Although the opinion polls in the UK and Wales cast
a cloud over the party I find that party members are in a buoyant mood,
determined to fightback and recover.
In mid-November I made the first of four contributions at the Welsh
Liberal Democrats Conference in Swansea. This was the first political conference I had
spoken at since 1992 and was a bit apprehensive and in fact ‘rusty’ in my
delivery. All that was inevitable I suppose after almost 25 years!
Since 1992 things have changed beyond recognition and the media were
mainly absent from the event but nevertheless the attendance was good and what
greatly encouraged me was the proportion of young people that were present.
The first debate I took part in was on developing a Manifesto for the
Assembly elections in May 2016. The motion before the conference was a clear
one and was designed to be, in Kirsty Williams’s phrase, ‘A Road Map’ to provide
a clear direction for the party. It certainly meets that objective.
I was keen to point out that to reach any destination we have to follow
the signposts that give direction. In other words a Manifesto does not win an
election but concise and clear messages on a few themes (signposts) leave a
more lasting impression and define what we are about for 2016.
To me the signposts are clear –
A more open and democratic Wales including a more inclusive and deliberative
Welsh Assembly - more openly challenged and held to account and one that governs
for the whole of Wales;
Raise the effectiveness, levels of provision, efficiency and standards
within our key public services;
Ensuring that prosperity, investment, economic development and
regeneration is shared across Wales and encourages enterprise;
Protect our natural environment, support agriculture, the rural economy
and tourism;
Strengthen Wales’s place in the politics of the UK and Europe and
Safeguard our Welsh heritage, culture and identity.
I believe that the Road Map encompasses those six signposts very well.
Below is a video talk and my brief conference contribution (the sound quality is not up to
the usual standard however).
In conclusion I do believe that it is perfectly possible for the Welsh
Liberal Democrats to confound all the pundits come next May. With clear strategic
messages, effective campaigning and a well-planned communication strategy in
both languages it can happen.
Roadmap for 2016: Manifesto
Motion
National Policy Committee
Conference Notes:
1. Elections to the National
Assembly for Wales will be held on the 5th of May, 2016.
2. Welsh Liberal Democrats have
the deepest roots of any Welsh political party, having been in the front line
of progressive and radical reform for over 150 years.
3. The main tasks facing the
next Welsh Government will be:
a. Building effective and
people-centred public services during budget pressures,
b. Growing our economy for the
benefit of all, and
c. Giving everyone in society
the opportunity to get on in life, for themselves and their families.
Conference Believes:
1. Wales can only reach its
potential by making the most of Wales' strengths such as our culture, our
resources, and most of all, our people, and by good governance by a
government that values
transparency and scrutiny.
2. In a time of further
tightening of budgets, Wales needs innovative thinking to improve public
services to meet the needs of patients, pupils and parents and achieve social
justice.
3. People everywhere in Wales
need more say over how they are governed, particularly in their own local
areas.
Conference Resolves:
To present the Welsh electorate
with policies which represent our liberal values and vision to revitalise Wales
and calls on the Policy Committee to develop a radical and innovative manifesto
to:-
1. Strengthen our economy and
encourage entrepreneurship and growth including;
a. Delivering a balanced,
integrated, export-led economic strategy;
b. Devolving more powers to
local areas;
c. Stimulating the high street;
d. Expanding apprenticeships;
and
e. Significantly cut burdensome
red tape to allow businesses the opportunity to thrive.
2. Ensure the NHS centres care
on the dignity, compassion, and choice for individuals within a clean, safe and
well-managed environment by;
a. Ensuring safe levels of nurse
staffing on Welsh wards;
b. Guaranteeing patients the
best treatment, in the right place, at the right time,
including improving access to
your GP;
c. Ending mental health
discrimination and improving support for people with
additional learning needs.
3. Develop an education system
which helps children flourish and empowers pupils and parents by:
a. Helping children develop and
supports parents with effective childcare provision;
b. Promoting early years
delivering lower class sizes;
c. Providing flexibility and
freedom for teachers to lead,
d. Increasing funding through
the Welsh Pupil Premium;
e. Ensuring fair access to
further and higher education.
4. Support rural communities,
particularly ensuring stability of the farming industry.
5. Ensure that everybody has
access to good quality housing at an affordable price.
6. Protect our natural environment
and enhance our renewable energy resources.
7. Ensuring public transport
across Wales is efficient and accessible, particularly in rural areas.
8. Reform the way we do politics,
emphasising devolution of power to the lowest practical level, empowering
communities, and ensuring accountability at all levels.
9. Ensure everyone has the right
speak Welsh in their daily life and can access good
quality Welsh education and
public services.
10. Spread a uniting vision of a
self-confident nation, standing on its own two feet, in the United Kingdom and
in Europe.