In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Police Stations
It was great to see the re-opening of front counters at three police stations in Caerphilly county borough – Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach and Risca.
I was particularly concerned at the previous decision to shut Caerphilly because of its sizeable population of 30,000 and raised it directly with Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ian Johnston.
The original ruling by the former Chief Constable was short-sighted and this reversal will bring the police closer to the public and provide reassurance.
ASSEMBLY WORK
Support for our veterans was raised in the Senedd last week. The issue of a veterans’ ID card is being looked at by a Welsh Government group and a report is due to be presented in the near future.
I raised the question of support for the needs of army reservists and families to also be considered.
Some years ago I saw the work being done in the field hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. It was really an awesome place to visit, so support for our veterans is vital.
The Minister gave a commitment that all members of a veterans’ family will receive all the support and services that they need.
I also pressed the First Minister to introduce a ban on smoking in cars when children are carried.
As a member of the Assembly’s health committee, I asked what action the Welsh Government was taking in the wake of a report on public attitudes which supports for a ban to be imposed.
Eighty-two per cent of the public in Wales in a recent survey backed the banning of smoking in cars carrying children and the same percentage said they would comply with a ban if one was introduced.
The UK government will be introducing legislation next year and the signs are that the Scottish Parliament is likely to do likewise. The Welsh Government mustn’t drag its feet on this issue.
In response, the First Minister said that the Welsh Government would review the results of a survey in the summer and then look to legislate if the findings were found to be robust. Once the review is published, I hope the Welsh Government will move swiftly.
Some opponents of a ban have argued that it would be an infringement of the freedom of the individual. But, of course, the child who has no say in the matter and the impact of passive smoking is well known. How many people would now reverse the ban on smoking in restaurants and pubs that was seen by some as an attack on personal freedom?
INDEPENDENT SHOPS
The importance of independent shops as a key part of every town and city was highlighted in a recent report with a welcome growth in numbers of businesses across Wales. Many people want an alternative to the big chains so it is hoped that independents will prosper.
Lindsay the general public do not want to be told how to bring up their children it is none of the assembly business.
This nonscnse about e-cigs aswell unveiled at the WRU (WHY?) yesterday. Sort out the waiting times for operations, the quality of procedures offered to patients and the ambulance service.
The general public do not want to be dictated to any more they want the basics sorted out.
I was going to post a detailed comment but Jan has said it all far more succinctly than I can. The Welsh Assembly is obsessed with tinkering with the minutiae of our lives. Why don't they concentrate on making Wales an attractive place to live and do business rather than constantly proscribing on things which are personal choice? These issues have nothing whatsoever top do with politicians.
I do welcome the re-opening of police stations, for this we can thank the Police Commissioner. I seem to remember that most of our Assembly politicians were against the creation of this role. If I am wrong perhaps they can correct me?