Podcasts about Welsh Government

Welcome to AI Lawyer Talking Tech, your weekly deep dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence and technology within the legal profession. The legal landscape is undergoing significant changes as AI becomes increasingly integrated into workflows, from streamlining contract analysis and automating record retrieval to revolutionizing medical malpractice litigation and enhancing patent portfolio strategies. While AI offers the potential for greater efficiency, improved accuracy, and deeper insights, its rise also brings crucial discussions about ethical implementation, developing comprehensive policies, and addressing potential impacts on jobs, including headcount reductions in in-house legal teams. We're seeing the emergence of new tools and approaches, like meta-agents, the strategic blending of Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for responsible applications, and innovative services like AI-powered transcript summaries. Join us as we explore these developments, delve into the practical challenges and opportunities, and hear from experts on how legal professionals can effectively adopt and leverage technology to maintain a competitive edge and drive growth while navigating this evolving digital era.Open New Doors at CGI 2025: What Not to Miss in Las Vegas30 Apr 2025ContractPodAiLegal Transformation on Wheels: The Power of VIN Decoder Technology in the Automotive Industry02 May 2025Lawyer MonthlyWho Should Benefit from AI in Depositions: The Client, the Law Firm, or Both?02 May 2025LexologyFFO Feat: LI New York, AI Impacts, Denmark + More02 May 2025Artificial LawyerFFO Feat: LI New York, AI Impacts, Denmark + More02 May 2025Artificial LawyerMeet The New + Improved LegalSifter02 May 2025Artificial LawyerNavigating the Rise in Data Subject Access Requests02 May 2025Ogletree DeakinsOne Big Thought – Charting a Human-Centered Future in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Part Six02 May 2025Morris, Manning & Martin,LLPStop Treating Supply Chain Contracts as Legal Documents. They're Business Processes01 May 2025ITSupplyChain.comAI on Trial: The New York Times sues OpenAI and Microsoft01 May 2025LexologyDon't watermark your legal PDFs with purple dragons in suits01 May 2025ArsTechnicaTechnology's Role in Streamlining Medical Malpractice Legal Workflows01 May 2025Legal ReaderLawDroid Founder Tom Martin on Building, Teaching and Advising About AI for Legal01 May 2025LawSitesNAEGELI Transcript Summaries: A Smarter Way to Prepare for Your Case01 May 2025Crwe World2025 Best & Brightest MBA: Min Kyung LEE, National University of Singapore01 May 2025Poets&QuantsLaw Firms Keep Buying Amazing Tech… Lawyers Keep Not Using It01 May 2025Above The Law#LMA25: Harnessing AI For Cross-Selling: Don't Miss An Opportunity For Growth01 May 2025Nancy Myrland's Legal Marketing BlogCleary Gottlieb to roll out Legora across the firm01 May 2025Legal Technology InsiderLegal Tech Adoption: The Slow Burn Of Cloud, The Sudden Spark Of AI01 May 2025Above The LawState Privacy Law Enforcement Coordination - Cookie Banners in the Crosshairs01 May 2025JD SupraHow Brandon Harter Built a Profitable Firm in Half the Time with Lawyerist Lab01 May 2025LawyeristLaw Society Wales urges Welsh Government to expand legal apprenticeships01 May 2025Pembrokeshire HeraldManchester agency teams up with Glaisyers for the launch of a new AI policy service01 May 2025Prolific NorthProtecting businesses in the absence of UK AI legislation01 May 2025Legal Futures7 Crucial Legal Challenges Fintech Law Firms in Vietnam Can Help You Overcome for Business Success01 May 2025LexologyHalf of people would trust AI to help write their will, survey finds01 May 2025Today's Wills & ProbateThe Role of AI & Technology in Record Retrieval01 May 2025JD Supra

In this episode we speak with the inspirational Jane Davidson, the former government minister who proposed the groundbreaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. We discuss how the Act came to be, the influence the legislation has had and why Wales is now being watched by countries around the world looking to follow its lead.Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast**Community Day Sign-up** https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-dayThrivalism Episode: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-038-thrivalism-with-tony-juniper-cbeGrange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: hello@grangeproject.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Our Guest: Jane Davidson is an environmentalist, author and international speaker. From 2000 - 2011, Jane was Minister for Education, then Minister for Environment and Sustainability in the Welsh Government, where she proposed legislation to make sustainability the central organising principle; the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act came into law in 2015. She introduced the first plastic bag charge in the UK, and her recycling regulations took Wales to third best in the world. She created a Climate Change Commission for Wales, the post of Sustainable Futures Commissioner, and the Wales Coast Path. Website: https://janedavidson.wales/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-davidson-24070337/Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including an exciting update about the opening of the Grange Hub.[00:04:17] Jane introduces herself and the rich influences from her background.[00:13:23] We hear about the development of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, what it contains and what it means.[00:21:02] Chloe asks about how the act was received at a government level.[00:26:18] Tom questions Jane about examples of policy shifts associated with the act and she shares various examples, for example: universal basic income for care leavers,...

