Caroline Lucas is aiming to become the Green's first MP

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has accused the government of a "political crime" in failing to properly address the issues of climate change.

At her party's conference in Brighton, she said plans to expand Heathrow Airport and for a new generation of coal-fired power stations must end.

She also called for reform of party funding, the voting system and of the House of Lords.

Ms Lucas, one of two British Green MEPs, hopes to become a Westminster MP.

She will stand in the Brighton Pavilion constituency at the general election - where the Greens took 22% of the vote in 2005.

'Politics with passion'

The party was "up to the task" of the "formidable challenges" it faced to get its first MPs at the election - expected next spring - she said in her speech.

It could offer an agenda-setting "politics with a passion", she said and voters had a choice between continuing with "growing inequality and cynicism as drift towards environmental catastrophe" which offered a "politics built on fairness".

Our government's inaction is nothing less than a political crime Caroline Lucas Green Party

The Greens have 123 councillors and two London Assembly members and gained 8.7% of the vote in Britain in June's European elections, up from 6.2% in 2004.

The party says the fact it polled 1.3m votes in the June election shows it can win support, even during a recession when environmental issues can slip down the political agenda.

In her speech she said the "current level of ambition" on tackling climate change would not deliver the scale of emission cuts needed, nor sufficient financial resources to help poorer countries adjust.

She called for "an end to airport expansion, to plans for a fleet of new coal-fired power stations".

"We demand massive investment in energy efficiency, renewable energies, public transport, green jobs.

"And we demand that when the government signs up to new emissions targets, that they are honest about it, that they undertake domestic cuts here at home, not try to outsource it or offset it in poorer countries."

She praised grassroots protests but said that had to be matched by political leadership.

The mainstream parties "pretended that they have the problem under control" through measures like low energy light bulbs and loft insulation, she said but actually thought major change would involve too much "sacrifice".

But she argued that moving to a "post-carbon world" could create jobs, an equal society and a way of life "with the potential to be far more fulfilling than the turbo-charged consumerism which is being peddled by other politicians today."

"That's why we say our government's inaction is nothing less than a political crime."

Ms Lucas also said the Greens had warned of the "lethal cocktail" of liberalisation and deregulation before the recession and had "sounded the alarm" about the housing market, privatisation of health and education and about hedge funds.

All army personnel were awarded a 2.8% increase this year

The junior ranks of the armed forces should get an immediate £6,000 pay rise to help boost morale, the Lib Dems say.

It was "shameful" that many privates on their first tour of duty earned less than police constables and junior firefighters, leader Nick Clegg said.

He said the move, costing about £300m, could be part funded by cutting 10,000 "desk" jobs at the Ministry of Defence.

Ministers said pay deals for the armed forces had been among the best in the public sector in the past three years.

All military personnel were awarded a 2.8% pay rise earlier this year after the government accepted the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body.

As a result, the basic pay of a private on operations rose to between £16,681 and £25,887.

'Dissatisfaction'

But opposition parties have continued to press for higher pay and better accommodation to reflect the armed forces continuous involvement in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.

The Lib Dems said there was "widespread dissatisfaction" about pay levels among the lowest ranks at a time when young men and women were being asked daily to put their lives on the line.

We can't continue to reward the bravery of lions with peanuts Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader

They are proposing a £6,000 increase in basic pay for entry-level privates in the Army and their equivalents in the other services.

This, they claim, would lift the annual salary of the lowest-paid privates from £16,681 to £22,680.

They are also calling for longer-serving privates and lance corporals to get a £3,000 rise, which would take their average annual pay up to about £25,000.

Corporals, sergeants and higher NCO ranks should get a £1,000 increase, equivalent to an extra £20 a week.

Mr Clegg said poor pay levels were having a "dreadful impact" on morale in the armed forces.

Job savings

"Nobody can put a price on the sacrifices our troops make on our behalf but it is clear to everyone that pay levels are shamefully low for the lower ranks," he said.

"We can't continue to reward the bravery of lions with peanuts. The Liberal Democrats will ensure that no soldier, sailor or airman goes into harm's way on less basic pay than a new recruit to the police or fire service."

The salary increases can be paid for from within the Ministry of Defence's existing budget, the party argues.

The estimated £300m required to fund the move should come from savings at the MoD, primarily from job cuts.

The Lib Dems said it was "ridiculous" that the MoD employed two "desk-based" employees for every one serving member of personnel and the department could make do with 10,000 fewer civilian employees it deems "non-essential".

Mr Clegg is getting ready for the election, expected next May

The Lib Dems' former media chief Jonny Oates is returning to the party to help it prepare for the general election.

He will lead the communications team, John Sharkey will chair the campaign with MP Andrew Stunnell as vice chair.

