BBC Wales Politics Editor Felicity Evans and Political Correspondent James Williams chew over the week in the world of Welsh politics, as eyes turn to the Senedd Election in May.
Debating assisted dying, devolution doubts and how a Budget is put together
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC colleague David Deans to look back at the Senedd debate on assisted dying that ultimately saw MSs vote against the idea. Grassroots Welsh Conservative Huw Davies explains why some in the party - himself included - would like to see the party commit to ending devolution. And the former Treasury special advisor Aled Maclean-Jones lifts the lid on what goes on behind the scenes at the Treasury in the run-up to a Budget
10/24/2024 • 43 minutes, 45 seconds
Cross-border NHS co-operation. Plaid's annual conference. 60 years of Welsh Secretaries
James Williams is joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to discuss the continuing confusion over the increased cross-border NHS co-operation announced by the Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens at the Labour Party conference. Newly-elected Plaid Cymru MP Llinos Medi looks back at her party's annual get together. And on the 60th anniversary of the creation of the role of Welsh Secretary, the former Labour post-holder Ron Davies and Anthony Pickles - advisor to four Conservative Secretaries of State - debate the future of the post.
10/17/2024 • 38 minutes, 6 seconds
Taking Council
James Williams convenes Walescast's very own Council of the Nations and Regions to preview the inaugural meeting of the UK government's new vehicle for strengthening its work with the governments of the devolved nations. BBC Scotland's Phil Sim, Jayne McCormack from BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Wales' very own Daniel Davies all squeeze around the table to try and work out what that might mean in practice. Plus Ed Poole of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre looks ahead to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves' much-anticipated first Budget at the end of the month
10/10/2024 • 40 minutes, 1 second
Steeled for the Future
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the Conservative Party conference with the former Welsh Secretary Sir Robert Buckland - one of 175 Tory MPs to lose their seat at the General Election. What does he make of the four candidates still in the running to lead his party? And following the end of traditional steel making in Port Talbot, BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas looks ahead to the future of Tata's massive plant in the town
10/3/2024 • 37 minutes, 24 seconds
It's Party (Conference) Time II...
James Williams hears from Claire Hughes - the newly-elected Labour MP for Bangor Aberconwy - about the mood and messages emanating from her party's get-together in Liverpool. Also in conference last weekend was Reform UK. The party's Welsh spokesperson Oliver Lewis gives his take on proceedings at Birmingham's NEC.
9/26/2024 • 39 minutes, 22 seconds
It's Party (Conference) Time...
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the Green Party's recent get together in Manchester with its Welsh leader Anthony Slaughter - and the Liberal Democrats' gathering in Brighton with the party's newly-elected MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick. With both parties returning record numbers of MPs to Westminster in the General Election the mood at their conferences was celebratory. But already their attention is turning to the Senedd elections in 20 months time.
9/20/2024 • 20 minutes, 59 seconds
Getting the Priorities Right
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests discuss the new First Minister Eluned Morgan's top priorities - as set out in a speech to the Senedd earlier in the week. Former health board chair professor Marcus Longley explains the challenges in delivering improvements to the NHS in Wales; BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas looks at possible approaches to creating jobs within a greener economy; and BBC Wales education correspondent Bethan Lewis explores what the commitment to driving up standards in schools may involve
9/19/2024 • 36 minutes, 56 seconds
"It's a Deal..."
Felicity Evans and Elliw Gwawr discuss the small print of the deal between Tata Steel and the UK Government that paves the way for the building of a greener electric arc furnace at the company's Port Talbot plant with the Guardian's Kiran Stacey. Plus who's got what job in the reshuffled cabinet of the new First Minister, Eluned Morgan.
9/12/2024 • 34 minutes, 53 seconds
Pushing New Boundaries
James Williams pores over the proposed new electoral map of Wales for the 2026 Senedd elections with Shereen Williams of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru and discusses the issues preoccupying MPs as they return to Parliament with BBC Wales Westminster reporter Shelley Phelps
9/5/2024 • 30 minutes, 10 seconds
Are the Grey Suits Out?
It's confirmed. Wales has it's first female First Minister. A whirlwind three weeks for Eluned Morgan which culminated in a seat at the top of Welsh Labour and the Senedd. But, it's not been plain sailing. The third First Minister this year will have a stacked in-tray and a party to pull together. She's already making changes with the return of familiar faces to her Cabinet. Joining James Williams to discuss all of that are Jo Kiernan, a former Senior Special Adviser to the First Minster, and Chris Carter is a Columnist for the Labour List.
