06/02/2012 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today our top story: Criticism of our biggest

ethnic minority charity is racially motivated - the claim tonight from

its chairman. A report into claims of financial mismanagement is due

Our other headlines tonight: Stop poisoning your children - the new

campaign to stub out smoking in cars.

It seems a good idea, let's have a regulation that how we UN force it?

It hasn't been thought through. Also tonight - think of tomorrow's

generation - the plea to employers as the number of apprenticeships

declines. A university degree and working at the same time, you

cannot ask for more. And the latest twist and turn in where you can put

one of these. Good evening. In tonight's sport - Wales arrive back

home after dazzling in Dublin. Warren Gatland weighs up his

options, he's expecting Bradley Davies, to face suspension. There

is intent. There is definite intent. Good evening. It's supposed to

develop skills in our ethnic communities and raise awareness of

discrimination but tonight the chairman of AWEMA accused its

critics of being racially motivated. The charity, the All Wales Ethnic

Minority Association, has come under fire after allegations of

financial mismanagement. It's the largest organisation of its kind in

Wales, with a budget of nearly �8.5 million of public money. A report

into its activities is expected within days. Let's talk to our

Political Editor, Betsan Powys. Betsan.

AWENA has been in the spotlight, allegations of financial

mismanagement. The chief executive of borrowing public money to pay

off a credit card bill. Also allegations of bullying. But in a

message she's published on the AWEMA website today, Rita Austin,

its chair, claims today that attacks on it are racially

motivated. I'll quote what she says she's witnessed: "A concerted

attempt by powerful institutions to characterise AWEMA as a corrupt

organisation: a time honoured way of debasing and devaluing the

contributions of black and minority ethnic people, often on the basis

of scant evidence, which is well known to many of us." What she is

saying is that AWEMA is being criticised not for what it has done

but for what it is. I'm bound to point out that the allegations made

over the past few weeks have been made by those from ethnic minority

backgrounds. The former vice chair of AWEMA has told us tonight that

she thinks such a claim of a racial motivation is nonsense. The BBC has

simply said that it was in the public interest to report on these

allegations and that it'll continue to report on them as the story

When can we expect the report? guess, Thursday. Hopefully before

the end of the week. The key question for the government as it

looks at the financial allegations is whether it continues to allow

AWENA to get public money. Does it stop it from receiving grants in

future, or not? We will talk further later in the week. Any

further developments in the Plaid Cymru leadership race? There has.

Yes and then there were three. Simon Thomas has dropped out of the

race to join forces with Elin Jones as her deputy on a joint ticket. He

lacked the support of the others, he felt he'd struggle to increase

the appeal of the party in all parts of Wales but in his view, the

serious politician with a serious policy agenda in the race? That was

Elin Jones. She is the candidate to beat. She represents the politics I

am interested in, a serious politics taking independence

seriously but the economy and environment seriously as well. I

was competing for the same ground as her and it is better to pull out

and make sure a credible candidate is elected. Where does this leave

the leadership race? Neither Dafydd Elis Thomas nor Leanne Wood - the

bookies favourite and certainly the candidate with most nominations

from local branches- have responded officially. Was there implied

criticism of her in Simon Thomas' comment that "Plaid will not

achieve electoral success by playing fisher Price politics with

people's hopes and dreams?" He said not, he said he was talking about

certain people within the party who must realise that you don't win

elections based on excitement. I asked if we are seeing a stop her

team, no, came the response. It's legal and still a fairly common

sight on the roads but motorists who smoke with children in the car

are being accused by the Welsh government of poisoning them. Today

saw the launch of a three year publicity campaign to persuade

people to stop. If that doesn't work, a ban on smoking in cars

could follow. More from our health Correspondent, Hywel Griffith.