Leader Nick Clegg announced a shake-up of his election team earlier - the party's usual elections chief, Lord Rennard is stepping down.

Mr Oates joined the party in 2007, only to return to his old employer, Bell Pottinger public affairs last year.

Mr Sharkey, who was brought in by Mr Clegg as a communications adviser last year, is a former managing director of Saatchi and Saatchi and helped run the advertising campaign for Margaret Thatcher's 1987 election win.

'Fresh start'

Lord Rennard was credited with masterminding the party's electoral advance in recent years - firstly as director of campaigns and then as chief executive.

He helped pull off a series of spectacular by-election victories over the past 20 years but announced in May he would be stepping down at the end of the summer.

He has been replaced by Chris Fox as interim chief executive. Mr Fox and elections director Hilary Stephenson will also form part of the team preparing for a general election - expected next spring.

Mr Clegg said: "We need a fresh start to fix the unprecedented problems the country now faces. I am convinced our general election team announced today will deliver a successful and winning campaign."

It is hoped the commentary will make the event more accessible

The BBC will be providing live English language commentary on the ceremonies and competitions at the Eisteddfod, which begins in Gwynedd on Saturday.

Presenters Arfon Haines Davies and Sara Edwards will be in Bala commentating for the live streaming of the events on the BBC's Eisteddfod website.

It is hoped the commentary will introduce the annual Welsh language festival to new worldwide audience.

Meanwhile, a crown inspired by Iron Age fragments will be on display at Bala.

A live stream of the activities taking place in the Eisteddfod's famous pink pavilion has been offered on the BBC website in previous years but this is the first time it will be accessible to people who cannot understand the Welsh language.

it will be great to show non-Welsh speakers in Wales and beyond what it's all about Arfon Haines Davies, presenter

Mr Davies said he was looking forward to the challenge of commentating live on the action.

"The Eisteddfod is so important to the Welsh speaking community and it will be great to show non-Welsh speakers in Wales and beyond what it's all about," he said.

"The main ceremonies make fantastic theatre and it's our annual opportunity to celebrate our poets, singers and performers."

Keith Jones, BBC Wales's head of programmes Welsh and new media, said the new service was important as the BBC responded to the changing viewing habits of its audience.

"It gives us great pleasure to broadcast our Eisteddfod coverage on a world-wide platform and we look forward to hearing from viewers all over the world," he said.

The festival, which lasts until 8 August, will also display a crown inspired by Iron Age fragments found in the 1920s.

The crown may have been worn by a bard, say experts

The decorated bronze pieces, short lengths of chain and pieces of folded raw hide were found by Tomi Jones of Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, in 1924 when he uncovered a grave while repairing a wall at Ty Tan y Foel, near Betws-y-Coed.

Experts have recently interpreted the find as parts of ceremonial headgear dating back to around 400BC and have been used by National Museum Wales to create a full scale model of the Cerrigydrudion crown.

Kenneth Brassil, archaeology learning officer for National Museum Wales, said it was possible the original Cerrigydrudion crown would have been worn by a winning bard or inherited as a symbol of status.

The crown, which is usually displayed at National Museum Cardiff, will be on show at the Arts Council of Wales's 'Lle Celf' pavilion throughout the week.

Empty shops are the most visible sign of decline, the report says

About 15% of High Street shops will be empty by the end of 2009, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has predicted.

This would be more than double the 7% of stores which were vacant at the start of the year.

And the BRC said some areas had already seen up to 40% of shop space empty, amid the slump in consumer confidence.

Big names such as Woolworths have disappeared from the High Street, but overall, UK retail sales have not collapsed, as some had feared.

Gateshead, Harwich in Essex and Walkden in Greater Manchester were among the worst hit areas.

'Nurturing'

Currently, about 12% of town centre shops were empty, the BRC said.

"It is clear that in many places, recession is accelerating a trend of decline that was already under way," the BRC said.

"The dangers associated with this deteriorating picture are clear.

"Vacant units are perhaps one of the most visible impacts of the economic downturn. Shoppers who are unable to ignore increasingly visible vacant units in their local communities are likely to further reinforce falling consumer confidence."

Shoppers who are unable to ignore increasingly visible vacant units in their local communities are likely to further reinforce falling consumer confidence British Retail Consortium

Transport links

Some High Streets had lost custom to nearby towns and shopping centres, meaning they may "never go back" to being important shopping destinations, the report added.

However it insisted that the High Street still had a bright future, but needed "nurturing through this difficult period".

It called on ailing town centres to focus on local character and create attractive, safe environments.

Developing unique identities would help it to pull through the recession, a report has warned.

