Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire

A councillor who won re-election despite having to apologise for suggesting disabled children should be "put down" to save money has told Disability News Service (DNS) he believes there is a good argument for killing some disabled babies.

Colin Brewer apologised and resigned as an independent member of Cornwall Council in February after his original comments became public, but decided to stand again and won re-election to the ward of Wadebridge East by just four votes in last week's elections.

"HS2 is a huge leap forward for our rail network and will improve connectivity for generations to come.

"Liberal Democrats support HS2 because it will build a stronger economy and a fairer society, creating 40,000 direct and thousands more indirect jobs, as well as bridge the gap between the north and south. And that's before you consider the economic benefits to the wider areas serviced by HS2.

"In assessing the value of HS2 we must look at all the overall benefits, including for passengers by increasing capacity on existing lines and significantly cutting the travel time, and to the environment by reducing our reliance on domestic flights and transferring millions of journeys from road to rail."

"While it is disappointing that overall unemployment is up, it is good news that youth unemployment has fallen as that will be encouraging for young people who are looking for work.

"To build a stronger economy in a fairer society, Liberal Democrats have been focusing on giving young people the skills and experience necessary for a successful career.

"That is why Nick Clegg has introduced the £1bn Youth Contract that will ensure young people have the opportunity to earn or learn and Business Secretary Vince Cable has overseen the creation of more than 1m apprenticeships.

"We will continue to work hard to get more people in employment and build a stronger economy."

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has used today's Business　 Statement to call for greater action on the measles outbreak. The measles outbreak continues to spread, with cases in Wales, since November, currently standing at 1,257, including cases in Powys.

Commenting Kirsty Williams said:

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has accused Centrica of making vague promises over their huge British Gas profits in the first months of this year.

Mr. Black was reacting to the news that Centrica has said that it will use the profits it has made from the 18% increase in gas usage as a consequence of this year's unrelenting cold weather to hold energy prices 'for as long as possible.'

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Spokesperson Aled Roberts has called for clarity in proposed changes to Post-16 funding in Wales. The proposals are contained in the Welsh Government's Post-16 Planning and Funding Review: Final report which was published this week.

Commenting, Aled Roberts said:

Responding to the Government statement on Jobs Growth Wales and the news that 66.5% of the 6000 jobs created for young people have been filled, Eluned Parrott AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister said:

"I congratulate the government on creating over 6,000 job opportunities and filling two thirds of them; that alone is a substantial task and deserves credit.