Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

‘Labour election gimmick exposed’ says Carmarthenshire AM

Carwyn Jones admits Labour can’t and won’t stand up for Wales to Westminster cuts

Labour has been accused of deliberately misleading the Welsh public after their leader in Wales admitted their election promise could not, and would not be delivered.  Carwyn Jones made a personal promise to the Welsh electorate that Labour would act as a shield to protect people in Wales from all Westminster cuts.  However, after being challenged on this pledge by Carmarthen East & Dinefwr Assembly Member, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, in light of cuts to legal aid, the First Minister stated that Labour couldn’t deliver on their promise.

Mr. Thomas said the statement by Carwyn Jones admitting that he couldn’t stand up for the people of Wales when cuts are imposed by Westminster, was a complete contrast to promises he had made during the election.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM said:

“It is pretty appalling that Labour told people on the campaign trail that they would be a shield from all Westminster cuts, yet, just a matter of weeks since making that commitment, are washing their hands of their responsibilities. 

“Labour made it clear in the election that voting for them would put an end to Westminster cuts.  Now they are saying that they can’t and won’t live up to that pledge.  People across Wales will be wondering why they voted Labour when they have been so quick to give up on trying to protect them.

“I have serious concerns about the future of local justice as a result of the closure of Ammanford Magistrates Court and other court closures throughout Wales.  Yet Labour’s response appears to be that the closures are being made by Westminster so there is nothing they will do to stand up against them.  That attitude simply is not good enough for a government that said something completely different during the election.  The Labour party’s election gimmick has been exposed for all Welsh voters to see.

“Quite rightly the people of Wales will feel angry that they have been misled by Labour.  This is an election gimmick that has preyed on the fears of communities across Wales and Labour should not be allowed to ditch it so quickly.”

ENDS

News Releases