CHAINS LEAVING THE HIGH STREET Woolworths Zavvi Dolcis

As well as trying to make towns more distinctive and welcoming, the BRC is also calling for better transport links in a 20-point plan to turn around the fortunes of struggling areas.

Revenue from car parks should be used to improve facilities to encourage greater footfall in town centres, it suggests.

Gordon Brown has come under pressure over Trident renewal

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has attacked government "chaos and confusion" over renewing the Trident missile system.

No 10 has insisted the timetable for renewing Trident is unchanged.

But earlier, officials implied that key decisions would be put off until May 2010 ahead of a conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Mr Clegg said the prime minister should make a "climbdown" and admit the missile system was not justified given equipment shortages in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Downing Street said there had been "no change" in the government position that Trident would be renewed.

The Ministry of Defence also insisted the policy was unchanged.

But earlier on Thursday, an official briefed the media that the UK's nuclear deterrent was "now up for grabs" in the context of a multilateral disarmament agreement.

The statement from No 10 was issued as the prime minister set out a "road map" for disarmament in which all nuclear states would pledge to reduce their stockpile of warheads.

Gordon Brown is under pressure over plans to renew the UK's own nuclear weapons.

The prime minister says he is committed to updating the Trident submarine-based missile system despite its estimated £20bn cost.

'Unnecessary and unjustifiable'

Mr Clegg said the government had "rammed the decision to renew Trident through Parliament without a proper debate".

He added: "The chaos and confusion surrounding Gordon Brown's machinations on Trident is staggering.

"Gordon Brown should now complete his climbdown and admit that a like-for-like Trident replacement is unnecessary and unjustifiable when our troops in Afghanistan are still short of kit."

The decision to postpone spending decisions until after May 2010 would have effectively pushed them up to or beyond the next general election at a time when government finances are extremely tight.

There has been no change in the government's position on Trident Ministry of Defence spokeswoman

In briefings, the official stressed that the decision to replace the Trident system had been taken in 2006, but the "world had changed" since then not least with the election of US President Barack Obama, who has made disarmament a priority .

The official said: "All our deterrent is now up for grabs but in the context of a multilateral negotiation."

By the "sequencing of expenditure" on Trident, as the official put it, the decision could essentially be "pushed back".

But the official said progress on nuclear disarmament had to be "multilateral" and the goal of a nuclear free world had to be seen as an "aspiration".

However, Downing Street issued a statement which read: "The policy remains as set out in the 2006 White Paper, and there has been no change to the timetable."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said: "There has been no change in the government's position on Trident.

"The policy remains as set out in the 2006 white paper, and there has been no change to the timetable."

The series of briefings came as Mr Brown outlined plans to offer assistance to countries such as Iran to develop civil nuclear power in return for assurances they will not build bombs.

Mr Brown has ruled out unilateral cuts to either the Trident submarine fleet or the UK's 160 warheads and has called for collective action to stop nuclear proliferation.

He set out his proposals in a written statement to MPs designed for debate ahead of talks next April designed to pave the way for a review of the International Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The Lib Dems have called for Trident to be scrapped in favour of a less expensive system while the Conservatives, who support Trident, says its future must be considered as part of a comprehensive defence review.

Some 95 Labour MPs -including 16 former ministers and four ex-members of the cabinet - rebelled against the government during a vote on renewing Trident in 2007.

A document released by the Cabinet Office on the same day stated that the government continued to judge "that a minimum nuclear deterrent remains an essential element of our national security".

Dear All,

Every week I travel around the country, meeting people in local town halls and listening to their views. Anyone can ask me (just about) anything, I also get a pretty good picture of how people across the UK feel about politics.

Next week I’m doing another public Q&A meeting, but this time, it’s going to be live and online. There will be no script, no special invitations - just get in touch and ask a question on the subjects that concern you. To give you an idea, I've recorded 2 questions of my own for you to answer. Visit: http://www.tinyurl.com/asknickclegg for full details of the event.

I want as many people to take part in this as possible – this has never been done before.

There are three ways you can help spread this:

• Tell friends on Social Networks or Tweet
• Forward this message to five friends
• Blog about this or post on your website

All Best Wishes,

Nick Clegg
Leader of the Liberal Democrats

The website describes the effects of suicide on family and friends

Young people who have lost someone close to them because of suicide have set up a website to give advice and support to vulnerable youngsters.

Bridgend teenagers came up with the idea after over 20 young people apparently took their own lives in the county over the past two years.

They hope the information will appeal to their age group and contains myths and facts about suicide.

The Choose Life web pages are being launched on Bridgend council's website.

They also contain advice on where young people can get help and personal statements about the effects of suicide on those left behind.

The young people behind the project said they hoped also to use social networking sites to direct people to their website.

"'It's a positive way of giving information to young people that's easily accessible and it offers help to people who may be going through difficult times," they said.

