Carmen Smith, the youngest member of the House of Lords and a passionate Plaid Cymru activist, commits to advocating for a more democratic system and tackling issues important to Wales, amidst facing gender-based scrutiny.
Carmen Smith, at 28 years old, has become the youngest member of the House of Lords and a notable Plaid Cymru activist with an aim to dismantle the institution she is now part of. Representing Welsh interests, Smith has criticized the unelected status of the Lords and calls for its reform to a more democratic system. Despite facing criticism, including gender-based attacks, she has emphasized the importance of diversity within the chamber. Originating from a council estate with a background in both law and activism for student carers’ rights, Smith intends to use her position to advocate for marginalized communities in Wales and address coal tip safety among other issues.
The Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt has attributed delays in passing the controversial Rwanda Bill to Labour, accusing the opposition party of obstructing measures to strengthen borders. The proposed bill, which faces further amendments from the House of Lords, has sparked a debate over the safety and ethical considerations of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, causing a deadlock in the legislative process. Labour counters by suggesting the government is dragging its feet due to implementation challenges with the asylum scheme, leaving the bill’s future uncertain as political tensions rise.
In Wales, Vaughan Gething has been named the First Minister and announced his new cabinet prioritizing diversity and gender balance, including nine women and five men. With ambitions for a stronger, fairer, and greener Wales, Gething faces opposition criticism for potentially maintaining the status quo rather than initiating significant change. The new cabinet, which includes positions like Jeremy Miles as economy and energy secretary and Lynne Neagle as education, will focus on the economy, education, climate change, child poverty, and healthcare resources in the post-pandemic era. Critics from opposition parties urge the cabinet to exceed Labour’s historical performance and address the nation’s challenges effectively.
