Community

Calls to end ‘national disgrace’ of veteran homelessness

Published

3 months ago

November 14, 2025

VETERAN homelessness has been labelled a “national disgrace” as the Senedd debated Conservative calls for ex-service personnel to be given priority for social housing.

James Evans warned it was unacceptable to have veterans sleeping on the streets, arguing that guaranteeing them a home should be a matter of “principle, not paperwork”.

The Tory Senedd Member said: “It is a national disgrace that men and women who wore the country’s uniform – who stood ready to risk everything for our freedoms and protections – are sleeping rough or are stuck in insecure accommodation.”

He called on the Welsh Government to require councils and social landlords to give homeless veterans the highest priority for housing.

Leading a debate on Wednesday (November 12), Mr Evans set out a five-point plan to honour veterans, arguing remembrance must be about action rather than words.

He told the Senedd: “Remembrance must never just be about looking back, it must be about looking after those who have served and those who still serve today.”

As well as priority housing, the motion called for free bus travel for all veterans, a national military museum, support for service children and permanent peer mentors in the NHS.

Mr Evans criticised amendments, accusing Plaid Cymru of seeking to replace the substance of the motion with “vague platitudes or political point scoring”.

He said: “The most unacceptable part of Plaid Cymru’s amendment is that it seeks to delete a section of our motion that recognises the significant ongoing contribution that the military makes to Wales. How disrespectful is that?”

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths warned one in five Welsh veterans could be eligible for an Armed Forces pension but are not claiming it – “often due to confusion or complexity”.

South Wales East's Plaid Cymru MS Peredur Owen Griffiths — South Wales East’s Plaid Cymru MS Peredur Owen Griffiths, pictured in October

He told the Senedd: “Veterans should receive what they are owed automatically and not be left to navigate a bureaucratic maze.”

Mr Owen Griffiths said: “Too many veterans still face poverty, homelessness and poor mental and physical health – a damning indictment of successive UK Governments.

“The independent review of UK Government welfare services for veterans could not have been clearer: funding cuts have hollowed out support.

“The Trussell Trust reports that over a quarter of veterans now struggle to afford food.”

Lindsay Whittle, the newly returned Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Caerphilly, raised his constituents’ concerns about military personnel’s access to NHS dental services.

Caerphilly's Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle — Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle, pictured on November 4

Mr Whittle called for a service pause policy for NHS dental registration, so veterans and their families do not lose access due to a change of address. He said: “I would like to think that we are all united, despite the attacks earlier,… in supporting the veterans of this country.”

Ken Skates, who is responsible for Armed Forces policy in Wales insofar as it is devolved, described the Tory proposals as “well-intentioned asks” which presented challenges.

Responding to calls for priority housing, he pointed to the Welsh Government’s homelessness bill which is making its way through the Senedd scrutiny process.

Transport and North Wales secretary Ken Skates

The transport secretary said: “The bill seeks to create a person-centred homelessness system that responds to the support needs of all applicants experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including, crucially, members of the Armed Forces community.”

Mr Skates confirmed a review of the national housing pathway for ex-service personnel was under way to ensure it is applied consistently across all 22 councils. He said offering free bus travel could lead to calls for emergency workers to receive the same entitlement.

Senedd Members voted 35-13 against the motion. The Welsh Government’s amended version – which removed the Tories’ five calls – was agreed 36-11, with one abstention.

Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

Published

4 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

Published

4 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.

Community

New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre

Published

8 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.

The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.

The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.

Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.

Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.

The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.