Carmen Smith
@carmensmith.bsky.social
Member of the UK House of Lords | Representing Plaid Cymru | Vice-President of the European Movement UK 🏴🇪🇺
Pinned
Carmen Smith
@carmensmith.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Hello BlueSky 👋
I’m Carmen Smith - a member of Plaid Cymru and the youngest member of the House of Lords
Follow me for political updates in Westminster from a Welsh perspective 🏴
Suggestions for new accounts to follow are welcome 👇
I’m Carmen Smith - a member of Plaid Cymru and the youngest member of the House of Lords
Follow me for political updates in Westminster from a Welsh perspective 🏴
Suggestions for new accounts to follow are welcome 👇
Reposted by Carmen Smith
🚨 The #Caerphilly by-election is a straight fight between Plaid Cymru and Reform. Every vote counts.
Vote for a local champion who’ll always stand up for his community - not a party that divides it.
🗳️ On Thursday, vote Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru to keep Reform out.
Vote for a local champion who’ll always stand up for his community - not a party that divides it.
🗳️ On Thursday, vote Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru to keep Reform out.
October 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
🚨 The #Caerphilly by-election is a straight fight between Plaid Cymru and Reform. Every vote counts.
Vote for a local champion who’ll always stand up for his community - not a party that divides it.
🗳️ On Thursday, vote Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru to keep Reform out.
Vote for a local champion who’ll always stand up for his community - not a party that divides it.
🗳️ On Thursday, vote Lindsay Whittle - Plaid Cymru to keep Reform out.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
1/2 We were delighted to hear Plaid Cymru's commitment to the right to adequate housing during leader Rhun ap Iorwerth's speech at their conference. Homes are the foundations of our lives. Thank you to everyone who came to our stall to discuss ending the housing emergency in Wales.
October 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
1/2 We were delighted to hear Plaid Cymru's commitment to the right to adequate housing during leader Rhun ap Iorwerth's speech at their conference. Homes are the foundations of our lives. Thank you to everyone who came to our stall to discuss ending the housing emergency in Wales.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Noticed behaviour that's made someone feel uncomfortable or scared?
Attend our free bystander training to learn how to intervene and offer support.
Sessions run every week for 30-minutes 👉 www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events...
Attend our free bystander training to learn how to intervene and offer support.
Sessions run every week for 30-minutes 👉 www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events...
October 13, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Noticed behaviour that's made someone feel uncomfortable or scared?
Attend our free bystander training to learn how to intervene and offer support.
Sessions run every week for 30-minutes 👉 www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events...
Attend our free bystander training to learn how to intervene and offer support.
Sessions run every week for 30-minutes 👉 www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events...
Reposted by Carmen Smith
🚨 BREAKING: A Plaid Cymru government will deliver 20 hours a week of free childcare for every child aged 9 months to 4 years.
Putting money back in families’ pockets, tackling child poverty and giving every child the best start in life 💚
Putting money back in families’ pockets, tackling child poverty and giving every child the best start in life 💚
October 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
🚨 BREAKING: A Plaid Cymru government will deliver 20 hours a week of free childcare for every child aged 9 months to 4 years.
Putting money back in families’ pockets, tackling child poverty and giving every child the best start in life 💚
Putting money back in families’ pockets, tackling child poverty and giving every child the best start in life 💚
Reposted by Carmen Smith
📢 The most recent gynaecological cancer waiting time figures (July) show a worrying drop in early-stage diagnoses, now just 32.4%, down from 47% in June. Early diagnosis and timely treatment save lives. This backwards step is not acceptable.
