Maximum Wage to end short term bonus culture

Today Plaid became the first political party to back calls for a maximum wage.

A motion put to the Plaid party Conference in Llandudno will seek to bring about an end to the short term target culture that has contributed heavily to the current economic crisis in Britain.

The maximum wage motion, put forward by Plaid’s Westminster MPs, would ensure a greater balance between the amount paid to high earners and that paid to ordinary staff.

The move also comes following a timely call from the chairman of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, to ban multi-year guaranteed bonuses throughout the banking industry.

Plaid MPs have worked with leading think tank Compass to launch a campaign calling for a High Pay Commission. The establishment of such a body would examine the issues which led to the crisis in the financial sector and relating to excessive pay of executives in public and private companies.

Plaid’s Adam Price MP said:

“The differentials in pay between staff in successful economies such as Sweden are significantly lower than those in the UK and other countries that adhere to the Anglo-American model. It is important in setting out a long term approach to dealing with the recession and stabilising the economy that this imbalance is addressed.

“Passing this motion through Conference today has really highlighted how forward thinking Plaid is. Establishing a High Pay Commission could mean a ground-breaking change in the banking culture and proves that Plaid is in tune with key industry figures and widespread public opinion who are feeling the real impact of the recession bought about by this reckless culture. Gordon Brown’s government is meanwhile playing catch-up and failing to take decisive action to address such unfair practises.

“The motion is designed to tackle the culture of reckless quick fix practices. Instead of bonuses being paid on short term results it will establish the principal of long term development and growth being rewarded.

“Those rewards should also be shared amongst all members of society and not just the privileged few.”

Gavin Hayes, General Secretary of Compass added:

“It is fantastic that Plaid Cymru have adopted a ‘maximum wage’ policy as part of their manifesto. The Compass YouGov polling on attitudes to high pay released earlier this week confirms the public also want tougher action to curb excessive pay - with 63% support for a High Pay Commission which would consider ideas such as a maximum wage.

“It’s also clear that the British people don't just want rhetoric from politicians they demand concrete action, it is therefore a positive step that Plaid Cymru have shown boldness in adopting this policy and it’s high time the other parties caught up.”

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."

ATMs cashing in on the vulnerable

ATMs that charge people to withdraw their money are cashing in on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, says Plaid AM Dai Lloyd. Dr Dai Lloyd who is Plaid Cymru’s social justice spokesperson has said that it is high time that charges on ATMs were regulated at a government level. The Plaid AM for South Wales West has been alarmed by recent rapid price increases on charging ATMs which he says are particularly disgraceful under the current economic conditions.

The Plaid AM for South Wales West is calling on the London Labour government to regulate ATM proliferation and charges in order to ensure a fair deal for Welsh communities, particularly for those on low incomes who are hit hardest by these charges. He has also committed to investigate what can be done at an Assembly and local level to protect Welsh communities from unfair charges.

Plaid AM Dai Lloyd said:

“The amounts that are being charged to use these ATMs are ridiculous. We have seen rapid increases in prices recently. Some are now charging as much as £2.50 for every withdrawal - for anybody withdrawing £10 that’s an extra 25%! A cost which many users can ill afford. To make matters worse it would appear that more deprived wards with no free cash withdrawal options are being targeted by these companies. This is disgraceful and unscrupulous behaviour by these ATM companies.

“Very often people living in these communities do not have the luxury of being able to travel to withdraw cash. Their options have been further limited by the London Labour Post Office closure programme. Even in those communities that are lucky enough to still have a post office, the days of withdrawing benefits and pensions directly and over the counter are long gone.

“It is high time that action is taken to protect our communities. It is wrong that unscrupulous companies should profit most from those who can afford it least. I am calling on the London Labour government to take immediate action to regulate the proliferation and charges of these ATMs. I will also be looking at what we can do on a Welsh level to protect our communities from unfair charges.”

Plaid MP renews calls for electrification to Wales

Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP has renewed his party's call for the main line between London and Swansea to be electrified.

Following increased media speculation that the Westminster government will soon reveal its electrification plans, Mr Llwyd has stressed that now is the time for Plaid's long campaign to make the improvements bare fruit.

Plaid’s leader in the National Assembly and Deputy First Minister of Wales , Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, has held high level discussions to press for the electrification of Welsh lines since forming the One Wales government in Cardiff .

Plaid MP for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

"Electrification would bring great benefits to the Welsh economy and Plaid has been fighting for this development for decades.

