News

Morgan insists Welsh Labour stands apart from UK party

Published

9 months ago

September 14, 2025

FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has underlined her determination to present Welsh Labour as distinct from its UK counterpart, saying her government will continue to champion policies shaped by “Welsh values.”

Speaking ahead of the Senedd’s new term, Morgan told Politics Wales that she wanted the public to “recognise that in Wales we hold on to the principles that have always made us different.”

Her remarks come after a difficult week for UK Labour, during which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism over his choice of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s new ambassador to the United States.

Distancing from Westminster

The First Minister’s comments reflect a wider strategy to protect Welsh Labour from the growing unpopularity of Starmer’s government. Insiders say she is keen to avoid being judged on decisions made in London, particularly on areas such as foreign affairs and constitutional reform, where she has no influence.

That calculation comes against a backdrop of mass protest in London on Saturday, where police estimated 110,000 people marched in a rally organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Around 5,000 counter-protesters were also present. Social media posts from the event claimed “millions” attended, but that figure has not been verified by any official source.

Among the sea of placards and banners, many Welsh flags were visible, a reminder of how Welsh identity is increasingly prominent in UK-wide debates about politics, government and national direction.

A renewed Welsh focus

With the Senedd election approaching, Morgan is seeking to reassure voters that Welsh Labour is accountable for devolved matters such as health, education and transport, rather than Westminster policies. The approach echoes Rhodri Morgan’s idea of “clear red water” between Cardiff Bay and Westminster, rebranded by Eluned Morgan earlier this year as the “red Welsh way.”

Asked whether she would “double down” on this Welsh-first message, Morgan replied that her focus would remain on the responsibilities within her control.

“It’s important that I’m judged on the decisions that are mine to make,” she said. “That’s why the red Welsh way matters—it reflects the priorities of the people of Wales.”

Owain Williams, a former Labour Senedd candidate not selected for 2026, said there was still a “philosophical divide” in the party over devolution. He argued that Labour would struggle to win a devolved election if it failed to show full commitment to making devolution work.

Speaking separately to BBC Radio Cymru, he raised concerns that some in the party continued to struggle with questions of Welsh identity and the language.

In a statement, Welsh Labour said both it and UK Labour were “proud of our role in delivering devolution” and while the two governments may sometimes differ, “we are always united in our commitment to deliver for Wales.”

News

A4075 shut near Bluestone following collision

Published

11 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DRIVERS are being urged to avoid the A4075 this evening following a collision near Bluestone.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the road has been closed between Yerbeston and the Bluestone Roundabout while emergency services deal with the incident.

Traffic reports say the closure is affecting both directions between the A4115 and the B4586, with slow traffic in the area.

A police spokesperson said: “The road is currently closed due to a collision. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.”

Motorists are advised to allow extra time and use an alternative route where possible.

Climate

Offshore wind ‘could bring new generation of jobs to Milford Haven’

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire ports and Celtic Sea projects placed at centre of Wales’ green energy ambitions

MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock could be at the heart of a new offshore wind boom after Wales’ new energy minister said the sector could drive jobs, investment and coastal regeneration.

Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, told the Global Offshore Wind 2026 conference that Wales was “open for business” and ready to work with industry, the UK Government and The Crown Estate.

For Pembrokeshire, the announcement is particularly significant. The Milford Haven Waterway is already being positioned as a key base for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with Pembroke Port earmarked as a major renewables hub. Plans for a dedicated floating offshore wind storage compound at Pembroke Dock have already secured planning permission.

Mr Price said: “I believe that the offshore wind sector has the potential to deliver high quality sustainable career opportunities for people in Wales.

“The offshore wind sector has a key role to play in bringing about the regeneration of coastal communities in both north and south Wales.

“Our role is to remove the blockers faced by the sector — whether in planning, access to finance or infrastructure.”

The Celtic Sea floating wind programme is expected to create major supply chain opportunities for Welsh ports, engineering firms, vessel operators and training providers. Marine Energy Wales has said the first 4.5GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea could create more than 5,300 jobs during construction.

The Port of Milford Haven has previously said the Haven’s existing energy expertise, heavy engineering base and deep-water port facilities make it well placed to support the industry.

Mr Price also welcomed UK Government support for Port Talbot, but Pembrokeshire businesses will be watching closely to ensure Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock receive a fair share of the investment.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said offshore wind was “Wales’ next big industrial opportunity”, adding that it could be worth almost £5bn to Welsh businesses and deliver more than 3,000 long-term secure jobs.

For Milford Haven, long associated with oil, gas and marine industry, floating offshore wind could mark the next chapter in the Haven’s energy story.

News

Welsh Conservatives call for overseas spending to be redirected to public services

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Darren Millar says taxpayers’ money should be spent on Welsh priorities, not foreign projects

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has been urged to stop spending taxpayers’ money on overseas projects and instead focus every pound on public services and the Welsh economy.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said ministers should scrap what he described as costly international schemes and overseas offices, arguing that the money would be better spent on hospitals, roads and businesses in Wales.

The Conservatives have repeatedly criticised Welsh Government spending on international projects, including tree planting in Nigeria, solar-powered canoes in the Amazon, and the maintenance of overseas offices.

Mr Millar said the Welsh Government had no responsibility for foreign policy and should concentrate on devolved priorities.

He said: “At a time when patients are being treated in hospital corridors, our road infrastructure is creaking and businesses are taxed to the hilt, it is simply wrong that Welsh taxpayers’ money is being wasted on overseas vanity projects.

“The first duty of the Welsh Government is to the people it serves. Plaid’s Finance Minister is being evasive over how to fund flagship policies, but could save millions of pounds by scrapping wasteful spending on non-devolved areas.

“Tree-planting schemes in Africa, solar-powered canoe projects in the Amazon and the maintenance of Welsh Government offices in exotic locations around the world, including three in China, represent spending on non-devolved areas, which are the responsibility of the UK Government.

“There’s no such thing as government money, only taxpayers’ money, and we should be able to see how every penny is spent.

“The Welsh Government must prioritise the needs of the people of Wales and focus spending on public services and building a stronger economy.”