September 23, 2025 at 12:51 PM
📢 The most recent gynaecological cancer waiting time figures (July) show a worrying drop in early-stage diagnoses, now just 32.4%, down from 47% in June. Early diagnosis and timely treatment save lives. This backwards step is not acceptable.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Assisted dying services should be available in Welsh, a Plaid Cymru peer has said
Assisted dying services should be available in Welsh, Plaid peer says
Assisted dying services should be available in Welsh, a Plaid Cymru peer has said. Baroness Smith Llanfaes said it was important for those discussing the service with their doctor to be able to speak ...
nation.cymru
September 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Assisted dying services should be available in Welsh, a Plaid Cymru peer has said
Reposted by Carmen Smith
'This Bill legislates for people with a terminal illness and diagnoses, with six months left to live. Thankfully, there aren't many of us that face those circumstances.' Baroness Smith shares the words of Claire O'Shea, who died this year of terminal cancer. She was first misdiagnosed with IBS.
September 19, 2025 at 11:34 AM
'This Bill legislates for people with a terminal illness and diagnoses, with six months left to live. Thankfully, there aren't many of us that face those circumstances.' Baroness Smith shares the words of Claire O'Shea, who died this year of terminal cancer. She was first misdiagnosed with IBS.
Labour’s plan to remove inactive peers is welcome, but the second chamber will still be undemocratic.
I’ve long called for scrapping the unelected House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber that truly represents the people.
I’ve long called for scrapping the unelected House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber that truly represents the people.
August 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Labour’s plan to remove inactive peers is welcome, but the second chamber will still be undemocratic.
I’ve long called for scrapping the unelected House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber that truly represents the people.
I’ve long called for scrapping the unelected House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber that truly represents the people.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
First it was the nationalisation of steel in Scunthorpe, now it’s Yorkshire.
But where was the urgency of this Labour UK Government when thousands of jobs were on the line in Port Talbot?
Yet another example of Wales being treated unfairly. Our steel communities deserve more.
But where was the urgency of this Labour UK Government when thousands of jobs were on the line in Port Talbot?
Yet another example of Wales being treated unfairly. Our steel communities deserve more.
Government takes control of UK’s third-largest steelworks after collapse into administration
Court ends Sanjeev Gupta’s control of Speciality Steel UK’s operations in South Yorkshire as ministers seek to save 1,450 jobs
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:56 PM
First it was the nationalisation of steel in Scunthorpe, now it’s Yorkshire.
But where was the urgency of this Labour UK Government when thousands of jobs were on the line in Port Talbot?
Yet another example of Wales being treated unfairly. Our steel communities deserve more.
But where was the urgency of this Labour UK Government when thousands of jobs were on the line in Port Talbot?
Yet another example of Wales being treated unfairly. Our steel communities deserve more.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Pob cyngor yn cefnogi.
Every Welsh council agrees.
Mae’n amser i San Steffan wrando.
Time for Westminster to listen.
Datganolwch Ystâd y Goron.
Devolve the Crown Estate.
🏴🏴🏴
nation.cymru/news/bill-to...
Every Welsh council agrees.
Mae’n amser i San Steffan wrando.
Time for Westminster to listen.
Datganolwch Ystâd y Goron.
Devolve the Crown Estate.
🏴🏴🏴
nation.cymru/news/bill-to...
Bill to devolve Crown Estate to Wales passes report stage in House of Lords without opposition
Emily Price A Bill that would transfer responsibility for the Crown Estate in Wales to the Welsh Government has passed the report stage in the House of Lords without opposition and is now set for its ...
nation.cymru
July 24, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Pob cyngor yn cefnogi.
Every Welsh council agrees.
Mae’n amser i San Steffan wrando.
Time for Westminster to listen.
Datganolwch Ystâd y Goron.
Devolve the Crown Estate.
🏴🏴🏴
nation.cymru/news/bill-to...
Every Welsh council agrees.
Mae’n amser i San Steffan wrando.
Time for Westminster to listen.
Datganolwch Ystâd y Goron.
Devolve the Crown Estate.
🏴🏴🏴
nation.cymru/news/bill-to...
The worst result of last night…
The House of Lords voting in favour of a “wrecking amendment” that will allow current hereditary peers to continue as members & vote on new laws.
This defeats the whole purpose of the Hereditary Peers Bill.
Let the Ping Pong 🏓 commence…
The House of Lords voting in favour of a “wrecking amendment” that will allow current hereditary peers to continue as members & vote on new laws.