James and Anna say have a pressing reason to stop smoking in the car -

Anna is due to give birth in a few weeks and quit smoking when she

found she was pregnant. James is trying to quit for the baby's sake

and their son Dylan. I did not like him smoking in the car because when

I found out I was pregnant I quit smoking. And with morning sickness

and things, the smell as well and didn't inhaling the smoke. You are

bringing a second chance make in a bomb -- in. It is dangers for the

children. I am quitting for Dylan and the baby. The To persuade

others to follow suit the welsh government has published this

warning, claiming parents are poisoning their children with

toxins by smoking in the car. causes lung and heart problems, cot

death and cancer. There are all manner of evidence showing just how

harmful it is. If smoke exposure doesn't decline after three years

the Welsh Government would follow the example of Northern Ireland and

look at a ban. One is already enforced in much of Canada and

Australia. Although not everyone agrees how, almost think protecting

children from smoke is a good idea. After the cars, where next?

Children's playgrounds could be next to see legislation. The lobby

group Forest argue bans demonise the legitimate use of tobacco.

is illegal products, it is quite wrong the way smokers are treated.

The trouble is smokers are fed up being harassed, nobody speaks to

people who actually smoke. decided to that and asked these

smokers if they would support a ban? In the car I understand with

children in the car. But if you on your own, it's not a problem.

not right for the kids, they are so young and taking in the smoke.

Today's campaign signals the direction the Welsh Government

wants to take - persuading parents to change their habits is a more

difficult path to follow. Of course the alternative to persuading

parents to stop smoking in the car with their children is a ban. But

how exactly would it work? We've been speaking to one Welsh motoring

expert, with a number of questions. It is typical, it seems a good idea,

let's have regulation but the question that isn't bathed his

enforcement, how will a policeman on the beat determine the age of

children, they will be age limits in the back of a car, how will they

spot someone is making, will be the police or traffic wardens, will

passengers be in the car smoking and the driver, there is no point

in giving endorsements. With the a driving offence? These things have

not been thought through. Using a mobile phone is a case in point. We

know it is illegal for good reasons but how many of us every day still

see somebody on their phone because frankly it is virtually

unenforceable. We have not got the police on the streets to do it. Is

it a traffic offence, it is not to do with driving, it is hell. It is

more akin to being prosecuted for smoking inside a shopping-centre or

at work. The Westminster government is trying to get rid of red tape

and the government in Cardiff seems hell-bent on increasing regulation

in every aspect of our lives. For many people, it is simple common

sense. I would say if the education it doesn't work, get better on

education. Dr Tony Jewell is the chief medical officer. Welcome. A

three-year publicity campaign starting today, how likely is it we

will see a ban on smoking in cars with children after three years?

don't know. The government is committed to looking at the impact

of the campaign, we are aware of Canada where many of the provinces

have introduced legislation and education and they have had a

better result. Let's talk about results. Recently we had a ban on

using the mobile phone in the car, we could go out tonight and see

people driving along using mobile phones. People are still doing it.

Very dangerous, yes. Enforcement is an issue but the ban in workplaces

and restaurants, one might have anticipated more enforcement but in

fact the campaign was successful and people accepted the case and

enforcement has been minimal. We are hoping for a campaign to make

the case and enforcement will be a diminishing need. You heard the

accusations about the nanny state interfering, is it the Welsh

Government's job to start interfering with what people do in

the crib scene of their own cars? This is about the rights of the

child and the government is committed to the UN's rights of the

child. A vulnerable child in a back seat be exposed to toxic. As you

say, it is about poisoning children, there is still a residue in the air

in the car. The cigarette smoke has 4,000 chemicals in it, it is

dangerous stuff. We are trying to protect the children.

Much more to come before seven. The latest twist and turn in where you

can put one of these and Wales wait is the Six Nations over for Bradley

There's a call tonight for more employers to take on young workers

after figures revealed an alarming drop in the number of apprentices

in Wales. Four years ago there were more than forty two thousand

apprentices taken on but by 2010 that number had fallen to just over

thirty six thousand - a drop of around 15%. Our Business

Correspondent Nick Servini, is in Llantrisant for us tonight.

