News

Plaid Cymru leader calls for change in Wales as 2026 election looms

Published

3 months ago

October 11, 2024

WALES is at a “real opportunity” for political change after 25 years of Labour dominance, according to Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth. Addressing his party’s annual conference, ap Iorwerth urged supporters to seize the moment and “build trust” with voters ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

In a rousing speech, he asked the Welsh public to decide whether to “accept second best” by continuing to support Labour or take “that first step towards becoming the nation we know we can be” under a Plaid Cymru government. The leader sharply criticised Labour’s record, accusing them of losing the moral high ground in Welsh politics. This comes after a year marked by controversy surrounding donations to former First Minister Vaughan Gething.

Plaid Cymru’s conference was overshadowed by internal tension over the refusal of Cyngor Gwynedd leader Dyfrig Siencyn to apologise to the victims of a paedophile headteacher. Senior figures within Plaid called Siencyn’s position “untenable” after his remarks during an interview with Newyddion S4C.

***Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS is hugged by former leader Adam Price at the end of his speech (Pic: Rob Norman)***

Despite recent controversies, Plaid Cymru has reasons for optimism. The party achieved its best-ever result at a UK general election in July, winning four Westminster seats, but it has yet to claim a victory in the Senedd since devolution in 1999.

In previous years, Plaid Cymru has worked alongside Labour in coalition governments and under a co-operation agreement, which ap Iorwerth ended abruptly in May. He told conference attendees: “Wales can’t afford another 25 years of Labour.” His remarks come as Plaid positions itself as a strong challenger ahead of the 2026 election, buoyed by a new, more proportional voting system that could benefit smaller parties like Plaid.

***Rhun ap Iorwerth hugs supporters following his speech (Pic Matthew Horwood)***

Criticism of Welsh Labour

Ap Iorwerth saved his harshest words for Welsh Labour, accusing the party of failing to recognise “the difference between right and wrong.” He specifically called out the £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething from a donor with a criminal record for environmental offences. This scandal played a part in Gething’s downfall and is being used as evidence of Labour’s ethical failings.

In contrast, ap Iorwerth positioned Plaid as a party of integrity and bold reform. “Unlike Eluned Morgan, I will acknowledge that some things are broken, but more importantly, I’ll be determined that nothing is beyond repair,” he declared.

A vision for change

If elected, ap Iorwerth promised to break the cycle of “short-term thinking” in Welsh politics. He outlined plans to overhaul the NHS, committing to preventative healthcare measures and promising a new budget within the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government. Ap Iorwerth announced plans to increase spending on preventative health measures annually, stating: “No more sticking plaster, no more blaming the individual, no more passing the buck.”

In response to the recent critical incident at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital, where significant damage to the roof was discovered, ap Iorwerth committed to clearing emergency maintenance backlogs in Welsh hospitals by 2030. He also vowed to appoint a dedicated minister for public health if he becomes First Minister, ensuring that preventative health becomes a national priority.

His party’s focus on health policy extended to education and housing, with Plaid Cymru pledging to overhaul how children are taught to read and launching an ambitious retrofitting programme to improve energy efficiency in homes. Additionally, the party vowed to reinstate meaningful targets for reducing child poverty, which remains a persistent issue in Wales.

Looking towards 2026

Speaking to the media, ap Iorwerth highlighted the new electoral system for the 2026 election, which increases the number of Senedd seats from 60 to 96. Polling suggests Plaid Cymru could be in a strong position to challenge Labour, raising the possibility of a coalition government.

However, ap Iorwerth ruled out any co-operation with the Welsh Conservatives or Reform UK, focusing his sights on Labour as his party’s main opposition. While Labour will likely need to strike a deal with another party to pass its budget in the coming year, ap Iorwerth was clear that Plaid would not seek a budget deal. “The ball is very much in Labour’s court,” he said.

Analysis

Plaid Cymru has never been closer to becoming the largest party in the Senedd. With positive polling and its best-ever general election result, the party feels momentum is on its side. However, with this increased pressure comes heightened scrutiny. The row over Dyfrig Siencyn has cast a shadow over the start of the conference, offering a taste of the challenges Plaid will face as it moves closer to potentially unseating Labour.

The question for the Welsh public in 2026 will be whether Plaid Cymru can translate this momentum into electoral success and deliver the change it promises.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

12 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Crime

Only 3% of sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police result in a charge

Published

17 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 1,600 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the last year, but just three per cent resulted in a charge or summons.

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 1,686 offences were reported to the force but just 47 resulted in a charge or summons.

Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

In the last year, there were 1,141 sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police as well as further 545 rapes.

Of those, just 47 resulted in a charge with 552 offences still under investigation.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and alleged perpetrators were between the ages of 0-17.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.

Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13 per cent.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims.

SACA’s investigation revealed the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.

Specialist Ellie Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award.

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”

Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.

However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.

One of the force’s priorities is to provide a compassionate response to victims of rape and serious sexual assault and the relentless pursuit of offenders

The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).

“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.

“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.

“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.

“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”

The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.

“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.

“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”

Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.