Welsh Government news-in-brief
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has hailed the success of the Welsh Government’s Train Work Live campaign as Wales exceeded its GP training places target.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I am delighted we’ve filled all the GP training places for Wales this year, and in particular some of the traditionally hard to recruit rural areas. It shows our marketing campaign has been a great success and Wales really is a great place to train, work and live.”
Minister praises work of Wales’ environmental groups
Ahead of her first official engagement, Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn has spoken about her commitment to work with environmental organisations across Wales to help improve local communities, making them better places to live, work and enjoy.
The Minister was speaking before Keep Wales Tidy’s annual Tidy Wales Awards, in Cardiff Bay’s Pierhead Building, where she presented awards and thanked volunteers for the work they carry out to improve the quality of their local environment.
Hannah Blythyn said: “I look forward to working closely with Keep Wales Tidy and the many other organisations represented by my portfolio. Together, we can help achieve a cleaner, greener Wales that benefits communities and future generations in Wales and beyond.”
New Routes to Showcase the Best of Wales
A new international campaign to attract more overseas visitors to Wales was warmly received by international tour operators following the launch at the World Travel Market this month.
The launch of ‘The Wales Way’ - a family of three national scenic touring routes that cross the country’s most epic landscapes, showcasing its fascinating history, coastlines and attractions – is the first phase of a ten year programme.
Welsh Government, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “The idea for The Wales Way was founded on the basis of a manifesto commitment to develop a Cultural Corridor along the A55 in North Wales.
“We now have three routes celebrating Wales’ culture, countryside and coast, and mirroring our tourism themed years including Year of Adventure 2016, Year of Legends 2017 and Year of the Sea 2018. The Wales Way is also about encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in their own journeys of discovery, and this will be reinforced through our Year of Discovery 2019.”
“Physical punishment has no place in a modern and progressive Wales” – Huw Irranca-Davies
The physical punishment of children has no place in a modern and progressive Wales, Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies has said.
Speaking ahead of an event in Swansea to mark Universal Children’s Day, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Our understanding of what is needed to protect and support children and their families has changed considerably over the years, and societal norms have changed as a result. It can no longer be acceptable in a modern and progressive society for children to be physically punished. It is right that as a Government, we take action to protect children and support parents to use positive and effective alternatives to physical punishment.”
Welsh Government supports White Ribbon Day
The Welsh Government will reinforce its commitment to tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day.
The Leader of the House and Chief Whip said Julie James, who now has responsibility for this important work said: “I am honoured to have become responsible for this important work following the tragic death of my colleague and friend, Carl Sargeant. This agenda was of huge importance to him and I am determined to continue to build on that work, with equal passion and commitment.”
Cadw to remain in Government as it builds on record year
The Welsh Government’s historic environment service Cadw will remain part of Welsh Government for the foreseeable future, Culture Minister Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas has confirmed.
The Culture Minister said: “I have long admired the good work done by Cadw in showcasing some of the magnificent heritage we have here in Wales, opening it up for all to enjoy.
“This has been done largely from within Government, and whilst it was appropriate at this juncture to explore all avenues as to how we can build on this success, I’m pleased to implement Cabinet’s decision to accept the business case’s clear recommendation that Cadw should remain part of Welsh Government.”
Mark Drakeford responds to the UK government’s Autumn Budget
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has responded to the UK government’s Autumn Budget saying it provides no significant boost for hard-pressed public services.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “While these small increases in the resources available to Wales are to be welcomed as they will help support our priorities, this additional funding will do little to ease the pressures on frontline public services, which have been struggling to cope as a result of the successive cuts to our budget we have experienced since 2010-11.
“Even with this additional funding, the Welsh Government’s budget will be 5% lower in real terms in 2019-20 than it was in 2010-11.”
Cancer services in Wales continue to improve
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has welcomed the Welsh Government’s Cancer Annual Statement which shows continuing improvements in cancer services in Wales.
Vaughan Gething said: “Today’s report and the announcement of the new pathway are part of our wider approach to improving cancer services. Our over-arching ambition is to close the gap in outcomes with our international peers. To achieve this, we have in place significant focus on waiting times, service reform and detecting more cancers at earlier, more treatable stages.”
Child burial fees will no longer apply in Wales
A Wales-wide agreement has been reached to scrap burial and cremation fees for children, First Minister Carwyn Jones announced at the WLGA’s Autumn Seminar.
The First Minister said: “We must do all we can to support families who have lost a child. I am pleased we are able to work with local authorities to take away just one of the stresses and strains on the shoulders of grieving parents during a hugely distressing time.
“Today’s commitment will also end the unfairness caused by charging different fees across Wales and I am grateful to the WLGA and One Voice Wales for their support.”
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