Main message to voters:
With Labour's demise, England is voting Conservative. This means the Tories will form the next Government. Scotland will look after their own interests. Who do you trust to defend Wales and to get the best deal for our nation? Vote Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales on June 8th to make Wales matter.
Election history:
This is the first General Election in which I am a candidate. I felt compelled to stand in this election because it’s clear that the Tories will win a big majority in England. Wales needs a strong voice, banging the table in Whitehall and demanding that our nation is not ignored.
Priorities:
- Other Plaid Cymru will protect Swansea in the Brexit negotiations. We’ll make sure that Wales is heard in the discussions and we’ll protect local businesses
- Other We’ll defend Wales against the Tories & ensure there’s no power grab or removal of funds from Wales. Labour can’t stand up for Wales. Plaid Cymru will
- Other We're lucky to live in a great city & we need an MP who’ll defend Swansea & help it reach full potential. I'll promote Swansea in everything I do
Candidate positions on the election issues:
Economy
Targeting tax increases at high earners only is an ineffective way of raising revenue
The idea behind this statement is that high earners have resources allowing them to respond to changes in the tax regime to limit their liability - but there is no conclusive evidence of whether this statement is true or false.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
1 of 40 questions
To encourage economic growth, the UK's corporation tax rates should be decreased
The UK's current 'main rate' of corporation tax is 19%, the lowest rate in the G20 group of countries, however some EU countries, such as Ireland, rates as low as 12.5%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"As we leave the European Union, corporation tax should be devolved to Wales so that the Welsh Government can give Wales a competitive advantage in growing our economy."
2 of 40 questions
To fund public services, a financial transactions tax should be levied
The term 'financial transactions tax' covers a wide array of taxes levied on financial transactions. At the moment, in the UK, there is a 0.5% tax or duty on purchasing shares. Most proposals for a financial transactions tax involve expanding this tax or duty to transactions on other asset classes.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
3 of 40 questions
The UK government should expand its ownership of strategically important companies and utilities
This policy mostly refers to the reversal of privatisation - a process that involved the transfer of responsibility and ownership of a company/utility from the public to the private sector.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will focus on defending Wales' vital hospitals, schools, and other public services."
4 of 40 questions
The UK should borrow substantially more money to invest in national infrastructure, even if this increases the national debt
The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility expects UK debt as a percentage of national income to peak in the current financial year at 88%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will begin a £7.5bn infrastructure project in Wales. This will allow us to improve ports, roads and rail as well as rolling out Superfast broadband to every part of Wales."
5 of 40 questions
To fund public services, there should be a small increase in income tax for all earners
Currently, UK income tax outside of Scotland is levied at 0% up to £11,500 (the 'Personal Allowance'), at 20% from £11,501 to £45,00 (Basic Rate), at 40% from £45,001 to £150,000 (Higher Rate) and at 45% over £150,000 (Additional Rate).
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The richest in society should expect to pay a bit extra to fund our vital public services."
6 of 40 questions
Brexit
Leaving the EU's Single Market is a worthwhile price to pay to gain control over immigration to the UK
Access to the EU's Single Market tends to be associated with the free movement of people (one of the Single Market's 'Four Freedoms'), making it difficult to envision a scenario whereby full Single Market access can co-exist with full control of immigration.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Whether we leave the single market or not, it is vital for Wales to have continued, tariff-free access to trade with the rest of Europe. Plaid Cymru accepts the result of the referendum and we will ensure a Brexit deal that doesn't damage the Welsh economy."
7 of 40 questions
Once talks with the EU are complete, there should be a second referendum on whether to accept the Brexit deal or remain a member of the EU
In the UK, the principle of parliamentary sovereignty means that referendums have a 'non binding' quality. The absence of a formal constitution in the UK means that deciding to have a second or subsequent referendum is a political decision for parliament to make.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru accepted the result of the referendum as soon as it was announced. It's time for us now to move beyond that debate and focus on getting the best deal for Wales."
8 of 40 questions
The UK should remain a member of the EU
This is a close approximation of the wording of the 2016 'Brexit' referendum, which received 48% of the vote on a turnout of 72%, compared to 52% voting in favour of the 'leave' option.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Although Plaid Cymru supported the remain campaign in last year's referendum, we accept the result. The people of Wales voted to leave the European Union and Plaid Cymru is now determined that we get the best possible deal for Welsh farmers, for our steelworks, and for all the other vital pillars of our economy."
