Latest news with #Morgan
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Business
- Spectator
Why Keir Starmer is worried about Wales
Keir Starmer's address to the Welsh Labour conference this morning was exactly the kind of speech we expected. With eleven months to go until a difficult set of devolved elections, the Prime Minister fell back on the greatest hits to play to the party faithful. Labour is the party with the 'interests of working people at their heart' and 'it always will be', Starmer said. The Senedd elections next May risk producing a 'backroom stitch-up between the Tories, Reform and Plaid' with 'working families left to pick up the bill.' He reeled off various achievements: the minimum wage increase, workers' rights, the carer's allowance and, most significantly, a 'record uplift to Welsh funding.' The audience received it appreciatively enough. But this was a difficult speech for Starmer to make for three reasons. The first was the immediate circumstances of No. 10's benefits U-turn. The PM addressed this head on in his speech, insisting that welfare reform was a 'moral imperative' but had to be done 'in a Labour way'. The second are the continued tensions between Starmer and Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister. Amid clashes over benefits and winter fuel, she has demanded greater powers, insisting that she will 'not stay silent' about decisions 'we think will harm Welsh communities.' The difference in their approach to politics can best be seen in slogans. This year's conference focuses on Morgan's 'Red Welsh Way', versus last year's line 'Delivering for Wales.' Yet the third reason was the most important of all. Labour is currently on course to lose Cardiff Bay next year for the first time in 27 years. The last two polls both gave the party just 18 per cent, which would produce a poor third place behind both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. Morgan told her conference that the Senedd election will be a 'moment of reckoning'. But for Welsh Labour, it risks being a reckoning with their own record in government. She tried to attack Reform UK for their plans for the devolved health system, claiming that Nigel Farage's party would 'dismantle' the Welsh NHS and 'rip it up' for a 'privatised, profit-driven' system. Yet with Wales suffering the worst UK health outcomes, such attacks now resonate less than they might once have done. The net effect is a fraught relationship between the two strands of the Welsh Labour party: MPs at Westminster and MSs at Cardiff Bay. 'Idiots', 'mollycoddled', 'smug', 'nutty and 'naive' were all words used by the former to describe the latter in a recent Politico briefing that circulated on Labour WhatsApp groups. Facing threats from both left and right, the party seems unable to decide on the best way of concurrently shoring up both flanks. For now, Starmer appears to have settled on talking up the chances of a coalition of chaos. But given his own government's struggles, talk of continuity and stability may no longer prove so persuasive on doorsteps out in Wales.
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Confidence that Llanharan bypass work will start as soon as possible
Confidence that Llanharan bypass work will start as soon as possible The council leader says it is a priority and that he is confident it will start in earnest once it gets planning permission Cold and frosty weather in Llanharan, as all of Wales will be feeling colder (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The Llanharan bypass is a 'priority' for RCT council with the leader saying he's confident work will start in earnest once it gets planning permission and a contractor is appointed. Councillor Andrew Morgan was responding to a question from Brynna and Llanharan councillor Janine Turner at Rhondda Cynon Taf full council on Wednesday, June 25 who said that the statement earlier this year that the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor had been given the go-ahead following a redesign was very welcome news. She asked the leader for update on the progress made since then and to outline some of the key steps for the scheme to be delivered. Cllr Morgan said the scheme was a priority for the council and that there had been a lot of work going on in the background to take it forward. The council has allocated £5.05m in the capital programme towards the project. He said the scheme had been 'redefined' in terms of embedding sustainable transport policies while still seeking to take the bulk of the traffic out of Llanharan. Article continues below The scheme was delayed because of the roads review by Welsh Government but the council has now had the green light to take it forward. To get all the latest politics, health and education news, sign up to our Wales Matters newsletter. The council is working on a funding package but the next key stage is that the pre-planning application consultation is expected to start during September and October. All the consultation documents will be made available online and in person at Llantrisant Leisure Centre from September 19 to October 17 with consultation days to be organised in Llanharan itself in October. Cllr Morgan said the road scheme is very much in line with what they previously looked at in terms of the corridor and it doesn't deviate much from that but has just been redesigned in terms of things like landscaping and drainage. He said 'what that does mean is that we substantially reduce in-built carbon' which will be close to 20,000 tonnes and the ancient woodland has been protected. They've also looked at junctions and making sure there's a good flow of buses and that they don't get caught up in traffic. 'There's an awful lot of small changes but the primary thing is the scheme is going ahead as far as we're concerned. We will need to get planning permission. 'We are in conversation with Welsh Government. We are committed to this in terms of using some CIL (community infrastructure levy) funding from the housing development down there and committing our own funds.' He also said they'd secured some further money around the active travel element. Article continues below Cllr Morgan said that once they do get planning and appoint a contractor 'I am confident the scheme will start in earnest'.