“Plaid will continue to campaign to ensure that we are well connected to Europe ’s major networks. Electrification of the London to Swansea line would be a major step in the right direction.

"Ieuan Wyn Jones has been working hard to persuade the Westminster government that this should be done for the benefit of Wales . I hope that his work, and the work of many other Plaid Cymru representatives over the years, will now pay off."

Plaid MP: ‘ Afghanistan aims need clarifying and refocused on putting force protection first’

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for defence, Elfyn Llwyd MP, will speak in today’s House of Commons debate on the future of British military involvement in Afghanistan .

Mr Llwyd will discuss the lack of clear Government strategy and the apparent deficit of resources for the military in carrying out the campaign.

Commenting in advance of the debate, Plaid’s Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“Although I voted against the incursion in Afghanistan , the reality is that our troops are there and out on the ground, and they are putting themselves in harm’s way everyday.

“The Government has a duty of care to our soldiers and to provide them with adequate equipment and protection. It is this issue that underlies the debate today.

“The most disturbing and most galling part of the current spectacle is that three quarters of these military deaths are avoidable.

“Had the government provided adequate kit and equipment, sufficient helicopters and properly armoured vehicles, then these roadside deaths would not have occurred.

“If that statistic isn’t bad enough, the situation is compounded by the fact that there is no clear strategy being pursued in the conflict in Afghanistan .

“The Government needs to define its purpose. On the one hand, the Prime Minister wants to draw down troops after the Afghan election and on the other, the military top brass are saying that there should be a surge and an increase of at least 2000 troops: what are we to make of these two conflicting statements?

“There is an argument from some military strategists too that by sending a surge of new troops – you provide more of a target and are likely to lose more: ‘more boots on the ground means more bodies in bags’.

Mr Llwyd added:

“I’ve also heard it said that this conflict is about bringing democracy to Afghan. Afghanistan has never been a democracy. It has been a tribal society for centuries and I do not think it is possible to impose a democratic system on a country in this way - something which could take decades in any case.

“It is clearly impossible to engage in this sort of ‘state-building’. A much narrower focus is needed and it should up to the Afghan people as to who and how is responsible for creating their own state.

“There needs to be a clear strategy, together with an exit strategy. Troops need to have a flexible response system to enable them to get out as rapidly as necessary.

“In the meantime we need the fullest possible support for the military in their campaign, and that means an adequacy of equipment and back up urgently.”

Meirionnydd Nant Conwy MP celebrates 60 years of legal aid

Meirionnydd Nant Conwy MP Elfyn Llwyd was among the MPs from all over Wales who gathered at the House of Commons on Wednesday at a special event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of legal aid.

“For the past 60 years legal aid has been an essential part of the welfare state, along with the NHS, Social Security, public housing and free education. It’s vital that everyone has access to good quality legal advice when they need it, regardless of their income.” said Mr Llwyd. “Each year around 51,000 people in Wales receive face-to-face help from legal aid, to help them with their problems.”

Paul Davies, Wales Director of the Legal Services Commission, added:”I am delighted that so many Welsh MPs have marked this important anniversary with us.

“Legal aid funding allows solicitors, barristers and not for profit agencies to provide quality-assured legal advice to people on low incomes.

“It also pays for the Community Legal Advice telephone helpline which provides free legal advice on welfare benefits, housing, education, employment and debt to people on low incomes. Over 20,000 people in Wales used the helpline last year.

“Legal aid has also paid for nearly 40 young solicitors to train in Wales .”

“The current recession means that legal aid services are in as much demand now as ever.

More follows:

“Our legal aid service is the best funded in the world and I’m confident that legal aid will continue to play a valuable role in society for the next 60 years and beyond”.

ELFYN LLYWD MP CALLS FOR STATUTORY PAYMENT PROTECTION FOR SMALL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

With construction insolvencies in Wales rising at an alarming rate Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Elfyn Llywd MP has called for statutory protection for small construction firms.

He has laid an amendment to the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill allowing firms to ask for adequate security for payment such as bank guarantees and payment bonds. In the event that the security is not forthcoming a firm will be able to cease work and, thus, cease to offer further credit. This measure does not apply to householders.

Speaking after laying the amendment Elfyn Llywd MP commented:

“Representatives of small firms in the Welsh construction industry have told me that the increase in credit periods – now often up to 120 days and over – imposed upon SMEs mean that their payers may not be around to make payment.”