If people are educated more on the topic then they would have a few more seconds to think and realise the impact it has on others Rhys, 17

"We thought by putting it on a website it would be more appealing to people our age. The intention now is to put it onto social networking sites to provide the information to a wider audience.''

One of the youngsters - 17-year-old Rhys - said he and his friends decided to create the website because they did not think there was enough access to information about the effects of suicide.

"Losing someone close to you is indescribable really," he said.

"The devastating effects it had on myself, my close friends and family, it does bring you to tears just thinking about it.

"I think if this can be prevented, why should someone suffer from it?

"I didn't have a clue about any of the websites to help or people who you can go to for help, and this is why me and my mates felt it was a good idea to create a site which you could access and further help yourself.

"I was devastated and I was angry... there wasn't something like Choose Life already set up."

We have seen some terrible things written about this area, but it's not the Bridgend county I know and love JJ Williams, former rugby star

He said he believed education and raising awareness could help prevent more people taking their own lives.

"If people are educated more on the topic then they would have a few more seconds to think and realise the impact it has on others and that there's a way out, there's a way to prevent it," he added.

Rugby star support

The teenagers approached the Bridgend Local Service Board (LSB), which has helped them with their idea, along with Bridgend council's Educational Psychology Service.

The website is being supported by former Welsh rugby star JJ Williams, who said: "We have seen some terrible things written about this area, but it's not the Bridgend county I know and love. I really commend the students for what they are doing."

LSB chair Dr Jo Farrar, who is also chief executive of Bridgend council, said they were keen to help the "inspirational" students.

"They, more than anyone else, know how it feels to lose people they are close to, so they are best placed to reach out to their peers," she said.

"Their pages contain excellent advice, as well as some very stark messages about suicide and are written in a way that we hope will appeal to young people, not just in this area but all over Wales and the UK."

Mr Bercow pledged to be impartial

Conservative backbencher John Bercow has won the race to become the 157th Commons Speaker.

The Buckingham MP received 322 votes to his rival and fellow Conservative MP Sir George Young's 271.

Mr Bercow was "dragged" to the chair, a tradition for the new Speaker. A message will now be sent to Buckingham Palace for approval.

He will replace Michael Martin, who stepped down after nine years in the job amid the furore over MPs' expenses.

Mr Bercow said MPs had bestowed on him "the greatest honour that I have enjoyed in my political life".

'Process of change'

He pledged to cast aside his political views and be "completely impartial as between members of one political party and another".

And he said while the House of Commons had to reform, he believed most MPs were "upright, decent, honourable people" who had not come into politics to "feather their nests" but for public service.

I continue to believe the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people John Bercow Profile: John Bercow

He was welcomed by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, in short speeches in the Commons chamber.

Mr Brown congratulated him and said in the election process the House of Commons had taken an important step in the "process of change".

He said it was an opportunity for the House to "begin a new chapter" with a new Speaker.

Mr Cameron told him: "We share a collective responsibility for what went wrong, we share a collective responsibility for putting it right."

And Mr Clegg told Mr Bercow he had a "mandate for change" and urged him to get on with it.

The new Speaker Elect will not formally take up the role until after an Approbation ceremony later, when the Royal Commission assembles in Lords, Black Rod is despatched to the Commons, then MPs led by the Speaker Elect walk to the Lords chamber when the Queen's approval is given.

Opposition parties and campaigners have condemned Gordon Brown's decision to hold an independent inquiry into the Iraq war behind closed doors.

Tory leader accused Mr Brown of "an establishment stitch-up", while the Lib Dems threatened to boycott the "secret" inquiry.

John Miller, whose son Simon was killed in Iraq in 2003, said private hearings would be marred by "lies and deceit".

But others argued that closed proceedings would be more effective.

Tory MP, who was part of the Butler inquiry into the intelligence that led to the Iraq war, backed the prime minister's decision.

"Everybody who came in front of us... was able to speak frankly and they were able to say what part they had played in this bit of intelligence or that," he told the BBC.

"I don't think we could have done as good a job for the country as we were able to do if we had to sit in public."

'Full and candid'

The inquiry will start in July and take at least a year to complete. It will cover the period from July 2001 to July 2009 and be chaired by civil servant Sir John Chilcot.

It will not seek to "apportion blame", the prime minister said, but will aim to identify "lessons learned".

The government had been urged to hold it in public, but Mr Brown said privacy would ensure that evidence given by politicians, military officers and officials would be as "full and candid as possible".

Mr C accused the prime minister of reneging on promises he made just a week ago to introduce a "new era of democratic renewal" and make politics more transparent.

"The inquiry needs to be, and needs to be seen to be, truly independent and not an establishment stitch-up," the Tory leader said.

Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell rejected claims that a public enquiry would cost too much, insisting it would be "well worth the money if it stopped us making the same kind of mistake again".

The present leader, Nick Clegg, who has threatened to boycott any private hearing, said it would be possible for a public inquiry to handle sensitive information by hearing some sessions on an exceptional basis behind closed doors.

Mr Clegg told the BBC: "This, remember, was probably the biggest foreign policy mistake that any government has made since Suez.

"It's very important the the process by which we learn the lessons from that is open - the process of doing it is almost as important as the conclusions themselves."

'Day of reckoning'

"This would have been a great moment for Gordon Brown, who has said he wanted more openness and transparency in politics, to show he meant it."

Several of Mr Brown's own Labour MPs also spoke out in favour of full disclosure.

Gordon Prentice said he was "not prepared to accept a secret inquiry into Iraq", while David Hamilton said there needed to be a "day of reckoning" which could only come about through public proceedings.

Their feelings were echoed by relatives of those killed in Iraq.

It will give us some sort of government narrative that can then be picked apart Maj Charles Hayman Armed Forces UK

Mr Miller said that without apportioning any blame, the inquiry could not possibly deliver any real answers.

"To be honest, I could write on the back of a stamp what you would learn from this inquiry and that would be lies and deceit," he told the BBC.

But Maj Charles Hayman, editor of Armed Forces UK, said the inquiry would bring significant facts "into the open".

"It's not going to go as far as most people would have wanted, but it will certainly open the Pandora's box to the whole of this Iraq problem," he said.

"It will give us some sort of government narrative that can then be picked apart."

Discredited claim

Sir John Chilcot, 70, is a former permanent under-secretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office who sat on the Butler Inquiry into the intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Also on the panel are former diplomat Sir Roderick Lyne, crossbench peer Baroness Prashar and historians Sir Lawrence Freedman and Sir Martin Gilbert.

The reasons for going to war in Iraq - including the now discredited claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction which could be used within 45 minutes of an order being given - have been a source of long-standing controversy.

Two inquiries - the Hutton and Butler inquiries - have already been held into aspects of the Iraq war.

The Butler inquiry looked at intelligence failures while the Hutton inquiry examined the circumstances leading to the death of former government adviser David Kelly.

In 2008, the government defeated Conservative attempts to force a public inquiry, saying it would be a "diversion" for UK troops serving in Iraq.

In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw vetoed the publication of minutes of cabinet meetings discussing the legality of the war in the run-up to the invasion.

Mick Bates was a science teacher before becoming an AM

The Liberal Democrat Mick Bates has announced that he will not stand at the next Welsh Assembly elections in 2011.

Mr Bates, the AM for Montgomeryshire, had a majority of just under 2,000 votes at the last assembly election.

The 61-year-old said he had made the decision now in order to give the local party time to select a new candidate.

He said his decision was influenced by his wife, a school headmistress, taking early retirement. He also said he wanted more time to "shear the sheep".

Mr Bates said his decision had nothing to do with the recent European election results and said it had been "on the cards for a long time".

"It's been planned for a long time and making this announcement before the summer is ideal - it allows the local party to get their selection process together and gives the new candidate a chance to settle in before winning the seat at the next Assembly election," he told BBC Wales.

"People are drawing conclusions from recent events - including the European election results - but it's been on the cards for a long time. My wife is retiring from her job and 2011 is an ideal time for me to go.

I hope that I have helped farmers build their businesses and I hope that I have played a role in promoting rural Wales Mick Bates

Mr Bates had a hip replacement last year, but he denied that his decision to stand down is anything to do with his health.

"I want to spend more time with my family - I'd like to see more of my grandchild and I'd also like a bit more time to shear the sheep," he said.

"I've just come in from shearing now - it's a big job!

He said he had loved his 12 years at the assembly, particularly when the Liberal Democrats were in the partnership government with Labour.

"I like to think that I used my expertise to help the farmers of Wales," he said.

"I hope that I have helped farmers build their businesses and I hope that I have played a role in promoting rural Wales.

"There are lots of issues over disillusionment and disconnection with politics but I'd like to think that I have been of genuine service to my constituents."

Mr Bates was elected for Montgomeryshire to the Welsh Assembly in the first assembly elections of 1999.

At the last election in 2007, he had a majority of just under 2,000 votes with 39% of the vote. The Conservatives were in second place.

'Legacy'

Kirsty Williams AM, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to Mr Bates as "a tremendous assembly member".

She added: "He has worked incredibly hard for the people of Montgomeryshire and has been a crucial member of the Liberal Democrat team in Cardiff Bay.

"His work on sustainability and rural issues has been crucial in driving forward policy in those areas.