8/7/2024 • 31 minutes
End of Term Report
Felicity Evans and James Williams review the first month of the new UK Labour government and also assess the state of play of Welsh politics ahead of next week's Senedd vote that is expected to confirm Eluned Morgan as the new First Minister with the help of BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, Westminster reporter Shelley Phelps and Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University's Welsh Governance Centre
8/1/2024 • 43 minutes, 21 seconds
First Minister-in-Waiting
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests reflect on Eluned Morgan’s appointment as leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister-in-waiting and explore what it means for Welsh politics ahead of Senedd elections in 2026
7/25/2024 • 29 minutes, 18 seconds
Anatomy of a Fall
Felicity Evans and James Williams digest the fallout from Vaughan Gething’s resignation as First Minister in the company of his predecessor as Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford, the leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth and the Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans. Former Welsh Government special adviser turned political consultant Jo Kiernan is also on hand to offer her insights into what’s next for Welsh Labour as it starts a fresh search for a new leader
7/19/2024 • 31 minutes, 44 seconds
118 Days Later...
In this additional episode Felicity Evans and James Williams chew over the details of the First Minister's resignation. They are joined by BBC Wales' Welsh Affairs Editor Vaughan Roderick to dissect the decision and discuss what's next for Welsh Labour as the search for a new leader starts again.
7/16/2024 • 16 minutes, 38 seconds
Winners and Losers
Felicity Evans and James Williams analyse the General Election results in Wales with newly-elected Labour MP Kanishka Narayan, returning Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake and defeated Conservative MP Fay Jones. Ruth Mosalski, WalesOnline's political editor, is also on hand to discuss the fall-out from former minister Hannah Blythyn's personal statement to the Senedd - her first comments since she was sacked by the First Minister Vaughan Gething
7/11/2024 • 34 minutes, 1 second
A First Rough Draught of History
Felicity Evans and James Williams offer their snap analysis of the General Election results in Wales
7/5/2024 • 20 minutes, 3 seconds
The Final Furlong
With the finishing line in sight, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, BBC Scotland's Phil Sim, Sky News' Darren McCaffrey and Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre to look back at the General Election campaign so far and pick out the key battlegrounds and trends to watch out for once the results start to come in on election night.
7/2/2024 • 39 minutes, 8 seconds
Taxing Issues
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by Guto Ifan from Cardiff University's Wales Fiscal Analysis programme to dig into what the Labour and Conservative manifesto commitments on tax and spending might mean for Wales in terms of funding and public services. Plus BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke reflects on the role the NHS in Wales has played in the General Election campaign.
6/27/2024 • 43 minutes, 32 seconds
Up for Debate
With just two weeks to go until polling day, Felicity Evans and Nick Servini are joined by James Griffiths of the British Election Study and BBC Wales Westminster correspondent Shelley Phelps to examine the prospects of the Liberal Democrat and Reform parties in Wales in the General Election. Plus, live TV election debates can make or break a candidate or party. On the eve of the BBC Wales Election Debate, presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts takes a break from preparing to host five party representatives and a 100-strong audience to reveal what goes on behind the scenes.
6/20/2024 • 44 minutes, 48 seconds
Manifold Manifestos
As a week of manifesto launches draws to a close, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by political pundits Lauren McEvatt, Matthew Hexter and Nerys Evans to pick over the different party offerings - and what they mean for Wales
6/13/2024 • 33 minutes, 52 seconds
Proceeding with No Confidence
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to discuss where the vote of no confidence in the First Minister leaves Vaughan Gething. Polling expert Dr Jac Larner helps crunch the FM's latest numbers and also puts the plethora of recent general election opinion polls in context
6/6/2024 • 45 minutes, 17 seconds
That's a Wrap on Week One
It's been a week since the July 4th General Election was called. Fliss and James mop up the details of campaign trails with Political Editor Gareth Lewis in Monmouth following a visit from Keir Starmer. They also catch up with Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies following Plaid Cymru's campaign launch in Bangor. Also joining them is the Associate Director for the Institute for Fiscal Studies David Phillips who discusses the Shared Prosperity Fund and party policies on taxes and spending.
5/30/2024 • 45 minutes, 5 seconds
"And they're off..."
Following the surprise announcement of a General Election on July 4, James Williams is joined by BBC Wales Westminster reporters Catrin Haf Jones and Shelley Phelps to map out the contours of the campaign that lies ahead.
