Unemployment Figures Show The Fragile Position Of The Economy Says Hain

12 August 2010
Neath MP Peter Hain has warned of the precarious position of the economy as figures published yesterday (Wednesday) show a small increase in the number of unemployed in Neath in July. Since January the number of claimants in Neath has been reduced by 300, something welcomed by the Neath MP.

However Mr Hain has warned that the uncertain state of the economy along with the Conservative Liberal Democrat budget announced in June could see a double dip recession which would see unemployment rise.

Cuts absolute disaster for Northern Ireland's shared future: Peter Hain

7 August 2010
Former Secretary of State Peter Hain has warned that public spending cutbacks will be an “absolute disaster” for Northern Ireland — with potential dangers for the peace process.

Mr Hain's comments come in a week that has seen top economists warn that the province is going to suffer disproportionately from the funding squeeze.

The former Labour Cabinet member told this newspaper: “The cuts are a disaster for Britain but an absolute one for Northern Ireland, as I know only too well from my time as Secretary of State.

“Just when stability is vital to build a new shared future, the savagery of the Conservative/Liberal cuts will cause business bankruptcies because so many more are dependant upon public investment than elsewhere in the UK.

“So lasting damage will be done to the private sector and not simply to essential public sector jobs and services.”

MP Hain takes up Rhiwfawr school protests

03 August 2010
Following a surgery in Rhiwfawr Community Centre Neath MP Peter Hain has made representations to Neath Port Talbot County Council over the future of Rhiwfawr Primary School. Mr Hain was met by a delegation of local parents and governors who have been campaigning against the proposed closure of the school and its merger with Cwmllynfell Primary.

Tories sandbagged Clegg on electoral reform

29 July 2010
The Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has allowed himself to be sandbagged by his Tory partners in his otherwise laudable attempt to introduce a fairer electoral system, probably losing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for electoral reform.

Instead of introducing a separate bill on the alternative vote referendum, which would have been supported by Labour in a vote through parliament, the government has spatchcocked it together with the most blatant gerrymander of parliamentary constituency boundaries since the days of the rotten boroughs.

For generations constituency boundaries have been reviewed and adjusted by local agreement, not by central diktat. Local people have had the opportunity to object if community identities were threatened or unsuitable mergers with nearby towns or villages proposed.

Hain Praises Charity For Investment In Constituency

27 July 2010
Neath MP Peter Hain has hailed the work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust which has granted nearly £70,000 over the last two years to organisations in the Neath, Dulais and Swansea Valleys.

Established in 1999 the charity helps improve the quality of life in Britain’s coalfield communities. A number of organisations have benefited from the Ystalyfera Development Trust and Neuadd Cwmllynfell Hall to Resolven Building Blocks and Dulais Valley Partnership.

Hain Gets Insight Into Local Police Station

26 July 2010
Neath MP Peter Hain was given a behind the scenes look at what goes on in Neath Police Station when he attended the open day. Local officers were on hand to show what happened to prisoners in custody and how crimes are solved using the latest forensic technology.

In what was a great day, children and adults were able to come face to face with the ever popular horses from the mounted section, get behind the wheel of a police car and watch police dogs display their crime fighting talents.