WAG’s limited vision leaves us with a worthless Measure

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Sep 2008

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have slammed the One Wales Government for reversing positive moves to radically improve child safety and widen parental choice.

The WAG has yet again failed to accept provisions for learners travelling to Welsh Medium Schools. It has also flip flopped by seeking to delete previously passed amendments on faith schools and route safety. During Stage 2 and 3 of the Proposed Learner Travel Measure committee Kirsty Williams AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for transport, put forward and supported amendments calling for an improved definition of safer routes to schools; equal access for transport to Welsh Medium and Faith Schools; stronger provisions for pupils with special educational needs. Peter Black AM said: "Due to a limited and limiting Government we have been left with a measure that does little more than introduce a new behaviour code of practice. Wales had the chance to enshrine access to faith and Welsh Medium schools; to ensure that child safety was supreme. But thanks to a weak and featureless government we have missed the opportunity and all the work and hope that has gone into this measure has been wasted. "I cannot understand why the One Wales Government has refused these advancements - is child safety not part of their agenda? There is no justifiable reason why they are missing this opportunity. Child safety is paramount and should come before cost and popularity. "Whilst many local authorities do indeed already have the good practice to provide access to faith and Welsh Medium schools, it is not mandatory. We were seeking to ensure parental and child choice and equality of access - the government has disgracefully prevented this. I am saddened that the One Wales Government has yet again held Wales back." END