5/23/2024 • 22 minutes, 47 seconds
In the Firing Line
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by colleague Cemlyn Davies to discuss the fall-out from Vaughan Gething's sacking of one of his ministerial team for leaking to the media - an allegation the former minister for social partnership Hannah Blythyn denies. Luke Young of Citizens Advice Cymru laments the decision to delay council tax reforms to 2028. And MSs Jane Dodds and Janet Finch-Saunders make the case for their pets - Wanda and Alfie - to be crowned Senedd Dog of the Year.
5/16/2024 • 41 minutes, 58 seconds
Presiding Presence
At the end of a week that saw both the 25th anniversary of the first elections to Cardiff Bay and legislation passed to reform the Senedd, James Williams and Felicity Evans join the Presiding Officer Elin Jones MS in the Siambr to reflect on the devolution journey to date and what the future holds - for both her and the institution.
5/11/2024 • 44 minutes, 58 seconds
Deletions and Donations
James Williams and Daniel Davies digest another week of difficult headlines for the new First Minister
5/9/2024 • 17 minutes, 48 seconds
Running into Opposition
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to sweep up as the dust settles on two opposition debates in the Senedd seeking to address the continuing controversy around a £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething's Labour leadership campaign from a man twice convicted of environmental offences
5/2/2024 • 36 minutes, 40 seconds
Tata Steel, 20mph and campaign donation controversy
Felicity Evans and David Deans discuss the latest developments in Tata Steel's plans to close both its blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant before talking to Andrew Morgan, leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, about how councils view the recently announced changes to the implementation of the Welsh Government's default 20mph policy. The pair also explore the ongoing controversy surrounding a £200,000 donation towards Vaughan Gething's Labour leadership campaign from a man twice convicted of environmental offences.
4/25/2024 • 36 minutes, 22 seconds
Making Histories
With the Senedd back in session after the Easter recess, the new First Minister Vaughan Gething can now properly get down to business. Following a debut appearance at FMQs and a statement on "delivering Wales' priorities", Felicity Evans and James Williams explore what the past week in Cardiff Bay reveals about Mr Gething's approach to his new role with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis. And more than a decade in the making, Pembrokeshire-born academic Sam Blaxland discusses his new history, "The Conservative Party in Wales, 1945 - 1997"
4/18/2024 • 39 minutes, 36 seconds
"The doctor will see you now..."
Felicity Evans and James Williams examine the news that hospital doctors are pausing strike action for further pay talks with the Welsh Government with BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke. And with three weeks to go until elections for Police and Crime Commissioners to the four Welsh forces, former deputy PCC Sophie Howe explains what the job is all about.
4/11/2024 • 33 minutes, 9 seconds
First Readings
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by politicians past and present for a book club special. Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant discusses his latest work of history, "James and John: A True Story of Prejudice and Murder". Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell's pick is the epic historical fantasy "Babel" by R F Kuang. And the former Conservative AM Suzy Davies champions "Pearl", the debut novel of the Welsh poet Siân Hughes
4/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
New First Minister, new direction?
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Jo Kiernan, special adviser to former First Minister Carwyn Jones, to look back at Vaughan Gething's successful campaign to succeed Mark Drakeford and explore what to expect from the new man at the very top of Welsh politics
3/21/2024 • 34 minutes, 47 seconds
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry in Wales
As its hearings in Cardiff conclude, Felicity Evans takes a deep dive into the evidence presented to the Welsh module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in the company of BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke and WalesOnline's Welsh affairs editor Will Hayward
3/14/2024 • 57 minutes, 54 seconds
"I commend this statement to the House..."
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas and Steffan Evans, director of policy at the Bevan Foundation, to sift through the details of the Chancellor's Budget and examine what they mean for Wales
3/7/2024 • 34 minutes, 28 seconds
Food for Thought
Felicity Evans and James Williams dig into the issues that prompted Welsh farmers to protest outside the Senedd with Dr Hazel Wright of the Farmers' Union of Wales and Andrew Tuddenham of the Soil Association in Wales. And BBC Wales social affairs correspondent India Pollock reflects on the opening week of evidence to the Welsh leg of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
2/29/2024 • 34 minutes, 25 seconds
The Candidates
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the performance of the two men vying to succeed Mark Drakeford in a special BBC Wales Live debate with the programme presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts and fellow BBC Wales political reporter Cemlyn Davies. How did Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles come across and where did their pitches differ?
