News

Plaid pressed over Wales-wide transport bottlenecks

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

OPPOSITION politicians have accused Wales’ new First Minister of failing to commit to major infrastructure projects on two of the country’s busiest transport corridors.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS challenged Rhun ap Iorwerth during First Minister’s Questions over congestion on the M4 in south Wales and the A55 in north Wales.

The exchange focused on long-running bottlenecks at the Brynglas Tunnels near Newport and the Menai Strait, where campaigners and businesses have repeatedly called for action.

Mr ap Iorwerth said his government would look at both issues, but stopped short of committing to either an M4 relief road or a third Menai crossing.

‘Get Wales moving’

Speaking after the session, Mr Millar said Plaid Cymru had already had years to set out solutions to Wales’ infrastructure problems.

He said: “We may be in the early days of a new government, but Plaid Cymru have had years to come up with solutions to longstanding traffic congestion on the M4 and A55.

“Capacity issues on Wales’ arterial routes had been kicked into the long grass for decades under Labour.

“Plaid must share responsibility for the failure to invest in Welsh infrastructure because they didn’t prioritise these projects in any of their successive budget deals with Labour.

“What we need now is a commitment to delivering the solutions of an M4 relief road and a third Menai crossing, not warm words about creating endless plans.

“It’s the Welsh Conservatives who are taking a lead on tackling the barriers to economic growth in Wales.

“Plaid Cymru must fully commit to these major infrastructure projects so we can get spades in the ground and get Wales moving.”

Economic pressure

The row is likely to become an early test of the new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government’s approach to transport and economic growth.

While the debate has often centred on Newport and the M4, the latest exchange widened the issue to Wales’ wider road network, including the A55 and strategic links to north Wales.

For west Wales, the question of major transport investment remains highly relevant. Businesses, tourism operators, hauliers and residents in Pembrokeshire depend on reliable road and rail links to Cardiff, Bristol, London and the wider UK economy.

Congestion further east can have knock-on effects for journeys from west Wales, particularly for freight, tourism traffic, hospital appointments and business travel.

There are also continuing concerns about rail connectivity, including the need for better direct services linking west Wales with major English cities.

Plaid’s dilemma

The new Welsh Government now faces competing pressures.

Business groups and opposition politicians argue that Wales needs firm decisions on major road schemes to unlock growth, reduce delays and improve confidence.

Environmental campaigners, however, have long argued that new road capacity is expensive, increases traffic and conflicts with climate commitments.

Plaid Cymru must now decide whether to back large-scale road building, focus on public transport and rail, or attempt to balance both.

For the Conservatives, the issue is being framed as a test of whether the new administration is prepared to move beyond reviews and deliver visible infrastructure projects.

For Plaid, it is an early indication of how difficult it may be to turn long-standing criticism of Labour’s record into a deliverable programme of government.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).