News
Senedd debates UK Government’s ‘disastrous’ first six months

THE CONSERVATIVES criticised the UK Government’s record six months on from the general election, accusing Labour of doing “not a dickie bird” to stand up for Wales.
Darren Millar, leader of the Tories in the Senedd, said people were told Labour governments at both ends of the M4 would be great for Wales in the run up to July’s election.
But he warned: “What we’ve actually ended up with is a double whammy: broken promises and failing policies … alongside a passive, silent Labour Welsh Government unwilling to offer a squeak of criticism or lift a finger to defend the interests of the people of Wales.”
Leading a Tory debate, he said the new UK Government has hit farmers with inheritance tax, taken winter fuel allowance from pensioners and hiked national insurance for businesses.
Mr Millar told the Senedd that Welsh railways remain underfunded as he accused Labour of settling for “scraps” despite previously calling for billions of pounds from HS2.
Peter Fox, the Tory shadow rural affairs secretary, warned farmers have to deal with Labour governments “who either do not care or do not understand the needs of rural communities”.
Mr Fox, a farmer and former council leader who represented Monmouth since 2021, criticised changes to agricultural property relief by the UK Government.
“It’s not a loophole,” he said. “It’s a carefully designed policy … to protect Britain’s family farms from being broken up.”
His colleague Natasha Asghar, who represents South Wales East, described a -45% approval rating for Keir Starmer’s government as “a tad generous”.
She said: “If this is just what the first six months of Sir Keir’s premiership look like, I sincerely dread to imagine what the next six months have in store for all of us.”
Mark Drakeford said the Conservative motion in front of the Senedd concentrated entirely on matters outside the Welsh Parliament’s responsibility.
Following the debate on January 15, Senedd members voted 26-24 against the motion with Labour’s amended version agreed by the same margin.
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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