Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Here is a picture of me with Martin Staniforth from Dove Self Esteem and pupils of Bishop Vaughan Catholic Comprehensive School in Swansea when we facilitated workshops in the school on Monday the 27th of January. These workshops took place during the school’s PSE lessons, and are a way in which to encourage young people to feel confident about themselves and their bodies, and to enhance their self esteem. The pupils, all in year 7 enjoyed the day, and we thank the school for their co-operation. The workshops have taken place (run by Dove Self Esteem Network) all over the UK, and I am eager to discuss such educational tools with the Education Minister at the National Assembly, Jane Hutt AM to see how we can integrate such workshops in to the National Curriculum here in Wales.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins has today ( Monday 26th of January) tabled a Statement of Opinion in the National Assembly calling for the BBC and Sky News to reverse their decision not to broadcast a humanitarian appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Ms Jenkins said:

“Whatever people’s views on the current conflict, the fact remains that there are people suffering in the Gaza Strip and those people need urgent humanitarian assistance.

“The appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee is vital to get much needed help to those who are suffering in Gaza, it is a humanitarian and not a political appeal and I urge the BBC and Sky News to reconsider their positions.”

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Notes to Editors

Text of the Statement of Opinion tabled by Bethan Jenkins AM:

“The National Assembly for Wales calls on the BBC and Sky News to reconsider their decision not to broadcast an appeal for aid to Gaza by the Emergency Disasters Committee.

The National Assembly for Wales notes that the appeal is not a political broadcast but an appeal for help by respected aid groups such as Oxfam and the Red Cross.

The National Assembly for Wales believes the BBC and Sky News should reverse their decision as soon as possible and allow the humanitarian appeal to be broadcast and draws attention to the fact that those wishing to contribute can do so by calling 0370 60 60 900 or by visiting www.dec.org.uk or by writing to DEC Gaza Crisis, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.”

Plaid Cymru spokesperson on Child Poverty, Bethan Jenkins AM, has today questioned claims by UK Minister Caroline Flint that proposed government child support reforms will lead to a reduction in child poverty.

Absent parents who do not pay child support could have their passports and driving licences seized without having to be taken to court, under the new Welfare Reform Bill.

On the floor of the Senedd today, Plaid Cymru’s Bethan Jenkins asked First Minister Rhodri Morgan if he agreed with the Minister, to which Mr Morgan replied that he did not share the view that there should be an emphasis on sanctions, and called instead that other, more positive avenues were preferable.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Ms Jenkins said:

“The UK Government appears to be getting more and more draconian in its welfare reform programmes. Firstly we had the disgraceful announcement that lone parents would be forced into work when their youngest child reaches eight years of age or face cuts in their benefits, and now the government wants to give a government agency the powers to confiscate passports and drivers licenses of absent parents, without the need for proper legal recourse.

“I am also astonished the Caroline Flint insinuated on the news today that such measures will lead to a cut in child poverty. In order to eradicate our communities of the scars of child poverty, we need proper government investment. I again urge the government to invest the estimated £3 billion that children’s charities claim is needed to eradicate child poverty by 2020.”

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Notes to Editors

Text of Bethan Jenkins’ question to the First Minister:

First Minister, some UK Minister Caroline Flint today claimed that confiscating the passports and driving licenses of absent parents who do not pay child support without legal recourse could help meet child poverty targets. Have there been any discussions between the Assembly Government and colleagues in Westminster on the implications of such measures and other proposals found in the Welfare Reform Bill on child poverty in Wales?

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has described today’s announcement from Corus as devastating to the local community.

The steel giant has announced that 56 jobs will go at the plant in Pontarddulais.

Speaking today, Ms Jenkins said:

“Today’s news is devastating for the local community and my thoughts are with the workers and their families. I have a meeting with the Assembly’s Economy Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and I will be asking what the Assembly Government will do to provide local people with help in finding new work.”

Today’s announcement from Corus did not announce any losses at the steel giant’s Port Talbot plant but Ms Jenkins said she intends speaking with management to seek assurances about the plant’s long-term future.

Ms Jenkins added:

“Whilst I am of course relieved that it appears no job losses will be made at the Port Talbot plant, I am seeking talks with Corus to discuss the long-term future of the plant. So many families and individuals rely on the steelworks and I am determined we do all we can to protect people’s livelihoods.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member, Bethan Jenkins, has today welcomed a decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to order local health boards to fund four kidney cancer drugs – even though they have not been formally approved for NHS use by NICE.

Last month, Bethan Jenkins AM and Dr Dai Lloyd AM received a petition from Swansea campaigners for cancer drug Sutent to be available to local sufferers of kidney cancer.

The petition was submitted by Joanne Popham of Llangyfelach, Swansea, whose father Paul suffers from kidney cancer. Paul Popham is only 63 and lives in Morrsiton, Swansea. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer on October 27th 2008. The treatment Paul’s consultant wants to prescribe for him is SUTENT which is not funded by Swansea Local Health Board.

Today’s announcement will now end the post-code lottery, with Sutent and other drugs now being made available.

Speaking from Neath today, Ms Jenkins said:

“This step on the part of the One Wales government is an example of how devolution has given our nation an opportunity to make our own priorities and create a unique Welsh way of delivering public services.”

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Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has today addressed a peaceful demonstration outside the Assembly’s Senedd building, against the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip.

The demonstration coincided with a debate in the Assembly on the conflict, which Ms Jenkins also addressed.