North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Starmer to warn of 'backroom stitch-up' in Welsh elections
Sir Keir Starmer will warn of a 'backroom stitch-up' between the Tories, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru ahead of key elections in Wales next year. In a speech to the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, the Prime Minister is set to say that a coalition of those parties would be a 'return to the chaos and division of the last decade'. It would risk rolling back the progress his party is starting to make, he will claim. Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan meanwhile will call next year's polls a 'moment of reckoning' and 'serious threat' as Reform UK is 'rising' and Plaid Cymru 'mobilising'. And Labour will announce funding to help those made redundant by the Tata Steel closure in Port Talbot. Reform UK is eyeing an opportunity to end Labour's 26 years of domination in the Welsh Parliament at the Senedd elections in May next year. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Labour performed poorly in this year's local elections in England, which saw Nigel Farage's party win a swathe of council seats. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not ruled out making deals with Plaid Cymru or Reform at the next Senedd election. Welsh Labour leader Baroness Morgan will say the election is not going to be a 'routine affair'. She will add: 'It will be a moment of reckoning. Reform are rising. Plaid are mobilising. "And across the country, people are asking big, serious questions about the kind of future they want for Wales. This is not a moment to look away. "This is the moment to look forward - a moment of maximum opportunity and, yes, also of serious threat. It's time to stand up. It's time to get involved.' The conference in Llandudno comes on the heels of Sir Keir's U-turn on welfare policy to avert a major backbench rebellion that will leave Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing a scramble to fill a potential hole in her budget this autumn. Ahead of marking a year in office next week, Sir Keir will point to moves his Government has made since the election that he says bring direct benefits to Wales, including international trade deals that give a boost to brands such as Penderyn whisky and legislation to bolster workers' rights. Wales Secretary Jo Stevens is set to announce a new £11 million fund for businesses offering skilled employment in Port Talbot as it seeks to help those left unemployed by Tata Steel's closure of the steelworks. The fund is made up of £6.78 million from the Government and £5 million from Tata Steel. 'The Tories abandoned our steelworkers. Reform want to cancel the Electric Arc Furnace, throw away 5,000 jobs, and send people back down the mines. 'We have the backs of our steelworkers, their families and local businesses,' Ms Stevens will say. Sir Keir will tout the advantages of having parallel Labour governments in Westminster and Wales, with Baroness Morgan leading the latter as a 'fierce champion'. 'This is the party that has got wages rising faster in the first 10 months than the Tories managed in 10 years. This is the government that is cutting bills and creating jobs. This is the movement that will rebuild Britain and renew Wales,' Sir Keir is expected to say. Labour is the party with the 'interests of working people at their heart' and 'it always will be', he will say. "Or, there's the other option. The risk of rolling back all the progress we're beginning to make. A return to the chaos and division of the last decade. 'A backroom stitch-up between the Tories, Reform and Plaid. And once again, it will be working families left to pick up the bill. "Whether that's with Reform, or with Plaid's determination to cut Wales off from the rest of the country – with no plan to put Wales back together.' The Conservatives have said that Labour has 'let Wales down for far too long'. Shadow Welsh secretary Mims Davies said: 'Divisions between a complacent Welsh Labour and Starmer's failing UK Government in Westminster have simply not improved Wales's outlook, despite the fabled benefit of two Labour Governments in Wales, which is absolute bunkum.' She also added: 'Labour has let Wales down for too long, taken people for granted and now the PM is making a mess of the entire United Kingdom.'
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Starmer to warn of 'backroom stitch-up' in Welsh elections
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Sir Keir Starmer will warn of a 'backroom stitch-up' between the Tories, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru ahead of key elections in Wales next year. In a speech to the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, the Prime Minister is set to say that a coalition of those parties would be a 'return to the chaos and division of the last decade'. It would risk rolling back the progress his party is starting to make, he will claim. Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan meanwhile will call next year's polls a 'moment of reckoning' and 'serious threat' as Reform UK is 'rising' and Plaid Cymru 'mobilising'. And Labour will announce funding to help those made redundant by the Tata Steel closure in Port Talbot. Reform UK is eyeing an opportunity to end Labour's 26 years of domination in the Welsh Parliament at the Senedd elections in May next year. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Labour performed poorly in this year's local elections in England, which saw Nigel Farage's party win a swathe of council seats. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not ruled out making deals with Plaid Cymru or Reform at the next Senedd election. Welsh Labour leader Baroness Morgan will say the election is not going to be a 'routine affair'. She will add: 'It will be a moment of reckoning. Reform are rising. Plaid are mobilising. "And across the country, people are asking big, serious questions about the kind of future they want for Wales. This is not a moment to look away. "This is the moment to look forward - a moment of maximum opportunity and, yes, also of serious threat. It's time to stand up. It's time to get involved.' The conference in Llandudno comes on the heels of Sir Keir's U-turn on welfare policy to avert a major backbench rebellion that will leave Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing a scramble to fill a potential hole in her budget this autumn. Ahead of marking a year in office next week, Sir Keir will point to moves his Government has made since the election that he says bring direct benefits to Wales, including international trade deals that give a boost to brands such as Penderyn whisky and legislation to bolster workers' rights. Wales Secretary Jo Stevens is set to announce a new £11 million fund for businesses offering skilled employment in Port Talbot as it seeks to help those left unemployed by Tata Steel's closure of the steelworks. The fund is made up of £6.78 million from the Government and £5 million from Tata Steel. 