UK workers’ rights bill ‘undermines devolution’
Senedd members criticised the UK employment rights bill for “undermining” devolution and the Welsh Parliament’s role, warning of “dangerous” constitutional implications for Wales. Luke Fletcher backed the principles of the bill: “Day-one rights for workers, zero-hours contracts being revised, removing…
Senedd would have final say on Assisted Dying in Wales
The Senedd would have the final say on whether to implement assisted dying in NHS Wales, but services could be available outside the public sector, the health secretary confirmed. Peter Fox, the Conservative chair of the Senedd’s health committee,…
‘Political deckchair rearranging at its worst’: Senedd set to dissolve Covid committee
A “kangaroo court” on the Covid-19 pandemic will be formally disbanded after members quit but another Senedd committee will take over rather than a judge-led Wales-specific inquiry. At least 13,000 people died in Wales during the pandemic but, more…
Senedd passes ‘first-of-its-kind’ disused tips bill
Senedd members unanimously passed a “first-of-its-kind” law aimed at ensuring the safety of coal and quarry tips. Huw Irranca-Davies welcomed cross-party support for the disused tips bill which was introduced in the wake of a major landslide in Tylorstown, Rhondda, in…
Future of childcare and early education ‘at serious risk’
Many childcare providers across Wales will be forced to close due to the unsustainable funding model imposed by the Welsh Government, the sector warned. Lisa Owen, who has run the Chuckles nursery in Newport for more than 25 years,…
Full justice devolution ‘not on the agenda’
A UK minister appeared to “row back” on a commitment to devolve powers over probation and youth justice to Wales, with Westminster set to retain responsibility. In 2019, an independent commission – led by Lord Thomas, the former head…
Senedd member calls for restrictions on ‘bottom trawling’ to protect Wales’ seabeds from being bulldozed
A Senedd member called for restrictions on bottom trawling to protect Wales’ seabeds as she criticised the current “rudderless” marine protection policy. Janet Finch-Saunders said she could hardly imagine a more wasteful way of catching fish than bottom trawling,…
Calls for ‘Owain’s law’ to aid brain tumour treatment
Senedd members called for Owain’s law, in memory of a young father, to ensure a gold-standard approach to preserving human tissue for other cancer patients in future. Hefin David led a debate on a cross-party motion on July 2 calling for…
Senedd set to sign off on £1.30-a-night tourism levy
The Senedd debated dozens of final changes to plans for a £1.30-a-night tourism levy, with the tax set to get the go-ahead in a key vote next week. Senedd members voted on amendments to the tourism tax bill which would see…
Wet wipes containing plastic to be banned in Wales
Wet wipes containing plastic will be banned in Wales next year to reduce the environmental harm caused by pollution. From December 18, 2026, it will be an offence in Wales to supply – or offer to supply – wet…