue that economic challenges are being felt across the UK and that Wales is making targeted investments in growth sectors. A spokesperson said: 'We are investing in skills, infrastructure and green energy to ensure a more sustainable and competitive Welsh economy. While the figures are disappointing, they reflect wider UK and global economic headwinds. We continue to support businesses through a range of funding schemes and remain committed to creating long-term employment opportunities.' Independent economists suggest that while structural challenges remain, Wales could benefit from renewable energy development, tech start-ups, and tourism—if supported by tailored policy reforms and investment incentives. Pictured above: Samuel Kurtz MS: Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy
Western Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Samuel Kurtz MS marks VE Day 80 at Welsh Parliament
Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, joined veterans and community leaders at the Welsh Parliament to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe. The event celebrated the courage and sacrifice of all who contributed to the war effort, from frontline soldiers to members of the Merchant Navy and those supporting from the home front. Testimonies were shared from service personnel across the Commonwealth, highlighting the global scale of the conflict and the shared sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace. Mr Kurtz said: "Marking and commemorating VE Day in the Senedd, and hearing the testimonies of servicemen and women from across the Commonwealth, from those in the Merchant Navy, and from all who contributed to the war effort in any way, was a humbling experience. "On this significant anniversary, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of all who fought for our freedom – especially the thousands from across West Wales who left their homes and families, many of whom never returned. "We will remember them. "As we celebrate the triumph of peace and freedom over tyranny and evil, it's hard not to be reminded of the current war raging in Eastern Europe. "Peace is spoken of with ease, but achieved only through great effort and sacrifice." Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.
