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Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
First Minister criticised by Labour Senedd members over 'scattergun' Welsh Government policy
First Minister criticised by Labour Senedd members over 'scattergun' Welsh Government policy Eluned Morgan faced tough questions over her government's international strategy First Minister Eluned Morgan (Image: PA Media ) Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan was criticised over the Welsh Government's international strategy, including by some of her own party's Senedd members. She appeared at the Senedd's culture committee and was asked about international strategy and plans for an investment summit in December at the Celtic Manor in Newport. Labour's Llanelli MS, Lee Waters, asked what a planned summit would actually achieve. "You've created a summit. Well, having organised lots of conferences – conferences can take a lot of energy and deliver very little, so [it's] interesting how you measure that." The First Minister responded there were three priorities – to raise the nation's profile, grow the economy and establish Wales as a globally responsible country. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here When she was further questioned, she said: "We've got a lot of ambitions and we're doing a lot of work on it and we're expecting it to deliver quite a bit.' Asked again what December's summit at Celtic Manor will deliver, she said: "Well, you'll have to wait and see because we don't know until it's actually happened." The First Minister who was previously accused of undermining scrutiny by earlier declining to give evidence, said she would not give "chapter and verse" on expectations for the summit. Article continues below Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan then said: "I have to say I'm really unclear about what the answer was to Lee Waters' question there. "It seems very scattergun rather than strategic – that's my impression from the evidence I've just heard – how are you able to reassure me, that's not the case?" Mrs Morgan deferred to Welsh Government officials: Andrew Gwatkin and David Warren. Mr Gwatkin said: "It's not a case of us being headless, jumping from one thing to another. "There is a constant and core to what we do…. but, of course, we're a small team – we can't adapt to everything… we can't do everything and our budgets, similarly, are what they are." The questioning then turned to the international strategy, which in a previous role, Mrs Morgan was responsible for. It contains 270 actions. During the meeting on June 18, she pointed to the impact of the pandemic, Brexit, war in Ukraine and US president Trump on that. However, another Labour MS then had his say. Blaenau Gwent MS Alun Davies, said: "What we want is to understand how the government is spending public money… to hold [the] government to account for that and that's a fair and reasonable request to make." She responded that "over the summer" the 270 actions would be looked at "so it's clear and more transparent". "There will be some things in there we haven't been able to achieve because the world has changed." She then added: "Just to manage your expectations, we've got one person working on this,' with Mr Davies earlier joking: 'I've been a member here for 20 years, first minister, my expectations are well managed." Article continues below
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Exam bosses accused of 'patronising' Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper
Exam bosses accused of 'patronising' Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper Exam board WJEC and regulator Qualifications Wales argued the works look at themes of identity and diversity Nia Morais is Bardd Plant Cymru for 2023-2025 (Image: copyright unknown ) Exam bosses have been accused of "patronising" Welsh literature and students in a recent GCSE exam. Instead of using the wealth of Welsh writing available the WJEC commissioned specially written works for its exam paper for second language learners. Exam board WJEC and regulator Qualifications Wales said the works look at themes of identity and diversity. Critics say these ideas are already explored in centuries of Welsh literature and it would be unthinkable to commission made-for-exam writing for English GCSEs. "This is like saying the quality isn't there in Welsh literature. It's unimaginable to think they'd do this for the English exam," said one teacher. The WJEC commissioned the current Bardd Cymru, Nia Morais and critically acclaimed poet Aneirin Karadog to write pieces looking at race and LGBTQ issue among other themes for the GCSE unit four paper. