Negative results of Brexit are already happening
BREXIT has destroyed Cameron and May, exposed the incompetence of Johnson, Gove and Rees-Mogg and made a laughing stock of Parliament.
It has divided the nation and destabilised the UK and EU and made a United Ireland and independent Scotland almost a certainty.
The disruption of supply chains, tariffs and loss of banking passporting rights following a no-deal Brexit would inevitably lead to business closures, job losses, food shortages, and price rises. To think otherwise is to bury one’s head in the sand. It’s already happening.
Brexit is likely to plunge the UK and EU into recession. So forget Boris’ promise to spend billions on the police, hospitals, education and social services to repair the damage caused by a decade of Tory cuts.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies claim that Boris’ tax cuts would cost billions and benefit the wealthy most. And according to Phillip Hammond Boris is backed by speculators who have bet billions on a hard Brexit causing the pound to tumble and inflation to soar. No wonder the Brexiteers and speculators alike want a no-deal Brexit.
In my opinion, Boris has no intention of negotiating a Brexit deal and is mired in scandal. He is unfit to hold the office of PM.
Bryan D Prescott Caerphilly
Congratulations Sam Davies Ward
CONGRATULATIONS to the 23 bedded older person’s acute rehabilitation ward for not only providing a high standard of care to its patients but also supporting their unpaid carers who give endlessly of their time to look after a loved one. The Sam Davies Ward has become the first service organisation to gain the Carer Friendly Silver Award from the Carers Trust South East Wales. Sister Linda Edwards and staff recognise the importance of the role of carers in enabling the elderly to return home safely and prevent re admittance to hospital. Carers’ meetings have been held to offer support and provide valuable contact details of local organisations. They have provided carers with the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and allowed for an exchange of experiences.
The ward also has a designated carers’ room which has been furnished in conjunction with Barry & District Soroptimists with tea making facilities, toiletries and even a bed if carers should need to stay overnight when visiting a relative.
The Barry & District Soroptimists, who have forged close links with the Ward over a number of years are delighted that the Sam Davies Ward has been recognised for their work in this area.
It is a testament to the vision of the staff and their commitment to both patients and carers that they have received this Silver Ward. Well done! Norma Reynolds President Barry & District Soroptimists
Wales on firm ground at hotel
JUST saw the video on Wales’ hotel in Tokyo (New Otani Hotel). Brought back lots of pleasant memories. During many business trips to Japan I have stayed at the New Otani many times.
Wales could not have chosen a better location while in Tokyo. The New Otani is fabulous. Several years ago there used to be a gigantic ‘seethrough seismograph’ in the main lobby. The needle never stopped quivering. When the needle jumped violently it equaled a 3.5-4.0 quake. As most people know, Japan is very prone to earthquakes. Management eventually had to disconnect and remove this wonderful piece of scientific equipment – guests from the USA and Europe were getting nervous and sometimes canceling reservations when they saw the machine. Being from California, it never bothered yours truly. Thanks for the memories.
John Condon
San Francisco
Simple question at referendum
THERE is a principle in British law you cannot introduce term and conditions after entering an agreement.
The referendum question was simply - Do you wish to remain in the EU? - nothing more!
So how is the departure now subject to ‘the right deal.’
Too many private agenda’s in parliament. Just waiting now for a political canvasser to knock the door and blame the other parties.
Ron Boyce
Cardiff
All roads lead to controversy
I read that Cardiff Council has now decided that all new streets in the city must have Welsh names.
What business is it of the council to do this in a 95% English speaking city?
Obviously, if people had a choice, many would pick an English name.
Furthermore, they have decided that many existing street names should have a Welsh translation which will almost certainly be totally ignored, a further waste of public money.
My own street is a lovely bilingual one Ty Mawr Avenue.
No doubt, the language purists are horrified. The Avenue will have to go. David Gorton Rumney, Cardiff
Inquiry into the construction sector
THE Finance Committee and the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee of the National Assembly for Wales are undertaking a joint inquiry into retention payments in the construction industry.
The retention system has featured in the construction sector for over 100 years and is a contractual practice originally introduced to provide security against defective work or the insolvency of construction firms.
Most building contracts and subcontracts entitle the employing party or client or a contractor to keep a percentage, typically around 5%, of the value of the work carried out until completion or making good of defects.
Research by the UK Government showed that unjustified late and non-payment of retention monies was a significant issue for some contractors and that delays in paying retentions become more significant further down the supply chain.
The committees will be examin
Brexit is likely to plunge the UK and EU into recession
ing the use of retentions in Wales, and the UK more widely.
The inquiry will consider: to what extent retentions are an issue for companies based and/or operating in Wales, including how issues might differ through the supply chain;
whether there are any benefits to the use of retentions;
alternatives to the use of retentions and what role the Welsh Government could play in developing and delivering those alternatives.
The committees will hold a scrutiny session at the National Assembly on October 17, 2019, and would be interested to hear from the construction industry on the above terms of reference prior to this session. Please submit written evidence to: seneddfinance@assembly.wales
Llyr Gruffydd AM Chair, Finance Committee, National Assembly for Wales Russell George AM Chair, Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee
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