MIKE HEDGES AM WELCOMES WELSH GOVERNMENT CONSULTION ON ANIMAL WELFARE (LICENSING OF ANIMAL EXIBITS)

MIKE HEDGES AM WELCOMES WELSH GOVERNMENT CONSULTION ON ANIMAL WELFARE (LICENSING OF ANIMAL EXIBITS)



Speaking from his Swansea East Office, Mike Hedges AM said…. ‘As an animal lover I welcome these proposals to consult on ways to regulate the public exhibition of animals. We need to ensure that animals are treated humanely and are not put through undue stress through being part of public exhibitions in Wales. This consultation allows people with views and experience in the field to have their views taken into account. I would urge anyone with an opinion on this topic to take part in the consultation’

Today I have launched a 12-week consultation on draft Regulations ‘The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Animal Exhibits) (Wales) Regulations 2020’ and accompanying Guidance, as well as inviting evidence to assist policymakers in assessing the impact they may have on the people and biodiversity of Wales.

The draft Regulations provide a licensing scheme for all Animal Exhibits (AEs) based in, and visiting, Wales which meet a given criteria; it allows checks to be made to ensure good welfare standards are met at their home base, in transport and during exhibition.

What has become clear as this policy has progressed is AEs play an important role in the development of attitudes towards animals. There are concerns they may have a negative impact, portraying animals as commodities or toys. Others feel strongly well-managed AEs are well equipped to introduce children, young people and adults alike to animals in a controlled environment.



A key principle behind the licensing scheme is to develop respectful and responsible attitudes towards animals and to that end, the draft Regulations introduce a new requirement for licensed AEs to promote public education and raise awareness of the species kept. This has been a long-standing and successful requirement for licensed zoos and I am keen to see the benefits it could have for the people of Wales when it is also delivered in other contexts.



This requirement should have a lasting impact on children and young people in particular and I feel it is important they have the opportunity to comment on this principle and other aspects of the proposed licensing scheme. A children and young people’s questionnaire has therefore been published as part of this consultation to allow the submission of evidence from the next generation of animal owners.

AEs are an integral aspect of the Welsh tourist industry and I am confident this licensing scheme will not only play a role in protecting the safety of people who observe these exhibits but prove to the people of Wales and our visitors we are a nation of animal lovers and passionate about ensuring animals, whether kept for working purposes or companionship, live a good quality life.

The consultation will be accessible until 21 November 2019 and can be accessed here: https://gov.wales/animal-exhibits



This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.

MIKE HEDGES URGES PEOPLE TO PLAN FOR THEIR WINTER FLU VACINATIONS EARLY!

MIKE HEDGES URGES PEOPLE TO PLAN FOR THEIR WINTER FLU VACINATIONS EARLY!



Speaking after meeting with representatives of Sanofi Pasteur, manufacturers of Flu Vaccines, Swansea East AM, Mike Hedges said… I had a very interesting meeting with the team from Sanofi; they had some very interesting stats about how Swansea people do not attend for their Flu vaccines and Swansea has below average take up across a number of high risk patient categories. I would urge everyone to consider getting the flu vaccine, especially if they are in a high risk category. The vaccine is safe and painless ( I can vouch for that!). Please go along to and get vaccinated!









Flu Vaccine information

1) 2018/19 FLU VACCINATION COVERAGE RATES FOR SWANSEA LOCAL AUTHORITY[1].

·         Over-65s: 67.2% (1.1% below the average for Wales)

·         6 months-under 65 at risk: 43.0% - (1.1% below the average for Wales)

·         Pregnant Women: 44.7% (1.9% below the average for Wales)

·         Carers: 45.1% (4% below the average for Wales)

2) THE VALUE OF VACCINATION

-          Today, alongside clean, safe drinking water, immunisation is the most successful public health intervention for combating infectious diseases and reducing global mortality.

-          The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccination saves up to three million lives across the globe every year^[2].

-          The influenza vaccination helps protect the majority of people who receive it^[3].

-          This is important because people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more at risk of getting serious complications from influenza including bronchitis, pneumonia and even death^[4].

-          Influenza vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications from influenza, and for people who live with or care for at-risk individuals^[5].

-          Winter influenza outbreaks put the NHS under unnecessary pressure from vaccine-preventable illness.

