Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member, Bethan Jenkins, will today ask Assembly Environment Minister, Jane Davidson, for her government’s support for the re-introduction of redeemable deposits on drinks containers.

Such schemes have proved successful in many places around the world such as South Africa, North America and Scandinavia. In Norway, in 2005 93% of all recyclable bottles and 80% of all drink cans in Norway returned into the deposit and recycling system. That year also saw 280 million NOK in deposits being paid for the return of 194 million cans and 49 million bottles.

And Ms Jenkins has said she will introduce an Assembly Measure to introduce a similar scheme in Wales, if the Assembly Government is successful in seeking legislative competence on environmental matters.

Ms Jenkins will say:

“The UK has the worst record for recycling glass and steel in Europe. We recycle just 25%, compared to Denmark at 63% and Switzerland at 93%. Aluminium cans can take 100 years to degrade when they are dumped. The introduction of a redeemable deposit scheme on drinking containers will lead to more recycling, will mean cleaner streets and countryside , and will help nurture a culture of recycling among people.”

The Assembly Government has applied to Westminster for a Legislative Competence Order (LCO) that will allow the Assembly to pass laws relating to the environment and recycling. Ms Jenkins believes this could be a window of opportunity for a radical approach to recycling in Wales.

Ms Jenkins will add:

“When deposits were introduced in Iowa 20 years ago litter was reduced by 70 per cent. Such a scheme could be locally administered by local authorities with proceeds going towards education on recycling and improvements to local recycling facilities. If Parliament devolves powers on the environment to the Assembly I will introduce legislation for the creation of redeemable deposits at the earliest opportunity”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Environmental Protection and Waste management LCO, proposed by the Welsh Assembly Government, is awaiting referral to Parliament.

Container deposit legislation if fairly widespread in North America and Scandinavia and require that a deposit on carbonated, milk, water or alcoholic beverage containers be collected when the beverage is sold. When the container is returned to an authorised redemption centre, or the original seller in some jurisdictions, the deposit is partially or completely refunded to the consumer.

The many benefits of such legislation are:

• to encourage recycling and complement existing curb-side recycling programs;
• to specifically reduce beverage container litter along roads, in lakes and rivers, and on other public or private properties;
• to protect children by effectively reducing the incidence of glass lacerations in childhood;
• to create a culture of recycling that extends beyond the recycling of drinks containers.

United States

In the United States, these laws are also popularly called bottle bills after the Oregon Bottle Bill, the first container deposit legislation passed in the U.S.

Studies show that beverage container legislation has reduced total roadside litter by between 30% and 64% in the states with bottle bills.

Studies also show that the recycling rate for beverage containers is vastly increased with a bottle bill. The US beverage container recycling rate was 39.4% in 2001. States with bottle bills recycle approximately 78% while states lacking bottle bill legislation only recycle approximately 23%.

In some states, such as California, the unredeemed bottle deposit money is put into a fund which provides grants for curb-side recycling programs, clean up, and other related causes.

Canada

Many provinces in Canada have deposit refund systems in place for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage containers: glass, plastic, aluminum, and tetrapak containers have deposit requirements in various provinces. Deposits range from 5¢ to 40¢ per unit.

Ontario’s system of deposit refunds for beer bottles, through “The Beer Store” (The Beer Store is owned by three Ontario brewers: Labatt, Molson and Sleeman),[6] has close to a 100% return rate. The bottles can be cleaned and reused 15 to 20 times.

Effective February 5, 2007, Ontario’s container deposit applies to wine and spirit, in addition to beer containers.[7] However, even though spirits may only be purchased at government run stores (LCBO) and wine may only be purchased there and at specialty wine shops and directly from wineries, these bottles may only be returned for deposit refund at The Beer Store.

Norway

Norsk Resirk[8] is the non-profit system founded 3 May 1999 and co-owned by various organisations in trade and industry that handles the depositing and recycling non-refillable plastic bottles and beverage cans in Norway. The Norwegian system works in such a way that the excise tax decreases as the returns increases, meaning that for example 90 per cent returns for cans translates into a 90 per cent discount on the excise tax. This again allows drink products to be sold at lower prices.