2/22/2024 • 34 minutes, 29 seconds
The Art of the Political Interview
Felicity and James discuss the art of the political interview with the TV journalist Rob Burley, who has distilled his lengthy career making politics programmes into a book about the challenges of trying to get straight answers from ministers and Prime Ministers
2/15/2024 • 34 minutes, 35 seconds
Ruffled Feathers
Following claims of a stitch-up, James Williams discusses the latest developments in the contest to become the next First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour with fellow podcaster Matt Hexter. And BBC Wales political reporter David Deans explains how nesting ospreys have led to ruffled feathers in the Senedd
2/1/2024 • 26 minutes, 41 seconds
State of the Union
Wales' leading trade unionist Mark Serwotka is retiring after more than two decades as general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union. Having seen seven Prime Ministers come and go, he talks to Felicity Evans and James Williams about the personal and professional challenges he has faced at the helm of the union that represents nearly 200,000 civil servants - and reflects on his legacy
1/31/2024 • 32 minutes, 1 second
Still talkin' 'bout the Constitution...
Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the work and final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales with its co-chair Professor Laura McAllister
1/25/2024 • 23 minutes, 6 seconds
Tata Steel special
Felicity Evans and James Williams explore the employment, environmental and political ramifications of Tata's Steel decision to close the two blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant - and build an electric arc furnace in their place - with BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas and environment correspondent Steffan Messenger
1/24/2024 • 29 minutes, 15 seconds
"Talkin' 'bout the Constitution..."
BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis takes Felicity Evans and James Williams through the findings of the final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. And health correspondent Owain Clarke reflects on the state of the NHS in Wales as junior doctors end a 72-hour strike and the latest performance statistics are released.
1/18/2024 • 39 minutes, 14 seconds
The Year Ahead
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and education and family correspondent Bethan Lewis to look ahead to what's in store in 2024 in the worlds of Welsh politics, education and the economy
1/11/2024 • 39 minutes, 52 seconds
That was the year that was - and to come
Felicity Evans and James Williams sit down for an end-of-year chat with BBC Wales long-serving Welsh Affairs editor Vaughan Roderick. They look back at Vaughan's return to work after a life-changing illness and forward to what promises to be a dramatic year in politics - with a new First Minister due by Easter and a Westminster General Election also looming on the horizon.
12/28/2023 • 36 minutes, 28 seconds
Budget Lines
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by the finance minister Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Conservative's Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies and the leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth to analyse the Welsh Government budget, look back at the rest of the political year and look ahead to 2024
12/21/2023 • 39 minutes, 29 seconds
Drakeford Stands Down, Who Will Stand Up?
The dust has settled somewhat after the surprise announcement that Mark Drakeford is standing down as First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader. Joining Felicity and James to discuss what, why and who's next is Political Lecturer Dr Jac Larner from Cardiff University and BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis. They also reflect on the legacy of Mark Drakeford and what the future of Welsh Labour will look like without him at the helm. Julie Morgan, one the FM's Deputy Ministers and long term friends, and Carwyn Jones, former First Minister for Wales, look back at his time in office.
12/14/2023 • 42 minutes, 8 seconds
Another chance to hear "In the Park with Mark Drakeford"
Following the announcement that Mark Drakeford is to stand down as First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour after five years in the job, here's an archive episode of Walescast from April 2021. In the middle of that Spring's Senedd election campaign, Felicity Evans and James Williams caught up with Mr Drakeford in the sunshine of a Cardiff park for a wide-ranging chat which took in his love of cricket, what he grows on his allotment and his memories of the late First Minister Rhodri Morgan
12/13/2023 • 40 minutes, 46 seconds
Walescast Extra: "Drakeford to Stand Down!"
As the dust settles on the surprise announcement that Mark Drakeford is to stand down as First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour by next Easter, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis for an unscheduled episode to reflect on the timing of the news - and on Mr Drakeford's legacy
12/13/2023 • 18 minutes, 31 seconds
Leaning into Pisa
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales education correspondent Bethan Lewis and Institute of Fiscal Studies research fellow Luke Sibieta to assess the performance of Welsh pupils in the most recent set of Pisa tests - the international maths, reading and science assessments carried out every three years. The latest results from the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment - and the first since Covid - saw Wales' performance fall to its lowest level ever in all three disciplines, with Wales also scoring the lowest of all the UK nations.
12/7/2023 • 29 minutes, 29 seconds
Airing Differences
Daniel Davies and Teleri Glyn Jones are joined by Joseph Carter of Healthy Air Cymru to discuss the Air Quality and Soundscapes Bill, which is awaiting Royal Assent after completing its passage through the Senedd.
