After much reflection, I have decided not to stand as as a candidate in the next election. There is of course sadness in making this decision, but also a strong sense of pride. Above all else, I'd like to thank the people of B&R for their support over the last 2 decades.
Let’s be clear extending furlough is the right thing to do. But there wasn’t much standing together when the Welsh, Northern Irish, Scots and those in the North of England needed and asked for this help.
Following the PM’s announcement on further restrictions across the country we have decided to extended the furlough scheme for a further month covering 80% of employees’ wages.
My late mother had a catastrophic stroke aged 55. She remained at home until her death 5 yeas later thanks to the dedication of my father and the care staff who came 3 times a day. Believe me they were very skilled.
How depressingly predictable, apparently the threats are my own fault for being a politician. Thank you for the messages of support I have already received. For the other gentleman, sir you are part of the problem.
"I've received threats to kill... that's now the reality for too many of my colleagues"
Former Education Minister
@Kirsty_Williams
speaks to
@robosbornewales
about some of the abuse she faced as a politician before she took the decision to step down
17 years ago today I watched the sunrise on a glorious morning from the windows of Nevill Hall Hospital’s SCBU. It was very scary. Fast forward and my mini me and I are off to buy books, lots and lots of books
#thankyouNHS
Can I thank everyone for their kind messages. It has been quite a week, announcement, work and a sick child in and out of hospital (they know how to pick their moment!)but reading them has just reinforced what I already knew, I am a very lucky person. Diolch.
I live a mile and a half out of town, but you could hear the clapping and cheering from Brecon. Thank you to all the health and social care staff doing an amazing job. Thanks also to everyone who is on the frontline in this fight.
Very worrying to hear the Prime Minister advocate for people to visit National Parks and AONB’s for their exercise. Please if you love to visit Mid Wales, do right by us and visit when this is all over
#StayHome
Today’s announcement is undoubtedly better than a no deal catastrophe, but it leaves us diminished in so many ways. The Westminster Gov’s decision not to participate in Erasmus is just one of them.
Really pleased to be appointed Chair of Wales’ International Learning Exchange Programme Advisory Board. Looking forward to ensuring the experience & expertise of board members shapes & guides this fabulous opportunity for all those in education & youth work
Deeply depressing to read local people saying on social media that reports and pictures of the vaccination process beginning in Powys are fake. I despair and it is very dangerous.
So very very sad to learn of the death of Shirley Williams. To spend even a moment in her company was an opportunity to learn, to be inspired, and to experience immense warmth and kindness. RIP Shirley.
So very sad to learn of the passing of Paddy Ashdown. A Liberal to the core he lead with passion and energy at a critical time for the party. On a personal level he was incredibly supportive encouraging and kind. Condolences to Jane and the family.
As the Senedd meets for the beginning of the 6th term I want to wish all those fortunate to have been elected well, whether governing or holding government to account, to misquote a retiring President their success will be our country’s success.
Many thanks for the lovely messages of support over the last couple of days my family and I are very grateful. 1 or 2 had us choking on our cornflakes (you know who you are) But hey the best time to plant a tree was 22 years ago, the second best time is today!
So very sad at the passing of Aled Roberts. A superb colleague. Smart, compassionate and effective. He was great company, always ready with a story, usually about characters in his beloved Rhos. Condolences to Llinos and family.
Very amusing watching
#TheApprentice
with my daughter. “Good grief my logo and marketing strategy to sell socks for Welsh Bacc is better than this rubbish”.
Daughter was given a questionnaire in PSE focusing on future career aspirations. Q. Who’s job would you most want to have. A. John King’s. Time to ration her CNN obsession I think.
Many thanks to all who have been in touch and sent best wishes for the speedy recovery of William. It is much appreciated. I am sure now everybody will want to respect the privacy of his family at this difficult time.
I have a lot of respect for
@LeanneWood
. When a fellow leader found her to be thoughtful but passionate in her beliefs and a thoroughly decent person to work with.
Friends coming over to eat tomorrow night. Previous life didn’t leave much time for entertaining, trying to do as much ahead of time as poss, I swear I have used every saucepan I own.
#NotANaturalInTheKitchen
As I wait for my own daughter, there seems to a brisk trade at
@PTHBhealth
vaccination centre at Bronllys Hospital this morning. A steady stream of 16 and 17 year olds taking advantage of their opportunity to protect themselves, their families and communities.