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Aneirin Karadog is a former children's Poet Laureate for Wales The exam board said its qualification development team "searched extensively to select text that represent today's Wales". Article continues below Adding: "They selected authors from diverse backgrounds across Wales, each bringing different themes through a mixture of short stories and poems. These texts will allow learners to explore different perspectives, cultures, themes and study contributions from BAME communities at a local, national and international level. " But although this initial collection successfully reflected Wales' diversity, the team "recognised the absence of poems that would support the qualification's objectives" and decided to commission the two "distinguished" Welsh poets to develop new pieces to form part of exam texts. Aneirin Karadog's piece 'Y Daith' (The Journey) uses an LGBTQ+ love story to examine language, identity and culture while Nia Morais' poem, 'Llwybrau' (Pathways) considers identity and diversity. One teacher, who did not want to be named said the works were "OK" but "not that good" and he wasn't clear why the exam board had chosen those themes, which were, in any case, already explored in the "universal themes" across Welsh language literature. "This is condescending to Wales and Welsh literatire and to students as it assumers they cannot access Welsh literature as it is. We want to be as ambitious as we can as teachers. "There are loads of great poems already out there that would have been more accessible. It is a bit odd as both poems they commissioned are free-form without regular rhythm or traditional meters. If the point is to gain more Welsh speakers and welcome young people into the language and culture then don't assume they won't cope by commissioning work especially. "These new poems have not been around for long and however good, or not, they are they have had no cultural impact. It feels inauthentic. "These poets have done good things, but these commissioned poems have come out of nowhere. They are interesting but not as good as some of the poems already written that they could have chosen, in my opinion ." The second language Welsh GCSE was reformed pre-pandemic and now has four units. Units one and two are speaking and three reading and writing while paper four brings in literature. Quoted on the WJEC website the GCSE exam paper commissioned poets said they were delighted. Describing her inspiration for her poem, Nia Morais, a writer from Cardiff, said : 'My father's family is from Cabo Verde in West Africa, and I also have family in Portugal. This is a poem I have written as a letter to my grandmother and grandfather, remembering the longing for cultural connection I felt as a teenager, and celebrating my mixed heritage. "I hope the poem will strike a chord with the young people of Wales and start discussions in the classroom about the diverse identities that can be seen in Wales today." Nia has an MA in creative writing from Cardiff University and in 2020, she released her first audio play, Crafangau, as part of Sherman Theatre's Heart of Cardiff project. She has been Writer in Residence at Sherman Theatre and her first full play Imrie, co-produced by Frân Wen and Sherman Theatre, toured Wales over the summer of 2023. Nia was a member of the Tir na n-Og Awards judging panel in 2021, and also part of the Literature Wales' Representing Wales writers development programme the same year. Nia writes for children and adults. Describing his experience of working with WJEC, poet Aneirin Karadog said : "It was a pleasure and a privilege to collaborate with WJEC on providing a literary element for the new GCSE in Core Cymraeg. "Presenting literature to those who aren't native Welsh speakers is a radical change, which is to be welcomed. Having the opportunity to create a piece of poetry that would be suitable, understandable and offer entertaining and interesting discussion points, was an experience I really enjoyed. I hope that my personal passion for the language will pass on to a generation, or possibly, new generations of Welsh speakers." Aneirin, the son of a Welsh father and a Breton mother speaks five languages – Welsh, Breton, French, Spanish and English – and writes poetry in the strict Welsh meter called Cynghanedd and in free verse. He was awarded the distinguished scholarship in the Royal National Eisteddfod and he has won the National Urdd Eisteddfod Chair. Exams regulator Qualifications Wales said: "The new range of 14-16 Cymraeg qualifications have been designed to align with Curriculum for Wales. In setting design requirements, Qualifications Wales considered the need for learners to engage with an appropriate range of written and literary forms which reflect the diverse nature of Welsh citizenship and its cultures. "We also wanted learners to be able to gain an awareness of Welsh heritage and the value of Welsh literature and culture in society today. "The poems that have been commissioned by WJEC for the new GCSE Core Cymraeg provide engaging opportunities for learners to explore these cross-cutting themes whilst developing their Cymraeg skills. Support will be provided by WJEC in the Guidance for Teaching and the package of Professional Learning." A WJEC spokesperson said: "As part of our new GCSEs in Core Cymraeg and Welsh Language and Literature, learners will have the opportunity to explore a range of poets and poetic styles. Article continues below "To meet Qualifications Wales' approval criteria for our GCSE in Core Cymraeg, we commissioned two critically acclaimed Welsh poets, Aneirin Karadog and Nia Morais to produce two new poems. These new poems offer learners texts that reflect the heritage of the language, whilst also celebrate the diversity seen across Wales. "These materials are available for free to centres, and are supported by a package of free digital resources. For our GCSE in Welsh Language and Literature, learners will study six poems, from at least three poets. Schools can choose their own poets/poems in accordance with the requirements, which are outlined in our specification."