The legislation - described as "world-leading" by ministers - is designed to cut deaths and illness from toxic air. But what it might mean for motorists and solid fuel users, amongst others?
11/30/2023 • 26 minutes, 24 seconds
An Ode to the Autumn Statement
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Guto Ifan of the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University to dig into the details of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement - and what it means for Wales
11/23/2023 • 32 minutes, 57 seconds
Getting Down to Brass Tax
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by colleague Daniel Davies and David Phillips of the Institute of Fiscal Studies to discuss the Welsh government's plans for council tax reform. Why do ministers think change is necessary? When might it happen? And who will be winners and who will be losers?
11/16/2023 • 32 minutes, 37 seconds
War in the Middle East and the King's Speech
Felicity Evans looks back at the Senedd debate on the conflict in Israel and Gaza with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis before Sian Jones - a former special advisor to the Conservative cabinet minister Philip Hammond - helps them put the King's Speech in context
11/9/2023 • 33 minutes, 36 seconds
Tata Steel and Drug Consumption Rooms
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas to discuss the future of Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant after the last-minute cancellation of an expected announcement of the closure of its two blast furnaces with the potential loss of 3,000 jobs.
And Martin Blakebrough, head of the substance misuse charity Kaleidoscope, explains how he hopes to push ahead with new services for the most vulnerable drug users in Wales after the UK's first Drug Consumption Room was approved in Scotland.
11/2/2023 • 35 minutes, 6 seconds
Winter is Coming
In the wake of the Welsh Ambulance Service declaring an "extraordinary incident" last weekend, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke and senior figures from the service to discuss the challenges it faces as winter looms - and what can be done to ease pressures at the hospital front door.
10/26/2023 • 33 minutes, 24 seconds
It's (Number) Crunch Time
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Guto Ifan from the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University to crunch the numbers following the unveiling of cuts to parts of the Welsh Government's budget which ministers say are needed to balance the books in the face of inflationary pressures and also put more cash into the NHS and Transport for Wales
10/19/2023 • 32 minutes, 59 seconds
Conference Pairs
Two party conference reviews for the price of one. Felicity and James are joined by BBC Wales Westminster correspondent Shelley Phelps and the shadow cabinet member and Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds to look back at Labour in Liverpool. Plus political correspondent Daniel Davies and Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS Mabon ap Gwynfor on Plaid Cymru's Autumn get-together in Aberystwyth.
10/12/2023 • 48 minutes, 19 seconds
A Platform for Change?
Felicity Evans reviews the Conservative Party conference and that HS2 announcement with the Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones and BBC Wales Westminster correspondent Catrin Haf Jones - who both spent the week in Manchester. Will Rishi Sunak's speech lead to a revival in his party's fortunes? And business correspondent Huw Thomas reflects on the news that a major employer in the south Wales valleys - UK Windows and Doors - is to close, with the loss of 500 jobs.
10/5/2023 • 36 minutes, 49 seconds
Signing Up, Up, Up
With the number of signatories to a petition calling on the Welsh Government to rescind its new 20-mph law breaking all records, James Williams and Felicity Evans are joined by the chair of the Senedd's petitions committee, Jack Sargeant MS and Cristina Leston-Bandiera, professor of politics at the University of Leeds, to investigate the value of parliamentary petitions. And fresh from her party conference, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, Jane Dodds MS, reflects on her party's standing as a General Election looms.
9/28/2023 • 37 minutes, 28 seconds
Reforming the Senedd and reframing Net Zero
The Minister for the Constitution, Mick Antoniw MS, joins James Williams to discuss the Senedd Reform Bill, which paves the way for the enlargement of the Senedd for 60 to 96 members. BBC Wales environment correspondent Steffan Messenger explains what the changes to to the UK government's approach to achieving net zero by 2050 - announced by the Prime Minister - mean for Wales. And Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University runs through the results of the most recent Welsh opinion polling.
9/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Is 20 Plenty?
James Williams speaks to the Deputy Minster of Climate Change in Wales, Lee Waters, about the imminent arrival of the default 20mph speed limit. Also, with the help of BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis, he analyses the latest Welsh Government announcement about the multi-million pound overspend by NHS Wales.
9/13/2023 • 33 minutes, 49 seconds
"There may be trouble ahead..."
Budget cuts, public sector pay and the road to Net Zero. Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by a trio of Senedd members - Labour’s Hefin David, Conservative Natasha Ashgar and Luke Fletcher of Plaid Cymru - to discuss the big issues facing their parties as the new political term approaches.