Fliss and James discuss the Welsh Government's new plans to cut waiting times. The proposed changes are part of a number of ideas looking to improve the NHS in Wales. They are joined by the Welsh NHS Confederation's Director Darren Hughes to talk through the details revealed to health leaders by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. Professor Angela John then joins the podcast to discuss the launch of her new biography on Philip Burton, the man who helped propel Richard Burton to fame.

James and Fliss look at the Welsh Government plans to bring buses under public control. The proposals would see franchises set up and overseen by Transport for Wales. Joining the podcast to discuss are TfW's CEO James Price and BBC Wales Political Correspondent Daniel Davies. They look at what the plans say, how it will all work and what changes passengers could see.

In this episode, we discuss the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in England and the Call for Evidence on Scotland's Natural Environment Bill.We also cover the Welsh Government's Good Practice Guidance for Dark Skies.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:CIEEM responds to Planning and Infrastructure BillResponding to the Call for evidence on Scotland's Natural Environment Billhttps://www.gov.wales/stars-align-wales-leads-uk-dark-skies-protection https://www.gov.wales/dark-skies-guidance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Dr James Mannion and The Real David Cameron take a look at the education systems in the four nations of the United Kingdom and ask: what can we learn from one another? Graham Donaldson has been central to development in Scotland as chief inspector, advising government as well as leading on quality assurance. And remarkably he has also been central to the development of Curriculum for Wales in the role of chief adviser to the Welsh Government. Tony Gallagher, from Queens University Belfast, has made a massive contribution to education in Northern Ireland and internationally. He is best known for his work on education in divided societies, a subject that, sadly, continues to be of vital importance. Lena Carter is the headteacher of two schools in Scotland, Glassary and Tayvallich, in Argyll and Bute, a challenge that Lena embraces with real energy, passion and a tremendous commitment to meeting every pupil's needs. And Lucy Kirkham teaches geography at Bassaleg Comprehensive school near Newport in Wales. Lucy has a considerable track record in Environmental Education and has been a real driving force behind a series of conferences where young people can engage with the climate emergency on their terms. LINKS Follow Graham - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-donaldson-b8a9ba43 Follow Lena - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-carter-27748a39/ Follow Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-kirkham-9b8699279/ Follow Tony - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-gallagher-a845ab9/ Follow David - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cameron-72061a15/ Follow James - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mannion/

James and Fliss speak to Desmond Clifford, the former principle secretary to Mark Drakeford and Carwyn Jones. He also worked as the head of Wales' EU office in Brussels for a number of years. His career with the Welsh Government spans over a decade working behind the scenes as a civil servant. In an exclusive interview with Walescast he lifts the lid on what government looks like behind closed doors.

James and Fliss talk through the Welsh Government's overhaul of ambulance response time targets with BBC Wales' Health Correspondent Jenny Rees. They are also joined by Dr Becks Fisher, director of research and research policy at Nuffield Trust and Desmond Clifford, the former Principal Secretary to the First Minister, to discuss the point of targets and if they actually work.

James talks to former Conservative MP, chief whip and secretary of state for Wales Simon Hart about his new book, Ungovernable. Hart said he wrote the book to ask the question "what went wrong?" between December 2019 and July 2024, when the Conservatives went from an 81-seat majority to a general election "drubbing". On his time as chief whip, Hart's book contains anonymised and shocking stories of MPs in various compromising positions. He also discusses the pandemic and his relationship with the Welsh Government as secretary of state.

James and guest presenter Gemma Dunstan discuss International Women's Day. Johanna Robinson, the Welsh Government's National Adviser on Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence; Monumental Welsh Women's co-founder, Helen Molyneux; and, activist and former MP for Swansea East Sian James, come together to look at what things were like at the beginning of their careers, where we are now and how far we need to go.

James and guest presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts look into a Senedd report on politicians who deliberately deceive. Members of the Senedd who lie could lose their seats under the Committee's recommendations. Mick Antoniw MS, a member of the Standards of Conduct Committee and formerly the Welsh Government's Counsel General, talks through their proposals. Baroness Fox of Buckley joins the podcast to discuss the issues she has with their ideas of policing lying. Bethan and James are then joined by the Welsh Language Commissioner to discuss a recent YouGov poll which looks at how the public feel about the language.

A Welsh Labour budget deal has been struck. James sits down with BBC Wales' Political Editor and our Education, Health and Business Correspondents to digest the details on today's bonus episode. With a little help from the Liberal Democrats the Budget is set to pass when its voted on by the Senedd in March. The deal, which was worth more than £100m, makes the Welsh Government's Budget possible as they are unable to get anything over the line without at least one opposition politician on side.

