Monday 7 March 2011

Wales treated fairly?

The euphoria of Wales' resounding Yes Vote has still not faded, but it is time to get back to business. For a budding candidate this means leafleting, canvassing, and, as you can see, the odd spot of blogging.

Back in the 1980s anti-thatcher reggae pop phenomenon UB40 released the song 1 in 10. A musical exploration of unemployment. The 1 in 10 of the title condemned the unemployment statistics of 1980s Britain at the height of a recession.

To put a scale on the crisis facing Newport, as was mentioned in the recent version of Question Time, Newport unemployment is currently 20%. Or in UB40 terms- 1 in 5. But no-one yet has released a pop single about it.

In that context it is hard to see any degree of awareness in Cameron's recent statements in Cardiff.

"I simply don't accept that we have treated Wales unfairly. I have seen a big recovery in Wales, politically for me, and I want to make sure that we deliver for people in Wales and my government is absolutely committed to doing that."

The reality, as the public sector workers in Wales can sadly testify, is that the only thing to which 'this government are absolutely committed' is certainly not securing a better deal for Wales or for workers, but driving through senseless cuts that will serve only vested interests and the minority.

The best, and only, way for Wales to be treated fairly, if Cameron cares, is for new fair funding formula, designed to meet the needs of Wales and the Welsh people. Cameron may say Wales is treated fairly, but he ignores the actual facts of treasury reports- that there is £900 million shortfall a year, according to treasury figures, between what Wales deserves, and what we receive.

Repeat at will people 'fairer funding now'.

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