WalesHome.org

WITHIN moments of each other, two Labour candidates send us statements on widely differing topics. We’ll report on them in the order they arrived.

In a video web address one of Wales’ top academics, Professor Teresa Rees, backs Edwina Hart as the best person to lead Wales out of poverty and inequality and deliver Wales as the small, clever country so often talked about. Professor Rees who is a respected expert on equality issues offers her support here:

Responding to the endorsement, Edwina said: “I am delighted that such a world-renowned expert as Professor Rees has given me her backing. It’s a great boost to my campaign. Equality, education and the economy should be at the heart of everything we do for Wales.”

From camp Carwyn, here are the former Environment Minister’s views on the statement made today by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, on future energy policy in the UK.

“Today’s statement by Ed Miliband, offers clarity to the direction we need to travel in the future, if we are to take the necessary action required to address climate change. I want Wales to meet its obligation to tackle climate change by having a balanced, diverse, flexible and more secure energy policy.

“I have already made my position clear on the role Wales should play, in helping the UK deliver on its collective energy needs in the years to come. Today’s National Policy Statement has clear implications for Wales and I recognise that nuclear has a role to play in the years ahead, providing we take the necessary steps to seriously address issues relating to waste.

“If today’s plans for Wylfa come to fruition in the future, I want to make sure Wales will address the crucial matter of nuclear waste strategically, properly and responsibly. If I become First Minister, I will work with CoRWM (Committee on Radioactive Waste Management), to ensure that happens. The sustainable management of nuclear waste is not optional – it must take place, for the sake of our planet and our children.”

This is a clear re-statement of the policy he set out at Wylfa two weeks ago.