In 2005 93% of all recyclable bottles and 80% of all drink cans in Norway returned into the deposit and recycling system. That year also saw 280 million NOK in deposits being paid for the return of 194 million cans and 49 million bottles.

Deposits on drink containers have a long history in Norway, starting with deposits on beer bottles in 1902. The deposit back then was 0,06 NOK (3,30 NOK in 2006 currency value). This deposit arrangement was later expanded to include soft drink bottles.

Up until 1 January the Vinmonopolet government wine and spirits monopoly chain had deposits on products made by the company itself, this did not include imported products.

Today drink containers can be returned and deposits retrieved at over 9,000 establishments in Norway, and there are almost 3,000 reverse vending machines where drink containers can be exchanged for receipts that can be cashed in at the counter. Most reverse vending machines in Norway are manufactured by Tomra Systems ASA.

Wales

It is some 30 years since the UK had a system of redeemable deposits on drinking containers.

Neath-based Assembly member, Bethan Jenkins, today called for Port Talbot to trial a citizens’ assembly to re-engage the public in the democratic process.

Citizens’ assemblies are used in numerous countries, such as Canada, for the public to have their say on key issues. Such assemblies are comprised of electors, selected randomly from the electoral role and act as juries on specific issues such as electoral reform.

Ms Jenkins will tomorrow (September 23rd) support a seminar on civic participation at the National Assembly hosted by Public Affairs Cymru which will publicise the work of Canadian Professor Peter MacLeod, a cutting edge examiner of public participation.

Speaking today, Ms Jenkins said:

“It seems clear that with low turn out levels at elections, many people are disengaging with the democratic process and feel that they are not a part of the decision making process. Devolution has gone a long way to address that disengagement and I believe we should go a step further and convene local citizens’ assemblies where ordinary people can influence legislators.”

Ms Jenkins said she will be initiating the creation of a citizens’ assembly in the area in the coming weeks. She added:

“I want to see Neath Port Talbot leading the way on a radical change to the decision-making process in Wales. I believe it would be fitting for the first citizens’ assembly in Wales to be held in Port Talbot, comprising of local people. Such an assembly could consider issues such as a windfall tax on energy companies or lowering the voting age to 16.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Public Affairs Cymru are supporting Bethan Jenkins AM in publicising the work of Peter MacLeod, a cutting edge examiner of public participation. The following day Peter is in London launching a pamphlet called “Sorted: Civic lotteries and the future of public participation”. Inspired by Canada’s first Citizens’ Assemblies, in 2007 he founded MASS LBP to extend this model and reinvent public consultation. MASS LBP is based in Toronto with staff in Vancouver, Ottawa and London.

Will be held on Tuesday 23rd September, 6.30pm-8.00pm in Media Briefing Room at the Senedd, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay.

For Further information please contact Steffan Lewis on 029 20 898 713

Plaid Cymru Spokesperson on Child Poverty, Bethan Jenkins AM, has today called on the UK Government to confirm reports that it is to sign up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in full.

For 17 years, the UK Government has opted out of provisions in the Convention prohibiting child migrants and asylum seekers to be locked up without judicial scrutiny. Today, the BBC understands that the Government will announce its intention to sign up to the Convention in full at a summit in Geneva next week.

Neath-based Ms Jenkins said:

“It is nothing short of disgraceful that the UK Government has for seventeen years opted out of certain provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, to enable it to lock up child migrants without judicial scrutiny.

“The Government have, in effect, created two-tiers of children and have refused to guarantee basic human rights universally; demonising migrant children and denying them full legal resource.”

Next week’s announcement coincides with a hearing at the UN in Geneva where British officials will be questioned on the UK’s respect for children’s rights.

The opt-out has meant the “best interest” rule does not apply to immigrant children in the UK and makes it easier for officials to lock them up, sometimes for weeks or months, pending planned deportation.

