Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

So, the Western Mail today reports that Labour AMs have been instructed not to join any group that I am hoping to get up and running to discuss the yes vote. The email from Labour’s Assembly office was leaked to the paper almost immediately after it was sent to AMs, which seems to indicate that there are people in Labour who are unhappy to be told what to do on this matter. 

Lets get this straight- I’m not trying to pre-empt the work of the Convention at all. I’ve made it abundantly clear from the outset that the letter I sent was to try and gauge opinion, and to encourage a cross party discussion on the issue. If we wait until after the Convention has ended, it will be far too late for us to prepare the ground for a yes vote and to mobilise grassroots support. Its not for one particular party to lead the way, but as a member of a political party that has signed up to campaigning for a positive outcome to the referendum, I felt it only right to try and show that Plaid are ready to get the ball rolling.

 As some people have noted in my previous post on this issue, other groups are already getting their act together on this issue on social networking sites and so on. Do politicians really want to be left behind?

Apologies for failing to blog for a while but it has been a hectic week, and sets to look the same way this week also.

If any of you have seen the Western Mail today, you will have seen a piece by Martin Shipton on a letter that he has obtained written by me to all backbench AMs, MPs and our MEPs about setting up a cross party discussion on a yes vote on a referendum on a parliament for Wales, in preparation for the culmination of the work of the National Convention.

This letter is not an effort to set up a campaign at this early stage as Lesley Griffiths rightly points out in the article, but to get an idea of what other politicians are thinking, and to encourage like minded representatives to start a debate on a yes vote. We will need to gather much more support from varying organisations and movements before a campaign is launched, but this is a small attempt to try and kick start the discussion.

I hope to see who replies, what they will say, and then look to having a meeting early on in 2009. This can then shape the way for people to gather grassroots support for any yes campaign movement- to encourage the Welsh public to vote in favour of more powers for the National Assembly. I don’t think that we can afford to wait for the culmination of the National Convention to initiate this type of discussion. All those in favour of increased powers for the National Assembly will have to be ready at that point onwards to make the case for a referendum, and for a successful outcome. The no campaign has already started, and I’ll be damned if I let them set the political agenda in Wales.

No, I wasn’t part of the 79 referendum, and I played a small part in the  successful 97 referendum for the creation of the Assembly, but I don’t think that this takes away from my determination to be pro-active, and my effort to try and create a consensus around this issue given that it is a key One Wales commitment. I hope that politicians will dignify me with a response- whether it is negative or positive, so that we can move this agenda forward.

Feel free to continue the discussion on the blogosphere….

I’m lacking in morale of late, but you get these days in politics- your ups and your downs. It seems that you always have to be on guard and on top of your game in case people throw the unexpected at you. Its not always easy, especially if you are juggling all sorts of things like campaign work, representing constituents, attending committees, meetings and such, but that is the challenge for us all I guess. Some cope better than others too. I only wish that I could be in more than one place at a time to cover the ground that I need to in a day!

Its really sad to see that over 300 jobs could be cut at the Hoover factory in Merthyr. I understand Ieuan Wyn Jones is meeting with the company and the Union’s involved today, and that we are to have a statement in the Assembly also. Regular readers will know that I come from Merthyr. Hoover is part of the heritage of the town, and I grew up proud of that fact. I sincerely hope that there can be negotiations to save the jobs at the factory, but it doesn’t look too favourable at the moment. I can’t explain quite how I feel about the impact that this will have on Merthyr and the wider area.

On another issue, I’ve had a meeting this morning about pleural plaques with the law firm Leo Abse and Cohen. In October 2007 the House of Lords ruled that compensation is no longer available to people with pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs. This decision brought to an end a right that had existed for over 20 years which allowed those with pleural plaques to recover a sum of money- as some form of compensation. The firm, alongside the GMB have a campaign to repeal this decision. I’m getting involved as I have a constituent with pleural plaques who has raised this matter with me, and so I am hoping to organise an event at the National Assembly in the New Year to brief AMs on this matter, and to make representations to Westminster.

The Scottish Parliament has overturned the ruling, and provides compensation for those with the condition, but we do not have the powers here to emulate that change in policy. If you want to get involved, just leave a comment on this post.

I am set to do an interview for AM PM on anti bullying week this afternoon. I tabled a statement of opinion to mark the week. As someone who was bullied in the not so distant past, I am passionate about raising awareness of this issue, and ensuring that people feel strong enough to stand up to those who actively seek to undermine others.

Just wanted to post this picture up of the cross party group meeting with Edwina Hart earlier today. It was a good meeting, although the £1.5million that was announced will be a recurring £1million which we did not think would be the case from reading the press releases. But there is money there, so I am not complaining.

We discussed when the new framework/ strategy would go out for consultation, and how the care pathway could look when the health service is re-structured. Many of the issues raised will be discussed again at the cross party group on the 2nd of December at the National Assembly. I think we still have a long way to go in campaigning for more training for health professionals and GPs.

