News

Reform faces questions after journalist blocked from Welsh manifesto launch

Published

3 months ago

March 5, 2026

REFORM UK has faced criticism after a prominent Welsh political journalist said he was prevented from attending the party’s Senedd election manifesto launch.

***No access to Reform Conference: Will Hayward***

Will Hayward, a well-known commentator on Welsh politics, revealed that he had been unable to attend the event despite making repeated requests for accreditation.

Hayward said he had attended and questioned the leaders of Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Conservatives at their respective campaign launches earlier in the same week, but was not granted access to Reform’s event.

The journalist said he had contacted the party to request details and accreditation in the usual way but did not receive confirmation allowing him to attend.

The situation has prompted political criticism from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who accused Reform of hypocrisy over its stance on free speech and media scrutiny.

The party said the decision to block journalists from attending a major campaign event raised concerns about transparency during an election campaign.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats pointed to Reform’s previous criticism of Bangor University earlier this year, when party figures warned that institutions could face funding consequences after some students declined to participate in a political event involving the party. Reform representatives at the time said they were defending free speech.

Commenting on the manifesto launch issue, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said preventing journalists from attending campaign events was inconsistent with those claims.

She said: “Reform love to present themselves as defenders of free speech, but the moment a journalist might ask difficult questions they appear to resort to censorship.

“It is not free speech if you only allow people who agree with you to ask questions or take part.

“Just weeks ago they were threatening to ‘defund’ Bangor University in the name of free speech, yet now journalists are being blocked from attending their own manifesto launch.

“This isn’t about free speech, it is about control. Reform seem to want the freedom to say whatever they like without being challenged, while trying to silence those who might hold them to account.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats also warned that limiting access to campaign events could undermine democratic accountability during the election period.

Some reports have suggested that certain organisations were offered entry to the event for a fee, though these claims have not been independently confirmed.

Reform UK has not publicly commented on the specific claims regarding the journalist’s exclusion.

Campaign launches and manifesto events are sometimes organised with restricted attendance due to venue capacity or accreditation arrangements, though political parties typically allow media access in order to enable coverage and questioning.

The controversy comes as parties across Wales step up campaigning ahead of the Senedd election in May.

Reform UK, led in Wales by Dan Thomas and supported by party figure Nigel Farage, is hoping to make significant gains at the election as polls suggest growing support for the party.

At the time of publication Reform had not responded to requests for comment regarding the journalist’s exclusion from the manifesto launch.

Crime

Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.

Crime

Farm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Community

Historic Haverfordwest church launches urgent repair appeal

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST church which has served the town for more than 150 years has launched an urgent appeal for help with essential building work.

St David and St Patrick’s Catholic Church is seeking to raise £3,000 towards repairs to its ageing roof and building structure.

The church, which dates back to 1872, says the work is needed to protect both the historic building and the community services based there.

The appeal has been launched by Helen Johnson through GoFundMe, with the fundraiser saying the church remains an important place of worship, welcome and support for people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The building was designed by Richard Williams of Carmarthen and has been part of Haverfordwest life for generations.

Alongside its religious role, the parish and volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society support local families, elderly residents and vulnerable people facing poverty, loneliness and hardship.

Weekly lunch clubs provide warm meals, friendship and a place for people to meet and socialise.

The appeal says that without urgent financial support, maintaining the church and continuing this community work will become increasingly difficult.

The fundraiser states: “Every donation, no matter how small, will help preserve this historic church and the community support it provides for future generations.”

As of Wednesday (May 20), the appeal had raised £10 towards its £3,000 target.

If you can donate, click HERE.