Community

Transgender people “feel under siege” says Sioned Williams

Published

6 days ago

June 13, 2026

TRANSGENDER people “feel under siege”, Wales’ Deputy First Minister has said.

Sioned Williams faced questions on gender identity guidance in schools, and the implementation of single-sex spaces, during her first appearance at Questions to the Deputy First Minister.

Serving as both Deputy First Minister and cabinet secretary for social justice and equality, Ms Williams was questioned by opposition politicians on Wednesday June 10, about the Welsh Government’s response to the Cass Review, and the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on single-sex spaces.

The session opened with questions from Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni’s Reform MS Catherine Cullen, who asked how the Welsh Government would work with education ministers to prioritise “objective, evidence-based safeguarding standards” in schools.

Catherine Cullen, Reform MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni

She said: “We sit here today with one non-negotiable duty: the absolute safety of Welsh children in schools.

“When the Cass review explicitly warned that social transition – that is, changing a child’s name, pronouns or uniform at school – is not a neutral act and carries severe psychological risks, Plaid Cymru voted against these recommendations.”

She continued: “[Plaid’s] manifesto demands a demedicalised self-declaration system that actively pushes gender identity theories through the school system.”

In response, Ms Williams said the Welsh Government remained committed to improving literacy and numeracy standards, and stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment in which all children can fulfil their potential.

She told members that education officials had developed draft guidance for schools on supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-questioning learners, and said the education minister recognised the need to proceed with “leadership and sensitivity”.

Questions then turned to the implementation of single-sex spaces following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of sex under the Equality Act.

Reform UK MS Art Wright, of Casnewydd Islwyn, asked about the Welsh Government’s plans to implement single-sex spaces across Wales, while Conservative MS Natasha Asghar, of the same constituency, accused the previous Labour administration of “dragging its heels” in responding to the judgment.

Art Wright, Reform MS for Casnewydd Islwyn

Ms Asghar said she had received correspondence from a Welsh Government employee claiming staff were still working under policies that allowed “men who identify as women to use women’s single-sex spaces from the first day of self-identification”.

Reading from the email that was sent to her, she said: “A government cannot pick and choose which laws it follows, yet that is exactly what seems to be happening within the Welsh Government itself.”

Casnewydd Islwyn's Conservative MS Natasha Asghar — Casnewydd Islwyn’s Conservative MS Natasha Asghar

Responding, Ms Williams said the Welsh Government respected the Supreme Court ruling and was working to ensure devolved policies and practices complied with the law.

“This work has to be done carefully and consistently, and across a range of devolved areas,” she said.

However, the Deputy First Minister also emphasised that the Equality Act continues to protect people with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment from discrimination and harassment.

She added: “This is a community that feels under siege at the moment, and we must be sensitive to that.

“We need to look at the practical steps that we can take whilst complying with the Supreme Court ruling, and then, in seeing the code of practice that will come forward, if it is passed in Westminster, we will need to consider how we do that.”

Ms Williams said work was continuing across government departments to ensure Welsh Government policies comply with the law while maintaining protections for transgender people.

Ms Williams, who represents the Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency, also reaffirmed her support for universal free school meals during the session, after Senedd Members raised concerns about food poverty and access to nutritious food for children.

Huw Thomas, Labour MS for Caerdydd Penarth, drew attention to the work of the previous Labour government in introducing universal free school meals for primary school children across Wales.

Mr Thomas said: “For too many of our pupils, this is the only proper meal of the day that they have every day – hugely important – and yet we know that food costs have risen dramatically in recent years.

“So, my question is: when councils tell Welsh Government what the cost of supplying these meals are, will you accept and respect their advice and fund it, or else risk affecting the quality and provenance of the food served to our young people?”

Ms Williams agreed that free school meals play a vital role in supporting children and families.

She said the scheme “really does help”, allowing children to receive the “nutritious hot meal that they so desperately need”.

While noting that responsibility for free school meals sits within the education portfolio, the Deputy First Minister said she would ensure the concerns raised within government.

The discussion also turned to nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said access to nutritious food in a child’s earliest years is critical to healthy development.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

She said: “We know how important nutritious food is in brain development in babies, both in pregnancy and in those first 1,000 days.