The Welsh Government recently published a review of the school funding formula. In this episode, Jane and Finola discuss where school funding in Wales comes from, how it's distributed and how it's spent. LINKSSpring workshop:* Closing the disadvantage Gap – April 2ndSign up here: Impact Wales Workshops Spring 2025Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Rural Buses - what would a good bus network look like in rural Wales? The Welsh Government is set to trial a new bus franchise in communities in Ceredigion and Powys to bring about reform and a more customer-focused, integrated network of services. We speak to the cabinet minister for TransportWildlife dogs - we meet the dog breeders in Carmarthen, who train conservation dogs to work on anti-poaching projects in Africa.Our bird of conservation concern is the amber listed Grey heronand the Ceredigion seaside village of Borth and it's vibrant colourful street art.

In this episode, we talk about planning reforms in England, nature ambitions in Wales and Small Sites BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain).Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:Addressing the Planning Reform ProposalsCCEI report on Welsh Government's Nature AmbitionsWelsh Parliament newsBBC News ArticleCIEEM Releases Biodiversity Net Gain for Small Sites ReportDRC announces plans to create world's largest tropical forest reserve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Welsh Government has published an update to the Middle Tier Review and the professional learning landscape in Wales. Jane and Fin summarise the news and what it might mean for schools. LINKSSpring workshop:* Closing the disadvantage Gap – April 2ndSign up here: Impact Wales Workshops Spring 2025Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

An all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is introduced in Wales, requiring all keepers of poultry and other captive birds to practice good biosecurity and vigilance to protect their flocks. As the disease spreads among birds, a human case of the H5N1 virus has occured but the UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the public remains very low. We talk to the Head of the Science Department at the World Organisation for Animal Health about disease outbreaks and what we can do to control them. The National Trust "ramps up" its efforts to protect and enhance Nature. In a new 10 year strategy the Trust plans to create 25,000 hectares of of nature-rich landscapes. They're also asking people to pitch in by adopting a plot of land at “nature super sites” - including one in Eryri (Snowdonia).Greyhounds - our reporter Mariclare get exclusive access to the only greyhound race track in Wales that started running licensed races at the end of last year, as campaigners lobby the Welsh Government to ban it. and what? no Romans?! We hear about an archaeological mystery at Pendinas hillfort at Penparcau, near Aberystwyth, in Ceredigion.

A patch of commercial forest has been left "flattened" by Storm Eowyn and looking like "a bunch of giants have gone in there and played rugby" according to one farm manager in Scotland. We catch up on how the clear up is going.Since the Budget in October, farmers have been coming to terms with the introduction of inheritance tax on their businesses. Many are now trying to work out how much money they might owe the Government when the changes come into force next year. So what does that mean for the agricultural valuers doing the sums?And we catch up on progress towards the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme - due to start being rolled out across Wales in 2026, after years of negotiation between farmers, environmentalists and the Welsh Government. This is the farming policy and payments that will replace old EU payments: to gain access to the funding under the new rules, farms will have to sign up to 12 so-called universal actions. These range from soil health planning and habitat maintenance, to "continuous professional development".  Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

Felicity Evans and James Williams hear from the chair of the Senedd's standards committee Hannah Blythyn MS about its recommendations for a recall system that would allow voters to evict politicians who have misbehaved from the Welsh Parliament. Fliss and James also quiz her about the circumstances of her sacking from the Welsh Government last year - when the then-First Minister Vaughan Gething said that media leaks of a ministerial group chat during the pandemic came from her mobile phone.

Send us a textThe Super Prime Report: Key Trends Shaping the UK Property MarketTopics Covered:Mortgage Reforms and First-Time BuyersProposed changes to mortgage regulations by the FCA could improve access to homeownership, while raising concerns over financial stability and regional disparities.Tax Regime Changes and the Ultra-Prime SectorThe revised non-dom tax rules and economic shifts drive wealthy individuals to relocate, impacting luxury retail, high-end property, and private education in the UK.Renters' Rights Bill and Its Impact on LandlordsNew reforms aimed at tenant protections spark concerns among landlords about rent increases, portfolio reductions, and shifts in the private rental sector.Welsh Government's Retention of Multiple Dwelling Relief (MDR)Adjustments to MDR preserve its role in housing supply and affordability, reflecting efforts to maintain competitiveness in the private rental sector.PROPERTY WEALTH - Transforming challenges into opportunities with specialist knowledge and reach. Explore the complexities of the London property market with us—insights, advice, and connections at your fingertips.Join the conversation! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Don't forget to follow us for the latest updates and expert advice! https://www.londonproperty.co.uk/en/link-in-bio/#PropertyWealth #LondonProperty #RealEstate #PropertyMarket #Investment #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #PropertyAdvice #RealEstateTips #PropertyInvestment #LuxuryLiving

