News

Welsh Secretary launches drive for ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’

Published

1 year ago

December 2, 2024

WELSH SECRETARY Jo Stevens has chaired the first meeting of the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, an initiative aimed at boosting prosperity, shaping the UK’s industrial strategy, and positioning Britain as a global leader in clean energy.

The meeting, held on Monday (Dec 2), brought together representatives from both governments, alongside leaders in business, education, industry, and unions, to influence cross-government policy. The group’s goal is to enhance economic growth, create jobs, and increase household incomes across Wales.

Supporting Welsh innovation

As part of this initiative, Stevens met with leaders in Wales’s digital and technology sectors to explore growth opportunities. Last week, she toured Wolf Studios in Cardiff Bay, home to productions such as *Doctor Who* and *A Discovery of Witches*, while discussing Wales’s creative industries.

Speaking after the meeting, Jo Stevens said: “I was thrilled to meet some of Wales’s most talented and ambitious minds and hear their ideas on how we usher in a new era of prosperity. This partnership has hit the ground running, working at pace to rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with jobs and industries of the future.”

Focus on key sectors

The group is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, which will prioritise Welsh industries. Their recommendations will also inform Welsh priorities for the UK Spending Review in spring 2025.

Since July, the UK Government has announced more than £1 billion in investments for North Wales, launched Growth Deals and Investment Zones, secured a steel industry deal for Wales, and delivered a record Budget settlement for public services. Over the next six months, the advisory group will meet regularly to refine priorities for economic growth and clean energy.

Voices from across Wales

Alison Orrells, Chair of CBI Wales, said: “I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on actions needed to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across Wales. From regional investments to green growth projects and semiconductor clusters, Welsh businesses can play a crucial role in delivering this mission.”

Shavanah Taj, General Secretary of TUC Cymru, highlighted the need to address economic inequalities: “Many parts of Wales have been scarred by deindustrialisation and underinvestment. These plans must prioritise decent work, manufacturing, and a just transition to net zero.”

Oriel Petry, Head of Airbus Group UK Public Affairs, said: “I look forward to advocating for Wales to capitalise on its sectoral strengths and industries of the future.”

Dr Jenifer Baxter, CEO of Industry Wales, added: “Industry Wales is excited to help shape an industrial strategy that drives innovation and economic growth through high-value manufacturing, clean energy, and digital connectivity.”

Sir Derek Jones, Independent Adviser at Cardiff University, concluded: “Economic growth must be the top priority for Wales. This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that goal is achieved.”

The Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group marks a fresh approach to tackling Wales’s economic challenges and unlocking its potential for future prosperity.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.