Jo Stevens: Floating wind farms will bring jobs, prosperity and real change to Welsh communities

WALES is poised to take a leading role in the UK’s clean energy revolution, according to the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens.

Speaking after the announcement that Milford Haven, Port Talbot and Swansea have been shortlisted as integration ports for the Celtic Sea’s floating wind developments, Ms Stevens described the news as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to put Wales at the forefront of green energy innovation.

The UK Government-backed plans could generate up to 4.5 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power more than four million homes—while creating over 5,000 skilled jobs and attracting billions of pounds in investment.

‘A huge leap forward for Wales’

Ms Stevens said: “Floating wind technology is at the forefront of the green energy revolution, offering an exciting opportunity for Wales to lead the way in developing this innovative technology. This is an incredible leap forward for renewable energy and a major economic opportunity for south and west Wales.”

She emphasised that the benefits go beyond electricity generation, with ripple effects expected across construction, manufacturing, logistics and engineering.

“These are skilled, green jobs that will provide long-term, secure employment in an industry that is essential for our future,” she said. “I want these jobs to be in Wales.”

Hope for the next generation

Reflecting on a recent visit to Pembrokeshire, the Secretary of State highlighted conversations with young apprentices at Ledwood Engineering and Dragon LNG in Milford Haven.

“I met Libby and Albie, two apprentices inspired by the clean energy sector and keen to build their futures in their home communities. Their optimism shows how renewable energy can truly deliver for local people.”

From coal to clean energy

Ms Stevens also spoke about the long maritime heritage of Welsh ports and how this legacy positions Wales to become a leader in renewable energy.

“From exporting coal to driving tourism, Welsh ports have always played a vital role. Now they are ready to seize the golden opportunity to become powerhouses of clean energy and innovation. This week’s announcement shows we’re not just part of the plan—we’re leading it.”

She added that the UK Government’s “Plan for Change” would support this ambition by helping the UK become a clean energy superpower, while delivering meaningful improvements at a community level.

Delivering real change

Ms Stevens stressed that floating offshore wind is about more than infrastructure—it is about transforming lives.

“Through floating wind, we are tackling climate change, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and putting more pounds in people’s pockets. The jobs and opportunities it creates will help lower energy bills and provide affordable, clean energy for generations to come.”

Pembrokeshire at the centre

Momentum is building around Pembrokeshire’s role in the sector. With backing from the Welsh Government and the Port of Milford Haven, work is already under way to prepare the region for its new role in green energy.

“Pembrokeshire can be at the heart of this,” Ms Stevens said. “From local job creation to major infrastructure investment, this is a once-in-a-generation chance to lead the way in clean, green growth.”

She concluded: “I am committed to making sure that this development brings lasting benefits to communities across Wales—from new career paths to lower household bills.”

Lichfield Garrick is thrilled to announce that actors Alan Booty and Jonathan Houlston will be leading the cast of their upcoming UK Tour of ‘Farm Boy,’ an adaptation of the much-loved sequel to Sir Michael Morpurgo’s ‘War Horse’.

Adapted and directed by the venue’s artistic director Daniel Buckroyd, this critically acclaimed play, which has previously toured the UK and transferred to New York, will be performing at The Torch Theatre on Thursday May 22 at 2 pm and 6 pm as part of its UK Tour.

‘Farm Boy’ is Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to his beloved masterpiece, ‘War Horse’. Set on the farm where he lives in Devon,  and based on the real people he has encountered, this heartwarming and compelling narrative pays homage to the generation who fought in the First World War, the world they came home to and how that conflict affected them.

In a recent conversation with Buckroyd, which is available to view on the Garrick website, Morpurgo spoke about how technology is interrupting relationships between older and younger people and how grandparents and grandchildren spend less time sharing stories. Lichfield Garrick hopes that its production of ‘Farm Boy’ can bring families together to share this story that seems to resonate so strongly across the generations.

Alan Booty plays Grandpa and his career includes productions at the National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and with a host of regional and touring theatre companies, as well as on TV and film. Roles have ranged from King Lear at Brockley Jack Theatre in 2019 to Hermann in a recent critically-acclaimed run of his own play ‘The Loaf’ with Pogo Theatre. Alan is thrilled to be reclaiming his role and is looking forward to bringing the amazing stories that Grandpa recounts to life for family audiences.

Jonathan Houlston plays Grandson. A recent Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, he has already built up a wealth of stage experience, having played Sidney Barnsley in ‘The Making of Lucy’ and Ian in ‘Holes’. His screen credits include a memorable guest lead role in ‘Doctors’ for the BBC, and as a founder of Mad Dragon Theatre Company he performed in its debut production of his own play ‘Physical Education’.

Don’t miss the chance to join Alan and Jonathan for this critically acclaimed show that picks up the story of Albert and Joey where ‘War Horse’ ends, and paints a forgotten history of the changing face of life in rural England.

FARM BOY will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Thursday, May 22, at 2pm and 6pm.

Tickets are priced £15. 

DR RICHARD LEWIS has announced his retirement as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, bringing a 25-year policing career to a close.

The force, which serves Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, will now begin the search for his successor.

Chief Constable Lewis, who was born and raised in west Wales and has worked across all four counties, described leading the force as “the professional privilege of my life.”

He said: “I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing. It has been a real honour to work alongside PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, a true leader and nationally important figure in Wales who has invested so much in the development of Dyfed-Powys and the safety of its communities.

“I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next Chief Constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18% over the past 12 months – by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales.”

Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn paid tribute to Dr Lewis, praising his leadership during a period of major change.

Mr Llywelyn said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.

“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through significant transformation over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to our communities.

“During his tenure, Dr Lewis has overseen a major force review, delivering essential reforms that achieved £10 million in savings. He has also modernised the force’s infrastructure, including the introduction of a new crime records management system – a critical step in addressing HMICFRS concerns about data integrity.”

The Commissioner confirmed that the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will begin in the coming weeks.

Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary Chief Constable until a permanent appointment is made.

Mr Llywelyn added: “On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I thank Richard for his service and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”