#TeamPowys
I realise that the weather is lovely, I know that Brecon & Radnor has wonderful places to visit, I recognise that the shut down is frustrating. But please stay at home and visit us when this horror is over.
My grandfather swapped the mines of Llanelli for the ones in West Virginia after WW1. He wasn’t naive, but he believed in the promise of America. She was good to him. Glad he is not here to witness tonight.
Really pleased that the Senedd just approved an extension to my Safe Nurse staffing legislation. The protections under that law will now be extended to paediatric wards.
I want to recognise and thank
@MarkDrakeford
for a life dedicated to public service. For the personal kindness and consideration he showed me in the 20+ years we worked together. He was the toughest of opponents and the best of colleagues. Diolch o galon.
I watched this live, exhausted, breast feeding my daughter, while the rest of the house slept. The words, the delivery, even in my new mother brain fog, I knew I was watching something special.
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America. There's the United States of America."
16 years ago tonight: Barack Obama's keynote speech:
She only went and passed her driving test. “You know I can just get up and go don’t you” is the refrain of the evening. Another slightly terrifying phase of the parenting journey begins.
It is quite a day in the Rees household. Youngest dispatched to her D of E expedition and now just the small task of moving middle child to Uni for the first time, oh and it’s our 22nd wedding anniversary!
Representing a big part of rural Scotland and part of a national park, I say this in all sincerity, the Daily Mail can f*** off. Please, stay at home, our community is not your bolt hole. This is not a holiday opportunity, take it seriously.
"When they ask you out, they don't present their rage... they don't threaten, criticise, control, yell"
MPs applaud and comfort Labour's Rosie Duffield, as she shares her own experience of being in an abusive relationship
And just like that eldest has gone again. Moved her into new flat near Edinburgh and am lurking in the lowlands an hour away for a few days just in case. For her sake not mine of course!
Wales is getting a new International Learning Exchange Programme creating life changing opportunities to travel, learn, and experience. But first it needs a name. Have your say:
#Worldofopportunitywales
Massive thank you to all involved in the vaccination programme
@PTHBhealth
My household ranging from 84 - 19 all double jabbed as of today. A remarkable achievement. Each one of us treated with care and professionalism. You are all amazing.
We love welcoming people to Mid Wales, but now is not the time. By travelling to Wales you are risking your health, my constituents health as well as a fine. Please stay home for now.
Thank you for staying at home. Visit Wales. Later.
All holiday accommodations and attractions in Wales are closed.
Please do not travel at this time.
By following this advice, you are saving lives.
#staysafe
#saveournhs
Dr. Ami Jones gives us an overview of what it’s like to be on the front line of our NHS this winter
If we all follow the two week firebreak we can lower the number of new coronavirus cases and relieve pressure on our NHS.
So sad to learn of the death of Steffan Lewis. A talented politician when he addressed the chamber you listened because you knew he always had something thoughtful to say. Exactly the kind of person the Assembly needs. Condolences to his family and Plaid.
It is absolutely amazing to receive confirmation from
@PTHBhealth
that Covid 19 vaccination will start rolling out next week, fab to see one our local GP’s confirm she has already got a time and date for hers.
25 years ago, around about this time I was in Cwmgiedd downing a very large Bacardi and coke to steady the nerves. Too terrified to go to the vote verification.
Such shocking news that the PM has been taken to ICU at St Thomas’ Hospital. What a terrible time for him and his family. Best wishes for a full recovery.
Great progress also being made in vaccinating care home residents right across B&R, from Presteigne to Ystradgynlais, Rhayader to Hay. Fantastic effort from all involved
Proud of what my husband does everyday to care for his stock, help feed a nation and preserve this very special part of Wales
#farm24
#WeAreWelshFarming
So very sorry to learn of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. A long life, dedicated to service. Deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and all that feel his loss keenest today.
Receiving lots of positive feedback from constituents about the new mass vaccination centre at the show ground. Safe, efficient and caring. Thanks to
@PTHBhealth
and all those involved who are making this happen.
Oh the joy! Daughter moving back to Uni today. Housemate has arrived to find fridge in the garden, old towels on the landing, shower door propped up in the shower and kitchen cupboards full of left behind junk. It is going to be a long day.
Despite what some politicians are claiming, care home and dom care staff are included in the first wave of COVID 19 vaccinations that begun today.
@PTHBhealth
hope to deliver 1000 doses from Bronllys this week.