NFU

My thanks to Huw Thomas and his colleagues at the NFU for arranging and inviting me to the launch of their manifesto yesterday in Meifod. The location of Dyffryn Farm was blessed in beautiful sunshine too.


nick

Cruelty is not entertainment

I have been totally horrified to view the video obtained by Animal Defenders International of an elephant being regularly beaten by a thug working for a traveling circus. One thing I do know from my police service days is that very rarely do the 'good guys' get lucky and catch the wrong 'uns at the first attempt. Similarly I'll wager that ADI didn't manage to catch the first cowardly bully abusing animals in this shocking way.

In the world that we live in today, is there really a place for traveling circuses that trawl from town to town with stressed animals for supposed human entertainment? I don't think so myself and if I'm elected in May, I'd like to see the Assembly take a humanitarian lead on this and ban the use of animals in circuses in Wales. Of course a totally human circus is fine, but I find the animal versions wretched. The RSPCA say "76 per cent of the Welsh public supports a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses". Think about that in relation to the 63.5% who recently voted YES in the referendum and you realise it's time to do something about it.


nick

The March for an Alternative

I was honoured to join Montgomeryshire members of the NASUWT for the trip to London yesterday to take part in the March for an Alternative. Cameron & Clegg need to understand the effects their "too soon, too harsh" measures are having on the citizens of our country. It was moving to see so many disabled folks protesting against the mean and unfair changes to DLA. Voting Labour in May IS the first line of defence against these cuts here in Wales.


nick

Can you afford to be educated?

At no time whatsoever have I thought tuition fees were a good idea. I felt they were unfair when they were first introduced and I still maintain it should be every citizens right to a decent education, irrespective of social standing or wealth. The news that the Student Loans Company has as its highest highest debtor, an individual to the sum of £66,150 is appalling.

My daughters both carry the burden of their tuition fees around their necks. I find it bizarre that those who thought they should pay for their university education, acquired theirs for free. Paid for by a nation that benefited in the long run through having achievers fulfilling their potential. Yes fees are lower here in Wales and whilst I'm grateful of that, I am equally horrified that students in England are so unfairly treated. To throw a postcode into the mix for opportunity, is callous and cruel.


nick

We welcome the Co-op Dep Gen Sec to Welshpool

It was a pleasure to welcome Karen Wilkie, Deputy General Secretary of the Co-operative Party to Welshpool this evening, when she addressed members of the Montgomeryshire Labour party. As a Co-operative party member, I particularly enjoyed learning about its history and early years.


nick

Value it? Then don't let the ConDems take it away!

As the coalition government continues to squeeze every spare penny out of all of us, it's worth noting here in Wales that from April 1st, prescription charges in England rise 20 pence to a whopping level of £7.40.

If the Conservative/LibDem alliance in Westminster are prepared to tax the sick in this way, it must be patently obvious to their most ardent supporters that given the chance, they would seek to raise income in the same way here in Wales. Voting Labour on the 5th May will be the safest way of ensuring a first line of defence to protect the services we rightly value so highly.


nick

Time to get tougher on animal cruelty

Criminal Damage? Sorry, but the UK's Animal Rights legislation needs an overhauling and quickly. Despicable cruelty is not comparable with breaking a window!

It really is time we saw comprehensive laws that are easily understood and with punishments that are fit for purpose. The current vaguely worded ambiguity and wishy-washy 5 year bans are totally insufficient to achieve what they should do.


nick