News
Collapsed deal punches hole in economy

THE FUTURE of the Murco Refinery, Milford Haven was discussed by Assembly Members during an emergency statement in the Senedd. Earlier Mid and West AM Simon Thomas for the Party of Wales had tabled an emergency question for a statement about Murco Oil Refinery following the failure to sell the site to new owners. Regional AM for Plaid Cymru Simon Thomas said: “My thoughts are with the people whose jobs are at risk. This is a huge hole punched into the Pembrokeshire economy but also in the strategic economy of Wales and the UK economy as these facilities in Milford Haven are key.
These 350 well paid jobs are important to the Pembrokeshire economy not only at the refinery but in the supply chain. The retail arm which has already been sold off is a network supports many small businesses in west Wales. The change of use for the refinery could have an impact on the retail arm, so I’m seeking answers from the Welsh Government about this. There is a glimmer of hope with other interest in this site. There has been a discussion of a management buyout or a workers’ cooperative control. I hope these ideas will be considered if it is not too late. Plaid Cymru wants to see the Murco taskforce established in April to be beefed up as it now has a different task for regeneration in the immediate 18 months to 2 years and has to build up the skills of the Pembrokeshire economy urgently.
I’m pledging my party’s support to cooperate with the Welsh Government and the Government in Westminster to work to find the best way forward for those people who rely on jobs at the refinery. Our thoughts and sympathies must be with the families impacted upon by this decision by the Klesch Group. This is another example of the unbalanced UK economy – more Plaid Cymru MPs next May would ensure that Wales is not forgotten when it comes to any economic recovery.”
Education
Support from Blue Gem Wind boosts outdoor learning in Pembrokeshire

THE PEMBROKESHIRE OUTDOOR SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP (PODS) has received a significant boost in the form of a £7,500 contribution from Blue Gem Wind. The funding arrived at a pivotal time for the outdoor education initiative, enabling projects that connect learners with Pembrokeshire’s rich outdoor spaces, including its National Park.

One of the key focus areas to benefit from the funding was the development of bespoke learning resources for the Courage and Community – RNLI 200 Cymru exhibition, which is being hosted by Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre until June 2025.
The resources have been designed to engage learners with the vital work of the RNLI, whether they’re able to visit the exhibition or not. Put together by Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools to include a range of partners, including the Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Darwin Science, RNLI, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, the Field Studies Council (FSC) and Câr y Môr, they cover topics such as renewable energy, coastal wildlife and Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage.
Bryony Rees, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools Co-ordinator, said: “This funding has enabled us to develop engaging learning resources that bring the work of the RNLI to life. By exploring Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage and maritime communities, these materials provide meaningful learning opportunities for children in and beyond the classroom.”
The funding also supported a landmark outdoor learning experience for Year 8 pupils from Henry Tudor School in Pembroke, who took part in a hands-on programme at Newgale Beach. The visit explored topics such as climate change, recreation management, geology, and ‘art in the environment,’ using the stunning coastal setting as an open-air classroom. Delivered by PODS in collaboration with the National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, and local geologist Sid Howells, the sessions gave students a unique opportunity to connect with nature while deepening their understanding of these important themes.
As part of the programme, National Park staff trialled mobility equipment, enabling two students with additional mobility needs to fully experience the beach’s dynamic and challenging terrain.
David Jones, Stakeholder at Blue Gem Wind, said: “We absolutely loved taking part in some of the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools activity days, particularly doing it in collaboration with other partners and bringing renewable energy to school children in the outdoors. Providing funding for this crucial project allows us the opportunity to support future activity and highlight the exciting careers renewable energy could provide for young people in Pembrokeshire.”
PODS is co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and supported by a network of specialist organisations, teachers and local authority advisors. It aims to enable learners to benefit from high quality outdoor learning experiences, encouraging children to become fully engaged with and confident in their local environment. Further information about the partnership can be found at https://pembrokeshireoutdoorschools.co.uk.
Education
Welsh university crisis deepens as Bangor announces 200 job cuts

THE FINANCIAL crisis gripping Welsh universities has worsened, with Bangor University announcing plans to cut 200 jobs in an effort to save £15 million. The move follows similar measures at Cardiff University, which is set to axe 400 positions, and the University of South Wales, which will shed 90 jobs and shut down several courses.
Bangor’s Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke outlined the university’s dire financial position in an email to staff, citing a drop in international students, rising costs, and changes to national insurance as key factors. While the university hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies by extending its voluntary redundancy scheme, it has warned that enforced job losses may be necessary.
The crisis has sparked a political row, with Labour’s funding policies and tax hikes under fire. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, placed the blame squarely on the Labour Government’s handling of higher education:
“Labour’s National Insurance hike continues to heap pressure on industries across Wales and following the similar news from Cardiff University last month, it was inevitable these pressures would ripple across the higher education sector.”
“With universities already grappling with a £100m deficit and Labour’s tuition fee increases making higher education less appealing for many young people, Labour’s funding cuts and tax hikes are now jeopardising the future of our institutions, their staff, and students.”
“After 26 years of Labour failure in education, it’s clear that only the Welsh Conservatives have the solutions to fix these deep-rooted problems and secure a brighter future for Wales.”
The UK Government has also been criticised for immigration policies that discouraged international student enrolment, worsening financial struggles across the sector. Prof Burke noted that some top-tier universities have responded to the drop in international students by lowering entry grades, making it even harder for institutions like Bangor to attract students.
On Tuesday, Welsh Higher Education Minister Vikki Howells announced a further £19 million in funding for the sector, despite stating earlier this month that no extra money was available. However, universities have warned that this support falls short of what is needed to prevent further cuts.
Meanwhile, the University of South Wales has confirmed its own job losses and course closures. The institution will withdraw from some research topics and concentrate on crime, security and justice, health and wellbeing, the sustainable environment, and creative innovation. The university said it is making efforts to limit compulsory redundancies and provide support to affected staff and students.
With the financial future of Wales’ universities hanging in the balance, opposition leaders and university officials alike are calling for a long-term solution to prevent further disruption to students, staff, and the wider economy.
Responding to the news that Bangor University is expected to cut 200 jobs, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Under Labour, we are seeing the hollowing out of Welsh educational and research institutions. First Cardiff and Lampter and now Bangor with concerns more will follow.
“Labour’s increase in national insurance contributions will have only exacerbated the financial situation being faced by our universities.
“We urgently need to see a review into higher education and research funding in Wales.”
News
Councils pay over £100,000 to Crown Estate annually

CALLS FOR DEVOLUTION
NEW data has revealed that councils in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire pay a combined £105,589.29 each year to the Crown Estate for public access to land.
The figure was obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the office of Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales (pictured). Mr. Campbell argues the findings strengthen his party’s call for the devolution of the Crown Estate’s responsibilities to Wales.
Currently, profits from the Crown Estate are received and managed by the UK Treasury on behalf of the royal family.
PLAID CYMRU PRESSURE
In the Senedd today (Wednesday, February 19), Mr. Campbell questioned Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing. He raised concerns about the financial strain on local councils and the impact of rising costs.
“Local authorities, facing the cost-of-living crisis and increased national insurance contributions, are having to consider cuts to public services to balance their budgets,” he said. “Ceredigion Council, for instance, is facing a £5 million deficit and considering a council tax rise of up to 14%.”
He added: “Do you agree with me and my Plaid Cymru colleagues that it is impossible to justify councils in south-west Wales sending over £100,000 to the UK Treasury and royal family each year? Shouldn’t the process of transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate to Wales begin as soon as possible?”
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