Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Plaid Cymru calls for HS2 funding as disruption sparks debate

Published

on

PLAID Cymru representatives have condemned the UK Government over the HS2 rail project, branding it the “Great Welsh Train Robbery”, while calls for a fairer funding settlement for Wales intensify. However, the UK Government insists that Wales benefits indirectly from the high-speed rail project, while the Welsh Labour Government faces questions about its role in addressing the issue.

Ann Davies, Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin and the party’s Westminster transport spokesperson, criticised the lack of funding for Wales as well as the expected disruption to Welsh rail passengers caused by the construction of Old Oak Common station.

Plaid Cymru’s frustration

Speaking in Westminster on Tuesday (Dec 17), Ms Davies said: “It is well documented that Wales is being robbed of £4 billion in consequential funding from HS2.”

She highlighted the disruption that will affect journeys on the Carmarthen-London route, with some trains expected to be diverted from London Paddington to Euston for up to seven years.

“Welsh passengers will be robbed of their time as trains could be diverted due to the construction of Old Oak Common. It is no wonder that HS2 is being referred to as the Great Welsh Train Robbery.”

Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, echoed her concerns:“Wales deserves better connectivity and transport links that serve her people. The Government must stop sidelining Wales and deliver the funding owed.”

UK Government’s response

The UK Government maintains that HS2, classified as an “England and Wales” project, provides indirect benefits to Wales. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said:

“We are committed to improving services for rail passengers in Wales, investing a record-breaking £2bn in Welsh railways from April 2019 to March 2024. HS2 will deliver economic benefits to all parts of the UK, including Wales, by improving connectivity and reducing congestion.”

The Government argues that the improved rail capacity HS2 provides in England will create opportunities for better services across the wider network, indirectly benefitting Welsh passengers.

Questions for Welsh Labour

Plaid Cymru also criticised the Welsh Labour Government for failing to take a stronger stance. Ann Davies questioned whether the First Minister has made adequate representations to the UK Government about the disruption:

“Can the Minister set out what meetings he has had with the Welsh First Minister regarding the near decade of disruption facing Welsh passengers?”

However, the Welsh Government has consistently called for fairer funding. A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said:

“We continue to press the UK Government for a fair funding settlement that reflects the impact of HS2 on Wales and ensures investment in rail infrastructure.”

Funding disparity

Ann Davies MP also highlighted what she described as historical underinvestment in Wales:

“Despite having 5% of the UK population and 11% of track miles, Wales has received only 1-2% of rail enhancement funding in recent years. Electrification in Wales stands at just 7%, compared to 44% in England and 33% in Scotland.”

Transport experts have supported these concerns. Professor Mark Barry, an advisor to the Welsh Government, said:

“As it is now, we’re supporting a massive scheme in England with no benefit to Wales—and getting no funding. That’s outrageous.”

As disruption looms for Welsh passengers, commuters have expressed concern over overcrowded stations and longer journeys. Passengers travelling to London face diversions, with the situation expected to last up to seven years while construction at Old Oak Common continues.

Plaid Cymru has renewed its call for the UK Government to release the £4 billion it claims is owed to Wales, urging investment in better connectivity and infrastructure.

Cefin Campbell MS added: “The Government must alter its course, deliver the £4 billion Wales is owed, and ensure effective measures are in place to protect Welsh passengers from disruption.”

With the debate showing no signs of slowing, Welsh passengers and politicians alike will be watching closely to see whether funding and disruption concerns are addressed in the coming months.

 

News

Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach

Published

on

A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.

The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.

Stranded on sand

Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.

However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”

It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.

‘Not the first’

Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.

One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”

Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”

Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.

Expensive mistake

New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.

Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.

One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”

Recovery expected

As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.

Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.

One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.

“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”

Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”

 

Continue Reading

Community

Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

Published

on

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

 

Continue Reading

News

Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

Published

on

WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

 

Continue Reading

News16 hours ago

West Wales coracle fishermen raise alarm over suspected sewage pollution

A CENTURIES-old fishing tradition on the River Towy could be under threat after coracle fishermen reported suspected sewage pollution entering...

Community2 days ago

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter...

Entertainment2 days ago

Haverfoodfest returns to Haverfordwest town centre today

HAVERFORDWEST town centre is expected to be busy today as Haverfoodfest 2026 returns for a full day of food, drink,...

Crime3 days ago

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man. Henry Howlett, 70, of Market...

News4 days ago

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd CONSERVATIVE...

Community4 days ago

Milford Haven Beer Fest returns to waterfront this May

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer...

Community5 days ago

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced...

Charity5 days ago

Row erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises

A HAVERFORDWEST museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform UK campaign material was photographed inside the...

Crime5 days ago

Pembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children. David Lewis, 42, is...

Crime6 days ago

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with...

Popular This Week