BUS services in Wales are set for their biggest transformation in a generation after the Senedd today passed a landmark Bill bringing routes back under public control.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill will overhaul the way local bus networks are planned and delivered, giving the public sector far greater influence over how services run in both rural and urban communities. Ministers say the reforms will put passengers first by creating a network that is reliable, affordable and easier to navigate.

Working alongside local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus operators, unions and the public, the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales will use local knowledge to design services that better reflect community needs. The long-term ambition is a fully integrated system offering one network, one timetable and one ticket across the whole of Wales.

The Bill also aims to tackle social isolation, cut transport emissions and lay the foundations for a modern, joined-up public transport system with simpler timetables and better access.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, described the Bill’s approval as a “historic day” for Welsh public transport.

“This is a Bill that will transform the way bus services are delivered here in Wales, putting people and communities first with reliable, affordable and easy-to-use joined-up services,” he said.

“I understand this is a big change for the industry and will take time to implement across Wales, but the change is long overdue, and I’m excited about what we can deliver for the people of Wales by working in collaboration.”

The Welsh Government plans to introduce the reforms in phases:

• South West Wales – 2027
• North Wales – 2028
• South East Wales – 2029
• Mid Wales – 2030

The legislation marks a major step toward creating a fairer, greener and more connected transport system for Wales.

Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core”

CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the most serious offences in the devastating case of seven-week-old Baby C, including multiple counts of penetration and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The baby’s mother, who cannot be named, has been cleared of every charge, including allegations that she failed to protect her child.

The verdicts were delivered this afternoon (Dec 9) at Swansea Crown Court following a harrowing three-week trial.

Following the verdicts, Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered an emotional statement rarely heard from the bench. He told the courtroom: “In my over forty years of experience, this has been the most distressing case I have ever had to deal with.

“This has truly shaken me to my core.”

Turning to the jury, he said: “I would like to show my admiration to you all. I appreciate the toll this may have had on your mental health. You are a testament to our jury system. Thank you for all of your great effort.”

Judge Thomas ordered a pre-sentence report and requested an updated assessment of Baby C’s current physical and psychological health following the injuries he sustained.

He also directed that a psychiatric evaluation be prepared on Phillips to determine the level of danger he poses and to assist in setting the appropriate sentence.

He warned Phillips that he is facing “an extremely long prison sentence”.

Phillips will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register within three days of arriving in prison.

The jury’s verdicts confirm Phillips was responsible for the catastrophic injuries inflicted on Baby C in January 2021, including a bleed on the brain, multiple fractures, severe bruising, blunt-force trauma to a testicle and anal injuries described in court as “gaping”.

Medical specialists told the court they had administered morphine to a baby so young only “a handful of times” in their careers.

A sentencing will take place on January 16.

He was taken to prison.

Additional reporting by Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER accused of causing more than £18,000 worth of damage at a Ceredigion car dealership will stand trial next summer, it was confirmed at Swansea Crown Court this week (Dec 9).

Seventy-eight-year-old Matthew Edmunds, of Dinas Ceri, Cwm Cou, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Cawdor Cars, Newcastle Emlyn, on April 19, 2024.

He is accused alongside a 15-year-old child, who cannot be named for legal reasons. That child has already admitted the offending, the court heard.

The court heard that the child applied paint stripper to several vehicles at the dealership and later helped to dispose of the clothing seen on CCTV. The prosecution allege that Edmunds denies involvement and permitted the child to take full responsibility for the incident.

Earlier hearings were told that six vehicles were damaged, with repair costs estimated at £18,373.31.

Edmunds attended court in a wheelchair, and the court was informed that he requires kidney dialysis sessions lasting around four-and-a-half hours, three days a week. The judge said the Crown Court would ensure the trial timetable accommodates his medical needs.

The case was adjourned for trial on June 16, 2026.