News

Drakeford: Wales should benefit from Crown Estate wind profits

Published

7 months ago

September 29, 2025

Former First Minister backs call for sovereign wealth fund

WALES should see direct financial benefit from offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea, former first minister Mark Drakeford has said.

Speaking at a fringe event during Labour’s annual conference, Mr Drakeford argued that revenues from the Crown Estate’s projects off the Welsh coast should be channelled into a sovereign wealth fund for Wales. He said this would prevent a repeat of the country’s industrial past, when coal and other natural resources were exploited but the profits flowed out of Wales.

“Historically the wealth has been taken elsewhere,” he said. “This time, with renewable energy, we need to ensure it is Welsh people who gain.”

The UK Government rejected devolving control of the Crown Estate to Cardiff earlier this year. While Mr Drakeford said he still supports devolution, he argued a fund could be established without it, if ministers in London were willing to “come to the table”.

Under his proposal, a small levy would be taken from each unit of energy generated by Crown Estate offshore projects and reinvested into Wales. He pointed to international examples, such as Norway’s oil fund, which acts as a financial reserve and long-term savings plan for its citizens.

Plaid Cymru has long argued for such a scheme and unveiled their own plan last year, but Mr Drakeford denied he was borrowing from the party. “Ideas don’t belong to any one party,” he said. “If it’s the right thing for Wales, let’s have that debate and make it happen.”

The discussion came as Labour faced pressure from Reform UK, which has been pushing policies of partial public ownership of energy, water and rail. Current first minister Eluned Morgan also used her conference speech to repeat Labour in Wales’ demand that the Crown Estate be devolved, although this remains outside UK Labour’s official policy.

Floating wind farms are already planned off the Pembrokeshire coast under Crown Estate agreements, and campaigners argue that without reform, much of the wealth generated will once again leave Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said: “It has always been within Westminster’s power to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales. Anything less than that is simply political theatre.”

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.

The order further prevents her from keeping or storing household waste at an associated address in Milford Haven.

No order for costs was made due to limited means.

James was represented in court by Steve Wrobe