He added:

“Moreover there is very little that firms can do to protect themselves against the risk of payer insolvency. Once an electrical or air conditioning installation has been put in it cannot be taken out.”

Speaking on behalf of over 2000 firms in the Welsh construction industry Andrew Marchant of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group welcomed the amendment:

“Construction is bedevilled by poor payment practices. Elfyn Llwyd’s amendment, if passed, will make a real difference to SMEs.”

The amendment will be debated at Report Stage in the House of Commons. In the meantime Elfyn Llwyd is calling on all Welsh Westminster MPs to support it in the debate.

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 MP: ‘10p tax rate controversy proves PM out of touch with party and electorate’

The Prime Minister could face further embarrassment over the decision to scrap the 10p bottom rate of income tax as announced in the 2007 Budget, following this afternoon’s vote in the Commons.

The abolition of the 10p rate came into force in April last year alongside a reduction in the basic rate of tax from 22% to 20%. If today’s amendment is passed, ministers would have to produce proposals to ensure that no person will be worse off from the change.

The motion has widespread support from Plaid Cymru, opposition parties and Labour rebels. Plaid Cymru has called for people on the lowest incomes to be taken out of the income tax bracket all together.

In advance of the vote, Plaid Cymru’s finance spokesperson Adam Price MP commented:

“The decision to abolish the 10p tax rate is one that never should have been taken either. It is irresponsible that those from the poorest sections of our society are being penalised in this way.

“There is no doubt that thousands of people on low incomes are now worse off since this was introduced. It’s a crazy situation that should never been allowed.

“The Government’s initial clumsy attempts to compensate for this blunder by introducing larger personal tax allowances do not go far enough either.

“What should be happening is that these people are taken out of the income tax tier all together. They cannot afford to shoulder the burden, especially in these sensitive economic times.

“The controversy surrounding this motion is embarrassment enough for the Government. If they are indeed voted against by the opposition and by rebels from their own benches – then Gordon Brown faces another U-turn.

“This is yet another example of the Prime Minister being forced to backtrack because he isn’t engaging with the House or his own backbenchers.”

Plaid MP: ‘Holtham confirms that Barnett formula drastically needs to change’

Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price MP has responded to today’s findings in f the Holtham Commission’s interim report.

Plaid Cymru has long campaigned for the discriminatory Barnett formula to be reviewed - arguments that are confirmed in the report’s findings. The investigations in the report also show that under the present system, Wales would lose out on over £8billion in the ten years from 2010.

Plaid’s Adam Price MP commented:

“The findings in the Holtham report do not come as a surprise. Plaid has campaigned consistently for the Barnett formula to be changed but has lacked support from other parties.

“We can now look forward to seeing the recommendations to in the final report. I would expect for this report to be treated in the same way as the Calman commission for the Scottish system did, and for the Government to accept them in full.

“The findings of these investigations by prestigious economists now confirm without a doubt the truth behind the fundamental injustice of the Barnett Formula.

“It is no longer a sustainable argument that resources in Wales can be controlled in this way. We are losing out

“The problem has been diagnosed and now we must focus on the solutions.

“These findings should form the basis of that final report and I would expect the UK Government to respond by bringing forward legislation to that effect. The Holtham Commission deserves that courtesy and Wales deserves that such respect be shown to it.”

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.”

Llanelli bingo players to protest against Government Bingo tax

Time: 12pm – 2pm, Wednesday 1^st July 2009
Location: Dean’s Yard, opposite St. Sephen’s Entrance, Westminster

Plaid Cymru MPs and Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, will be backing bingo players from Llanelli as they plan a 330 mile journey to fight for their club’s future in Westminster .

The bingo campaigners lead by Nigel Griffiths will leave Llanelli at 6am tomorrow (Wednesday) to join bingo players from across the UK at the rally in Westminster .

The group is calling on the Government to reverse a decision to double the tax on Bingo.

Myfanwy and Hywel Williams MP have warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could mean the end for Bingo clubs in Llanelli and further afield.

Live Bingo Game: Players will be trialling a new game called ‘Empty House’ that may be played in clubs across the country unless bingo’s tax issues are addressed.

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

Dr Myfanwy Davies will be joining the protest. She commented:

“This is a completely unfair 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.

“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 , Llanelli to have to close.

“It is great that people from the club are willing to make the very long journey from Llanelli to Westminster to protest against the double tax. I am very pleased that I will be able to meet them there and help them make their point.

