News
Wales at the forefront of UK drive to ‘turbocharge’ AI

THE FIRST MINISTER OF WALES Eluned Morgan has welcomed today’s announcement from the UK Government of a multi-billion pound investment in Artificial Intelligence.
The UK Opportunities Action Plan, launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, aims to drive economic growth, support public services and use intelligent technology to improve people’s every day lives.
Wales is uniquely placed to benefit from the AI infrastructure plans, with work already underway to develop tech hubs, shared resources and data centres.
As part of the investment announced today, US technology giant Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over £12 billion across the UK, resulting in the creation of over 11,500 jobs. The Welsh Government has been working closely with Vantage since 2020 to support the development of its data centres in Wales.
It is expected that the lion’s share of the new investment from Vantage will be in Wales. The biggest investment will be in Bridgend, where the company plans to develop the former Ford factory site to become one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses.
The First Minister is keen to ensure Wales benefits from the investment in AI, saying:
“Today’s announcement, which includes a multi-billion pound investment in AI by some of the world’s biggest tech companies, is a huge boost in confidence for industry in Wales.
“We are seeing that AI is increasingly being used as a power for good, whether that’s increasing productivity or bringing smarter solutions to everyday problems.
“There can be enormous benefits to the economy in establishing the tech and wider infrastructure here in Wales. Industry leaders recognise that the conditions are right in Wales, with a government that will do what it can to make these plans a reality.
“This won’t happen overnight and it’s important that the infrastructure, data, skills and talent is in place to ensure that we all benefit from these solutions. There’s no question that Wales is in an excellent position to benefit, given the work that’s already in progress here.”
The Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans is leading a review to explore how Wales can capitalise on opportunities and develop Wales’ strengths in the development of AI-based technologies.
Over the past year, the Welsh Government has worked with other organisations to develop guidance to support Welsh public bodies in adopting AI in a responsible, safe and ethical way.
Wales has already seen evidence of the value of AI implementation in diagnostic care in the NHS, with a digital pathology platform for prostate and breast cancer detection led by Betsi Cadwaladr seeing a 13% increase in prostate cancer detection rates.
Estyn, the school inspectorate, is also undertaking a review of the use of Generative AI in schools, which will explore the potential benefits to schools, while also considering the challenges they pose.
Entertainment
Foreigner in My Body – Workshop and show

HOW we see ourselves isn’t always how others see us. Join movement artist Sara Hartel in a workshop that explores the tension between identity and perception here at the Torch Theatre this Wednesday followed by a work in progress show on Thursday with Foreigner in My Body.
The evening workshop will give you an opportunity to learn how to creatively use audio description in a safe, nurturing environment which gives you space to explore the role gender plays in how we move, and how others see the way we move, through the creation of a piece of movement.
The show itself, Foreigner in My Body, is a work in progress show exploring the transgender journey through the lens of crossing borders. It blends circus, physical theatre and storytelling with malicious audio description. A story of rebellion and trans joy. Think of the burlesque of airport security, the luggage carousel of emotional baggage and a plane crash on aerial silks.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 February at 7pm and the show on Thursday 13 February at 7pm. Both the workshop and show are suitable for those 14+. Anyone who attends the workshop can go the performance for FREE too!
Tickets for Foreigner in My Body are priced at £5.00. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Crime
Woman ‘high on drugs’ crashes into parked cars in Milford Haven

DYFED-POWYS Police were called to Priory Road, Milford Haven, at around 10:15am on Friday (Feb 14) following reports of a collision involving three vehicles.
A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
She has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Two vehicles parked on the side of the road, both belonging to nearby residents, were damaged in the crash.
A witness at the scene said: “I saw the woman. She was absolutely off her face, and lost control of her car. Its really lucky that no one was hurt.”
Community
Feed the Community Event Attended by Local MS

SENEDD Member Paul Davies has recently visited the Feed the Community initiative at the Haverhub in Haverfordwest. Feed the Community is supported by Haverfordwest Town Council and organised by Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner. The project, which supported by several local organisations, invites residents to the Hub where free hot meals are provided and there are free activities to get involved in.
Mr Davies said, “Feed the Community is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the local community working together to create these inclusive and welcoming events.”
He added, “It’s a great way for local businesses and charities to engage with residents and build bridges in the community. The event was so well attended, and I was delighted to talk to residents, business representatives and volunteers. The atmosphere at the Hub was very positive and I was delighted to see it all for myself.”

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