Plaid Conference ’09: Plaid MP calls for ‘honest and open’ debate of prison system

Plaid’s Westminster leader, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has called for an ‘honest and open’ political debate on the future of the prison and justice system.

During the debate entitled ‘Should we lock more people up?’, held yesterday at the party’s conference in Llandudno, Mr Llwyd argued that the current prison system in Wales and England was too over-crowded to be efficient or effective - especially given the significant number of re-offenders.

Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP and Elfyn Llwyd MP have successfully campaigned for the establishment of a prison in Caernarfon given the significant numbers of prisoners kept long distances away over the border.

Mr Llwyd also warned that in the election run-up the London parties would seek to make political capital by talking tough on crime, but that, without a wider debate on the state of the prison system, they would be guilty of failing society by not addressing the root problems.

Plaid’s Westminster leader, Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“It is high time that a political debate was held about the future of the prison system in England and Wales. The rates of re-offence are shockingly high and I believe we send too many people to jail. It’s not a matter of leniency or going soft on criminals but the fact of the matter is that the system is inefficient as a result of over-crowding, not enough facilities and budget cuts.

“There are many issues that need to be addressed. We don’t have a women-only prison in Wales for example, while a staggering proportion of criminals end up behind bars because of drugs.

"Prison is not an easy subject to discuss, but it is one that must be brought to the fore as the current system is clearly failing. We must look for different solutions and politicians should lead an honest and open debate on the future of our prison and justice system.

“One issue that must certainly be part of this debate is the need for Wales to take control of its own criminal justice and policing systems, through which we would be able to begin to address these issues in their Welsh context."

Plaid Cymru MPs launch Patagonian campaign

Plaid Cymru MPs have launched a civil rights campaign following extensive public reaction to the plight of two young women from Patagonia , Argentina refused entry to the UK at Heathrow airport.

Elfyn Llwyd MP and Hywel Williams MP first raised the plight of Evelyn Calcabrini at Welsh Questions in the House of Commons a few weeks ago.

The Welsh-Argentina Society will now manage a fund for the two young women and hopes that enough money will be available to buy flights over to the UK in time for the National Eisteddfod which is this year held in Bala.

Any additional funds raised will be used to sponsor Patagonians wishing to visit Wales and work on the language over the next few years.

Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“Many people have now become acquainted with the case of Evelyn Calcabrini. What this young lady was subjected to as an invited visitor to Wales is shocking.

“Evelyn was detained for several hours in Heathrow, and eventually turned away by border authorities and not given a reason as to why she was being deported.

“I challenged the Immigration Minister on this and the reason I eventually received was that Evelyn was rejected was because she had no job to go to in Patagonia .

This is categorically untrue and in similar circumstances, Shirley Edwards was also recently despatched.

“Even if this was true, does this now mean that every single young person, student or otherwise, from outside of the EU should be refused entry? Clearly these excuses are invalid and ridiculous.

Elfyn Llwyd added:

“Since first raising this issue, I have received a huge response from constituents and internationally. This is an important issue of basic civil rights.

“I am going to campaign vigorously to ensure that this injustice is put right and that visitors to Wales are never treated like criminals.

“I would also like to see Evelyn and Shirley warmly welcomed back which is something that this fund will hopefully make a reality.

“I will continue to champion this cause in the Commons and with the Home Office as I believe that this is an important issue of principle with international implications.”

Elfyn Llwyd MP will also discuss the broader issue on Channel 4’s ‘Political Slot’ to be broadcast at 19.55pm this Thursday 9^th July 2009.

Plaid Cymru join Welsh bingo protestors at Westminster

Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams MP and Plaid’s Westminster candidate in Llanelli Dr Myfanwy Davies, today joined forces with bingo players from Llanelli to campaign against unfair taxation on bingo.

The group from Llanelli lead by Nigel Griffiths traveled 330 miles to fight for their bingo club’s future by protesting in Dean’s Yard opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Protestors wore Alistair Darling masks, carried several placards, some even circled the square aboard the ‘Bingo bus’, and even joined in a game of Bingo on the green to champion the cause.

Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams has previously warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could signal a decline for Bingo clubs.

A Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the decision was recently defeated by Labour MPs. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker remain taxed at 15%.

Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP said:

“The Government's treatment of the bingo sector is incredibly unfair. In the Budget, the Government announced that it had removed the VAT on participation fees for Bingo players, but at the same time has increased the rate of bingo duty from 22%. This makes no sense in practise.

“Tax fairness is essential during the recession and this taxation on licensed bingo halls is dangerous as it targets the heart of our communities, and in particular older women and those from lower income households. Bingo halls provide a safe and friendly environment for the whole community to meet and socialise.

“The protestors have championed this cause fantastically today. I hope that the Government will now see for itself that bingo clubs and their constituents are suffering under this burdensome tax.”

Dr Myfanwy Davies added:

“Bingo has been part of life in Llanelli for as long as I can remember and the last thing we need in the town centre is for the club in Market Street to have to close.

“This is a completely unfair and ridiculous tax on people’s enjoyment. Bingo is already taxed once and there is no justification for treating bingo differently from online poker or any other form of gambling.

“We’ve come today to show those MPs that voted for the tax hike will see that they cannot ignore the voice of their constituents.”

PLAID WELCOMES MOUNTAINOUS BOOST FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY

Plaid Cymru’s Alun Ffred Jones AM and Hywel Williams MP have welcomed the new visitor centre at the summit of Snowdon as a mountainous boost for the local tourist industry.

The new visitor centre, including a restaurant, café and weather centre, replaces what Prince Charles once described as the highest slum in Britain .

Local Plaid AM, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“ Snowdon already attracts a high number of tourists to this area. Around 500,000 visitors reach the summit every year. I am confident that this new visitor centre, which has been helped with a funding package from the One Wales Government and Visit Wales , will make it an even more popular destination.

“Not only will the centre be valuable in bringing in more people, but it will also enhance people’s experience and interpretation of one of Wales ’s most beautiful national treasures.

“The tourism industry plays a vital role in our local economy. The Plaid driven One Wales government is committed to supporting the industry and ensuring that is developed in a way that makes the most of local resources and assets.”

Plaid’s Hywel Williams, MP for Caernarfon, added:

“The new centre at the summit of Snowdon is an extraordinary new landmark. It is of enormous importance and is something that local people and visitors alike can enjoy and be very proud of.

“It is an extremely innovative building too, has been built of natural materials and expertly put together over time by skilled builders in extreme conditions. There are some spectacular views across Snowdonia from the new site and I’m looking forward to my next trip up there.

“This is a great investment for my constituency too and I want to pass on huge congratulations to the whole team involved with putting such an iconic attraction in place.”