There are many reasons why people may find it difficult to get online and build their digital skills. Hywel Davies has been hearing about one project in Wales that's been working to battle digital exclusion across the country. You can find more information on Digital Inclusion on the Welsh Government website - Digital inclusion in Wales

In recent years transport - and especially rail infrastructure - has been among the most hotly debated policy fields in Welsh politics. Following the disastrous franchise awarded to Arriva Trains Wales, the creation and subsequent nationalisation of the rail operator under Transport for Wales, longstanding under-investment in the network, and the infamous decision to decline full devolution of rail in the 2000s - one that has seen Wales miss out on hundreds of millions, if not billions of pounds from the UK Treasury in the years since - we are finally seeing some of the Welsh Government's investment paying off. So we're delighted to be joined by Professor Mark Barry to discuss his own contribution as the instigator and campaigner for the South Wales Metro and core valley lines electrification, as well as his recent book on the matter. We also discuss the 'missing billions' from the HS2 project, the ongoing injustice of the UK Government's refusal to devolve rail in Wales as it is in Scotland, the debate around building Cardiff Parkway station, and the Welsh Government's plans for reforming bus services in Wales. You can find Mark on BlueSky here: https://bsky.app/profile/swalesmetroprof.bsky.social And Mark's book is available here: https://cardiffmetro.wales/book-navigation/ As always, you can find the latest from us on the socials @hiraethpod, including BlueSky here: https://bsky.app/profile/hiraethpod.bsky.social We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Felicity Evans and James Williams crunch the numbers and dig into the politics of the Welsh Government's draft budget for the next financial year. First they hear from the finance cabinet secretary Mark Drakeford MS before getting the reaction of the new Senedd leader of the Welsh Conservatives Darren Millar MS, Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorweth MS and Dr Ed Poole of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre

A revised version of the Welsh Government's Sustainable Farming Scheme - "Tree planting and hedgerow creation" replaces the 10% tree cover requirement and the checklist of actions farmers would have to sign up to in order to access the scheme's universal layer have been cut from 17 to 12. Country Focus presenter, Caroline Evans attends the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd, Powys, to assess the reaction to the proposals.

The Government 'risks creating a culture of fear and resistance' amongst farmers, according to the Nature Friendly Farmers Network. It's highlighting the suspension of grants which help farmers in England invest in infrastructure to improve the environment. That's things like better slurry storage to protect waterways or planting hedges to reduce soil erosion. Defra says the Capital Grants Scheme has been temporarily closed after unprecedented demand.Farmers and crofters held a rally to lobby the Scottish Government ahead of next week's Scottish budget. They want more money for agriculture, and a guarantee that it's ringfenced.The Welsh Government has backed down on its policy to insist farmers put 10% of their land into woodland. The decision came after farmers demonstrated against the Government's plans for its Sustainable Farming Scheme, which replaces the payments to farmers under the old EU Common Agricultural Policy. All week on Farming Today we've been digging into winter veg. Parsnips, carrots and sprouts are all firm favourites but today we visit a farm growing a relative newcomer, tenderstem broccoli. For farmers who grow it, it's labour intensive but high value.And we hear how Ivor, a detection dog, is sniffing out disease in trees. It's hoped Ivor and other sniffer dogs could play a key role in maintaining UK biosecurity and reduce the threat of serious pests and diseases that damage woodlands and commercial forestry. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Farming news - we look back at the farmers' protest in London over the Agricultural Inheritance tax and look forward to the changes the Welsh Government will announce at this year's Royal Welsh Winter Fair on the Sustainable Farming Scheme.Cegin y Bobl - a new Welsh charity is to form an army of chefs to change the way we eat and think about our food.and we have a sneak preview of the Christmas tree that's been grown near Knighton, before it's chopped down and sent to London, to stand outside Number 10 Downing Street this year.