“Key nutrients such as vitamin D are absolutely essential, and if you are poor and you are not able to afford a full range of nutritious food, then that hampers that child’s development from the very, very early point.”

Ms Dodds asked what steps the Welsh Government was taking to ensure babies and young children have access to healthy food during their first 1,000 days.

Responding, Ms Williams said she “wholeheartedly” agreed about the importance of nutrition in the early years.

She pointed to the Healthy Start scheme, which provides support for low-income pregnant women and families with young children, describing pregnancy as a “crucial part” of ensuring lifelong health.

The Deputy First Minister also highlighted the nursery milk scheme, which provides children under the age of five in approved childcare settings with a free daily portion of milk.

Ms Williams said ensuring children have access to nutritious food from pregnancy through early childhood remains an important part of tackling inequality and improving long-term health outcomes in Wales.

Community

Newgale road closure confirmed for resurfacing works

Published

3 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A STRETCH of road at Newgale will close for two days next week while resurfacing works are carried out.

The closure is planned for Tuesday (Jun 23) from 9:00am to 3:30pm, and Wednesday (Jun 24) from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

The affected section runs from Penycwm to just above Beachcroft bungalow in Newgale.

Traffic will be diverted via Roch Bridge and Eweston, between the Victoria Inn and Penycwm.

Businesses including the campsite, Landsker Line, Newsurf, Sands Café and the hardware shop are expected to remain open as normal. The car parks and the Welsh Road will also remain accessible, but traffic will not be able to travel up the hill towards Solva after the shop.

School buses are expected to run as normal, but the T11 service will operate to a special timetable between Haverfordwest and Roch. There will be no T11 service from Newgale to St Davids during the works. The 400 service will run as normal, but via the diversion route.

Cllr Mark Carter said he had asked for signs to be placed at Haverfordwest and St Davids, advising larger vehicles and those towing to consider using the A40 via Letterston, Mathry and St Davids instead.

An alternative route is via Crowhill, Hayscastle and Llandeloy crossroads, before rejoining the A487 at the top of Solva Hill.

Cllr Carter warned that the diversion route is likely to be busy, adding that drivers may need to reverse in places. He said the route had been cut back and overhanging branches removed.

Motorists are being urged to follow the signage and not to enter any road marked with a no-entry sign.

The closure times are a guide only, as resurfacing may take longer if the tarmac is slow to set in hot weather or if there is a mechanical breakdown.

Community

Jobcentres help drive employment growth as summer hiring season gathers pace

Published

17 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New figures show rising employment across Wales while local teams support businesses, young people and the care sector

JOBCENTRE PLUS teams across South-West Wales are stepping up support for both employers and jobseekers as businesses prepare for the busy summer season.

The latest employment figures show that 1.494 million people are now in work across Wales – an increase of 9,000 over the last quarter and 18,000 compared to the same period last year. The Welsh employment rate now stands at 72.3%.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says Jobcentre Work Coaches and Recruitment Consultants are continuing to play a key role in helping people move into employment while supporting businesses struggling to fill vacancies.

Wyn Morris, DWP Recruitment Consultant Manager for South-West Wales, said: “During the busy summer season, Jobcentres remain focused on helping individuals take advantage of seasonal employment opportunities.

“We are working closely with employers to increase the supply of workers across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail and events, while also delivering job fairs and targeted initiatives to help young people secure suitable roles.”

He added that Neath Port Talbot had seen a 12 per cent reduction in Universal Credit claimants aged 50 and over, with specialist support continuing for older workers as well as people with disabilities and health conditions.

Focus on care sector recruitment

The care sector remains a major priority, with Jobcentre Plus working alongside organisations including Social Care Wales, Barcud Housing, the Care Society and the NHS to tackle recruitment challenges.

Recent initiatives, including childcare support and the Movement to Work programme, have helped increase the number of candidates entering care roles across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and West Wales.

One recent recruitment campaign with M&D Care resulted in six candidates being interviewed, with all six offered jobs.

Another success involved a participant on an NHS vocational programme securing a permanent role within Support Services at Morriston Hospital.

The DWP said these outcomes demonstrate the value of tailored support and structured routes into employment.