8/23/2023 • 31 minutes, 15 seconds
When we met Rhun ap Iorwerth at the National Eisteddfod
The Plaid Cymru leader and Ynys Mon MS joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the National Eisteddfod to reflect on a career which spans both journalism, politics and a little bit of showbusiness. In a wide-ranging interview he discusses growing up as the son of a musical collaborator with Dafydd Iwan, the four big decisions he's had to make in his political career - and the records he would take to a desert island.
8/15/2023 • 58 minutes, 37 seconds
When we met Jeremy Miles at the Gnoll Estate Country Park
From Ystalyfera comprehensive school to Wales’ education minister via Oxford and the law – the Labour MS for Neath, Jeremy Miles, has an impressive c.v. and skills set. But when Felicity Evans and James Williams met him at the Gnoll Estate Country Park in the heart of his constituency for a wide-ranging interview covering the experiences that have shaped his politics, they discovered how he met his match - in the shape of a former attorney and First Lady, diplomat and US presidential candidate turned relationships counsellor.
8/9/2023 • 55 minutes, 32 seconds
When we met Fay Jones at the Royal Welsh Show
The Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the Royal Welsh Show to reflect on her political career. In a wide-ranging interview she discusses growing up as the daughter of an MP and government minister, why she is confident of retaining her seat at the next General Election and how she approaches representing Wales's largest constituency
8/2/2023 • 52 minutes, 44 seconds
The Long Road to a General Election
Felicity Evans and David Deans look forward to Westminster after the summer break and a general election looming. They are joined by former director of strategy and chief speechwriter to Theresa May, Chris Wilkins and Jim Pickard the deputy political editor at the Financial Times. Felicity and David also speak to BBC Wales environment correspondent Steffan Messenger, who is at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, where a row over the number of trees farmers will need to plant to access future subsidies has dominated proceedings.
7/27/2023 • 45 minutes, 9 seconds
By-election Blues, Reds and Oranges
James Williams analyses the results of the week's three Parliamentary by-elections with the help of the former Welsh Conservative chief of staff, Anthony Pickles and Tom Hamilton, a former head of research for the UK Labour Party. James is also joined by BBC Wales education and family correspondent Bethan Lewis and Laura Doel, director of the National Association of Head Teachers in Wales, to look back at the academic year.
7/21/2023 • 52 minutes, 56 seconds
End-of-term Senedd reports - and reporters
As the Senedd heads into its Summer recess, James Williams and Huw Thomas are joined by political commentator Martin Shipton for an end-of-term report on the parties and their leaders. Harry Thompson of Cynnal Cymru gives his take on the latest Welsh unemployment figures, And the editor of the Caerphilly Observer, Richard Gurner, explains why he will soon be employing a journalist - paid for by public money - to report on the Senedd
7/13/2023 • 47 minutes
The NHS at 75
James Williams and BBC Wales health correspondent Jenny Rees examine the vital signs of the National Health Service as it turns 75 with the help of former health board chair Professor Marcus Longley and junior doctor representative Dr Georgie Budd. Also, following the evidence given to the UK Covid-19 inquiry by Welsh Government ministers and officials, how prepared is the health service for another pandemic?
7/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 44 seconds
Bills, Bills, Bills
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests work through the highlights of the Welsh Government's list of eight new laws it plans to bring forward in the next 12 months. Adam Keen of Adventure Travel explains what the promised bus bill might mean for both industry and passengers while Luke Young of Citizens Advice Cymru explores the implications of council tax reforms for households. Auriol Miller of the Institute of Welsh Affairs also joins the conversation to discuss the plans for Senedd enlargement and gender equality. Fliss and James then hear from Shereen Williams of the Boundary Commission for Wales which has just completed the process of re-drawing the map of Parliamentary constituencies as the number of MPs Wales returns to Westminster falls from 40 to 32 at the next General Election.
6/29/2023 • 41 minutes, 5 seconds
Under New Management
Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss how the new leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, will approach the challenges facing his party with Plaid MP Ben Lake and former Plaid MP and family friend Elfyn Llwyd. Fliss and James also discuss the latest inflation figures and what they may mean for interest rates ahead of the monthly meeting of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee
6/21/2023 • 48 minutes, 33 seconds
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry and the road to Net Zero
James Williams hears from Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru following the opening statements to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Jessica Hooper of RenewableUK Cymru gives her reaction to the publication of Welsh Government's Infrastructure Bill, which ministers describe as an important step towards delivering on renewable energy targets. Plus BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas on calls from the chairman of Tata Steel UK, Henrik Adam, for a "level playing field" as it seeks UK government subsidies to decarbonise its Port Talbot steelworks.