-          The 2017-2018 the Welsh CMO’s report stated that 2017-18 saw the highest numbers of influenza cases diagnosed in general practices and hospitals since the 2009 pandemic. 88 outbreaks of acute respiratory illness were reported across hospitals and care homes. [6]

-          Sanofi Pasteur research using NHS data from the UK found that, from 2013-2018, the impact of influenza in patients with diabetes, chronic heart disease and chronic respiratory disease was over £510 million for secondary care alone.^[7] 

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[1] Public Health Wales, Seasonal Influenza in Wales 2018/19, accessible at: http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/CommunitySurveillanceDocs.nsf/($All)/E3F7BE45AAB413658025841700552272/$File/Seasonal%20influenza%20in%20Wales%20201819_v1a(final).pdf

[2] World Health Organization. Health topics Immunization.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Effectiveness: How well does the flu vaccine work. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm

[4] NHS Choices. Who should have the flu jab? Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx [Accessed 1 Sep. 2017].

[5] 2. NHS Choices. Who should have the flu jab? Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx [Accessed 1 Sep. 2017].

[6] https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-05/chief-medical-officer-for-wales-annual-report-2018-2019.pdf

[7] Skinner L et al. Investigating the secondary care system burden of influenza hospitalisation in clinical risk groups using the HES database. PIN70. Presented at ISPOR Europe 2018.

MIKE HEDGES AM URGES LOCAL FISHERMAN TO REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS OR CATCHES OF PINK SALMON IN SWANSEA RIVERS.

MIKE HEDGES AM URGES LOCAL FISHERMAN TO REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS OR CATCHES OF PINK SALMON IN SWANSEA RIVERS.



Speaking from his Morriston Office, Mike Hedges AM said …’ it is rare for Pink Salmon to be caught in Welsh Rivers; it is important that NRW has a good picture of how the ecology of local rivers is evolving so if local anglers do see fish not usually seen in the Tawe or other local rivers, I would urge them to contact NRW and let them know what they have seen. You can report your catch –



Report your catch on NRW’s 24-hour incident hotline number 03000 65 3000’

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging nets men and anglers to report any unusual catches after the first pink salmon was caught in Welsh waters for decades.

The fish was caught in the river Dee at the Chester fish trap monitoring station.

Despite this being a Welsh first, numerous reports of captured pink salmon were made around the UK in 2017.

The majority were caught in Scotland and off the north east coast of England with a few isolated reports on the UK’s west coast.

Data on sightings is vital to determine any potential impact on the local environment and species.

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), also known as humpback salmon, originate from the northern Pacific Ocean.

The appearance of the species is of concern as it may impact on Wales’ indigenous salmon and sea trout populations in the future.

The potential impact of pink salmon is unclear at present; however, these fish may introduce parasites and disease not present in native salmonid fish. 

Interbreeding is unlikely as pink salmon spawn in late summer and Atlantic salmon spawn in winter, however competition for food and space in nursery areas between juvenile pink and Atlantic salmon is possible.

Mike Hedges AM congratulates local pupils on hard work and great results

Mike Hedges AM congratulates local pupils on hard work and great results



Mike Hedges, AM for Swansea East has congratulated local pupils on another excellent year for AS and A-level / Welsh Baccalaureate and GCSE results in Wales.



Mike Hedges AM, wanted to congratulate pupils across Swansea East.



The AM is reminding pupils that if you didn’t get the results they wanted, they can seek advice from Careers Wales on 0800 208 4844.



Mike Hedges AM said “My congratulations to everyone who had received there results. I remember from personal experience, just how stressful a time this can be.”



I am aware that some schools have achieved some significantly improved results compared to last year, including Birchgrove Comprehensive which saw an 18% improvement in its science results year on year.



“I would also like to pay tribute to parents, teachers and governors in all schools, who work really hard to ensure that students reach their full potential.”

Mike Hedges Welcomes news that Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn commits a new Labour Government to building the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Mike Hedges Welcomes news that Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn commits a new Labour Government to building the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.



Speaking from his Constituency office in Swansea, Mike Hedges AM said… ‘this is good news for Wales and Swansea! We all know the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon made sense, especially when you factor in that it is an emerging technology where start-up costs are always higher than established ones; we also know however that the rewards both to the local economy and in combating climate change would have been significant. The Welsh Government have already committed to supporting the Tidal Lagoon and now this additional commitment from the Labour Leader gives further impetus to those who remain committed to delivering the Tidal Lagoon Project, even if in a modified form. I will continue to support the Tidal Bay Lagoon in whatever way that I can.’

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn claims his party's plans for a "green industrial revolution" will transform society and create high-quality jobs.

Mr Corbyn restated Labour's support for schemes such as a Swansea tidal lagoon ahead of a visit to Machynlleth, Powys.