Speaking at the demonstration today, Ms Jenkins said:

“The Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip has been unacceptable and immoral. There has been no sense of proportionality and it is up to all governments and nations to call for a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict.

“At the National Assembly, I tabled a statement of opinion calling for an end to the Israeli attacks, and now I intend submitting a revised version reflecting the current situation.”

And during the Assembly debate on the Israeli siege Ms Jenkins told fellow AMs:

“The onslaught that has been unleashed on the people of the Gaza Strip for almost 22 days has been nothing short of horrific and the limited pictures we have seen coming from Gaza have been unbearable to look at. The disturbing scenes of wounded and dead civilians has hit home the fact that this isn’t the clean-cut, precise military operation the IDF would have us believe. It is an unspeakable trauma to the million people stuffed into the tiny Gaza Strip.

“Plaid Cymru has long campaigned for a durable peace in the Middle East and continues to support a two-state solution and an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

“The Palestinian people must be allowed a dignified existence. The Palestinian people must have a state of their own. This must form the basis for a lasting peace in the middle east.”

Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Bethan Jenkins AM, who represents south Wales west region, are taking time out of their busy schedule to make an appearance at Trothwy’s Swansea Foyer project this Thursday 15th January.

Their visit is in recognition of the efforts and skills the young people at Swansea Foyer have learnt over the past year. The Young Person’s Committee which was set up by the residents at Swansea Foyer recently the refurbishment of the communal lounge which encouraged the young people to be involved with participating in their local community. The idea behind the committee is to empower young people, allowing them to gain new life skills such as team work and planning. Swansea Foyer promotes inclusion, empowerment and improving the wellbeing of its residents, supporting the underlying values that Trothwy strives for.

Swansea Foyer is just one of many Trothwy projects which address the local needs of young people in need of accommodation and support services. It is recognised for its strength of services and the support that it provides for young homeless people. It allows for young people to gain independence, learn and achieve new skills as well as gaining access to employment.

Richard Davies, Executive Director of Trothwy, said

“We are pleased and very happy that Jocelyn and Bethan will be visiting Swansea Foyer. It’s an opportunity for us to give recognition to the young people striving to gain independence in their lives and the fact that their achievements are being recognised in the wider community. It helps us to give them the encouragement they need to empower themselves and to be proactive in the development of their own futures.”

Bethan Jenkins AM added:

“I am delighted that Jocelyn Davies and I will be visiting the Foyer in Swansea and look forward to learning more about the work being done there to equip young people with essential life skills to help them as they seek individual independence. The Foyer plays an invaluable social role in the area and seeing at first hand the hard work done there will be very valuable.”

Both assembly members will meet Richard Davies, Executive Director of Trothwy, Serena Nixon, Director of Operations, Alan Trask, Service Manager and residents of Swansea Foyer during their visit later this week.

pictured/llun- Bethan Jenkins AM/AC, Richard Davies Trothwy, Ryan O Malley- Swansea Foyer, Serena Nixon Trothwy, Jocelyn Davies AM/AC.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member, Bethan Jenkins, has today spoken of her support for the campaign to save Troed Y Ton care home in Kenfig Hill and asked the Assembly Government to join her in supporting the local campaigners.

Troed Y Ton is a residential home for the elderly in Kenfig Hill. It’s a home for over 30 people and over 40 staff. The council have decided the land on which it’s situated will be turned into a block of flats.

Today, campaigners from the area protested at the council’s decision and staged a march past Bridgend County Borough Council offices.

In a question to the Leader of the House, Carwyn Jones during today’s plenary session at the Assembly, Ms Jenkins said:

“You will be aware that Troed Y Ton care home in Kenfig Hill is to be demolished by the local council in favour of building a block of flats on the land. The home houses 30 residents and more than 40 staff and as campaigners rightly point out, it is more than a building, and it is a community. Will the Welsh Assembly Government support campaigners’ calls for the home to be saved?”

In response, Carwyn Jones said it was a matter for the council and whilst he understands “the sentiment of local people” he disagreed that it was a case of demolition and claimed that the area would benefit from the flats being built in its place.

But Ms Jenkins disagrees and following the debate said:

“We are not talking about bricks and mortar: we are talking about a close-knit community, a home and a place of work. People stand to loose that if the Council goes ahead with its decision and I again call on them to reverse their decision and accept the views of local people.”

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Plaid AM for South Wales West Bethan Jenkins will meet representatives from the Iraqi Christian Society in Wales, including Dr Salar Kasto, in Swansea on Monday (12/01/09) to discuss the issues affecting their society, and ways in which the Assembly can help.

Plaid AM , Ms Jenkins said:

” I am meeting with the Iraqi Christian Society in Wales as they have raised serious concerns with me about the deportation of Christian Iraqis who now live in Wales back to Iraq, who are forced to live in danger in areas such as Mosul. Those who live in the Swansea area contribute to the vibrancy of the city, and I am supportive of the campaign against the deportation of those who would be in danger should they be returned to Iraq.’

Bethan Jenkins added:

“ As we are well aware, the situation in Iraq since the occupation by US and British forces is far from peaceful, and as an AM, I will do all within my powers to represent Iraqi Christians living in Wales. As Iraq has a predominantly Muslim population, there are many reports from Iraq that Christians are being persecuted, and sent from their homes if they refuse to convert to Islam. I am hoping to host an event in the Senedd later this year to discuss this matter further.’

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