6/14/2023 • 31 minutes, 6 seconds
An Admiral Job
Felicity Evans learns the lessons of Henry Engelhardt's 40-year career in business which saw him build Cardiff-based Admiral Insurance - Wales' only FTSE 100-listed company - into a global concern worth £9 billion. What's the secret of being a good boss? How to succeed at interview. And why a 10-year plan is the secret to a good retirement.
6/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 49 seconds
A Duty of Care?
Felicity Evans and Cemlyn Davies discuss the policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels with the former Commissioner for Racial Equality for Wales, the Rev Aled Edwards. Environment correspondent Steffan Messenger explores what achieving Net Zero could mean for Welsh farms and those who work on them. And social affairs correspondent India Pollock reflects on a major piece of work by Senedd members into children in care.
6/1/2023 • 48 minutes, 30 seconds
Ely: the aftermath
Felicity Evans and James Williams explore the political fallout from the unrest in Ely with the local MP, Cardiff West's Kevin Brennan, while Professor Howard Williamson brings his 50 years of experience of the community to the questions of why it happened and how further repeats can be avoided. And Dr James Griffiths of the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University runs through the findings of the latest YouGov opinion polling in Wales.
5/25/2023 • 45 minutes, 9 seconds
Lights. Camera. Inaction!
With the latest job figures showing that nearly one in four of the working age population in Wales are economically inactive, Felicity Evans and James Williams explore the causes and effects of this long-term feature of the Welsh economy with the help of Joshua Miles, the Welsh director of the Work and Learning Institute and the occupational health expert and Bevan Commissioner Professor Ewan Macdonald. The pair also take a trip through the looking glass into the topsy-turvy world of VAT on food to discover why the Chancellor of the Exchequer would prefer us to eat chocolate digestives and potato crisps over plain biscuits and tortilla chips.
5/18/2023 • 39 minutes, 33 seconds
Priced Out
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by Cardiff University's Professor Richard Wyn Jones as the dust begins to settle on Adam Price's resignation as the leader of Plaid Cymru following a critical report into the culture of the party. What's changed in the week since that report was published? What legacy does Adam Price leave behind? And where now for Plaid?
5/11/2023 • 40 minutes, 12 seconds
Conservatively Speaking
Felicity Evans and Daniel Davies look back at the Welsh Conservative's Spring conference in the company of the Tory MS for Clwyd West Darren Millar and WalesOnline's Welsh Affairs editor Will Hayward
5/3/2023 • 32 minutes, 42 seconds
Corrections and Clarifications
Felicity Evans and James Williams ask if the First Minister has successfully drawn the line under a row over whether the Senedd was misled over the decision-making process that saw the north Wales health board Betsi Cadwaladr taken out of special measures in 2020. And Environment Correspondent Steffan Messenger charts the end of the line for opencast mining in Wales, following a council decision not to grant an extension to the gigantic Ffos-y-Fran site in Merthyr Tydfil.
4/27/2023 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Food for Thought
With food price inflation at a 45-year high, Felicity Evans and James Williams explore the implications for food producers with Welsh farmer Llyr Jones - and for hard-pressed households with James Smith of the Resolution Foundation. In the wake of the announcement that Cardiff Council is to explore introducing a "road user payment" scheme to cut congestion and improve air quality, Silviyia Barrett of the Campaign for Better Transport outlines the impact similar schemes have had on cities across the UK. And Fliss and James also unpack the latest developments in the row over whether the First Minister misled the Senedd over the decision-making process that saw the north Wales health board Betsi Cadwaladr taken out of special measures in 2020.
4/20/2023 • 43 minutes, 31 seconds
Operation Strike
As junior doctors strike in England, James Williams meets Dr Iona Collins, the chair of the Wales council of the British Medical Association. Here in Wales junior doctors aren't on strike, they're in work. Why is that?
Pay negotiations start with the Welsh government next week, but if Westminster doesn't settle with the English doctors, where will the money come from for a separate settlement in Wales?
Plus… a big shift in the UK class system that most people are unaware of. Sociologist Dan Evans joins James to talk about the new Petite Bourgeoisie. Who are they? What do they want? And how can Porthcawl help us to understand them?