This defeats the whole purpose of the Hereditary Peers Bill.
Let the Ping Pong 🏓 commence…
July 3, 2025 at 9:11 AM
The worst result of last night…
The House of Lords voting in favour of a “wrecking amendment” that will allow current hereditary peers to continue as members & vote on new laws.
This defeats the whole purpose of the Hereditary Peers Bill.
Let the Ping Pong 🏓 commence…
The House of Lords voting in favour of a “wrecking amendment” that will allow current hereditary peers to continue as members & vote on new laws.
This defeats the whole purpose of the Hereditary Peers Bill.
Let the Ping Pong 🏓 commence…
Made the case for an elected house again this evening.
84 voted in favour and 263 voted against. Unsurprising result as unelected politicians voted on it…
Time for the people to have their say! ✊
Here is how everyone voted: votes.parliament.uk/votes/lords/... 🗳️
84 voted in favour and 263 voted against. Unsurprising result as unelected politicians voted on it…
Time for the people to have their say! ✊
Here is how everyone voted: votes.parliament.uk/votes/lords/... 🗳️
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill - Lords' votes in Parliament - UK Parliament
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
votes.parliament.uk
July 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Made the case for an elected house again this evening.
84 voted in favour and 263 voted against. Unsurprising result as unelected politicians voted on it…
Time for the people to have their say! ✊
Here is how everyone voted: votes.parliament.uk/votes/lords/... 🗳️
84 voted in favour and 263 voted against. Unsurprising result as unelected politicians voted on it…
Time for the people to have their say! ✊
Here is how everyone voted: votes.parliament.uk/votes/lords/... 🗳️
Reposted by Carmen Smith
NEW BLOG: 10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
The government’s House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill reaches its report stage in the chamber this week – presenting a serious moment for possible amendments. Meg Russell argues that peers should…
constitution-unit.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM
NEW BLOG: 10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
The @appgsrh.bsky.social have urged the NPCC to withdraw new police guidance on pregnancy loss, which they say risks fuelling criminalisation around reproductive health.
The letter was supported by 45+ MPs & Peers and was sent ahead of the vote to decriminalise abortion.
www.fsrh.org//Public/News...
The letter was supported by 45+ MPs & Peers and was sent ahead of the vote to decriminalise abortion.
www.fsrh.org//Public/News...
APPG on SRH Officers Call for the Withdrawal of Police Guidance on Pregnancy Loss Investigations
MPs and Peers have signed a letter to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) calling for the urgent withdrawal of its new Practice Advice on Child Death Investigation.
www.fsrh.org
June 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The @appgsrh.bsky.social have urged the NPCC to withdraw new police guidance on pregnancy loss, which they say risks fuelling criminalisation around reproductive health.
The letter was supported by 45+ MPs & Peers and was sent ahead of the vote to decriminalise abortion.
www.fsrh.org//Public/News...
The letter was supported by 45+ MPs & Peers and was sent ahead of the vote to decriminalise abortion.
www.fsrh.org//Public/News...
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Yesterday our Officers @rupahuq.bsky.social, Baroness Barker, @mayaellismp.bsky.social, Baroness Sugg and 42 other Parliamentarians wrote to the Chief Constable to share their serious concerns with the recently released Guidance on Child Death Investigation. You can read it below 👇
June 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Yesterday our Officers @rupahuq.bsky.social, Baroness Barker, @mayaellismp.bsky.social, Baroness Sugg and 42 other Parliamentarians wrote to the Chief Constable to share their serious concerns with the recently released Guidance on Child Death Investigation. You can read it below 👇
Reposted by Carmen Smith
The Israeli Government has blocked all aid shipments to Gaza for the past two months, creating a humanitarian catastrophe across the region.
@benlake.bsky.social made the case for the UK to airdrop humanitarian aid to help the thousands of Gazans who are being starved before our eyes.
@benlake.bsky.social made the case for the UK to airdrop humanitarian aid to help the thousands of Gazans who are being starved before our eyes.