'The Tories abandoned our steelworkers. Reform want to cancel the Electric Arc Furnace, throw away 5,000 jobs, and send people back down the mines. 'We have the backs of our steelworkers, their families and local businesses,' Ms Stevens will say. Sir Keir will tout the advantages of having parallel Labour governments in Westminster and Wales, with Baroness Morgan leading the latter as a 'fierce champion'. 'This is the party that has got wages rising faster in the first 10 months than the Tories managed in 10 years. This is the government that is cutting bills and creating jobs. This is the movement that will rebuild Britain and renew Wales,' Sir Keir is expected to say. Labour is the party with the 'interests of working people at their heart' and 'it always will be', he will say. "Or, there's the other option. The risk of rolling back all the progress we're beginning to make. A return to the chaos and division of the last decade. 'A backroom stitch-up between the Tories, Reform and Plaid. And once again, it will be working families left to pick up the bill. "Whether that's with Reform, or with Plaid's determination to cut Wales off from the rest of the country – with no plan to put Wales back together.' The Conservatives have said that Labour has 'let Wales down for far too long'. Shadow Welsh secretary Mims Davies said: 'Divisions between a complacent Welsh Labour and Starmer's failing UK Government in Westminster have simply not improved Wales's outlook, despite the fabled benefit of two Labour Governments in Wales, which is absolute bunkum.' She also added: 'Labour has let Wales down for too long, taken people for granted and now the PM is making a mess of the entire United Kingdom.'
Leader Live
12 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Starmer to warn of ‘backroom stitch-up' in Welsh elections
In a speech to the Welsh Labour conference, the Prime Minister is set to say that a coalition of those parties would be a 'return to the chaos and division of the last decade' and risk rolling back the progress his party is starting to make. Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan meanwhile will call next year's polls a 'moment of reckoning' and 'serious threat' as Reform UK is 'rising' and Plaid Cymru 'mobilising'. And Labour will announce funding to help those made redundant by the Tata Steel closure in Port Talbot. Reform UK is eyeing an opportunity to end Labour's 26 years of domination in the Welsh Parliament at the Senedd elections in May next year. Labour performed poorly in this year's local elections in England, which saw Nigel Farage's party win a swathe of council seats. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not ruled out making deals with Plaid Cymru or Reform at the next Senedd election. Welsh Labour leader Baroness Morgan will say the election is not going to be a 'routine affair'. She will add: 'It will be a moment of reckoning. Reform are rising. Plaid are mobilising. And across the country, people are asking big, serious questions about the kind of future they want for Wales. 'This is not a moment to look away. This is the moment to look forward – a moment of maximum opportunity and, yes, also of serious threat. It's time to stand up. It's time to get involved.' The conference in Llandudno comes on the heels of Sir Keir's U-turn on welfare policy to avert a major backbench rebellion that will leave Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing a scramble to fill a potential hole in her budget this autumn. Ahead of marking a year in office next week, Sir Keir will point to moves his Government has made since the election that he says bring direct benefits to Wales, including international trade deals that give a boost to brands such as Penderyn whisky and legislation to bolster workers' rights. Wales Secretary Jo Stevens is set to announce a new £11 million fund for businesses offering skilled employment in Port Talbot as it seeks to help those left unemployed by Tata Steel's closure of the steelworks. The fund is made up of £6.78 million from the Government and £5 million from Tata Steel. 'The Tories abandoned our steelworkers. Reform want to cancel the Electric Arc Furnace, throw away 5,000 jobs, and send people back down the mines. 'We have the backs of our steelworkers, their families and local businesses,' Ms Stevens will say. Sir Keir will tout the advantages of having parallel Labour governments in Westminster and Wales, with Baroness Morgan leading the latter as a 'fierce champion'. 'This is the party that has got wages rising faster in the first 10 months than the Tories managed in 10 years. This is the government that is cutting bills and creating jobs. This is the movement that will rebuild Britain and renew Wales,' Sir Keir is expected to say. Labour is the party with the 'interests of working people at their heart' and 'it always will be', he will say. 'Or, there's the other option. The risk of rolling back all the progress we're beginning to make. A return to the chaos and division of the last decade. 'A backroom stitch-up between the Tories, Reform and Plaid. And once again, it will be working families left to pick up the bill. 'Whether that's with Reform, or with Plaid's determination to cut Wales off from the rest of the country – with no plan to put Wales back together.' The Conservatives have said that Labour has 'let Wales down for far too long'. Shadow Welsh secretary Mims Davies said: 'Divisions between a complacent Welsh Labour and Starmer's failing UK Government in Westminster have simply not improved Wales's outlook, despite the fabled benefit of two Labour Governments in Wales, which is absolute bunkum.' She also added: 'Labour has let Wales down for too long, taken people for granted and now the PM is making a mess of the entire United Kingdom.'