I am a to company where they make the tools that end up in other

factories. It's the kind of place you would expect a fight some

highly skilled apprentices. I will be speaking to one in a minute.

This week, beginning today, they are trying to raise awareness on

the issue of apprenticeships. If you think about it, they could not

have been a more important time to do that with the rates of youth

unemployment describes as being at crisis levels, over a 5th of 16 to

24 year-olds are out of work. Of those apprenticeship schemes

running strongly demand for those places is highly sought after.

These are the lucky ones, a printer she is at a college on the biggest

scheme of its kind. They are being trained for jobs at Airbus. There

is a degree at the end of it. Competition is fierce. Airbus takes

on a 70 apprentices every year. There are over 1000 applications.

It's the best option for me, rather than university. I wasn't too keen

on university. Ultimately, I see myself working with the company in

engineering for many years to come. It's not just here where there is

high demand, there was 900 applications for 25 places. BT had

5,000 applications for 24 spots last year. And British Airways had

a great deal of interest for 30 places it had at his Welsh

operations. The general perception of apprentices only been about

manufacturing and engineering owes more to history than the reality.

The truth is only one in 10 apprentices are involved in

manufacturing, the vast bulk is in the service sector. Like this hotel

kitchen in the centre of Cardiff. The formats and time frames vary

hugely now, as you would expect to reflect the range of occupations.

The principle is the same, employers pay the wages and the

worst government spends �90 million a year on the training. In the

current climate it seems that has not been enough to boost numbers.

Undoubtedly the recession has had an impact. Employers are losing

staff so it is not surprising the numbers of young people they are

recruiting as apprentices has dropped. But, we will not let that

life. Many employers like him for which -- apprenticeships as they

can shake young workers. Governments can help combat youth

unemployment, the question is whether they are a necessity or a

luxury when the economy is hovering I said we would have a word with an

apprentice. Reece, you are halfway through your apprenticeship. He was

17. Why did you decide to become an apprentice?

I thought about going to university after A-levels. I thought,

finishing a four-year degree with no job guaranteed at the end of it

and a lot of debt, with an apprenticeship, you have a degree

and a job. He will be finished at 21 years old and you will be a good

position? I will have a degree and away will

have a guaranteed job. One of the lucky ones in terms of

manufacture ring apprenticeships. Let's speak to the man who runs

this factory. In our piece, we looked up the number of apprentices

coming down in Wales. Is that because it is a difficult economic

time? Is not as simple as that but these are tough times and it's a

difficult thing to get into, training apprentices, if you are

not already in it. I've always been a passionate advocate of

apprenticeships and for the last couple of years the government has

been very supportive of trying to get production moving. In terms of

manufacturing, what is happening to the numbers? The numbers are a

steady. We are about 1,000 young people better off than we would

have been without government intervention. This is a six-year

programme before you see and return on your investment. And briefly, it

is very competitive to get on to a scheme?

Highly competitive. You have got to sympathise with young people.

So, Jamie, a great deal of focus and spotlight on the role of

apprenticeships and the role they play in the modern workforce in

Wales. Six serious bidders remain in

contention to take over the clothing retailer Peacocks. Today

was the deadline for bids for the Cardiff-based company, which went

into administration last month, putting around 9,000 jobs at risk

throughout Britain. A Pakistani textile billionaire is reported to

And a 21 gun salute has been held at Cardiff Castle to mark 60 years

of the Queen as monarch. She acceeded to the throne on this day

in 1952 after the death of her father George VI. The main

celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be held in

It's not one huge windfarm as such, but it's claimed a collection of

planning applications for single turbines in Pembrokeshire will have

much the same visual impact. Wind energy is one option for companies

trying to cut energy costs. But some people living close to Princes

Gate Spring Water near Narberth say, the company's application for two

turbines has now sparked a host of other proposals. Abigail Neal

I will drive us down so we can see where Princes Gate water is.

