THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have criticised comments by Reform UK figures suggesting coal mining could be revived in Wales, describing the idea as unrealistic and warning it could damage both the environment and future investment.

The row follows comments by Reform candidate Ben Hodge-McKenna, who said reopening coal extraction using newer and “safer” technology could help meet Wales’ future energy needs. Reform leader Nigel Farage has also previously faced criticism over remarks about sending young Welsh people back down the mines.

Responding to the comments, the Welsh Liberal Democrats said Wales should focus instead on developing newer industries, including floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal energy and green manufacturing.

The party also linked the issue to Reform’s previous support for fracking, arguing that both positions point to what it sees as an over-reliance on older fossil fuel industries rather than long-term economic planning.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: “Reform’s plan to reopen coal mines is pure fantasy politics. It won’t cut bills, it won’t deliver lasting jobs, and it won’t stand up to even the most basic economic scrutiny.

“The fact they also want to open Wales up to fracking tells you everything you need to know. Fracking would destroy our countryside, can cause earthquakes and risks contaminating local water supplies, yet Reform seems willing to ignore those dangers.

“This is a party doubling down on the failed energy policies of the past, with no serious plan for the future.

“Wales cannot build its future by trying to relive its past. Communities that once powered the industrial revolution deserve better than being sold false promises about industries in irreversible decline.

“Instead of chasing yesterday’s solutions, we should be investing in the industries of the future and giving Welsh workers the secure, well-paid jobs they deserve.”

The Welsh Lib Dems said former coalfield communities deserve serious economic plans for regeneration rather than what they described as headline-grabbing promises.

Reform has argued that Wales should be more willing to use domestic energy resources, including fossil fuels, as part of a wider push for energy security and lower costs.

I’d add a line at the end saying Reform was approached for comment, if you have asked them.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVE team has officially launched its campaign for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, pledging to protect vital local health services including Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital.

Leading the campaign are current Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who were joined by members of the Welsh Conservative team and fellow Ceredigion Penfro candidates Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones.

At the launch, held outside Withybush Hospital, the team set out its vision for improving healthcare provision across west Wales. The campaign will focus on protecting and strengthening services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, both seen as essential lifelines for rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Paul Davies said: “Residents across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion deserve access to high-quality healthcare close to home. We have consistently stood up for Withybush Hospital and will always fight to defend it. Any attempt to downgrade services is simply unacceptable.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Labour has overseen the downgrading of local health services, while Plaid has enabled it by propping up Labour budgets in the Senedd. Reform has been silent on cuts to Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. Only Paul, myself and the Welsh Conservatives are standing up for our local health services, from Withybush and Bronglais to GP and dental access.”

The Welsh Conservatives said their campaign would focus on protecting and improving services at both hospitals, cutting waiting times, improving access to GPs and dentists, securing fairer healthcare funding for rural areas, and ensuring local voices are heard in decisions about health provision.

They said rural healthcare needs tailored solutions and long-term investment, rather than further centralisation of services away from local communities.

Paul Davies added: “This campaign is rooted in the priorities of local people who have trusted us to deliver. We have a strong track record of action, and we will continue to stand up for our hospitals, support local businesses and farmers, and fight for a healthcare system that works for everyone, no matter where they live.

“This election is about making sure west Wales has a strong, experienced voice focused on what really matters – our NHS, our economy and our future.

“After more than two decades of Labour running Wales, too many public services are still falling short, especially in rural areas like ours.”

Mr Kurtz said: “Paul and I have experience, and we have put that experience into practice by working hard for our communities. That experience will matter in a larger Senedd. We are ready to hit the ground running and fight for west Wales, no matter who ends up running the Government.”

The campaign will now continue across the constituency, with candidates meeting residents and listening to their priorities.

Aled Thomas, Chair of the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservative Federation, said: “With six Senedd Members representing the new constituency under the new voting system, every vote matters, and every vote for the Welsh Conservatives can help return Paul and Sam.

“Both Paul and Sam are well known locally, with years of experience standing up for west Wales. They understand the issues that matter, they are proud to serve, and they have consistently worked hard to get results.”

Photo caption: Welsh Conservative candidates Paul Davies, Samuel Kurtz, Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones launched their Ceredigion Penfro Senedd campaign on Wednesday (Apr 2) with a pledge to protect local health services.

FIONA and Vince Malone, owners of Tenby Stores, in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), met with Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro and Pembrokeshire County Councillor in the upcoming Senedd elections on May 7.

The meeting on Saturday, February 28, focused on the critical challenges facing independent retailers and followed the publication of the Fed’s manifesto for the Welsh election.

Key issues addressed during the meeting included the impact of rising business rates bills on small shops, as well as the significant social and economic value that post offices and convenience stores offer to their neighbourhoods. The Malones highlighted the rising costs resulting from above-inflation increases in the national minimum wage and higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) that have placed further financial strain on independent businesses such as theirs, and others across Wales and the rest of the UK.

The importance of post offices in providing essential banking facilities was emphasised, underscoring their role in sustaining local economies through their range of services including postal and banking as well as government services such as vehicle tax renewal and passport applications.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the pressing issue of retail crime. The Malones showed how they had taken steps to reduce this problem, including the implementation of extensive CCTV coverage and the utilisation of AI technology, but that the threat remained.

With the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in Wales on the horizon, the Malones expressed their support for initiatives aimed at improving recycling rates. However, they raised concerns regarding the inclusion of glass in the scheme in Wales, highlighting that it would be difficult for small shops to implement because of the dangers associated with broken glass and weight involved in moving it.

Vince Malone said: “I want to thank Marc again for his visit and discussing these important issues and for his clear interest. Fiona and I remain committed to advocating for the interests of small shops – as members of the Federation of Independent Retailers – working with all parties at the Senedd ahead of May’s election and beyond.”

Marc Tierney said: “Vince and Fiona are active retailers, who go the extra mile for their community and are well known for their advocacy for the independent retail sector, not just in Wales but across the UK. My visit highlighted the importance of their postal service, banking hub and convenience shop. Providing these services under one roof is exactly the type of model that can sustain services in our rural, coastal communities. I look forward to working with them in the run-up to the election and beyond.”