Young people finding work

Supporting young people into sustainable employment remains a key focus.

One success story is Carlos, 18, who began claiming Universal Credit after leaving school in February and was unsure about his future career path.

Working closely with Jobcentre staff, he developed a CV, improved his interview skills and took part in the Movement to Work programme.

He later secured a permanent 30-hour-a-week position with A.F. Blakemore in Llantrisant.

Carlos said: “This experience really helped me understand the world of work. The support I received gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to secure a job. I’m very grateful for everything the Jobcentre has done for me.”

Lindsey Beasley, DWP Recruitment Consultant for Llantrisant, said personalised support can make a significant difference to young people’s prospects.

“When young people receive personalised support, they build confidence, develop skills and take meaningful steps into employment,” she said.

Transport concerns raised in Fishguard

Employment barriers in Pembrokeshire were also discussed during a recent meeting involving representatives from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, tourism businesses and local Senedd Member Kerry Ferguson.

A lack of public transport was identified as a significant obstacle for many jobseekers, particularly those under 25.

Discussions also explored the possibility of creating community-based facilities, including youth hubs, to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Partners attending the meeting pledged to strengthen engagement with local employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and encourage more work experience opportunities.

£1.5 billion investment for young people

The Government has announced more than £1.5 billion of funding over the next three years to help young people aged 16 to 24 gain employment, education or training opportunities.

This includes £820 million for the Youth Guarantee and £725 million through the Growth and Skills Levy.

The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure every young person has access to work, training or education opportunities, helping them develop the skills needed for long-term employment.

Sian Davies, Recruitment Consultant Manager for South-West Wales, said employers could benefit from financial support when recruiting young people.

“Employers can access funding through two main routes: a six-month wage subsidy via the Youth Guarantee or a £3,000 job grant,” she said.

“Eligibility depends on the length of time a young person has been out of work.”

National picture

Commenting on the latest employment figures, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said there were now 400,000 more people in work across the UK than a year ago.

He said the Government’s employment reforms and investment programmes were designed to create opportunities for young people while supporting disabled people and others facing barriers to work.

The DWP says Jobcentres will continue working with employers and community partners throughout the summer to help fill vacancies and support economic growth across Wales.

Community

Why police will be visiting every home in Pembrokeshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New operation aims to knock on more than 257,000 doors across Dyfed-Powys over the next three years

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has launched a major new community engagement operation aimed at visiting every home across the force area within the next three years.

Operation Connect will see neighbourhood policing and prevention teams proactively call at residential properties across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys.

The force says the initiative is designed to increase visibility, improve communication, and give residents a direct opportunity to raise local concerns with officers and PCSOs.

According to Dyfed-Powys Police, there are 257,416 residential properties across the force area currently active on local authority council tax systems. The aim is for officers and staff to knock on every one of those doors over the course of the operation.

The scheme follows the launch of Dyfed-Powys Connects in September 2025, a two-way messaging system intended to improve contact between police and local communities.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “It is vital that we make every effort to connect with those who live and work in our communities, as our public deserves to know their local police teams and feel a genuine sense of trust and confidence in Dyfed-Powys Police.

“I know how much our neighbourhood policing teams care about their areas, and we are undertaking this work because we truly care about the communities we serve.”

During visits, PCSOs will also help residents complete priority surveys. The force says these will allow local concerns to be recorded and used to shape future policing activity.

Dyfed-Powys Police says the surveys will provide measurable data to help maintain community confidence and support problem-solving with partner agencies.

The force currently has 189 full-time equivalent officers and staff deployed in neighbourhood teams. This includes 131 PCSOs and 58 police constables, made up of 29 existing officers and a further 29 through the Neighbourhood Guarantee uplift.

To cover the whole force area, each officer or staff member would need to visit around 1,362 properties. Dyfed-Powys Police says this would equate to approximately six properties per officer or staff member each day over a 12-month period.

Chief Inspector Jones added: “By reporting back on our progress through ‘You Said, We Did,’ we will continue to build, solve problems, and maintain lasting relationships with the communities we serve.”

The force says Operation Connect will help it build stronger relationships by listening to local issues, addressing concerns through targeted policing, and sharing progress with communities.