He accused the UK government of a "failed approach" to climate change

Mike Hedges welcomes news that a developer has been found guilty of causing or permitting the unlawful felling of an ancient redwood tree.

Mike Hedges welcomes news that a developer has been found guilty of causing or permitting the unlawful felling of an ancient redwood tree.

Speaking from his Swansea East Office, AM Mike Hedges said…… ‘I am pleased with the outcome of this trial and congratulate Swansea Council on their decision to prosecute the people involved. Developers should know that they can’t flout the law and suffer no consequences when they do so, although it is surprising how often they think the law doesn’t apply to them! Our natural environment is one of our most precious assets and must be protected at all costs. I hope that other local authorities will take similar robust action when faced with similar behaviour from developers.’

Enzo's Homes director Fiorenzo Sauro, 49, had denied cutting down 70 protected trees, including the 200-year-old redwood, near a housing development in Swansea last year.

But district judge Neale Thomas found both Sauro and the firm guilty of contravening a tree preservation order.

Contractor Arwyn Morgan had already admitted the same charge on Monday.

Both Sauro, and Morgan, who were convicted at Swansea Magistrates' Court, will be sentenced next month.

Mike Hedges welcomes A Level success by local students

Mike Hedges welcomes A Level success by local students



Speaking after visiting Bryn Tawe, Bishop Vaughan and Morriston schools to meet pupils receiving their A level results, Mike Hedges AM said.. I am thrilled for the pupils who have received their results this morning and who have done well. If they are embarking on courses of further education I wish them every success for the future and urge them to make the best of these opportunities, it really is the chance of a life time.



For those who have not achieved their results they were hoping for, I would say…. Don’t panic! Seek advice and see what other options are available. There may be other courses available through the clearing system or there may be opportunities for resitting your exams – many people do less well than hoped for go on to have fantastic careers.



I was particularly thrilled to visit Bishop Vaughan where they had their best results ever.. well done to Emma and her Team!

Summer 2019 A-Level results

The main figures from today’s provisional results show:

§  Attainment of top grades has increased. A*-A passes rose from 26.3% in 2018 to 27%, a historic high.

§  A* passes are now at 9.1%, an historic high.

§  Results remained stable at A*-C, with the overall pass rate of 76.3% still at the highest level since 2009.

§  Amongst the core subjects, Maths has the highest pass rate at A*-A, with 45.2% achieving those grades.

§  An increase in the number of Science entries and more achieving A*-C grades in Biology (+1.1% points), Chemistry (+2.2% points) and Physics (+1.1% points).

§  Results are stable at AS Level, with 20.3% awarded an A grade and 90.0% achieving grades A-E.

§  Welsh Baccalaureate students also performed well. For the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, equivalent in size and demand to an A level, 4.6% of students achieved an A* grade, a significant rise from 1.6% in 2017.

The Scottish and Welsh governments have expressed fears over the future of the Erasmus student exchange programme in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

MIKE HEDGES EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT LACK OF CLARITY ABOUT FUTURE OF ERASMUS STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.



Speaking from his assembly office in Morriston, The Swansea East AM said… ‘The lack of clarity about this scheme concerns me greatly. I have met many students who have used this scheme to study abroad and who have greatly enhanced their education experience through doing so. Learning a language ought to be central to people’s education given that we live in an increasingly interdependent world, and we ought to be encouraging as many people as possible to take advantage of chances to study abroad. I hope that the UK Government responds positively to the letter sent by the Education Ministers.’

The Scottish and Welsh governments have expressed fears over the future of the Erasmus student exchange programme in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Both administrations have jointly written to the UK education secretary to express their concerns.

The EU programme helps students study in other countries.

The UK government has guaranteed payments for successful applicants and said it is "exploring participation" in a successor scheme. The current scheme however cannot accept applicants for courses beyond 2020, in part because of Brexit uncertainties.

Erasmus is an EU-funded programme which enables students to either study part of their degree or undertake a work placement abroad.

About 53% of UK university students who learn abroad do so through the initiative.

Some countries which are not in the EU - including Iceland, Norway and Serbia - also take part.

About 2.2 million fewer single-use cups were used by public bodies in Wales in the last year - a drop of nearly 19%.

Mike Hedges AM Welcomes news that the use of single use cups has dropped by around 20%



Speaking from his Swansea East office, Mike Hedges AM said… ‘This is very good news indeed; we know that single use cups take hundreds of years to degrade if buried in the ground and are very difficult to recycle – best thing is not to use them in the first place! That is why it is good news that public bodies in Wales are turning away from single use cups. I hope that the number of public bodies who are no longer using single use cups continue to increase year on year until no public bodies in Wales are using single cups.’

