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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
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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
an hour ago
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This house is on the market for the price of a bag of crisps
This house is on the market for the price of a bag of crisps It has an auction guide price of just £1 but what is waiting for you at Love Cottage Rundown house or a bag of crisps? (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Next time you're tucking into a bag of Walker's ready salted crisps (other crisp companies and flavour choices are available) you might think that instead of indulging in your favourite snack you could be buying a house. It's very, very unlikely that Love Cottage is going to sell at auction for its £1 guide price, but maybe for the same price as a multibag of crisps option? But the incredibly low starting bid is eye-catching and surely worth a further look at the property that is going under the hammer shortly and looking for a new owner. The 'crisp bag' property is called Bwthyn Cariad, which translates to Love Cottage, needs plenty of love and a dedicated budget to renovate it, revive it, and release its full potential as a much-loved home again. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This is Wales' best place to live in 2025 It's got a good sized kitchen diner as a plus point (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Article continues below The house can be found in the heart of the bustling Pembrokeshire town of Pembroke Dock and the auction house who are selling the property online state that with a price tag of just £1 at auction, the vendors are hopeful they can attract an investor who is up for the challenge. The cottage is in need of a total revamp but Sean Roper, from Paul Fosh Auctions, believes there could be handsome rewards for an investor looking to show the cottage plenty of love. Goes down hill somewhat in the bathroom (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Sean said: 'The mid-terraced property has certainly seen much better days. But there is plenty of scope presented by what is there and added to that the property has a very large garden which could also be exploited and an auction guide price of just £1! 'Currently the property has two lower ground floor rooms with two bedrooms upstairs with the expansive garden which extends down the rear of Meyrick Street. It would seem that the lot offers a number of development opportunities, subject to obtaining planning permission. Piles of rubble and broken doors - but what do you expect for £1? (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) 'The first could be to renovate and refurbish to a high standard for holiday lets due to its proximity to many of Pembrokeshire top tourist areas. Typically, a refurbished two-bedroom cottage would generate in the region of 28k per annum net as a holiday let. 'A second option could be to renovate and refurbish to a high standard as a long term let. There could be a high demand for this kind of refurbished property from young professionals and local workers and could achieve a monthly rental of some £900 per calendar month." For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here The renovation 'to do' list is long but the rewards are worth it says the auction house (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Sean says another idea for the property could be to renovate and refurbish it to a high standard and sell on the open market. He said: "Renovated a typical, two-bedroom high standard property in this area could sell for between £160,000 and £185,000. 'There is also an option to renovate and sell the garden space that runs up Meyrick Street that's with the property. Parcels of land could be sold to individual houses along Meyrick Street and then retain the house with a portion of the remaining garden space." There is outside space but also exterior work to do (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) The property is located within close proximity of the main shopping area of Pembroke Dock, a town located some three miles north west of Pembroke and seven miles south of Haverfordwest with good road links provided by the A477 which links to the A40 at Johnstown. Pembroke Dock provides a comprehensive range of shopping and recreational pursuits also it benefits from a rail station North West of the property providing further transport links. The A477 also leads north via the Cleddau Bridge crossing Milford Haven through to Honeyborough and also providing access to the heart of Milford Haven Centre.' Article continues below Bwthyn Cariad will be sold online at Paul Fosh Auctions which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 24, and ends from 5pm on Thursday, June 26, call to find out more. Find another property to renovate here:
Wales Online
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The UK's best butcher is based in Wales
The UK's best butcher is based in Wales The family-run business has been serving its community since being established in 1959 This family-run shop has been declared as the 'best butcher' in the UK (Image: Google Maps ) A Welsh family-run butcher shop which has been going for nearly six decades has been named as the best butcher across the United Kingdom. Hailed as a 'true champion' of farming, the NS James Butchers in Raglan is one of the oldest butchers in Wales. The were declared as the 'best butcher' in Wales and across the UK during the 'Rural Oscars' event organised by the Countryside Alliance. Held annually for 18 years, the event recognises rural businesses across different categories like the 'best local food', 'best butcher', 'best pub', 'best rural enterprise', and 'best village shop/post office' across the UK. This year, two of awards in the categories, of 'best butcher', and 'best rural enterprise' category were won by Welsh enterprises. NS James W Butcher with Baroness Mallalieu, President of the Countryside Alliance (Image: Countryside Alliance ) Best butcher The family run NS James Butchers based in Raglan, Monmouthshire. They have been recognised for 'nourishing' their community's roots. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The Countryside Alliance praise said: 'Farming has a true champion in N.S. James Butchers of Raglan. With a steadfast commitment to low food miles and locally sourced livestock, they're not just feeding the community, they're NS James Butchers in Raglan its roots. Article continues below "Their in-house abattoir and hand-crafted produce demonstrate a level of care and expertise rarely seen today. Add to that their presence at rural events and support for local producers, and it's clear: N.S. James is more than a butcher, they are the beating heart of a thriving rural network, proudly flying the flag for farming and food heritage." Best Rural Enterprise Coterie Leather with the Earl of Leicester (Image: Countryside Alliance ) Coterie Leather, based out of Pembrokeshire, has been crowned as the best rural enterprise across the UK. It has been recognised for setting a 'benchmark for rural businesses nationwide.' The Countryside Alliance said: "Coterie Leather exemplifies the essence of rural enterprise, blending sustainability, craftsmanship, and community engagement. "Tracy Watkins has not only created a brand that produces beautiful, ethical products but also fosters education and environmental responsibility. Her dedication to preserving traditional skills while innovating within the fashion industry sets a benchmark for rural businesses nationwide." Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: 'Now in their eighteenth year, the Countryside Alliance Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises that form the backbone of rural Britain. These stories of perseverance, ingenuity, and community spirit deserve to be heard in the corridors of power. 'Whether you're here representing a family farm, a village shop, a local pub, or a rural enterprise, you are all standard bearers for the countryside and the communities that depend on it. 'These awards are about more than just business. They celebrate the people and values that keep rural life alive, commitment to community, a passion for produce, innovation, sustainability, and good old-fashioned hard work. It's a privilege to welcome such outstanding ambassadors of rural Britain to Westminster.' Article continues below
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Weird Fish shoppers 'feel amazing' in 'great price' dress that 'looks so expensive'
Weird Fish shoppers 'feel amazing' in 'great price' dress that 'looks so expensive' Weird Fish have reduced the Arles Embroidered Cotton Dress by £14 and shoppers are snapping it up to wear this summer The Arles dress is a beautiful option in blue for summer (Image: Weird Fish ) Dressing for the warm weather is all about finding outfits that keep the wearer cool and comfortable, without looking frumpy. Sometimes an easy-throw-on-and-go dress is the best option and fashion retailer Weird Fish have just the ticket in a gorgeous shade of cobalt blue. Reminiscent of sparkling oceans and balmy Greek holidays, the Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress is as summery as they come, featuring a swishy full skirt, tassels and gentle pleating. Stocked in sizes 8 to 22, the dress would typically set shoppers back £70, but a limited time sale brings the price down to £56. The statement dress could easily be worn as a wedding guest dress, paired with metallic accessories and jewellery, or popped on over the top of swimwear at the beach or pool on holiday. Made with organic cotton, the dress was inspired by Greece and Morocco, using a breathable fabric. READ MORE: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury READ MORE: New Balance shoe hailed 'comfiest to exist' and is 50% off Better yet, the maxi dress boats deep hand-slip pockets - a winning feature many shoppers applaud. White embroidery around the neckline and down the three quarter length sleeves add a touch of elegance and really elevate the outfit to stylish heights. One shopper took to the reviews section of the Weird Fish website to say: "Perfect for holiday. Fit is gorgeous, I feel amazing in it and such a good price for something that looks so expensive." And now reduced to £56, it's even better value for money. Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress £70 £56 Weird Fish Shop Deal Product Description Shoppers are getting prepped for the warm weather in the Weird Fish sale. Boden have also got a number of beautiful blue summer dresses on their website, including the Isabel Broderie Mix Maxi Dress. It's £130, but shoppers can shave 15% off the price tag bringing it down to £110.50 with the code JM7D. Shoppers are calling the dress a 'win win' as it is 'very comfortable and breezy', however, someone did find the colour to be a little too 'intense' for their liking. Opting for a summer dress with a pattern helps to break the colour up and make it a less of a statement. This Light Blue Tile Print Shirred Waist Maxi Dress for £48 at Roman does exactly this. It would look lovely with wedges and shoppers say they have 'had lots of compliments' since wearing it. The floaty tiered skirt is a flattering feature (Image: Weird Fish ) Fashion fans also say that the Weird Fish maxi dress has lots going for it, with one person writing: "Lovely fabric, colour, embroidery, sleeves. Like it." Those that have a shorter frame may wish to know that some customers found the design a little too long. Article continues below A four star review reads: "A nice quality garment. The embroidery is lovely but the dress drowned me I need to be taller. Having bought online I returned it in store very easily. There were some nice items in there and I will shop there in future." But, shoppers with their eye on the Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress can pick it up for £56 on the Weird Fish website.