May 7, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Israeli Government has blocked all aid shipments to Gaza for the past two months, creating a humanitarian catastrophe across the region.
@benlake.bsky.social made the case for the UK to airdrop humanitarian aid to help the thousands of Gazans who are being starved before our eyes.
@benlake.bsky.social made the case for the UK to airdrop humanitarian aid to help the thousands of Gazans who are being starved before our eyes.
Following Welsh Labour’s shocking poll result yesterday, I thought I’d do them a favour and help them out… by asking which of the First Minister’s asks they are actually going to carry out!
Look at the response, it is clear that this isn’t working for Wales 🏴
Look at the response, it is clear that this isn’t working for Wales 🏴
May 7, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Following Welsh Labour’s shocking poll result yesterday, I thought I’d do them a favour and help them out… by asking which of the First Minister’s asks they are actually going to carry out!
Look at the response, it is clear that this isn’t working for Wales 🏴
Look at the response, it is clear that this isn’t working for Wales 🏴
Reposted by Carmen Smith
"It is high time we distance ourselves from an old undemocratic system and build a new one that works for the majority, not just the few. After a year in the House of Lords, I am more determined than ever to campaign for change."
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
Tŷ'r Arglwyddi: 'Dim chwarae teg i Gymru'
Carmen Smith sy'n rhannu ei phrofiad o'r ail siambr a pham ei bod hi'n angerddol dros ei ddiwygio.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM
"It is high time we distance ourselves from an old undemocratic system and build a new one that works for the majority, not just the few. After a year in the House of Lords, I am more determined than ever to campaign for change."
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
Reposted by Carmen Smith
"Mae'n hen bryd i ni bellhau oddi wrth hen system annemocrataidd ac adeiladu un newydd sy'n gweithio i'r mwyafrif, nid i'r ychydig rai yn unig. Ar ôl treulio blwyddyn yn Nhŷ'r Arglwyddi, rydw i'n fwy penderfynol nag erioed i ymgyrchu dros newid."
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
Tŷ'r Arglwyddi: 'Dim chwarae teg i Gymru'
Carmen Smith sy'n rhannu ei phrofiad o'r ail siambr a pham ei bod hi'n angerddol dros ei ddiwygio.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 1, 2025 at 8:14 AM
"Mae'n hen bryd i ni bellhau oddi wrth hen system annemocrataidd ac adeiladu un newydd sy'n gweithio i'r mwyafrif, nid i'r ychydig rai yn unig. Ar ôl treulio blwyddyn yn Nhŷ'r Arglwyddi, rydw i'n fwy penderfynol nag erioed i ymgyrchu dros newid."
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
✍️ - @carmensmith.bsky.social
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Delighted to be working with Baroness Smith on our amendments to the Employment Rights Bill🙌
If the government wants to deliver on its promise to halve violence against women and girls, it's imperative that there's a duty on employers to prevent gender-based violence at work.
If the government wants to deliver on its promise to halve violence against women and girls, it's imperative that there's a duty on employers to prevent gender-based violence at work.
April 8, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Delighted to be working with Baroness Smith on our amendments to the Employment Rights Bill🙌
If the government wants to deliver on its promise to halve violence against women and girls, it's imperative that there's a duty on employers to prevent gender-based violence at work.
If the government wants to deliver on its promise to halve violence against women and girls, it's imperative that there's a duty on employers to prevent gender-based violence at work.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
We need to understand what impact the Chancellor’s brutal welfare cuts will have on people and communities in Wales.
I've written to the Secretary of State urging her to publish her response to the First Minister.
Two Labour governments shouldn't shield each other from scrutiny.
I've written to the Secretary of State urging her to publish her response to the First Minister.
Two Labour governments shouldn't shield each other from scrutiny.
March 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM
We need to understand what impact the Chancellor’s brutal welfare cuts will have on people and communities in Wales.
I've written to the Secretary of State urging her to publish her response to the First Minister.
Two Labour governments shouldn't shield each other from scrutiny.
I've written to the Secretary of State urging her to publish her response to the First Minister.