The Minister told us that female twins had died of an eating disorder last week. This again is awful news. My only hope is that eating disorders will rise from the Cinderella service that it currently is, so that more people do not suffer as a result of having an eating disorder in Wales due to lack of treatment or adequate support.

I’ve been quite sad all day even though I’ve been really busy with visits and such. A constituent of mine who is only a year younger than me, died of an eating disorder today in Bridgend. I am frustrated that systems were not in place ten years ago, or now even, to address this situation effectively. I want to take this opportunity to send my regards to the family, and support them in any way possible during this difficult time.

I know that we have money in the new budget round for eating disorders and I am truly thankful for this development, but there is such a long way to go. Knowing that people are dying of this illness uneccesarily so is my motivation for progress.

A delegation of the cross party group are meeting with Edwina Hart on Monday, and the mother of my constituent has asked that we read an email that she has written concerning her daughter at the meeting- about her determination to ensure that she will not be a statistic. I hope that the cross party group can continue our hard work, and be motivated by the way in which the carers and families of those with an eating disorder are behind our efforts one hundred per cent.

I went to an event organised by the newly formed Women in Management Network last night at the National Assembly where the new permanent Secretary of the Welsh Assembly Government,Gillian Morgan and the Chief Executive of the National Assembly for Wales, Claire Clancy spoke about their experiences in management. Gillian Morgan is certainly a lively character, and engaged those present immediately with her witty comments about her rise to the top of her career- although I could not do justice relaying her stories here. Claire Clancy also spoke eloquently about her career, and how she rebelled against going to University- instead opting to enter the civil service straight after her formal education, and again, working her way up the greasy pole.

While both contributions were interesting, and while I was pleased to be sitting in a room full of women who had all probably experienced the sexism that is rife in our work places, and struggled for acceptance, I was a little disappointed that there was this air of denial in the gender issue playing a key role in the barriers that women still face- in work and in society generally. Gillian Morgan noted quite clearly that she had not experienced the so called ‘glass ceiling’, and that it was possible, with effort for every woman to push ahead undeterred with their aspirations. She also said that many women chose not to attend meetings or apply for non executive positions as they did not feel comfortable in doing so, but that women should just be bold enough to do so. But is it as easy as that?

I agree with her sentiment,  but there has to be a sea change in the system for women to be able to feel that they are able to enter surroundings that are alien to them, and which men still dominate. Also, in relation to childcare, the panelists stated that this should be seen more as a family issue, and not an issue for women. While I understand what they mean in terms of ensuring that childcare is shared between both parents or other family members, it is true to say that women are still those who are juggling childcare and work in the main, and that barriers to flexible working deter them from progressing their career. We need to be upfront about that, and de -stigmatise the stereotypes of women and childcare.

I was disappointed by the lack of discussion on how women access management, and what the Welsh Assembly Government and the Assembly’s Commission are doing to work positively to ensure that women are holding key positions. There was also a void of discussion on equal pay, and the ongoing battle for progress on this issue withing Local Authorities in Wales. I don’t want this blog to appear that I am criticising the network, as I believe that it is superb in providing a support base for women, and for them to share experiences and to gain mentoring skills, but I think that introducing more debates for future events could shape the way that the network develops. It can be pro active in challenging some of the systems that are in place, that so obviously deter women from entering.

I’m back from London safe and sound you’d be pleased to know. It shows the strength of blogs in that a colleague didn’t know where I was yesterday and instead of contacting me directly, she said that she ‘just checked my blog, and found out that way.’  So blogging is a superb way of communicating with people without having to talk to people directly- great! I’m sure that will do a world of good for my social skills;-)

So to the E-Democracy conference. Well, it wasn’t what I thought it would be, lets put it that way. The opening speech by Helen Boaden of the BBC was exceptionally useful in highlighting how the BBC is now using new technologies to communicate with people and to encourage grassroots news, but the conference in general fell flat after that I’m afraid to say. It seemed to concentrate a little too much on e-consultations and what methods are being used in such processes, but not its effect, or how politicians are using it. For example, questions were posed to panels of lecturers and consultancy firms- if the politicians do not take e-consultation responses as seriously as formal, written or oral evidence, then why should they invest vital resources to develop it?

I gave my contribution to the day by singing the praises of our e-petitions system and the Welsh blogosphere, but unfortunately the attendance at the workshop on Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales was disappointing- this despite the fact that the devolved nations are clearly leading the way in this field. Its annoying when you go to some London based events when most people do not even consider, or know that we even exist, and put us in the ‘UK’ governance box without a second thought. This does not assist in creating an effective analysis of what is out there, and what is working in the realm of e-democracy.