"His lasting legacy will be free school milk, the Farming Connect Scheme and a commitment to sustainability that runs through the national assembly's work."

Mr Bates is the chairman of the assembly's sustainability committee, which deals with environmental and rural affairs.

A former science teacher, his interests include sport, painting and walking. He likes music, especially Bob Dylan.

The first race will start at 1820 BST on 18 June

The opening meeting at the first new turf racecourse to open in Britain for more than 80 years has sold out.

Around 8,500 race-goers have bought tickets for the fixture at Ffos Las near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire.

Almost £30m has been invested in the development over 600 acres on a former opencast mining site.

The course said interest in the first of eight meetings to be staged there this year on 18 June had surpassed all expectations.

General manager John Williams said: "People have been desperate to experience this fantastic new racecourse.

"I would appeal to everyone without a ticket not to come to the racecourse because there will be no admission for them."

He said as well as the general admission areas, all hospitality and the restaurant were full.

Ffos Las has three tracks and will cater for flat racing, hurdles and chase events.

It has been a long wait and many hurdles have had to be overcome, but it has been well worth it Meryl Gravell, Trimsaran councillor

Eight fixtures are scheduled for 2009 with 16 next year on dates to be confirmed.

The first race starts next Thursday at 1820 BST although the gates will open at 1300 BST with racing from Royal Ascot being broadcast live on big screens.

Race horse owner and millionaire Dai Walters who runs a plant hire, civil engineering and earthworks company, is behind the venture.

Plans to develop the site were first put forward almost a decade ago and work finally started in 2007.

He has described Ffos Las as his "gift to Wales."

It will employ over 100 staff on race days.

It is managed by Northern Racing, which operates nine other courses in the UK, including Hereford, Sedgefield, Newcastle and Chepstow, which is home to the Welsh Grand National.

Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell, who is the councillor for Trimsaran, said: "Ffos Las is a very exciting development which will bring tremendous benefits to the surrounding communities and to the whole of Carmarthenshire.

"It has been a long wait and many hurdles have had to be overcome, but it has been well worth it."

Wales has four MEPs and people vote for a party, not individuals

Voters are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in the European parliamentary elections.

Wales has four MEPs and people vote for a party rather than individuals. The four main parties are fielding candidates as are seven smaller groups.

Polling stations opened on Thursday at 0700 BST and close at 2200 BST.

Labour, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats are all putting forward a full team of candidates for election.

Voters mark the ballot once with an X besides the party they are supporting.

Along with the four main parties, there are also a full team of candidates from the British National Party, the Christian Party of Wales, the Green Party, the Jury Team, No2EU: Yes to Democracy, the Socialist Labour Party and the UK Independence Party.

At the last European election in 2004, Wales voted for two Labour MEPs, one Conservative and one Plaid Cymru representative.

Some 41% of registered voters turned out last time around. That was an increase on 1999, when the turnout was 29%.

Most voters will cast their ballot at a local school or hall as usual. However, people are increasingly applying for postal votes.

Polling stations

If they had not been sent by Thursday, they were too late to post. However, people can still hand in the completed postal vote to a polling station.

There are also a number of more unusual polling stations. These include a car sales office in Merthyr Tydfil, a hairdressers in Ebbw Vale, the conservatory of a private house on the Lleyn Peninsula and a pub at Rhuallt Hill in Denbighshire.

Though voting closes on Thursday night in the UK, the votes will not be counted and the results will not be declared until Sunday night.

This is because different EU states vote on different days. UK elections have historically been held on Thursdays.

Ireland goes to the polls for the election on Friday. Countries such as Portugal, France and Germany do not vote until Sunday.

The 27 member states of the European Union will be voting to send 736 MEPs into the parliament.

The European Parliament has a range of powers including over workers' rights, international trade, economic development and the environment.

Alan Butt Philip says Wales is stronger when working with the rest of Europe

Welsh Liberal Democrats have stressed their "positive" approach, as their biggest campaign for a European election entered its last days.

Meeting farmers at Welshpool cattle market, lead candidate Alan Butt Philip said all the issues discussed could only be dealt with at a European level.

He said a "pro-active approach to Europe" was the "only sensible option".

Welsh Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams said the party was focused on "making Europe work better for Wales".

Mr Butt Philip hopes to become Wales' first Welsh Lib Dem MEP when the results of Thursday's Europe-wide poll are declared on Sunday night.

Joined by local AM Mick Bates, Mr Butt Philip met Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan and other FUW members.

Mr Butt Philip said the "the economic, environmental, and of course agricultural policy issues that impact upon farmers here in Montgomeryshire and across Wales" had all been covered in the discussions.