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
Public Health Wales issues 'stay indoors' heatwave advice as amber alert issued in England
Public Health Wales issues 'stay indoors' heatwave advice as amber alert issued in England The heatwave is forecast to last as temperatures are set to hits highs of 30°C in parts of Wales People are urged to stay indoors or keep in the shade as much as they can during the heatwave (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People have been warned to stay indoors in Wales in the hottest part of the day with a heatwave forecast for the next few days. A heatwave is expected to sweep Wales throughout this week heading to the weekend with highs of 30°C in many parts of the country. Across the border the UK Health Security Agency alongside the Met Office has set an amber alert for England, cautioning that a 'rise in deaths is likely' due to the sweltering temperatures. The warning concerning extreme heat was made effective from 12pm today, Thursday, and is expected to continue until 9am on Monday June 23. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The UK is bracing itself for soaring temperatures with forecasts predicting highs of 31°C on Thursday and Friday, which could then escalate to 33°C by Saturday, remaining in the low 30s come Sunday, according to the Met Office. Check the latest reports for the hottest parts of Wales and this weekend's weather here. The alerts, indicating possible increased demand on healthcare providers among vulnerable groups, apply across all of England. An official heatwave is confirmed when specific regions experience designated temperatures—ranging from 25°C to 28°C depending on location—for three successive days. 29°C. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: 'We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°C in many areas. Article continues below 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote health care services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the work force.'' Numerous charities are stepping up with guidance as the temperature rises. Among them, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urges individuals, particularly those with heart conditions, to adopt precautionary measures to sidestep potential health dangers during periods of intense heat. Senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, Ruth Goss, warned: "You can be at greater risk from the heat if you have a heart condition, as high temperatures can put extra strain on your heart. "Elderly people and very young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so can be more at risk from extreme temperatures. In hot weather, check on your friends and relatives regularly to make sure they are cool and comfortable. "The most important way you can protect your heart in the heat is to stay cool and keep hydrated." Age UK has called for people to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours to ensure they're coping with the sweltering conditions. Caroline Abrahams, the charity's director, highlighted the increased dangers during a heatwave: "The heat is expected to build during the week, becoming hottest at the weekend and as temperatures rise, those with long-term health conditions impacting their heart, lungs or kidneys can be at extra risk." She went on to explain that age makes it more difficult to adjust to extreme heat. "Generally, our bodies find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures as we age. "Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather." Public Health Wales is also warning people to take care in the heat. It is advising people to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ and staying in the shade or indoors between 11am and 3pm. People should also and wear loose, light clothing and keep their homes cool by closing curtains or blinds on windows that get direct sun. ️People are also being asked to check neighbours, older people, babies, and anyone living alone. Met Office forecast for Wales Forecasters say it will be dry and hot for many, thunderstorms possible on Saturday. Thursday evening and Tonight: Very warm and sunny this evening but turning increasingly hazy and cloudier later. Mainly dry overnight but a few showers are possible in the west, with flashes of lightning possible. Staying warm with gusty easterly winds developing in the southwest. Minimum temperature 17°C. Friday Somewhat cloudier than Thursday with isolated showers at first. Otherwise mainly dry with sunny periods developing. Feeling hot in the sunshine though breezier than on Thursday. Very high pollen levels. Maximum temperature 30°C. Saturday and Sunday Showers possible more widely on Saturday, these thundery in places, though still sunny periods for many. Fresher on Sunday and Monday with isolated showers and warm sunny spells. Often breezy. According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley, heat will be the "dominant story" around the UK as a whole, with temperatures reaching heatwave levels in certain parts of the UK. He stated: "Saturday is expected to be the peak of this hot spell, with temperatures fairly widely reaching into the low 30 Celsius across parts of England, with high 20s likely as far north as northern and eastern Scotland. It will also be very warm at night over the weekend, with the potential for a few places to experience a 'tropical night', when temperatures do not drop below 20C." Some areas in northern and western regions may experience thundery showers on Friday and throughout the weekend. However, towards the end of the weekend and the start of the following week, temperatures are expected to drop due to the arrival of fresher conditions, which might also bring more unsettled weather, as mentioned by the forecaster. Article continues below
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
'The Welsh people have had to suffer' over lack of action on M4