In this special episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López welcomes Paolo Baffero, Ph.D., and is joined by co-host, Laura Hein, policy officer at the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), to celebrate Restorative Justice Week. This episode is part of a special series, "Restorative Justice in Local Communities Around the World," created in partnership with the EFRJ. Join us as Dr. Baffero shares his insights from observing the Aymara people's justice practices in Bolivia, offering a unique lens into how indigenous communities prioritize communal well-being and equilibrium over retribution. He explains how the Aymara justice system addresses conflicts by focusing on reintegration and community balance, rather than individual blame and punishment. Dr. Baffero highlights the key differences between indigenous justice and Western restorative justice models, emphasizing the need to address deeper structural issues that underpin conflicts. Dr. Baffero reflects on the challenges and opportunities that arise when indigenous practices intersect with constitutional frameworks that often limit their autonomy. He advocates for a more inclusive justice system that respects indigenous cultures and worldviews, while also proposing that Western justice systems could learn from indigenous approaches to conflict resolution. Dr. Paolo Baffero is a criminology researcher at the University of South Wales. His work focuses on indigenous justice systems, contemporary colonial dynamics in legally pluralistic countries, and the advocacy of marginalized groups. He has collaborated with the Welsh Government, the Bolivian Ministry of Justice, and various UK and international organizations, working with marginalized populations. His recent publications and research underscore his dedication to advancing socio-criminological knowledge and promoting social justice. Laura Hein is policy officer at the EFRJ. She contributes to the development of the organization's policy strategy, implementation policy, and advocacy work at both European and international level. Laura is a doctoral candidate and teaching assistant at KU Leuven University - Leuven Institute for Criminology, Belgium, in the field of transitional justice and political crimes. Her doctoral research focuses on the role of diaspora in transitional justice processes, focusing on Argentina as a case study. Her main areas of research interests are the links between transitional justice and forced displacement, the role of memory and acknowledgement of exiles' experiences, and restorative justices approaches in transitional justice settings.  Tune in to this episode to explore how indigenous justice practices can reshape our understanding of conflict resolution and restorative justice.

In a bonus episode, James Williams and Felicity Evans conduct an exit interview with Ian Price, the recently retired director of the business organisation CBI Wales, to get his views on the state of the Welsh economy and the Welsh Government's policies to drive growth and job creation

One of the less well known but perhaps more significant outcomes of the Welsh Labour - Plaid Cymru Cooperation Agreement following the 2021 national election in Wales, was a commitment to "Commission independent advice to examine potential pathways to net zero by 2035...". Shortly afterwards an expert group was assembled with former Pontypridd Senedd member Jane Davidson chairing, the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) providing the research supported by a secretariat from Welsh Government. Three years later, the work has been completed and the 'pathway' reports received by Deputy FM Huw Irranca-Davies. So, what next? What will happen with the reports and what were the key recommendations made? To discuss, we are joined by Jane Davidson and Dr Jack Price of the WCPP. To find out more about Net Zero 2035, head to: Net Zero 2035 Wales Challenge Group: https://netzero2035.wales/ and the Wales Centre for Public Policy: https://wcpp.org.uk/publications/?select-programme-type%5B%5D=economy-decarbonisation-and-skills As always, you can find the latest from us here: https://x.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Dr Ed Poole of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre to unpick what Rachel Reeves' first Budget - with its tax rises and extra spending on public services and capital projects - means for Wales and the Welsh Government budget in December

Proposals for abattoirs to take on more of the cost of vets and meat inspectors are 'excessive and dangerous' according to the meat industry. The Association of Independent Meat suppliers or AIMS which represents both big and small slaughterhouses, says the Food Standards Agency's plan to remove or reduce the discount offered to smaller abattoirs risks 'single-handedly destroying the foundations of the British meat industry. The FSA have urged people to take part in their consultation.Farmers are getting the highest price for their beef animals in England and Wales, for ten years. Part of the reason, according to Meat Promotion Wales, is growing domestic demand. We speak to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.Some Welsh farmers claim they're having to choose between the risk of polluting rivers or breaking the law, ahead of a controversial muck-spreading ban. New rules forbid slurry spreading across Wales from mid October to January, in an effort to protect water quality. After a record breaking year of rainfall across many parts of the UK water management has become an ever pressing issue for farmers. In Wales, it's a year since the launch of the Welsh Government's Natural Flood Management Accelerator programme. We visit a natural flood management project that's part of the two-year £4.6 million pound programme.Conservationists in Devon are working with Natural England to see whether there could be some kind of financial support for farmers who make space for beavers on their land as part of natural flood management.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

More than a million pounds is being given by the Government to the Food Standards Agency, to decide what needs to be put in place to ensure new, "cell-cultivated" foodstuffs will be safe to eat. We hear from the FSA's Chief Scientific Advisor.The long-running case about whether the public can 'wild camp' on Dartmoor, will be heard in the Supreme Court, where a final determination will be made. The dispute is between Dartmoor National Park and landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall, who own Stall Moor common on south-west Dartmoor.It's one year since the launch of the Welsh Government's Natural Flood Management Accelerator programme - a 2-year, £4.6 million investment in nature-based solutions to reduce flooding. We visit one of the 23 projects.And people living in a small coastal community near Robin's Hood Bay in North Yorkshire say they fear being cut off this winter, after a landslip caused the closure of the only road in and out of their village. It's not yet known when the road will be fixed. In the meantime the council has set up an alternative route - a 12 mile diversion via a former railway line - but, locals say it's unsuitable and potentially unsafe during the winter months.Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