9 of 40 questions
Even if there is no transitional UK-EU trade deal in place, the UK should leave the EU in 2019
Having notified the EU of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) in March 2017, UK withdrawal will take place either when there is an agreement in place or after two years - unless there is unanimous agreement in the EU to extent the negotiating period.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Parliament should be given a meaningful vote on the final deal, and the National Assembly for Wales should also play a ratifying role. An extreme, Tory Brexit is bad news for Wales. We need a strong Plaid Cymru team in parliament to ensure the best deal for Wales."
10 of 40 questions
Health
There should be no role for private sector operators within the NHS
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Health in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A large Tory majority represents a threat to our NHS. Plaid Cymru will defend Wales' public services against Tory privatisation."
11 of 40 questions
New taxes raised to support the NHS should be earmarked solely for NHS spending
This would be an example of what is known as 'hypothecated tax' which the Financial Times defines as: 'A tax where the money obtained, or part of the money obtained, is used for a particular purpose, rather than spent on a number of things.'
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We'll be the first political party in Wales openly exploring the idea of having a dedicated penny for health and social care, which actually invests in this transition to a new integrated health and social care service."
12 of 40 questions
Social care costs above a threshold of £100,000 should be met by individuals' estates, including the value of their family home
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Social Care in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru completely opposes the Tories' dementia tax."
13 of 40 questions
Workers' Rights and Pensions
The UK's minimum wage should be raised to £10 per hour by 2020
Since April 2017, the UK's National Minimum Wage rates are as follows: £7.50 (25 and over); £7.05 (21-24); £5.60 (18-20); £4.05 (under 18); £3.50 (Apprentice)
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru supports a real living wage."
14 of 40 questions
Zero hours contracts facilitate flexible working and should not be banned
Zero hours contracts mean that employers are not obliged to provide any minimum working hours to a worker , who is not obliged to do the work when asked. Such contracts legally cannot prevent a worker for looking for or accepting other work.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru has attempted to ban zero hours contracts in Wales seven times in the National Assembly. The Labour Party has voted each time to keep them."
15 of 40 questions
The UK government should maintain the ‘triple lock’ of increasing the state pension each year
The 'triple lock' promises to increase the state pension annually by whichever of earnings growth, prices growth or 2.5% is the highest
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will guarantee the triple lock on pensions."
16 of 40 questions
Education
University tuition fees should be abolished
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We believe that, in principle, education should be free for all and we will continue to work towards this aim."
17 of 40 questions
The government should dedicate resources to opening new selective 'grammar' schools
This is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, but it is a key issue dividing parties in this election.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will oppose any attempts to reintroduce grammar schools to Wales."
18 of 40 questions
Social security and Housing
The 'bedroom tax' should be scrapped
The 'bedroom tax' (also known as the 'under-occupancy penalty' or 'spare room subsidy') is a cut in housing benefit if you live in a council or housing association home and are classed as having a spare bedroom.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
19 of 40 questions
The UK government should invest substantially in expanding the number of council houses built in the term of the next parliament
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We believe that the only answer to the housing crisis problem is to build more social housing and affordable homes, so that everyone has a chance to secure a decent home. "
20 of 40 questions
The government should introduce legislation that caps landlords' ability to raise rents
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Private renters are often forced to pay extortionate rents due to the housing shortage in the UK. A cap on rents is one small measure among a range of actions that need to be taken to solve the housing crisis."
21 of 40 questions
Unemployed people who fail to seek a job or accept training should have their benefits sanctioned
Sanctions for failing to seek work or accept training are a key feature of the way that Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is currently administered.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Successive Westminster Governments have told benefits claimants to find work and demonised them even but little has been done to create the employment that is so desperately needed. "
22 of 40 questions
The Political System
The voting age should be reduced to 16 in UK elections and referendums
The minimum voting age is currently set at 18 years old.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
23 of 40 questions
A system of proportional representation should be adopted for UK general elections
Proportional representation' refers to methods of casting and counting votes that are designed to facilitate a closer correspondence between the proportion of votes and seats won by parties than the current 'first past the post' system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
24 of 40 questions
Wales should aim to become an independent country
Wales is not currently an indpendent country, but its devolved parliament controls many key aspects of Welsh life, including healthcare and education.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A Wales which is prosperous enough to stand on its own two feet is a project we can all agree with. However, independence cannot happen at the flick of a switch. We need to build our economy substantially before considering independence. In this election, Plaid Cymru's priority is to defend Wales against the cruel and reckless Tories. If elected, we will not hold an independence referendum in Wales."