Ms Jenkins added:

“I would like to think that as Plaid Ministers work hard to create a socially just Wales, that with the necessary powers, our Government would be committed to upholding human rights for every person, regardless of their background, race, nationality or gender. The social paradigm of an independent Welsh government would look very different to the current London consensus on immigration and equality.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West Bethan Jenkins has today visited a local British Lung Foundation support group in Waunceirch.

The Foundation’s support network, ‘Breathe Easy’, is a UK-wide network of support groups for people suffering with lung diseases and for those who care for them.

Speaking from the meeting at the Owain Glyndwr Centre today Ms Jenkins said:

“Many people living with lung diseases and those who care for them, face a daily battle to go about normal, day-to-day business. The Breathe Easy network is an invaluable forum for such people to come together, share experiences and support each other.

“I have also been very interested to learn of the campaign the British Lung Foundation is leading for improved services for patients and for greater recognition of the issue on the political agenda.”

Ms Jenkins also urged people in the area to take care of their lungs to avoid lung problems in later life.

Ms Jenkins added:

“The damage of smoking to peoples’ lungs is very well documented and I am delighted that the smoking ban has been introduced to combat the effects of passive smoking. But there are many ways people can take better care of their lungs through exercise, getting medical advise if suffering of persistent coughs for a month, and also eating healthily.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins has today written to the Home Office to request that Babi Badalov, an asylum seeker from Azerbaijan is not deported. This is in light of Babi’s recent detention in Cardiff, with removal directions given for the 20th of September. Babi, an artist from Azerbaijan has endured persecution due to his sexuality and the radical nature of his creative activities by the government in Azerbaijan, and his brother has threatened to kill him due to the fact that homosexuality is deemed unacceptable to many in the country.

Speaking from her office in Neath today, Ms Jenkins said:

“I met Babi when I spoke at an event to display his art in Bute Street Art Centre, Cardiff earlier this year. He has contributed so much to the community here in Wales, and I have therefore written to Jacqui Smith MP at the Home Office to appeal against his now imminent deportation. If he is forced to return to Azerbaijan, he faces an unhappy and unstable future, with his own family threatening to kill him due to his sexuality.”

Bethan Jenkins added:

“We must support asylum seekers such as Babi, and there is an obligation on the Westminster government to defend those people who face persecution in their respective countries. Wales has welcomed Babi with open arms, and it is deeply frustrating that the National Assembly for Wales does not have the powers to overturn decisions to deport asylum seekers who are clearly in danger.

“I have helped with the cases of many asylum seekers in my region, and throughout Wales. I intend to raise this issue with the First Minister at the National Assembly to encourage him to liaise with his Westminster colleagues on this urgent matter.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information go to the website http://noborderswales.wordpress.com

Heddiw, mae Aelod y Cynulliad Plaid Cymru dros Orllewin De Cymru, Bethan Jenkins wedi lansio ei gwefan newydd i hysbysu ei hetholwyr am y gwaith mae hi’n ei wneud yn yr ardal.

Yn siarad o’i swyddfa yng Nghastell Nedd heddiw, dywedodd Ms Jenkins:

“Lansiais fy ngwefan blogio newydd yn ddiweddar ac mae wedi’i llunio i fod yn debyg i’r wefan rwy’n lansio heddiw.

Mae’n hollbwysig i ACau gadw mewn cysylltiad ag etholwyr mewn ffyrdd newydd ac arloesol, ac mae’r wefan yn un ffordd o wneud hyn. Mae gwybodaeth am ymgyrchoedd a materion lleol yng Ngorllewin De Cymru yn ogystal ag oriel lluniau ar y wefan. Hefyd, mae ‘na erthyglau rwyf wedi ysgrifennu i’r wasg leol a sut i gysylltu â fy staff yn y swyddfa yng Nghastell Nedd. ”

Ychwanegodd Bethan:

“Rwy’n bwriadau postio blogiau fideo am fy ngwaith yn rheolaidd ar y wefan yn ogystal â’r newyddion diweddaraf am ddigwyddiadau lleol y gall fy etholwyr fynychu yn yr ardal. Hefyd, mae ardal lle y gall pobl gysylltu â fi trwy Facebook neu’r wefan gymdeithasol Twitter.

