Welsh Liberal blogs

Alun Jenkins, the Welsh Liberal Democrat councillor for Offa Ward in Wrexham has been awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for Political and Public Service in the New Year 2022 Honours List. Cllr Jenkins has continuously served Offa Ward for over 50 years as its councillor, having been elected in 1970 and is one of the longest-serving Liberal Democrat councillors in Wales. Cllr Alun Jenkins. Congratulating Alun on his BEM Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Alun has been a stalwart public servant for Offa Ward and the whole of Wrexham for as long as I can remember and it's fantastic to see his public service recognised with a BEM. “Alun has a strong reputation for always thoroughly engaging with constituents and also set a tremendous record during his tenures as Deputy Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Finance. “Alun has not only served his constituents with the utmost dedication, but he also inspired and worked with ge...

Responding to First Minister Mark Drakeford’s comments on the potential for employees to be fined £60 for not working from home if they are able to, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS has stated that explanations remain unclear and that the rule should be immediately dropped. Responding Jane Dodds stated: “It is inaccurate to state the system of fines is the same as in the past. Regulation 18B, which covers the fines referred to was introduced in a different context and while it was voted for by the Senedd, we voted for it under very different circumstances. “At the time all of Wales was under a stay at home mandate, while at the present time the guidance only applies to certain employers and employees. “Concern over these fine is not down to “unhelpful reporting”, but rather a serious concern the Government is not recognising the power dynamics between workers and employers. It is not a relationship of equals and a great many people will not feel comfortable having to...

  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...