News
Ex-FM declares interest amid calls for crackdown on political donations

VAUGHAN GETHING declared an interest as the Senedd’s petitions committee discussed calls for a crackdown on donations to politicians.
The former first minister made the declaration as the committee considered a petition calling for stricter rules to limit gifts, donations and payments received by Senedd members
Mr Gething, who broke no rules, stood down in August amid controversy around a £200,000 donation to his Welsh Labour leadership campaign from a convicted polluter.
During the declaration of interest section of Monday’s meeting, he said: “I don’t think I have a declaration of interest but the petitioner, I think, is talking about me in part of it.”
In her 343-name petition, Lyn Eynon wrote: “There has been wide public concern over large donations given to a prominent Member of the Senedd. Lessons must be learnt from this.
“Wales must preserve and enhance its reputation for transparency and integrity.
“All MSs have a duty to ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their public duties and their private interests.”
Senedd members agreed to keep the petition open while the standards committee concludes its inquiry into the registration and declaration of interests.
Mr Gething wrote to the standards committee in May, acknowledging concerns and calling for a review of the rules on donations made to Senedd members.
The standards committee – which is now chaired by Hannah Blythyn, who was sacked by Mr Gething amid claims of leaking – is expected to continue this work in the summer term.
Mr Gething also drew the committee’s attention to a petition on Covid-19 vaccine side effects, pointing out he was health minister at the start of the vaccination programme.
While the petition met the 10,000-name threshold to be considered for a Senedd debate, committee members agreed to close the petition submitted by Alison Butler.
Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, pointed out that module four of the UK Covid inquiry will consider and make recommendations on vaccines.
He said: “I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to have any debate in the Senedd, bearing in mind only a quarter of those who signed the petition were based in Wales.”
Mr Gething said he will be giving written evidence to module four of the Covid inquiry but he was unsure whether he will be called to appear in person.
Committee members also closed a 443-name petition, submitted by Jasmin McNally, calling on the Welsh Government to scrap its “racist and ridiculous” anti-racist Wales plan.
Mr Gething pointed out that the plan was endorsed by all parties in the Senedd.
“The petitioner’s entitled to have a different point of view,” he said. “But we’re not going to change government policy or the view of the Senedd on this.
“I disagree in strong terms with the emotive and offensive language used by the petitioner but that’s what happens in a democracy.
“I don’t believe there is more action the committee can take. We simply have a disagreement of views and if she wants people who agree with her, the ballot box is the way to do it.”
During the meeting on January 20, Senedd members discussed a 271-signature petition, calling for meat-free Mondays in every school in Wales.
Manon Thompson, the teenage petitioner, wrote that meat-free Mondays – as adopted by Cardiff council – would reduce carbon footprints and save the lives of animals.
The committee thanked the young campaigner, agreeing to close the petition with Welsh ministers expected to hold a consultation on healthy eating in the spring.
Members also noted a letter from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), dashing petitioners’ hopes of S4C pulling together a bid for Wales to compete in Eurovision.
Bakel Walden, from the EBU, wrote: “As the BBC continues to participate, and remains the rights holder in the United Kingdom, this means an entry from the individual nations of the UK is therefore not possible at the Eurovision Song Contest.”
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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