'The Welsh people have had to suffer' over lack of action on M4 The Brynglas tunnels were called a "national 26 years of mismanagement" (Image: South Wales Echo ) People in Wales have had to suffer because of the Welsh Government's decision to scrap the M4 relief road, Senedd members said. A debate in Cardiff Bay heard arguments from a series of Conservative Senedd members criticising the decision, made six years ago this month not to proceed with a £1.5bn plan to divert the M4 south of Newport on a new six-lane route to avoid the Brynglas tunnels bottleneck. One Tory MS said the Brynglas tunnels were a "national 26 years of mismanagement". The Welsh Conservatives picked the M4 relief road as the topic of their debate in the meeting of the full Senedd, calling for the Welsh Government to put the idea back on the table. You can read the history to the debate here. Both Plaid Cymru and Labour voted against the motion. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Former deputy minister for transport Lee Waters told the Senedd "new roads lead to more traffic". Article continues below He said before the tolls on the Severn Bridge were removed in 2018 traffic was forecast to rise by 17%. However, he said National Highways figures show it is now up 34% compared to when there were tolls. "That's what happens when you increase road capacity, when you encourage and incentivise driving—32,000 vehicles a day now crossing the Severn bridge. A University of London study last year showed that, as a result, more people are now commuting from Newport to Bristol because what happens when you increase road capacity is people simply move further away from their place of work. So they drive further. "As a result, house prices within a 5km range of the bridge are now up by 13%. Double the rise in Newport. So that's what happens. People travel more. "They travel further from their place of living to their work, and more journeys are created. So, as soon as you've built the road, the traffic congestion levels are up and, lo and behold, what's the next demand? Build another road to relieve the congestion. And round and round we go. And the evidence is clear, it doesn't work." However, the Welsh Conservatives criticised the scheme being stopped. Welsh Conservative MS Sam Rowlands told colleagues: "The Welsh Government spent £135.7 million of public money on plans for the M4 relief road before scrapping it. "FOI requests from the Welsh Conservatives on the scheme found that 29 homes were purchased for over £15 million through compulsory purchase orders. "Two of these properties were bought for £575,000 and £400,000 in April 2019, just two months before the First Minister decided to ditch the scheme. "At least £44 million was spent by the Welsh Government on development costs and a public inquiry, an inquiry that in fact backed the building of the relief road, saying the economic benefit of the project would outweigh the cost by two to one. "At every step of this journey, there's been indecision and money wasted. "At the end of it all, it's been the Welsh people who've had to suffer as a result." Fellow Conservative MS Gareth Davies said: "The Brynglas tunnels have become a national symbol—a bottleneck where people sit stationary for miles in traffic. It's a perfect illustration of 26 years of mismanagement". Transport minister Ken Skates refuted the Welsh Government had "stood still" in improving things at the M4. Article continues below "Lord Burns and the South East Wales Transport Commission put forward recommendations on both the short-and-long-term solutions to relieve congestion, and the short-term measures have been fully implemented on the M4," he said. He referenced plans for the so-called Burns stations - east Cardiff, west Newport, Somerton, Llanwern, and Magor and Undy - which saw a financial commitment from the UK Government in Rachel Reeves' spending review. You can see the five stations here.
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time The campervan was involved in two incidents that day as the tide threaten to sweep the vehicle away Campervan submerged by the sea at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) (Image: Kevin Gibson ) In a race against time, fundraising jet skiers tried to rescue a campervan stuck in the sands of the renowned Gwynedd beach, Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog. The ordeal unfolded last Friday as the tide approached threatening to sweep the van away. Images and footage have made the rounds online, depicting the distressing moment the motorhome succumbed to the advancing sea. There were rumours on social media suggesting that passers by didn't attempt to save the vehicle. However, eyewitness accounts tell a story of a significant rescue effort by jet skiers at the beach for an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders, which successfully gathered more than £25,000 for charitable causes. Jet skiers tried to recover stranded camper van on Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) Earlier that day, the campervan had already been in a similar incident. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Thanks to the aid of vehicles belonging to those participating in the jetski event the van was removed the first time. Misfortune struck again later when the vehicle became stuck once more. Article continues below This time, a concerted effort ensued as roughly six jet skiers endeavoured to assist the beleaguered owners. They deployed a pickup truck and a 4x4 Land Rover Defender in a bid to tug the van to safety, reports North Wales Live. A participant in the operation recounted: "We tried to move the camper a second time but it wouldn't move, the wheels didn't spin, they were stuck. "We then tried a third time to retrieve the camper - attempting to drag it out with two vehicles but this time it was totally stuck. We were in danger of digging into the sand ourselves. Someone then called for the tractor, and the rest is history." Phil Butler, an admin on Abersoch Appreciation Page, has come forward to clear the air. He commented: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did." He went on to say: "Even using two towing vehicles the camper would not move, so eventually it had to be left exactly where it was stuck. The incoming tide won the battle." The Colwyn PWC Riders hosted this event over the weekend, attracting upwards of 100 riders from North Wales and beyond. An impressive £25,163.97 was collected. Article continues below The proceeds will benefit a selection of noble causes, such as the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both essential services for saving lives at sea and on the mountains, respectively – along with Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two impactful community-focused projects.
