News

Reform MS calls for nuclear push in clash over Wales’ energy policy

Published

3 months ago

March 24, 2026

Laura Anne Jones says net zero focus is driving up bills and harming energy security

A REFORM UK Senedd Member has called for a major shift in Wales’ energy strategy, urging ministers to prioritise nuclear power during a heated exchange in the Senedd.

Laura Anne Jones, Regional Member for South Wales East, used the final First Minister’s Questions of the current term to challenge the Welsh Government’s approach, warning that current policies risk increasing costs for households and businesses.

She told the chamber that Wales needs energy which is “affordable, reliable and secure for the long term,” adding that an overemphasis on net zero targets was having unintended consequences.

Ms Jones said: “For too long, Welsh energy policy has been driven by ideological Net Zero targets imposed without regard to cost, reliability, rural impact, or democratic consent.”

Calling for a change in direction, she argued that nuclear power should play a central role in the country’s future energy mix.

“A Reform Welsh Government will act as an active enabler of nuclear development, not a passive bystander or a blocker,” she said. “We will work constructively with Westminster and fast-track infrastructure.”

She also criticised opposition to nuclear projects, claiming it could delay developments seen as vital to national energy security.

“We will not allow ideological opposition by Plaid to frustrate or halt nationally important nuclear developments,” she added, warning that current policies were “bringing our Welsh economy to its knees.”

Energy debate intensifies

The comments come amid growing political debate over how Wales balances its net zero commitments with concerns over energy costs and security.

The Welsh Government has consistently defended its strategy, arguing that investment in renewable energy and decarbonisation is essential to tackle climate change while creating long-term economic opportunities.

Ministers have also pointed to the UK Government’s role in nuclear policy, with major projects and funding decisions largely reserved to Westminster.

However, critics argue that rising energy prices and global instability are exposing weaknesses in current approaches, with calls for a broader mix of energy sources gaining traction.

Ms Jones said she would continue to press for what she described as a “common sense” approach, focused on lowering bills, supporting jobs and ensuring long-term energy security for Wales.

Education

Milford Haven School issues heatwave update as temperatures soar

Published

2 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has thanked pupils and staff for the way they have supported one another during the current heatwave.

The school said cooperation and care across the school community had been greatly appreciated.

With tomorrow (Jun 25) forecast to be the hottest day of the current spell, pupils are being asked to come prepared by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and staying as protected from the sun as possible.

Pupils will also be permitted to wear their PE kit to help keep cool.

The school said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Business

Main Street Music to close retail shop as owner focuses on handmade guitars

Published

8 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire music shop is changing the way it operates, with Main Street Music confirming it will no longer trade as a retail shop from September 1.

The business said there will be an immediate 15% sale on all stock, but stressed that Main Street Music is not disappearing completely.

The owner said the decision had been made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the shop’s closure as a retail outlet would be a loss for Pembrokeshire as the county’s last professional guitar dealership.

He said his long-term passion had always been making musical instruments, something he had done since his teenage years, later receiving scholarships and a fellowship for his studies.

After college, he was given the opportunity to buy the business at the age of 24.

He said: “I have had an amazing time running this shop, giving it everything I’ve got, met some wonderful people and sold some incredible guitars.”

Although the business itself remains successful, he said tighter retail margins, dealership pressures and rising costs had made it difficult to grow in a way that would allow him to employ others and spend more time in the workshop.

The shop will eventually reopen as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

Current repair work will continue on a case-by-case basis by appointment only.

Main Street Music thanked customers for their support over recent years, saying the owner was proud of where the shop had been taken.

Caption:

Main Street Music will close as a retail shop from September 1, but will continue as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

News

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

Published

49 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

Photo caption:

Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).