Campaigner Sue Bound is giving me a tour of Ludchurch, pointing out

where the Princes Gate turbines may The first turbine is going on the

right and you can see that isn't actually at Princes Gate water.

Our first stop is Belle Vue Farm where they breed and break-in

competition horses. The mast in the background is roughly where one

turbine will be at nearly 87 metres tall. Dave Scourfield says it will

devalue his home by 30%, and the noise will scare the horses and

ruin his business. It will be the end, it will be the

end, no doubt about it. We are set out as in equine establishment and

we wouldn't be able to sell, either. We are stuck.

Sue Bound takes me back to her house nearby, where she's recently

discovered a completely separate turbine is being proposed.

Campaigners say in all at least 15 are now planned in this area.

When they apply for a couple in the first instance, that will not stop

them and playing for even more as time goes on so where they are

putting a two now, that could be 10 in a year's time.

Bottling is the reason Princes Gate want their turbines. They're

investing in a new machine that would blow the smaller tubes you

can see on the outside into the standard sized bottles in the

centre. It will cut down on plastic but the new technology uses double

the amount of electricity, and renewable energy is the cheapest.

The government have made incentives for people to go out and invest in

renewable energy. It's their initiative and I think it will be

unlikely if we don't see a lot more to a Bines, right across the

country. -- turbine is. Campaigners say if

that happens they want on an open debate on where they should go.

Pembrokeshire council have now agreed they'll look at all

applications for turbines and consider the cumulative effect.

After the drama in Dublin, things have settled down. Here's Claire

with tonight's sport. Good evening. The Wales rugby team

flew home this afternoon after starting their Six Nations campaign

in style. The last-kick victory over Ireland has set them up nicely

for next weekend's match against Scotland. But they're bracing

themselves for the loss of lock Bradley Davies, who's likely to be

banned after dropping an opponent onto his head. Here's Ashleigh

Crowter. It was a quiet, rather understated,

arrival back in Wales, given the heroics of the previous day. A week

of recovery and refocusing lies ahead for most players, but as

Bradley Davies got off the coach, he might have had cause to reflect

on whether his Six Nations was now over. It's generous to describe

this incident as a tip-tackle as the ball was nowhere near. The

match officials thought it worthy of a yellow-card at the time. But

when compared with Sam Warburton's tackle in the World Cup, which

earned him a red card and a three week ban, it's hard to see how

Davies will escape further sanction. Wales are planning for that

eventuality. There is definite intent, there. I

wouldn't argue with a decision of being given a red card. I thought

the one in the World Cup, there wasn't intent. That was the

difference in the interpretation of the law.

The Italian match commissioner Achille Reale now has until 5:00pm

tomorrow afternoon to decide whether Davies should face a

disciplinary hearing. It was a dark-spot on an otherwise

extraordinary match. Wales played some sublime rugby with centre

Jonathan Davies scoring two tries. For the second he benefited from

the raw power and subtle skills of 19-year-old winger George North -

many people's man of the match. Much will now be expected of North

in the rest of the tournament, his late-try setting up the tensest of

finishes. The hero at the death was Leigh Halfpenny - handed the

kicking duties mid-match - who coolly slotted the last-minute

penalty to win the match and soothe the pain of a missed kick in the

World Cup semi-final. I see him after training, spending

time on the pitch. He bangs them over all day long. It's different

when you've got 15,000 Irishmen against you but he deserves that

because he was gutted and he did fantastic, there.

Wales can take some real momentum into next Sunday's match against

Scotland but they may have to make some unwanted changes. It's hard to

see how it Bradley Davies will escape further punishment while Sam

Warburton would have to make a speedy recovery from a dead leg if

he is to take his place in the side. Former Wales International John

Devereux is here. What a start, absolutely fantastic,

and leading of where they left it from the World Cup. Usually

physical and coming out on top. All those injuries as well and they

played very well first half. I got a bit worried through the game

because they weren't putting too many points on the board with all

the possession and territory but yes, fabulous tries and to end it

the way they did, cool as a cucumber, Leigh Halfpenny.