Two Labour governments shouldn't shield each other from scrutiny.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
DWP figures show two in five single parents are living in poverty.
Children in single parent families face a 43% poverty rate.
Disability benefit cuts will plunge 50,000 more children into poverty.
Govt won't end the two child benefit cap.
Poverty is a political choice.
Children in single parent families face a 43% poverty rate.
Disability benefit cuts will plunge 50,000 more children into poverty.
Govt won't end the two child benefit cap.
Poverty is a political choice.
DWP figures show two in five single parents are living in poverty
Benefits policies sever the link between a family's needs and their support.
www.bigissue.com
April 1, 2025 at 6:28 AM
DWP figures show two in five single parents are living in poverty.
Children in single parent families face a 43% poverty rate.
Disability benefit cuts will plunge 50,000 more children into poverty.
Govt won't end the two child benefit cap.
Poverty is a political choice.
Children in single parent families face a 43% poverty rate.
Disability benefit cuts will plunge 50,000 more children into poverty.
Govt won't end the two child benefit cap.
Poverty is a political choice.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
We must stop Reform UK from becoming the largest party in the Senedd in 2026.
They would sell off the NHS, strip away workers’ rights, and take power away from Wales.
Only Plaid Cymru has the energy to stop them and deliver new leadership 🏴
They would sell off the NHS, strip away workers’ rights, and take power away from Wales.
Only Plaid Cymru has the energy to stop them and deliver new leadership 🏴
Reform UK could win next Welsh election, senior Plaid MP says
Liz Saville Roberts warns party members that Nigel Farage could win the next Senedd election in 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 22, 2025 at 8:12 PM
We must stop Reform UK from becoming the largest party in the Senedd in 2026.
They would sell off the NHS, strip away workers’ rights, and take power away from Wales.
Only Plaid Cymru has the energy to stop them and deliver new leadership 🏴
They would sell off the NHS, strip away workers’ rights, and take power away from Wales.
Only Plaid Cymru has the energy to stop them and deliver new leadership 🏴
Reposted by Carmen Smith
Thinking about standing for @plaidcymru.bsky.social ?
Join us for a session with ElectHer at the Plaid Cymru conference.
10.10am Friday 21 March.
//
Meddwl am sefyll dros y Blaid?
Ymunwch â ni am sesiwn gyda ElectHer yng nghynhadledd Plaid Cymru.
10.10am dydd Gwener 21 Mawrth.
Join us for a session with ElectHer at the Plaid Cymru conference.
10.10am Friday 21 March.
//
Meddwl am sefyll dros y Blaid?
Ymunwch â ni am sesiwn gyda ElectHer yng nghynhadledd Plaid Cymru.
10.10am dydd Gwener 21 Mawrth.
March 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Thinking about standing for @plaidcymru.bsky.social ?
Join us for a session with ElectHer at the Plaid Cymru conference.
10.10am Friday 21 March.
//
Meddwl am sefyll dros y Blaid?
Ymunwch â ni am sesiwn gyda ElectHer yng nghynhadledd Plaid Cymru.
10.10am dydd Gwener 21 Mawrth.
Join us for a session with ElectHer at the Plaid Cymru conference.
10.10am Friday 21 March.
//
Meddwl am sefyll dros y Blaid?
Ymunwch â ni am sesiwn gyda ElectHer yng nghynhadledd Plaid Cymru.
10.10am dydd Gwener 21 Mawrth.
Reposted by Carmen Smith
From cutting winter fuel payments for vulnerable pensioners and refusing to scrap the two-child cap to lift children out of poverty, to now cutting £5bn of welfare support for disabled people...
Tory-style austerity is here to stay under Labour.
Tory-style austerity is here to stay under Labour.
March 18, 2025 at 1:25 PM
From cutting winter fuel payments for vulnerable pensioners and refusing to scrap the two-child cap to lift children out of poverty, to now cutting £5bn of welfare support for disabled people...
Tory-style austerity is here to stay under Labour.
Tory-style austerity is here to stay under Labour.