We know that the positive vision we provide, of a Wales stronger for being part of Europe and poorer apart is shared by many Welsh people Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader

"All of the issues we discussed, such as sheep ID tagging, CAP reform and market regulation can only be dealt with effectively at a European level, so it's vital that the interests of Welsh farmers are understood and properly represented in Brussels," he said.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a positive view of Wales stronger for working with Europe and... when you consider an industry and way of life such as farming, it's clear that a positive, pro-active approach to Europe is the only sensible option.

"For farming to thrive in Wales we need the right support, right policies and the ability to trade freely and fairly across the European market," Mr Butt Philip added.

Ms Williams said the Welsh Lib Dems had "campaigned harder and smarter than ever before".

'Dangerous criminals'

"We know that the positive vision we provide, of a Wales stronger for being part of Europe and poorer apart is shared by many Welsh people, not least those who work in industries or sectors to whom Europe is the market in which they trade or operate," she said.

She said Mr Butt Philip had met businesses "frustrated" that Welsh Assembly Government coalition partners, Labour and Plaid Cymru, were "wasting huge sums of European money on pet projects instead of investing in transport or IT infrastructure".

For farming to thrive in Wales we need the right support, right policies and the ability to trade freely and fairly across the European market Alan Butt Philip, lead Liberal Democrat candidate

"Alan has met with green and sustainable technology professionals who look to Europe, not Westminster or Cardiff, for the leadership on climate change and peak oil that Wales urgently needs," she said.

"And Alan has met with people across Wales who are happy that 900 dangerous criminals have been removed from the UK and 300 brought back here to justice, because of the European arrest warrant.

"People are angry because of the behaviour of the two establishment parties in Westminster and they see that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are focused on real reform and making Europe work better for Wales," Ms Williams added.

'Out of touch'

Responding for Labour, Wales Office Minister Wayne David said: "First Minister Rhodri Morgan recently launched the latest strategy for sustainable living and Environment Minister Jane Davidson is setting the standard when it comes to low carbon homes and construction.

"European funding is being used to regenerate communities across Wales (and) in the ProAct and ReAct schemes we are providing funds that are keeping people in work and preparing the Welsh workforce for the future".

Mr David accused the Lib Dems of being "clearly out of touch with the reality of modern Wales".

Labour working at all levels to deliver high-quality jobs at what will be an excellent facility Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy on plans for a military defence academy

Plaid Cymru lead candidate and MEP Jill Evans said: "The Lib Dems can't even agree amongst themselves [as] only two weeks ago the Scottish Lib Dems were praising the Plaid-led ProAct scheme as a 'targeted, innovative measure'.

"In the assembly and in Europe Plaid are delivering for the people of Wales.

"We have innovative proposals to connect Wales with an improved transport network and high-speed broadband."

Meanwhile, Labour's lead candidate Derek Vaughan and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy visited St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, the proposed site of the new military defence academy.

Mr Murphy said the plans were "great news" for the local economy and the armed forces thanks to "Labour working at all levels to deliver high-quality jobs at what will be an excellent facility".

Accusing Ms Evans of opposing the new jobs, he challenged all Plaid candidates to "make clear for once and for all" if they backed the training academy.

But, campaigning in Cardiff and Neath, Ms Evans said "the collapse in Labour's vote is evident, and their desperate attacks don't fool anyone, especially not the voters".

"They have not forgotten the Iraq war or the banking collapse, even in the midst of the furore around expenses which has so damaged the London parties."

"Plaid's confidence in winning two seats in Thursday's election in Wales grows day by day, and there is no doubt we will defeat Labour in seats across Wales."

'Real difference'

The Conservatives launched a new "transparency drive" in Europe, including on MEPs and European commissioners' expenses and on EU budgets.

The party was canvassing in Monmouthshire and, like her Labour opposite number, Conservative lead candidate for Wales Kay Swinburne was in the Vale of Glamorgan.

She discussed economic regeneration with Tory councillors at a meeting in Barry after visiting the Liberty Stadium and National Waterfront Museum in Swansea in the morning.

Dr Swinburne said: "Our campaign has been focused on what Europe can do to make a real difference to people's lives.

Stressing the importance of Thursday's elections, she added: "They are about how political parties work in Europe and back in Wales to protect jobs, support the economy and regeneration, protect the environment, and stand up for consumers."

Mr Clegg said MPs resigning over expenses should not get a large pay off

MPs who stand down after expenses revelations should not be entitled to large tax free pay-offs, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said.

Since stories about expenses claims began, 13 MPs have said they will stand down at the election, although three say they are going for health reasons.

They will be entitled to a pay-off worth up to a year's salary of £64,000 depending on their age and experience.

Mr Clegg said there was "no reason" some should get the tax free reward.

