MP calls for continued lifeboat provision - whatever the weather
On 18 April, Ben Lake MP made his Prime Minister’s Questions debut raising the important issue of the future of Cardigan Bay’s lifeboat provision.
During his contribution, Mr Lake commended the valiant efforts of RNLI staff and volunteers at New Quay lifeboat station who have been safeguarding those who venture out into the bay, be it for work or pleasure, for 150 years. He also expressed concern at the possibility that there will no longer be an all-weather lifeboat in Ceredigion from 2020.
Hywel Dda Health Board proposals welcomed by AM and MP
Hywel Dda Health Board plans looking to secure and develop health services in Ceredigion welcomed by MP and AM
Elin Jones and Ben Lake have welcomed the recommendations made by Hywel Dda Health Board regarding Ceredigion, as part of its Transforming Clinical Services and ‘Big Change’ consultation.
All three of the options being considered by Hywel Dda Health Board see Bronglais continue to be a fully functioning General Hospital, with a 24-hour A&E, intensive care, general surgery, general medicine, trauma and orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric, anaesthetic and diagnostic services.
Elin Jones' Aberystwyth - Cardiff Coach Campaign Success
Aberystwyth to Cardiff Bus service upgraded and fully reinstated following successful campaign by Elin Jones AM
Ben Lake MP statement on Syria
Ben Lake said:
“The use of chemical weapons is simply unacceptable, and their use by the Syrian regime against innocent civilians is reprehensible. Any effort by the UK Government to prevent such atrocities must ensure a credible chance of bringing peace and stability to the country. I fear that the missile strikes of the weekend fall short in this regard, and, far from alleviating the suffering of the people of Syria, they instead risk a further escalation of the conflict.
Public meeting to discuss broadband in Ceredigion
Following calls from Elin Jones AM and Ben Lake MP a public meeting will be held to discuss broadband and connectivity in Ceredigion.
Julie James AM, the Welsh Government Minister responsible for the roll-out of broadband, will attend the public meeting giving constituents the chance to share experiences and ask questions regarding the current situation and the next phase of the Superfast Cymru scheme.
Ceredigion YFC Walking Challenge
On 7 April, Ben Lake took on his second walking challenge of the year. Ben joined a large group of Ceredigion YFC members for their sponsored walk along the county's coastal path. With one group of walkers starting from Cardigan and the other group starting from Ynyslas at the break of dawn, both groups finished their challenge in Aberaeron Rugby Club as the sun was setting - a total of 60 miles.
Statement on latest Syria events
Plaid Cymru condemns the apparent chemical attack in the town of Douma in Syria, which led to the reported deaths of at least 70 people in appalling circumstances.
However, the reality is that such acts of violence, which are war crimes, will continue until the international community reaches an appropriate agreement on de-escalating and then ending the civil war.
Following last year’s chemical attack in Khan Younis, which was later attributed by the UN and OPCW to the Syrian government, Plaid Cymru stated that “Plaid Cymru condemns all such attacks on civilians, and also the less widely reported deaths of civilians from conventional weapons. The only solution to reduce and then end this violence is to bring about a comprehensive peace process, requiring the buy-in of the United States and Russia, and the other countries which have intervened in Syria”
St David's Day Debate at Westminster
On 19 March, a St David's Day debate, rescheduled from the 1st of March due to adverse weather conditions, was held in Parliament giving a platform for MPs to discuss and debate issues of interest to Wales.
My speech gave me an opportunity to challenge the UK Government’s current economic strategy as to ensure that Ceredigion and other areas of Wales aren’t left behind. The propsects for individuals living in rural areas should be just as promising as those for people living elsewhere.
Pay rise for NHS workers in Wales in the hands of the Welsh Government
Yesterday's announcement that NHS workers in England will, on average, receive a 6.5% pay rise is a welcome step in the right direction, but it is important that workers in the Welsh NHS, after years of stagnant pay, also receive a rise for the valuable work that they do.
I asked the UK Health Secretary to confirm that the deal announced by the UK Government will see the Welsh Government’s budget receive additional money, or a ‘Barnett consequential’, so that they too can give NHS staff a well-deserved, and long-awaited pay rise.
Plaid Cymru launches petition to safeguard European citizenship for UK nationals
Individuals should be allowed to keep their European citizenship after Brexit, Plaid Cymru says, as it launches an online petition