There’s still a long way to go on this issue. Given that there were only 3 politicians present, it seemed a little like we were preaching to the converted yesterday. Unless politicians see the benefits of, and embrace e-democracy for all that it offers, and not just as an add on to other initiatives, then we will be in the same place next year. See more here from Iain Dale on the final panel discussion of the day. I am too angry to say much. The politicians on the panel clearly saw no use for e-democracy, and especially not blogging. Supposedly they are all men in grey suits. Discuss…

An interesting point that was made in all the talk about the US elections and how Obama used the Internet so successfully was that yes, the US parties are great at gathering people to support them online during elections, but after the furore of the election, they are not so good at sustaining interest, or developing e-democracy all year round. What do you think?

Anyway, must rush. Plenary is starting.

I am on the train to London, as I’m taking part in the e-democracy conference that I’ve blogged about yesterday. Its very cold, but a chance for me to reflect and relax. I’m reading Total Politics,specifically an article on young people in politics- but there is no mention of any of the devolved administrations, and the contributions that people like myself make to broaden the base of our democracy. Perhaps this was intended, but I think that it would be a stronger article had the author chosen to discuss how young people are accessing their AMs or MSPs, and how they view this system compared to Westminster. But what do I know?!

On the issue of young people, I’ve also scanned the article on Lisa Stevens in the Western Mail who has become Labour’s number 2 on the Euro election list. Another young woman seeking to get involved in politics, which is no bad thing. Did the powers that be in Labour see the success of the young guns in Plaid and feel left out, I wonder;-)
I wish her the best of luck anyway, despite calling herself a person of the ‘Tony Blair generation’. Please, don’t push me over the edge!!

I read with interest on the blogs that one of the reasons why the SNP may have lost Glenrothes was their idea to raise the legal age limit of buying alcohol to 21. This may be a factor indeed, and an idea that I disagree with.

My American friends tell me of their frustration with this policy, and facing three years of University life where drinking on any level is illegal is truly unfair. Let’s have some more faith in our young people please! Yes, they may drink a little more than is required on occassions, but that applies to people of all ages, surely? If we continue this nonsense where there are more complications about what young people can do at a certain age, ie vote at 18, drive at 17, join the army at 16 etc then it will only make young people more despondant.

Right, well, there’s my rant for this evening. Hopefully I will have a chance to blog tomorrow on some of the highlights of the conference. Naturally there will be discussions on blogging, where I will get to meet the celebs of the blogosphere…!

I think the Western Mail went a little over board with the ‘crisis talks’ headline over the weekend that described the alleged fraught relationship between Plaid and Labour in government at the moment. Naturally, with two different parties working together in government, there will be tensions from time to time. In this case, most of the tensions that we have are with Labour MPs. Suprprise surprise!  We seem to work on a consensus relatively smoothly until the likes of Hain and Murphy put their oar in and tell us off like naughty children in the playground.

I’ve said on this blog before that I am concerned that the way in which the Housing LCO has been treated by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee does not bode well for the Welsh Language LCO. I say this as I would be lying if I said otherwise! We know that there are those in Labour who are anti legislation in the realm of the Welsh language, yet when it comes to equal rights in other areas they are first in line to promote it. I understand that the Welsh Language LCO has nearly been finalised, but like other LCOs,  Alun Ffred and his colleagues in the Bay are keeping it broad in nature, as we believe that this is what is required of us at the LCO stage.  Some Labour MPs may disagree of course.

Anyway, I will say with my hand on my heart that if we are deterred from fulfilling the policies in One Wales that we have promised to fulfil then we will be forced to consider our future in the coalition. For now, I don’t see that this is the case, and that work is progressing within the coalition.

 Of course Plaid members want to be reassured that we are working in their interest, and we have opportunities in conference and at National Council to discuss issues arising from our programme of government, but I do not see that we should panic. We are not fools. We won’t be taken up to the next Assembly election on some sort of false hope that our commitments can be somehow carried over to the next Assembly term or ignored even. After all, there is no guarantee what will happen in the next election. For those in the Labour party who like that idea, well you are wrong to think that Plaid will sit down and accept that some of our main policies and core beliefs will be put to one side.

Of course, it is frustrating sometimes to work in coalition as some Labour Ministers are more ready to work with us than others, and sometimes there are power struggles (especially when the press is involved) but there are no major problems. I think the more pressing issue is finding out who will take over from Rhodri Morgan, and preparing a smooth takeover ( if the new leader does not ditch One Wales and go for a Lib Lab deal that is) as at the moment there seems to be a lack of energy in Labour for the position of leader.

You’d think with Obama mania etc there would be some in the Labour party passionate enough to get their campaigning socks on again… or maybe they are just expecting Rhodri Morgan to carry on. I don’t know for sure, but what I do hope is that Rhodri Morgan is thinking about his legacy, and how history remember him. Leading a referendum on a parliament for Wales would definitely mark his leadership. Constant squabbling between the Bay and Westminster will not, that’s for sure.