About 2.2 million fewer single-use cups were used by public bodies in Wales in the last year - a drop of nearly 19%.

Hospitals, emergency services, councils and government organisations have said they are trying to reduce the amount of waste produced by the cups.

Eight out of the 43 bodies asked said they did not buy single-use cups in 2018-19, and seven of those have also withdrawn plastic straws and cutlery.

Campaigners welcomed the fall but said 9.6 million cups ordered was too many.

The details, given to BBC Wales following a Freedom of Information request, also showed a £71,000 fall in the amount spent on single-use cups between 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Mike Hedges welcomes announcement that almost £2.5 million approved to help Welsh businesses cope with Brexit challenges.

Mike Hedges welcomes announcement that almost £2.5 million approved to help Welsh businesses cope with Brexit challenges.

Speaking from his Swansea East Office, Mike Hedges AM said… ‘It is clear that business are going to need a lot of support as we transition towards Brexit. I am pleased the Welsh Labour Government is providing as much support as it can. The Brexit Business Resilience Programme is proving to be a vital source of support for the Business Community in Wales.

If people are looking for support for their business as we approach the date of leaving the EU ( October 31^st) please contact Business Wales via the link below.’

Almost £2.5 million has been approved to help Welsh businesses adjust to the challenges of Brexit since the Welsh Government’s Brexit Business Resilience Programme was launched last year, Economy Minister Ken Skates has announced.

A total of 51 eligible businesses have been approved for funding of between £10,000 and £100,000 as part of the Brexit Business Resilience Grant Fund, so they can invest in overcoming immediate challenges related to Brexit.

The Brexit Business Resilience Grant Fund is currently fully committed, but work is under way to make more funding available.

To find out more about the support available through the Brexit Business Resilience Programme visit Business Wales

MIKE HEDGES VISTS BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION COPD MANAGEMENT COURSE AT PENLAN LEISURE CENTRE.

MIKE HEDGES VISTS BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION COPD MANAGEMENT COURSE AT PENLAN LEISURE CENTRE.



Speaking after his visit, Swansea East AM Mike Hedges said… ‘It was great to visit this programme this week and meet patients whose lives will be eased through their attendance at this course. COPD is a serious and debilitating condition which can be managed effectively so that sufferers can learn to recognise, live with and manage their symptoms. I was pleased to meet with Staff from the British Lung Foundation who are running this course; it is a big plus for people with the condition to have such expertise to call upon for information.



I hope they are able to access funding to run this course in other locations’



The free 7 week programme is currently funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and has proven results, not only educating those with COPD to help better manage their condition but also in reducing anxiety and confusion around their condition.



Through education and interactive exercise sessions, those who have COPD will less likely visit their GP for further information and will more likely better manage their condition reducing admissions.



Currently, a 7 week course is running at Penlan Leisure Centre and it is hoped that this will be rolled out subject to funding to other areas across the city.

ike Hedges welcomes new European collaborative project launched to help small and medium sized food and drink companies innovate in the healthy food sector.

Mike Hedges welcomes new European collaborative project launched to help small and medium sized food and drink companies innovate in the healthy food sector.

Speaking from his Swansea East Constituency, Mike Hedges AM said… This is the sort of new fund which we need to support our small to medium firms; these are the backbone of the agro-food economy and could be a real growth sector for Wales with the right support. I urge companies to watch for details of the application processes.’

Small and medium sized Welsh food and drink businesses are set to benefit from a €1.2 million international project, funded through the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, to help broaden their knowledge and capacity to supply the increased demand for innovative healthy food.

The Atlantic Healthy Food EcoSystem (AFHES) project, co-funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by BIC Innovation in Wales, brings together partners from France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Northern Ireland, including the regions of Galicia, Brittany and the Basque Country. 

The programme aims to improve the competitiveness of Welsh food and drink companies within the Atlantic Area region by giving them the skills and networking opportunities they need to develop new products and access new markets, including through training, mentoring and coaching support.

The network of companies and organisations across the new international partnership will also share knowledge, expertise and best practice to address key market requirements.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: 

The last few years have seen a growing demand for innovative healthy food.  We want to help small and medium sized businesses to tap into these new opportunities and this new international cross border project will help do just that.

This EU funded programme, supported by Welsh Government, will help increase the competitiveness of our SMEs and drive sales in this emerging sector, whilst strengthening our international engagement with key regions in Europe, which are so important at this time.