It will have escaped nobody's notice that the UK Government is 'under new management' and has indeed changed, following the UK General Election in July. One of the most Wales-facing roles is, of course, the Secretary of State for Wales. A role whose value has been questioned in recent times and was certainly used by the former administration to provide a vector for attack on the Welsh Government and the Welsh Labour Party. However, now that it is a Labour-led government in Westminster, it means that for the first time since 2010 the role is held by a politician looking for partnership with party colleagues in government in Cardiff. So it is time for a reset. Leading that reset and fronting much of the UK Government's operations in Wales is Cardiff East MP Jo Stevens and in this interview we discuss many of the pressing issues in Wales. We discuss the economic situation, the looming impact of the changes planned by Tata Steel for its Port Talbot plant, the return of structural funds to Welsh Government, and the ongoing intra- and extra- party debates about the future of devolution. You can find out more about Jo's work as Secretary of State here: https://x.com/WalesOffice And as Cardiff East MP here: https://x.com/JoStevensLabour As always, you can find the latest from us @hiraethpod on most social media, including Twitter/X here: twitter.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Campaigners are calling on the Welsh Government to do more to clean up the River Wye, after people were warned not to swim in a section of the river - which was only recently named the first official river bathing area in Wales.An expert outlines the challenges of providing rural renewable energy infrastructure without upsetting the people who live there.And a game processing facility in Berkshire, reported to be the first butchery to open in 40 years, is about to process its first venison.Presented by Charlotte SmithProduced by Alun Beach

Guests include Huw Irranca-Davies MS; Delyth Jewell MS; former Conservative special advisor Anthony Pickles; Observer columnist and former senior Labour advisor Sonia Sodha; Professor of American Politics Scott Lucas; Dr Carlos Solar who's a Senior Research Fellow in Latin American Security at the think tank RUSI; David Chadwick MP and Katie Dalton, director of Cymorth Cymru.

This programme comes from the 120th Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells. 250,000 people are expected to attend across 4 days, with 7000 livestock entries.It comes during an eventful week in Welsh politics, with the Cabinet Secretary of Climate Change and Rural Affairs in the Welsh Government set to become the new Deputy First Minister. So what does it all mean for future farming policy?Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced by Heather Simons

Another momentous day in Welsh politics, and another bonus pod from us. After much speculation and division, Vaughan Gething has announced his intention to resign as First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader. Dogged by issues surrounding campaign donations, and the sacking of Hannah Blythyn from government, Vaughan has found the one way, and often brutal direction of political gravity too much as he has finally succumb to pressure from the Labour Senedd group to resign, following the resignation of four of his most senior cabinet colleagues this morning. So in this bonus pod, Hiraeth's own Matt Hexter talks us through the events that led us to this day, as well as details of the cabinet resignations that led to Vaughan's announcement this morning. He also focuses on the process to become the next leader for Welsh Labour as well as who is in the discussion for Wales's top job. The Welsh Government written statements about the now infamous iMessage group can be found here: https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-statement-first-minister-1 You can find out more from Matt here: https://twitter.com/hexter101 As always, you can find the latest from us @hiraethpod on most social media, including Twitter/X here: twitter.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Ahead of this year's Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, we talk to the Welsh Government's Climate and Rural Affairs minister, Huw Irranca Davies about policy, farm protests and the future for agriculture in Wales.People are being asked to avoid the River Irfon, near Builth Wells over fears of a suspected case of 'crayfish plague'. The Wye catchment, including the River Irfon, is a key habitat for the white-clawed crayfish. The plague is harmless to humans but it is a highly infectious disease that is fatal to the crustacean that is already under threat from the non native crayfish. We visit a new nature reserve that has just been opened at the Gwent Levels. Bridewell Common was purchased by Gwent Wildlife Trust four years ago, but it has been closed to the public until now, to allow the charity to restore the area.and for our Bird of Conservation Concern this month it's a charismatic and striking bird of prey, that is unfortunately the UK's most persecuted bird of prey in relation to its population size - the Hen-Harrier

The Great Yorkshire Show was the first chance for the new Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, to chat with farmers since his appointment, less than a week before. The new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has committed to relaxing planning rules for house building. It could mean quite a change for rural areas; especially as the boundaries of greenbelt land will be 'reviewed'.The Welsh Government has just published its response to the consultation on its controversial farm payment scheme.Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Thai teacher caught livestreaming under skirt while teaching class. Welsh Government to ban politicians from lying. Live rhino horns injected with radioactive material in project aimed at curbing poaching in South Africa. // SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews  - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones

On today's episode: Manscaped: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code HARDFACTOR at manscaped.com. That's 20% off + free shipping with the code HARDFACTOR at manscaped.com. It's smooth sack summer boys, get on board or get left behind.  My Morning Kick - Go to mymorningkick.com/hardfactor and watch Chuck Norris's video on how you can see incredible changes to your health. (00:00:00) - On the agenda for today's episode