25 of 40 questions
Substantially more powers should be given to the National Assembly for Wales
The Wales Act 2017 recently passed into law, and it set out some new powers for the Assembly as well as moving from a 'conferred' to a 'reserved' powers model.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Successive Labour and Tory Westminster governments have left Wales' economy at the bottom of every league table. We need to bring powers back to Wales so that we can provide creative solutions to our problems. With powers over VAT, Air Passenger Duty, and Corporation Tax, we could give Welsh businesses a competitive advantage. "
26 of 40 questions
The House of Lords should be reformed so that all of its members are democratically elected
Unlike the elected House of Commons, members of the House of Lords are not directly elected.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
27 of 40 questions
Wales is currently unfairly underfunded by the UK government
Adjustments to the Welsh budget are determined through the 'Barnett Formula'.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The Barnett Formula, used to determine funding levels for Wales, has been shown to unfairly underfund our nation. Even the late Lord Barnett himself argued that the formula was unsuitable. Plaid Cymru will reform the Barnett Formula and ensure that Wales receives every penny of EU funding, which will be lost after Brexit, from the UK government."
28 of 40 questions
Environment
The government should do more to tackle climate change, even if this increases costs for industry
The term 'climate change' in this question refers to the scientific finding that human activity is resulting in changes to the global climate.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will introduce a new Climate Change Act, adopting ambitious but achievable greenhouse gas and pollution reduction targets for 2030 and 2050. We will ensure that we build upon the standards set by the EU which have protected our environment."
29 of 40 questions
Regulated 'fracking' of shale gas and oil should be allowed by the UK government
The term 'fracking' in this question refers to the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks, boreholes, etc. so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru supports a complete moratorium on fracking."
30 of 40 questions
Foreign Policy and Defence
The UK should maintain the 'special relationship' with the USA in international affairs
The Special Relationship is the unofficial term for the exceptionally close political, diplomatic, cultural, economic, military and historical relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
31 of 40 questions
Renewal of the UK's Trident nuclear weapons system should be cancelled
Last year the House of Commons voted by a large majority to renew the Trident system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Scrapping Trident would save £205bn over 40 years. Plaid Cymru will invest that money in our economy and our public services instead of in weapons of mass destruction."
32 of 40 questions
The UK should continue to spend 0.7% of its national income on overseas aid
This has been the level of UK spending on foreign aid every year since 2013.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
33 of 40 questions
Social Issues and Crime
The UK should dramatically expand its number of police officers, even if this means cuts in other public services or tax increases
The Home Office reports that there were 124,066 officers in the year ending March 2016 compared with 143,769 seven years previous to that - a fall of 14%
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will provide and extra £25m of funding for the police in Wales."
34 of 40 questions
For those convicted of a crime, there should be more of an emphasis on rehabilitation than on punishment
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
35 of 40 questions
Burkas and other face-covering garments should be banned from being worn in public
There is currently no ban on Islamic dress in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Wales is a welcoming society that embraces diversity. Plaid Cymru will promote that diversity and ensure that people's religious freedoms are protected."
36 of 40 questions
The recreational use of cannabis should be legalised
It is currently illegal to possess cannabis in any form in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will work to allow the use of cannabis for genuine medical reasons. "
37 of 40 questions
Immigration
Immigration contributes significantly to the UK's prosperity
The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"People in Wales are more likely to be treated by an immigrant in the NHS than they are to find an immigrant ahead of them in the queue. We believe that immigration has provided enormous benefits to Wales and that our economy would face enormous difficulties without those who have chosen to live and work in Wales."
38 of 40 questions
Net immigration to the UK should be reduced to below 100,000 per year
The latest ONS report estimates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid Cymru will create a Welsh Migration Advisory Service so that we can have a system that suits Wales's needs. Welsh-specific visas are necessary to plug skills gaps and to protect our health service from staff shortages. International students must be taken out of net migration targets."
39 of 40 questions
Too much immigration has undermined British culture and identity
The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Diversity is at the heart of Welsh culture and identity. Welcoming new cultures to Wales only enriches our own."
40 of 40 questions