Tuesday 15 May 2018

Carwyn Jones should resign immediately.

  If the Third-Rate Minister Carwyn Jones had nor already  announced his intention to stand down, there would surely be a momentum of calls for him to resign immediately.

 Notwithstanding the whole Carl Sergeant affair he has seemingly mis;ed the Assembly by giving the impression that he not only agreed to naming the Second Severn Crossing the Prince of Wales Bridge but welcomed the proposal and was ready to be involved in the renaming ceremony. 

The Wasting Mule reports that
 
Correspondence between the First Minister and Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns shows “the Palace” sought clarity on the Welsh Government’s position.
Last month’s announcement that the iconic crossing would be renamed triggered online uproar and a petition against the change attracted nearly 38,000 signatures.
The exchange of letters makes clear the strength of the First Minister’s support for the renaming.

In a letter dated December 6, Mr Jones states:

Carwyn Jones' letter to Alun Cairns
Mr Cairns had set out the proposals in a letter on March 8.
He wrote:

 “I have long been of the opinion that title of ‘Second Severn Crossing’ is not fitting for the main gateway to Wales from the South West.
“You will be aware that the Severn River Crossings will be returning to public ownership in 2018, once the current operating concession comes to an end. The Crossings are vital pieces of the UK’s infrastructure and together have united the people of Wales and England for 50 years.
“At this time the Prince of Wales will also be celebrating 50 years since the title was bestowed on him by Her Majesty the Queen. To mark this occasion the UK Government therefore intends to rename the Second Severn Crossing the ‘Prince of Wales Bridge’ in honour of the significant contribution that the Prince of Wales has made to our nation.
“I am sure you’ll join me in welcoming this positive announcement.”

The Welsh Secretary wrote again on September 24, stating that his “officials have been in close discussion with officials at St James’ Palace to complete the necessary processes that will lead to the bridge being renamed the ‘Prince of Wales Bridge’.”
He added: 

I am confident that these are close to being completed.”
Mr Cairns sought assurances this had the “full support” of the Welsh Government and that Mr Jones was “content”.
He wrote:

 “Naturally, I want to ensure that the announcement has the full support of Welsh Government when it is made and that you will be involved in the formal renaming ceremony. My officials are happy to work with yours around handling.”

Today  we will see the Third-Rate Minister backed by their tame Liberal Democrat AM, Tories,  Ukip ,  and of course Dafydd Elis Thomas  will  vote for
the motion for Welsh assembly members to give their consent to the Brexit bill  after the Third-Rate Minister capitulated and agreed to the power grab where he has given devolved powers back to the Tories of all people. With no indication that he has managed to get any concession from Mrs May's government.

I mean he could have at least sought something like the  deal between the Conservatives and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which included an extra £1bn in public spending for Northern Ireland.

But despite the hints of some Labour AMs nothing has appeared yet, and I doubt anything will.

 It comes on the same day most Scottish Parliament members will accept the Scottish government's recommendation to refuse it.
Labour MSPs will join the SNP and the Greens in opposing the bill.

Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood said:

 "By uniting to refuse consent for the damaging EU Withdrawal Bill, our assembly could send a strong message to the Tory UK government that Wales will put up a fight and defend itself when its powers are threatened and people undermined."
"As things stand, Labour in London and in Scotland object to this Tory power grab, but Labour in Wales happily sign up to it,"

 In an article on Wales Online Richard Wyn Jones argues that The Severn bridge debacle shows Plaid should embrace republicanism.

Much as I agree with Richard the main lesson from both the Bridge and power grab controversy  should be that Plaid must at least start fighting on a platform of Independence rather than one of "making the assembly work".

Labour have handed Plaid the momentum for a campaign for gaining power in Cardiff Bay on a platter , they should not waste it.

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