Nick Ainger MP was in a unique position to speak on 'The global economy and the current credit crisis,' as he is a member of the Parliamentary Finance Select Committee at Westminister and had attended meetings with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Governor of the Bank of England and banking chiefs. To answer further questions on employment and jobs, the newly-elected chairman of the Wales TUC, Derek Walker, was also present. He was enthusiastically welcomed, and will certainly be invited to a future 2009 branch meeting.
At the November meeting in Tenby, copies of preliminary documents regarding future Labour party policy at the Welsh Assembly were circulated. Volunteer members will give an outline of these documents, followed by discussion at the February 2009 meeting. Votes would then be taken and the decision on accepted or rejected policies would be sent by the branch secretary to Cardiff Bay. All members are encouraged to take part.
Eluned Morgan MEP was warmly welcomed as the guest speaker. She entered the European Parliament at 27 years of age, the youngest ever MEP and she has served for 15 years. Being a linguist and a political activist, she fitted well into mainly socialist Europe.
Her work involved many policies such as the Energy Debate and she had also worked on promoting future car designs which met environmental standards and strengthening the hulls of oil tankers following the Sea Empress disaster.
She was very proud to have taken part in obtaining £1.3 billion in Objective One funding, and £1.2 billion in Convergence funding for Wales. The results of this had produced economic advantages in Pembrokeshire.
Members were sad, but understanding, when Eluned Morgan gave her personal reasons for not standing for re-election to the European Parliament in June 2009.
The chairman and members thanked her for all her hard work during the last 15 years. She fully endorsed the Euro candidates who would visit Tenby in the new year.
Members reserved their places and collected menus for the annual constituency dinner at the Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby, on January 16. Cheques and menus have to be returned to Betty by January 1. This year's Christmas hamper will be quite special, with 20 seasonal items. Tickets will be on sale until the day of the draw on December 20. Further details (01834) 842604.