George Monbiot: VOTE PLAID

Environmentalist, author and Guardian columnist George Monbiot chooses Plaid Cymru for the European elections in Wales:

“Living in Wales, the choice isn't hard for me. Plaid Cymru, in its present incarnation, is a green, progressive, effective political force. I see little point in splitting the vote between parties with politics like mine, and while the Green candidates appear to be likeable people, they are always going to be playing catch-up here. That the Welsh Greens still haven't got round to producing a bilingual website doesn't help their cause.

“But how should people who live in the arid wastes across the border vote? The answer comes just as easily: Green of course.”


Read the full article here.

Plaid's lead candidate is Jill Evans MEP.

A perfect 15 on animal protection - Jill Evans MEP

PAD (Protecting Animals in Democracy) have congratulated Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans in their preview of the European elections:

"Congratulations and thanks to Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru's MEP in Wales, for scoring a perfect +15 in her votes on animal experimentation. It might be worth considering voting for them in Wales for tactical reasons as the best party with a good chance of winning a seat."

Jill Evans MEP: 'let's see Labour's expenses'

The BBC reports that Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has called on Labour MEPs to reveal their expenses, which they have so far failed to do.

Plaid MEP connects with purple moose

Innovative local businesses are the lifeblood of the Welsh economy. That was the message from Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans and lead candidate in the forthcoming elections as she visited Bragdy Mws Piws – Purple Moose Brewery in Porthmadog, with local AM Dafydd Elis Thomas, and Ioan Bellin, who is on the Plaid list of European candidates.

Y Bragdy Mws Piws - The Purple Moose Brewery is a multiple award winning '10-Barrel' micro-brewery based in the historic harbour town of Porthmadog , close to the mountains of Snowdonia.

Plaid MEP Jill Evans highlighted the important role that government at all levels plays in supporting local businesses. She said that at a European level Plaid is committed to helping local businesses compete by ensuring that they have the tools, such as high speed broadband, to do the job.

Speaking from Bragdy Mws Piws, Plaid’s Jill Evans said:

“As a Plaid MEP I am committed to being a strong voice in Europe for local companies like Bragdy Mws Piws and its workers. It is vital that they have the tools to compete on a level playing field with companies across Europe .

“There is a lot that the European parliament can do to help companies like this. Plaid wants to see every community in Wales able to access high broadband speeds. Connecting Wales to the world in this way will encourage innovation and job creation. It will also revitalise our rural communities and give the people the choice of living and working in towns like Porthmadog.”

In the photograph, Lawrence Washington of Bragdy Mws Piws – Purple Moose Brewery explains the brewing process to Jill Evans MEP, Dafydd Elis Thomas AM and Plaid European Candidate Ioan Bellin.

Labour man's switch to Plaid

A Labour Party activist in Denbighshire and former county councillor has joined Plaid Cymru in Clwyd West. He says that Labour has abandoned those it should be serving, but Plaid is on the side of the people of Wales.

John McCabe’s decision to join Plaid Cymru was announced by the party’s Clwyd West parliamentary candidate Llyr Huws Gruffydd, alongside European candidate and former MEP Eurig Wyn.

John McCabe served as a Labour councillor on Merseyside County Council before moving to Wales, when he became secretary of the Labour branch in Ruthin. He said:

“It’s difficult to believe how far the Labour Party has moved away from what it stood for, but we’re lucky in Wales, because we have a real alternative in Plaid Cymru.

“It’s a wrench when you feel you have to leave a party to which you have been committed for so long, but having made the break, I decided to join Plaid Cymru. I feel that they are on the side of the people of Wales, whilst Labour has abandoned those it should be serving.”

Llyr Huws Gruffydd welcomed John to Plaid Cymru:

“I’m very pleased indeed that John has shown his faith in Plaid Cymru and decided to join us. This can’t have been an easy decision, but he’s been warmly welcomed by Plaid members in Clwyd West. His experience will be invaluable to us.”

Eurig Wyn, the north Wales-based former MEP, is well-placed to secure the fourth Welsh seat in the European elections on 4 June. He said:

“These are difficult times in politics, which makes it all the more satisfying that a lifelong Labour activist has acknowledged that Plaid is a party of principle. I know that John intends to play his full part in helping Plaid, and he has already been involved with our campaigning for the European elections.”

Plaid Cymru exposes BNP deceit

On this Hope not Hate Day, Plaid Cymru has unearthed the information used in today's Sunday Mirror exposure of extremist deceit.

Flint on Sunday - Plaid supports 'Hope not Hate'

Plaid Cymru is taking part in the Hope not Hate Day at Flint on Sunday. Be at the Cenotaph for 10.30 a.m.