New bursaries to help Welsh graduates undertake postgraduate study in Wales

New bursaries aimed at increasing the number of Welsh graduates remaining in or returning to Wales to study a Master’s degree have been announced this week by Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Minister.

Funding is available for degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine. Additional funding will be available for those undertaking a Master’s degree in Welsh.

Up to £17,000 will be available for postgraduate students starting a course this autumn, and £1.3million will be allocated to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales for the scheme. Postgraduate applications have already seen a sharp increase of 58%, following student finance reforms that mean Wales has the most generous package of financial support anywhere in the UK.

Kirsty Williams AM commented:

“Providing accessible postgraduate study is essential in meeting Wales’ current and future skills needs. The bursaries are aimed at high-demand areas and add to the multitude of reasons to study at postgraduate level in Wales.”

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards. The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government. This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK. Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...

Welsh Lib Dems voice support for Flintshire lagoon plan

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have voiced their support for the Flintshire Tidal Lagoon project unveiled by Port of Mostyn. The plans published would see a 6.7 kilometre lagoon, stretching from the breakwater at Mostyn to Point of Ayr in Flintshire, constructed to produce renewable green energy. The project, with a price tag of £590 million, would see enough low carbon electricity generated to power 82,000 homes in the north of Wales. It would also create around 300 jobs during the construction phase, with up to 30 high-skilled permanent posts after it was completed. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long championed Tidal Power, leading the campaign for the Swansea Tidal Lagoon and calling for major investment in renewable energy sources to power a green recovery post-Covid. Chris Twells, Lead Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for North Wales, said: "As we leave lockdown and begin to look towards the future, we need to be ambitious and be investing in the jobs of the ...

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