“Gobeithio y bydd hyn yn annog pobl i gymryd rhan yn y broses wleidyddol ac y bydd ACau eraill yn fy nilyn i trwy ddefnyddio’r technolegau newydd. Rwy’n dymuno hefyd rhoi polau ar y wefan i gasglu barnau pobl ar faterion o bwys.”

Diwedd

Nodiadau i Olygyddion

Am ragor o wybodaeth ewch i’r wefan www.bethanjenkins.org.uk. Crëwyd y wefan gan Jeremy Clulow o www.webswonder.co.uk

Gwelir fy ngwefan blogio ar www.bethanjenkinsblog.org.uk

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has convened and chaired a fringe meeting on eating disorders at Plaid Cymru’s Conference in Aberystwyth.

The Assembly Member who chairs the Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Eating Disorders, was joined on the panel by Joy Jones, Chair of the All Wales Eating Disorders Special Interest Group, and Sarah Alldritt, a recovered sufferer of eating disorders.

Speaking from Aberystwyth today, Ms Jenkins said:

“For too long, this matter has not been high on the priority list for government, which is shocking when we consider the deep-rooted nature of this problem.

“There are around 56,000 eating disorders sufferers in Wales and according to the National Institute for Eating Disorders, one in five die as a result of their illness. According to the mental health charity Mind, as many as one woman in twenty will have eating patterns that are cause for concern, most will be aged between 14 -25.”

Sarah Alldritt said:

“I was fortunate enough to receive funding from Health Commission Wales and remain in the community during my treatment. Two of the major aims of the Cross Party Committee are to ensure that more people throughout Wales can access care and support in the community and that training is given to a range of health professionals to ensure that EDs are recognised and treated before hospitalisation becomes necessary.”

Chair of the All Wales Eating Disorders Special Interest Group Joy Jones added:

“I would like to express my appreciation for the work of the Cross Party Committee at the Assembly and to Bethan Jenkins AM as its chair. Eating Disorders has never before had such a high profile on the Welsh Assembly Government agenda and we look forward with optimism to meaningful developments in ED service provision over the next few years.”

Mae’r Aelod Cynulliad Plaid Cymru Bethan Jenkins heddiw wedi condemnio’r diffyg ymdriniaeth ar y teledu yn Gymraeg i gemau pêl-droed rhyngwladol Cymru a ddangosir ar y sianel lloeren, Setanta. Daw ei galwad cyn i dîm John Toshack chwarae yn erbyn Rwsia ym Moscow.

Dangosir tair o gemau oddi cartref Cymru am le yng Nghwpan y Byd ar y sianel. Cyn hyn, mae dilynwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith wedi medru gwylio gemau Cymru ar Sky Sports a dewis iaith y sylwebaeth trwy wasgu’r botwm coch ar y teclyn rheoli.

Meddai Ms Jenkins heddiw:

“I ddechrau, rwy’n meddwl ei bod yn annheg iawn fod dilynwyr pêl-droed Cymru yn gorfod talu £10 ychwanegol y mis i wylio eu gwlad yn chwarae yn y gemau pwysig hyn. Ond mae’n fwy annheg fyth i ddilynwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith na fydd yn medru gwrando ar sylwebaeth yn eu hiaith eu hunain a hwythau yn eu gwlad eu hunain.”

Addawodd Ms Jenkins godi’r mater gyda Gweinidog Treftadaeth Plaid Cymru, Alun Ffred Jones, ac y mae hefyd wedi ysgrifennu at Gymdeithas Pêl-droed Cymru a Setanta Sports.

Ychwanegodd Miss Jenkins:

“Pêl-droed yw un o’n campau cenedlaethol ac y mae’n bwysig dros ben i’n cenedl sydd mor hoff o chwaraeon. Dylai’r FAW a darlledwyr roi pwyslais mawr ar agweddau ieithyddol a diwylliannol bywyd Cymru, a dylent adlewyrchu hyn yn eu gweithgareddau.”

Nodiadau i olygyddion

Am fwy o wybodaeth cysylltwch â Steffan Lewis ar 02920 898 713 / 07961 732405