In one of the most emotive podcasts we have recorded - its central subject has touched all our lives - we are taking a break from covering the politics and campaigning that is taking place all around us during the UK general election, to take time to listen to one of the of the most prominent health campaigns in Wales at the moment. Claire O'Shea is a familiar face for many in Welsh politics and third sector, having been an active campaigner for many causes, not least Welsh links with Africa in recent years. Since her late cancer diagnosis in 2022 she has turned her campaigning skills to the area of womens' health. Along with Tenovus Cancer Care she has launched Claire's Campaign to highlight some of the significant and systematic issues in the Welsh NHS, to push the Welsh Government into action, and - importantly - to make sure that womens' voices are heard in the process. We're lucky to be joined by Claire and Judi Rhys and Lowri Griffiths of Tenovus to explore the clinical and governance issues that are reducing the opportunities for positive outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer. Our guests: Claire O'Shea (Claire's Campaign): https://twitter.com/clairecampaign Judi Rhys: https://twitter.com/judirhys Lowri Griffith: https://twitter.com/lowriellisgriff And important links: The Senedd Inquiry into gynaecological cancers - https://business.senedd.wales/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=40279 Tenovus launch of Claire's Campaign - https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/news-and-views-listings/launching-claires-campaign Senedd Report: All things begin equal - https://braintumourresearch.org/en-us/blogs/latest-news/cross-party-group-publishes-cancer-inequalities-report Sue Vincent Jones: https://www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk/news/24335430.former-b-d-editor-mrs-svj-blogger-tragically-dies/ As always, you can find the latest from us @hiraethpod on most social media, including Twitter/X here: https://twitter.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Welsh Farmers Unite - a new grassroots organisation organises a march in Cardiff this Tuesday, to highlight the threat to our food security and what they perceive as anti-farming policies. We speak to one of the organisers. We also hear from a group of farmers called Digon yw Digon, or Enough is Enough campaign about their meeting with the Welsh Government's Climate change and Rural Affairs ministerThe mental health lorry providing a safe haven for farmers to share their struggles and receive support . The DPJ Foundation drives a lorry to the marts and shows in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to provide a dedicated space for the rural farming community. The Scarce Yellow Sally - we explore the efforts to save a large stonefly that was once thought to be extinct on the river Dee, now rediscovered. It's just one of the species focused upon with Natur am Byth - a major nature recovery project to save rare species. And whether it's the shrill carder bee, pink sea-fan coral, barbastelle bat, or Snowdonia's arctic alpine plants - they're all in line for intensive care and this week is ‘Nature in your Community' week and we're being encourage to get out and reconnect with nature.

Today trees: from Welsh Government plans to get them planted on farms, to the ever missed English planting targets and the recent cuts to the budget for planting in Scotland, trees are the subject of much debate in rural areas. Despite our fondness for them and need for timber, we still don't like commercial forestry. Foresters warn the public's perception is hampering efforts to grow more timber. We get an overview of the state of British woodlands.The Scottish Government wildlife agency NatureScot has been holding advice sessions on wild boar and providing help for farmers and crofters dealing with them. Concerns are growing about the damage they do to grazing areas. It's claimed they kill and eat sheep and lambs, and farmers believe the Government should have taken action years ago. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Wales' new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs says his first job it to listen to farmers. It comes after unrest and large protests in Wales by farmers, angry about the Welsh Government's approach to farming. In particular, the way its tacking TB in cattle, stricter rules on pollution and the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will replace EU subsides in Wales and requires farmers to plant trees on 10% of their land. We put their concerns to Huw Irranca-Davies.The UK Government has admitted that it unlawfully issued some licences for releasing game birds last year. The campaign group Wild Justice challenged the licences granted in the Deben Estuary in Suffolk and Breckland in Norfolk. While DEFRA concedes that it didn't follow Natural England's advice and that the assessment it carried out wasn't in line with the rules – it strongly refutes Wild Justice's claim that the decisions 'were tainted with the appearance of bias'.And we visit a farm in Herefordshire where they rear tens of thousands of worms to sell for live bird feed, for improving the soil, and for composting.Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

The right tree in the right place and how it could save lives in the city. We speak to an Urban Green Infrastructure Advisor for Natural Resources Wales on the need to plant more trees in in our towns and cities for people and the planet.Tiny forests - the Welsh Government is offering grants of between ten and forty thousand pounds to plant trees in a small space under a concept of forest creation developed by a Japanese ecologist. We hear how it works at a tiny forest in Cardiff Bay.We talk pond creation in LLanwrtyd Wells - the Freshwater Habitats Trust says ponds are a critically important but undervalued part of the freshwater network. and our reporter Mariclare Carey-Jones takes her tortoise for a check up at the International Tortoise Association in the Vale of Glamorgan

