Saturday, 7 September 2019

Mike Hedges AM calls for Drone users to exercise caution when flying their drones over coastal areas as breeding seals are being disturbed by drones flying near them.


Mike Hedges AM calls for Drone users to exercise caution when flying their drones over coastal areas as breeding seals are being disturbed by drones flying near them.

Mike Hedges AM said… ‘I have been contacted by wildlife groups concerned about the impact of drones on wildlife in the past and this new research from Swansea University shows there is some merit in these concerns. Drones allow new opportunities for people interested in photography to take marvellous photographs from previously unobtainable vantage points; however, I would urge people who use Drones to use them responsibly and not to fly their drones in a way that disturbs wildlife. The concerns regarding seals in their breeding season is particularly worrying as South West Wales is one of the main areas where seals come to breed in the autumn. If you use a drone, please be careful when close to wildlife.’

The grey seal population in Pembrokeshire and Gower breeds from August to November, but a lack of awareness has led to them being scared into the water with the potential not to return.

Research by Swansea University has so far found drones with four propellers are most likely to cause problems.

It has prompted calls for users to learn about flying them near wildlife.



Tips for drone use

§  Never land on a beach with seal pups present

§  Stay at least 50m (164ft) out from the shore

§  Never paddle between a seal and her pup




Friday, 6 September 2019

Article for Farmers Guadian Re Brexit


Farmers Guardian - Brexit

As we get closer to the end of October and with Parliament to be prorogued with the royal orders stating that parliament will be prorogued ‘no earlier than Monday 9th September and no later than Thursday 12th September’. This paves the way for the government to hold a Queen's Speech , laying out its plans , on 14 October.

Despite this we still have only the three options regarding the European Union that  we have had for a long time :  Leaving without a deal, leaving with a deal similar to, if not identical to, the one that has been rejected three times by the house of commons or staying in the European Union.

We will leave at the end of October without a deal , if nothing is done to stop it,. There is a belief by some that it would be catastrophic for the economy but others, many of whom voted to leave expect nothing to happen and for Britain to continue to trade as we do today. With  no-deal the UK would immediately leave the European Union  with no agreement about the leaving process.

Overnight, the UK would leave the single market and customs union - arrangements designed to help trade between EU members by eliminating checks and tariffs . No deal also means immediately leaving EU institutions such as the European Court of Justice and Europol, its law enforcement body. Membership of dozens of EU bodies that govern rules on everything from medicines to trade marks would end.

Under a no-deal Brexit, there would be no time to bring in a UK-EU trade deal. Trade would initially have to be on terms set by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trading on WTO terms would also mean border checks for goods, which could cause bottlenecks at ports,. No deal would also mean the UK service industry would lose its guaranteed access to the EU single market.



Could a variation of the rejected deal come forward dealing with the Irish border. The European Union cannot allow another country, not in the customs union to have unfettered access to European markets. What they fear would happen is that goods would come into Britain and via Northern Ireland enter the European Union without Tariffs or quotas.

Would an agreement that the Northern Ireland backstop would only continue until an ICT or technological solution can be found and that both the European Union and the British Government are committed to achieving that as soon as is possible allow the deal to be accepted.  There has been a belief that having a technological solution would be easy , generally from people who have no idea how ICT works.

Staying in the European Union is possible but it would be seen as a betrayal of the electorate and could not be achieved unless we had a second referendum, which even if desired could not be achieved by the end of October.

So we are left with a straight choice of no deal or a variation on the deal three times rejected by the house of commons which is not a good place to be.

Lots of countries will happily offer us a free trade deal, it is what they want in return that is frightening.

New Zealand will want a free trade deal to include Lamb without any quotas

Australia, Brazil and Argentina and many others will want a free trade deal to include beef without any quotas

China will want a free trade deal to include  steel and manufactured goods again without any quotas

The USA will want to export beef but also to have the National Health Service opened up to American corporations.

If we leave without a deal we will be a different Country next year.

Thursday, 29 August 2019

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.


Tuesday, 27 August 2019

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] 





[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].
[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.

Friday, 23 August 2019

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.


Thursday, 22 August 2019

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.”


Friday, 16 August 2019

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