To go and win in Ireland, fans know we have three home games now. The

aim is to keep a lid on things, but the expectation?

I think Warren Gatland and the rest of the coaches have instilled in

the team this one game at a time mentality.

It seems to work, that. The youngsters have bought into it

as well and they have really reacted and to pave the way they

did in the at last couple of minutes, to drive from the 22 and

to keep the ball and possession for the penalty for the wind, was

fantastic. Scotland next. You were pretty wary

of them and you think we have to watch out for them.

Two years ago, you remember that. We haven't got Shane Williams to

get us out of jail. They are hurt and I think they should have beaten

England, the opportunities there. They are a good side and Warren

Gatland will prepare the side well, take it one game at a time and

Scotland as their next challenge at home and let's get another win on

the board. Thank you for coming in.

Football and three points and a second away win in the bag for

Swansea City this weekend. The Swans leveled after less than a

minute of going behind. Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson

leveling things up in the freezing conditions. He also provided the

cross for Danny Graham's winner. Swansea's seventh victory of the

season. I think our biggest problem was our

mental application. Our resolve in the game was super. Having gone

behind, we could have felt sorry for ourselves but it is not the

make-up of the group. We continued to play and eventually got the

reward. For Cardiff City, a bad day at the

office. They lost at home to Blackpool. It was the man they bid

for last month who helped the Tangerines win 3-1. Two late goals

from Matt Phillips moves Blackpool into fourth in the table, while

Wales escaped the worst of the snow over the weekend. And most of the

snow that did fall has now melted. Temperatures today reached six

Celsius in Tredegar and eight on Anglesey. Mind you, over the next

few days it's going to turn colder with south-easterly winds from

Europe bringing a mixture of cloud, sunshine and frost. Tonight

generally dry. Fairly cloudy but with a few breaks. Some mist, fog

and poor visibility as well, especially in the north.

Temperatures falling close to freezing or just below with a frost

in places. Maybe some ice. Tomorrow's chart

shows a block of high pressure over Scandinavia with fronts and milder

air over Ireland. So tomorrow morning feeling colder than today

but dry. Plenty of cloud. Misty and foggy in places as well, for

example in the Wrexham area. However the north-west should be

clear with sunshine and frost. During the day, mist and fog will

lift. The best of the sunshine in the north and west. Generally dry

but thicker cloud may give the odd snow flurry towards the border

later in the afternoon. Colder than today. Top temperatures four or

five Celsius. Six on the coast with a light to moderate south to south-

easterly breeze. Tomorrow night dry. The sky becoming clear and that

means a colder night. Temperatures falling below freezing in many

areas with a widespread moderate to hard frost. We could see minus six

Celsius. Wednesday very cold but fine and dry. Plenty of sunshine

although cloud may spread into the south and east and Pembrokeshire

during the afternoon. Temperatures rising above freezing but feeling

colder with a breeze. As for the outlook, Thursday and Friday

cloudier and turning less cold. It's nearly 7:00pm. Tonight's

headlines again. The Syrian army launches its fiercest attack yet on

the city of Homs which has been at the centre of the resistance. The

number killed in the city today is at least 15.

Tonight's other headlines: The chairman of the All Wales

Ethnic Minority Association has suggested that criticisms of the

charity are racially motivated. Dr Rita Austin also accepts that a

Welsh Government report due to be published in the coming days will

raise issues about financial management. X-Ray is on in half an

hour - here's Lucy and Rhodri with We are out on the streets of Paris

finding out what you can do about those nuisance text messages. We

all keep getting them on our mobiles.

And we are on the trail of the missing caravans. They disappeared

right here in the Vale of Glamorgan. See you in half-an-hour. You can