Fishermen and wildlife are still feeling the impact nearly two and a half years after the mass shellfish deaths on England's North East Coast. After several years of investigations and reviews, the conclusion of an independent expert panel, chaired by DEFRA's Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Gideon Henderson, was that the deaths of crabs, lobsters and other commercially important shellfish, was "as like as not", down to an unknown pathogen. Fishermen had blamed contamination from dredging or the presence of a toxic pollutant - but the panel dismissed that as "very unlikely".Farmers have been protesting about the Welsh Government's plans to implement a new Sustainable Farming Scheme, which includes having 10 percent of farmland planted with trees and 10 percent to benefit wildlife. The incoming First Minister, Vaughan Gething, brings with him some rural credentials - his father worked as a vet in South Wales and his mother was a chicken farmer in Zambia... So will that make him more receptive to farmers' concerns?And new rules are brought in so that everyone keeping birds has to register on a National list. Up till now only flocks of 50 or more had to be registered, but now, anyone who keeps just a few chickens in the garden, or birds of prey, or pigeons will have to do so too. DEFRA says the new rules will help them contact more bird keepers, so they can stay up to date on local disease outbreaks - like avian flu. Presented by Anna Hill Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

The consultation on the Welsh Government's controversial Sustainable Farming Scheme has now closed. The National Farmers Union Cymru marked the moment by placing 5,500 pairs of wellies on the steps of the Welsh Parliament to highlight the farming jobs which could be lost if the plan is adopted. Farmers across Wales, and some in England, have held tractor convoys and protest meetings over the past few weeks. We look at what's led farmers to take action now.The whole idea of a green tractor standard should be dropped according to the levy body the AHDB and the National Farmers Union. They say they want 'a more transparent approach which works for farmers'. This is an ongoing dispute about the farm assurance scheme Red Tractor which had designed a voluntary green tractor element, called the greener farms commitment. This would have seen farmers share environmental information with retailers, for a premium, and so help those retailers meet sustainability targets. Farmers said it was developed without proper consultation and their discontent forced two reviews of Red Tractor: one on governance, which was published last month; and a wider review of the scheme, which is expected to take much longer. We speak to the AHDB.We've been talking about lambing all week - from the exhaustion of nights in the lambing shed to the highs, and lows, of this time of year. We've mainly been on farms talking to farmers but members of the public are learning to lamb at St Fagan's near Cardiff. The National Museum of History runs a working farm and an annual lambing course aimed at non farmers. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Thousands of discontented farmers gathered outside the seat of the Welsh Government, the Senedd, in Cardiff Bay, this week in what was probably the biggest farmer protest seen in the UK in recent years. They're unhappy about various aspects of agricultural policy including the new Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme, which is heading into its final week of consultation. The scheme is to replace the system of subsidies that operated under the EU's common agricultural policy, and to claim it farmers need 10% of their land under tree cover and a further 10% used for wildlife habitat. Farmers say it's unworkable, but conservationists say it'll protect farming as well as nature. We also look at the state of British Rivers. It coincides with the publication of the Rivers Trust's annual report, which shows that no single stretch of river in England or Northern Ireland is in good overall health. We hear about projects by charities and farmers that are aiming to improve the situation. Presented by Caz Graham

Nazir Afzal   Nazir Afzal OBE was Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, and most recently, he was Chief Executive of the country's Police & Crime Commissioners. During a 24 year career, he has prosecuted some of the most high-profile cases in the country, including the so-called Rochdale grooming gang, and led nationally on several legal topics, notably violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse, and honor-based violence. Nazir was recently appointed to the ⁠Independent Press Standards Organisation⁠ (IPSO) and is ⁠National Adviser on Gender-Based Violence⁠ to the Welsh Government.     Nazir joins me today to discuss his experience of growing up in inner-city Birmingham and why it could be a frightening place for his family and community. He shares what he found so fulfilling about working in the Crown Prosecution Service and how a move to London allowed him to build his skill set, develop and grow. Nazir also describes his involvement in the Rochdale case, the bravery of the young women giving evidence, and why it subsequently triggered a change in guidelines for cross-examinations in sensitive cases.      "The real answers come from within the community." - Nazir Afzal    Today on The Community Safety Podcast:  Nazir's experience of racism and hate crime as a teenager and a professional  The lightbulb moment that drew Nazir towards becoming a lawyer.  The opportunity that allowed him to pursue a more even work-life balance  Why Nazir had to have a panic alarm installed in his house at one point and how that affected his life and his career  The case that stands out in Nazir's mind and how it was brought to a successful conclusion by a diverse team of professionals   Nazir's thoughts on how to break the cycle of imprisonment and criminal behaviour  Some of the positives that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic    Connect with Nazir Afzal:  ⁠Nazir Afzal Website⁠  ⁠Nazir Afzal on LinkedIn⁠  ⁠Nazir Afzal on Twitter⁠  Connect with The Community Safety Podcast:  ⁠The Community Safety Podcast Website⁠  ⁠The Community Safety Podcast on Facebook⁠  ⁠The Community Safety Podcast on Twitter⁠