Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins has today welcomed the announcement by Sustainability Minister Jane Davidson establishing a consultation on 500 meter buffer zones for all opencast mining projects in Wales.

The announcement followed a question by Ms Jenkins, who has been part of a campaign in Kenfig Hill opposing the extending of opencast mining in the area.

The consultation is part of a review, long advocated by the Plaid Cymru AM, and will also include consultation on imposing a compulsory health impact assessment on all future opencast projects.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Ms Jenkins said:

“I am delighted that the One Wales Government has fulfilled its commitment to revisit current rules relating to opencast mining in Wales. Individuals will now be able to submit their views on increasing the buffer zones to 500 meters. This is an important victory for campaigners.”

Ms Jenkins also highlighted the significance of compulsory health impact assessments.

Ms Jenkins added:

“I am very pleased that the Minister is considering introducing compulsory health impact assessment on future opencast projects. This is evidence of the One Wales Government putting people’s health and wellbeing at the top of the agenda.”

“I call on all those concerned to submit their views to Jane Davidson, Minister for Sustainability, so that their voices are heard, loud and clear.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins AM has today called on her fellow Assembly Members to vote progressively for a motion calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Ms Jenkins said:

“Lowering the voting age to 16 has been Plaid Cymru policy for many years. As a progressive party, aiming to open up the democratic process for all citizens, we believe it is vital to create a culture of democratic participation at a young age. Sixteen and Seventeen year olds can enter fulltime employment, can marry, can enlist in the Armed Forces and pay taxes. It is only fair that they have their say.”

Ms Jenkins added:

“Lowering the voting age in itself will not instantly lead to increased participation at elections. Such a move must be acompanied by increasing resources for education in democracy and of political issues. We must inspire our young people to make their voices heard.”