New research sparks concerns over food affordability

SHOCKING new research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 58% of people in Wales anticipate food prices will rise due to the Family Farm Tax introduced in the recent Budget.

In response, the Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to reject the government’s Finance Bill, citing its damaging impact on family farms and wider rural communities.

Worrying changes in food habits

The research highlights alarming trends in how Welsh residents plan to cope with rising food costs. Nearly half (47%) of those expecting increases said they would switch to cheaper alternatives, while 32% revealed they would cut back on the amount of food they buy.

These changes could have significant health implications, with 19% of respondents admitting they are likely to buy less fresh fruit and vegetables if prices go up. The knock-on effect on small businesses is also evident, with 16% of respondents saying they would turn to larger supermarkets, posing further challenges for independent retailers already grappling with the rise in employers’ NIC contributions and the potential impact of the bus fare cap on foot traffic.

Liberal Democrats push for action

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to scrap the Family Farm Tax, arguing that its effects extend far beyond the farming sector. They warn of serious consequences for families and pensioners struggling to manage rising costs, urging support for their manifesto pledge to boost farming budgets by £1 billion, including £50 million annually for Wales.

“A tax that hits every family”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader David Chadwick MP said:
“I will fight this disastrous tax hike every step of the way and ensure Wales’ voices are heard in Westminster. The impact of this tax hike goes beyond farming communities—families and pensioners across Wales will be hit if food prices go up.

“The Budget has proven that the new Labour government does not understand rural communities or farmers and their vital role in food security, environmental protection, and the Welsh economy.

“We are urging the Labour government to axe the tax now. If not, the impact on already struggling communities will be catastrophic.”

Underground cabling technology from Carmarthen firm hailed as alternative to pylon eyesores

A LOCAL politician has called on the Welsh Government to preserve Wales’ iconic landscapes by adopting underground cabling as an alternative to overhead pylons.

Speaking at the Senedd on Tuesday, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds urged First Minister Eluned Morgan to prioritise underground cabling over the construction of pylons, which she described as damaging to rural scenery and communities.

Dodds praised the work of ATP Cable Ploughing, a Pencader-based Carmarthenshire company, which uses an innovative “spiderplow” machine to install cables underground with minimal environmental impact. The company is already laying over a kilometre of high-voltage cable daily in sensitive areas across the UK.

Highlighting the benefits of underground cabling, Dodds explained that it not only protects the landscape but also improves the resilience of the power grid. She noted that underground cables are far less susceptible to damage from extreme weather events, such as high winds, which are becoming increasingly common.

Dodds told the Senedd: “There is a real chance for Wales to become a world leader in a technology that will revolutionise our energy grid. Underground cabling allows us to save our iconic landscapes and natural habitats while ensuring rural communities stay connected to the rest of Wales.

“But placing our power infrastructure underground isn’t just about appearance—it’s about resilience. With more extreme weather events becoming the norm, having a weather-proof grid has never been more important.

“Despite this, developers continue to default to pylons, scarring vast areas of our countryside. We cannot afford to sideline concerns about environmental and community impacts in favour of what is perceived to be the cheapest option.”

Dodds called on the Welsh Government to take bold steps to protect Wales’ rural beauty and modernise the nation’s power infrastructure.

ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.

Court appearance

San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.

The charges

The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.

San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

Life on the run

Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.

Why North Wales?

Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.

The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.