Under current rules, Conservative MP Julie Kirkbride could receive a pay off of about £32,000 while Labour's Margaret Moran could get £54,000 - by way of the "resettlement grant" which is only paid to MPs who leave at a general election.

Dry rot

On Thursday both women announced their intention to step down at the next general election - Ms Kirkbride had faced a series of allegations.

She and her husband - the Tory MP Andrew MacKay - had both claimed for a second home. He had already announced his intention to quit.

ESTIMATED PAY-OFFS Ben Chapman: £36,269 Derek Conway: £64,766 Christopher Fraser: £32,383 Douglas Hogg: £59,585 Julie Kirkbride: £32,383 Andrew MacKay: £64,766 Ian McCartney: £64,766 Margaret Moran: £54, 403 Anthony Steen: £32,383 Peter Viggers: £32,383 Ann Winterton: £38, 860 Nicholas Winterton: £32,383 Source: BBC estimates for resettlement grants, based on length of service and age The great Commons clearout MP Cash 'not intending to quit' MPs Kirkbride and Moran to quit MPs' golden goodbyes

Ms Moran was under fire for claiming £22,000 to deal with dry rot at a home that was neither in London, nor her constituency.

The resettlement grant varies between MPs as it is based on years of service and age.

According to the Ministry of Justice the current cost of the alternative - a by election should an MP stand down - is £70,000 - £80,000, depending on the size of the constituency.

Mr Clegg, who has also called for voters to be able to sack their MP, said: "I can see no reason why an MP who is sacked or decides to stand down should be rewarded with a big, tax-free, lump sum payment.

"This money is intended to help people who are suddenly voted out of office," he said.

"Anyone else who decides to quit their job of their own accord can make arrangements for themselves. MPs should get a leaving card, not a cheque for tens of thousands of pounds."

Ms Moran said she had done nothing "wrong or dishonest" in her claims - she has repaid the money and has always said she stuck to the rules and had it cleared with the Commons fees office.

Ms Kirkbride said until the row blew up it had not occurred to her she had done anything wrong but said she wanted the Conservatives to have a "great result" at the next election and had to take into account "the effects on my family" of all the media coverage.

Mr Clegg called for the "total reinvention of British politics"

MPs should be blocked from taking their summer holidays until they agree sweeping changes at Westminster, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has urged.

Writing in the Guardian, Mr Clegg called for radical reform of members' expenses, party funding and the electoral system within 100 days.

His intervention comes in the wake of the prolonged row over MPs' allowances.

Mr Clegg said politicians should "bar the gates" at Westminster "until the crisis has been sorted out".

The proposal follows weeks of revelations in the Daily Telegraph, which has obtained details of all MPs expenses over a four-year period.

FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service

In the wake of fresh reports, Tory MP Sir John Butterfill has agreed to repay £20,000 in tax and mortgage payments, much of which was claimed from public funds towards staff quarters in his home.

And under-pressure Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride has also defended her decision to re-mortgage her second home by £50,000 to fund an extension.

Greater powers

In Mr Clegg's article, he argued that the moment for change would be lost if MPs left for the summer recess without having pushed through fundamental reforms.

He set out his plan to achieve the "total reinvention of British politics" through agreements on party funding and constitutional change.

Mr Clegg said that in the first fortnight, MPs would agree to accept whatever reforms to expenses were brought forward by the standards watchdog Sir Christopher Kelly, draw up legislation allowing for the recall of errant members and impose a £50,000 cap on individual donations to parties.

This is a dangerous time for British politics and British democracy and the mainstream parties have got to show that we get it Nick Clegg Lib Dem leader MP to repay 'staff quarters' cash Kirkbride prepares to face voters Cameron in 'people power' pledge

By week three a bill would be passed to introduced four-year fixed term parliaments from 2010.

Before the end of the next week, the the Speaker would introduce a series of changes to Commons procedure, such as giving MPs greater powers of scrutiny and subjecting ministers to confirmation hearings.

In weeks four and five the Commons would pass legislation allowing a referendum on electoral reform, and by weeks six and seven parliament would vote to replace the House of Lords with an elected upper chamber.

Mr Clegg also criticised Conservative leader David Cameron's remarks that he was giving "serious consideration" to fixed term parliaments.

In a speech, Mr Cameron said a Tory government would restore "real people power" through a "radical" redistribution of power from Westminster.

But the Lib Dem leader said Mr Cameron, who ruled out proportional representation, had merely offered "verbal cover for maintaining the status quo".

Mr Clegg insisted that the crisis was about more than MPs' pay and expenses.

He added: "It's about a political system and political culture that has become too much of a gentlemen's club.

"This is a dangerous time for British politics and British democracy and the mainstream parties have got to show that we get it."