4/13/2023 • 42 minutes, 24 seconds
Fliss and James take a look at the state of Wales’ rivers and waterways
Welsh Water released sewage into rivers, lakes and the sea around Wales for almost 600,000 hours last year, according to the latest data. The worst hit rivers in 2022 were the Garw, Tawe, Teifi, Usk, Rhymney and Taff. To find out why, Fliss and James talk to Welsh Water's CEO Peter Perry and Gail Davies-Walsh from Afonydd Cymru.
4/7/2023 • 39 minutes, 25 seconds
Lines of Inquiry
As the first new trains for the South Wales Metro are officially rolled out, James Williams and Daniel Davies quiz the head of Transport for Wales, James Price, on that project's timetables and increasing costs as well as TfW's plans for the rest of the country and the future for bus services. Plus Huw Irranca-Davies MS, chair of the Senedd's Legislation, Justice and Constitution committee, on concerns that UK government legislation to scrap EU-era rules and regulations could undermine devolution.
3/30/2023 • 41 minutes, 35 seconds
One, Two, Freeports
Following the announcement that two freeports are to be created in Wales - one in Anglesey and the other centred around Milford Haven and Port Talbot - Cemlyn Davies works through what it all means for the two areas, and the wider Welsh economy, with BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas. Senedd watcher David Deans looks back at the vote of No Confidence in the health minister Eluned Morgan. And political correspondent Daniel Davies explores the content of the Welsh government's long-awaited clean air bill.
3/23/2023 • 35 minutes, 53 seconds
Budget boxes and conference calls
Felicity Evans and James Williams run through the numbers in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget with BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas before being joined by Labour MS Jack Sargeant and WalesOnline's Welsh Affairs Editor Will Hayward to look back at Welsh Labour's Spring conference in Llandudno
3/16/2023 • 45 minutes, 31 seconds
When we met Vaughan Gething at Lisvane Cricket Club…
The Welsh Government’s economy minister joins Felicity Evans and James Williams in the pavilion of Lisvane Cricket Club to talk about his love of the game, his time as health minister during the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Questions about his future ambitions are met with a defensive, straight bat but he does open up on his go to karaoke tune.
This episode includes a personal account of discrimination, with graphic racist language, which listeners could find upsetting.
8/23/2022 • 1 hour, 7 seconds
When we met Virginia Crosbie at the Anglesey Show...
The Conservative MP for Ynys Mon Virginia Crosbie joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the Anglesey Show to reflect on her late-blooming political career. In a wide-ranging interview she discusses how her approach to life has been shaped by personal trauma and her priorities for her island constituency.
8/16/2022 • 48 minutes, 11 seconds
When we met Dafydd Wigley in Llanberis…
The former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Wigley joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis to reflect on half a century in frontline politics. Now in the House of Lords, he looks back at the highs and lows of his political career, from the dying days of James Callaghan’s Labour government in 1979, through to the high drama of the devolution referendum of 1997 and beyond. And then there's his connection to a 1930s Chicago gangster and Public Enemy Number 1.
8/9/2022 • 1 hour, 49 seconds
When we met Simon Hart in Pendine Sands...
Welsh Secretary and MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Simon Hart joins Felicity Evans and Dan Davies at a static caravan in Pendine Sands Holiday Park to talk about his day job as a minister, what's next for the future of the Union and why bird enthusiasts from across the UK flocked to his garden.
He also recalls how he and other senior politicians feared for the PM's life after he was admitted to intensive care with Covid, during the height of the pandemic.
Producer: Emilia Davies
8/25/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
When we met Leanne Wood in the Rhondda...
Fliss and James catch up with former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood who reflects on her time with the party, how she first got involved in politics and what she plans on doing next.
She also recalls what happened in the green room moments before her and other party leaders appeared on a televised debate during the 2015 general election.
Producer: Emilia Davies
8/17/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 28 seconds
When we met Kirsty Williams on the farm...
Felicity Evans and James Williams join former education minister and Welsh Liberal Democrat Kirsty Williams on her farm in Brecon to chat about her life in politics, why she became an MS and what it was like to hold such a prominent position in the Welsh Government during the pandemic.
She tells the team what she plans on doing next and recalls a memorable moment meeting the former US President Barack Obama.
Producer: Emilia Davies
8/10/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
When we met Julie James in the park...
Wales' Climate Change minister, Julie James joins Fliss and James in a sunny park in Swansea to talk about her new role in government, her globe-trotting childhood and what it’s like to have a famous brother.
She also tells them how one tragedy changed her life forever.
Producer: Emilia Davies