“At a time when the Government is making such bad decisions and seems to be accountable to nobody, Labour MPs who voted for the tax hike need to listen to their concerns.”

Plaid MP: reversal of Government plans for Royal Mail is a welcome climb down

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has responded to Lord Mandelson’s admission that the UK Government will not proceed with legislation to part-privatise the Royal Mail in the near future.

Plaid Cymru MPs have consistently campaigned against privatisation of the Royal Mail as this would threaten the universal service obligation (USO) which ensures that customers in rural areas are not disadvantaged.

Mr Llwyd commented:

“I am very pleased that this plan has stalled. I hope that the Government will now reflect on it and finally dismiss this very bad idea.

“However it has been dressed up, this would have effectively marked the beginning of the end of the Post Office as a public service.

“It was hugely unpopular and unworkable as well. No doubt if it reappears in some other guise, there will be huge opposition again.

“The plan has been shelved because the reality is it would have had a huge amount of difficulty getting through. Failing to get the bill would be an embarrassment for the Government although this is a welcome climb down.

“What it means for Wales is protecting the all important universal service obligation.

This means that people are given the same level of service whether they live ten miles up a mountain or in the middle of a city. Privatisation would have meant the end of that obligation and this would have been exceptionally bad in Wales .”

Plaid Westminster leader calls for full legislative scrutiny of new Parliamentary Standards Bill

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has today warned that rushing through a new Parliamentary Standards Bill will mean that the legislation will not stand the test of time.

Mr Llwyd also gave evidence to the Committee into Standards in Public Life today which is looking into the review of MPs expenses system, and at which he stressed these concerns.

Mr Llwyd also raised concerns once again that establishing a ministerial statutory code of conduct could impinge on Members’ right of privilege and freedom of speech.

Mr Llwyd has also advocated a new system which would abolish the controversial Additional Costs Allowance and also the Communications Allowance.

Elfyn Llwyd MP, also a member of the Committee for Standards and Privileges, said:

“This new Bill is being rushed through for political reasons. It needs to be submitted to full pre-legislative scrutiny. My concern is that rushed bills historically have proved ineffective in the long-term.

“A draft bill should be introduced in the autumn and a full debate needs to held in the House when that time comes. The Christopher Kelly commission is already well under way and carrying out some fantastic work.

“We need to fully accept these recommendations rather than hurrying through a Bill just so that the Government can say that it has sorted the issue.

“The issue of transparency is already being addressed to a meritable standard at local government and at the Welsh Assembly. We can take many leads from them in the interim period.

“In terms of a statutory code of conduct, we are in danger of impinging on Article nine of the Bill of Rights. There will be constitutional implications from the creation of one which will need careful consideration.

“We need a robust new system there is no doubt about that, but high-handed gestures from the Government just to prove that they are reacting rapidly to these issues - is not the answer.”

Plaid MP: ‘Armed Forces Day is reminder that more must be done for our troops’

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for defence, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has called on the Government to commemorate Armed Forces Day (Saturday 27^th June) by pledging to do much more for the welfare of servicemen and women.

Plaid Cymru MPs have urged the UK Government to do more to support troops once returned from deployment and on leaving the Armed forces.

Plaid’s Elfyn Llwyd MP, said:

“Of course it is important to commend and support the troops and I hope that Armed Forces Day will be an occasion to honour our very brave and deserving service men and women.

“It is important too that we do not lose sight of the fact that this Government is not currently doing enough for them.

“We in Plaid Cymru have major differences with the Government on foreign policy. However, what is clear is that they have failed to adequately equip the armed forces properly on operations oversees, plus much more needs to be done to provide aftercare for war veterans of all ages.

“For example, a large number of former military personnel develop mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, once back in ‘ Civvie Street ’. Plaid Cymru is campaigning to ensure that their well-being is given utmost priority and that a full after-care service is in place when they leave.

“Shockingly too, one in ten people currently in UK prisons are former serving members of the Armed Forces – according to research from NAPO. The figures may well be higher too.

“There is clearly a lack of sufficient specialist services available and the Government must take responsibility. The problems are becoming more acute too as servicemen and women spend far longer in conflict zones in Iraq and Afghanistan than ever before. The timing between deployments are much shorter and consequently the pressures on service personnel are considerably increased.

“I hope that Armed Forces Day will remind the public of the immense work that our armed services do, but also this must not become a smokescreen by the Government. In truth, troops need more than just one day of concern for them.”