News

Covid report says Wales was ‘too slow’ as inquiry criticises four nations’ response

Published

4 months ago

November 20, 2025

Second UK inquiry report finds Welsh ministers over-relied on London guidance

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT was “too slow” to act in the opening weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic and relied too heavily on UK Government advice, according to the latest findings of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

The report – the second major publication from Baroness Heather Hallett’s inquiry – concludes that all four governments across the UK provided an “inadequate” response in the run-up to the first national lockdown, making sweeping restrictions “inevitable.”

In Wales, the inquiry found ministers failed to shift away from London’s lead quickly enough, and were late to recognise the seriousness of the developing situation in early 2020. It also warns that the Welsh Government was behind the curve again during the second wave in October 2020, a period which saw Wales record the highest Covid death rate of any UK nation.

More than 12,000 people in Wales died with Covid-19 between 2020 and August 2024. Unlike Scotland, Wales does not have its own national inquiry.

‘Heavy dependence’ on UK advice

Over a three-week evidence session, the inquiry heard from 31 witnesses including bereaved families, clinicians, civil servants and senior politicians. The report says both Mark Drakeford, then First Minister, and then Health Minister Vaughan Gething “relied heavily” on UK risk assessments without sufficiently considering Wales’ specific circumstances.

It adds that Welsh ministers should have “recognised the seriousness” of the threat during January and February 2020 and taken earlier preparatory action.

The inquiry also highlights strained relationships between Westminster and the devolved administrations, noting that while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland attended COBRA meetings, there was a sense that key decisions “had effectively already been made” by the UK Government before discussions took place.

Slow cabinet discussions

The report criticises the pace of formal decision-making in Cardiff Bay, saying the Welsh Cabinet failed to consider Covid matters quickly enough in February 2020. It also notes that after Wales’ first confirmed case, Mr Drakeford travelled to Brussels for St David’s Day events rather than attending a cabinet meeting.

As the pandemic progressed, differing approaches to easing restrictions created public “confusion,” with devolved governments often adopting more cautious measures than England.

‘Careful and considered’

Despite these shortcomings, the inquiry draws a sharp contrast between the atmosphere within Whitehall and that within the Welsh Government. It describes the UK Government’s internal culture as “toxic and chaotic,” while Welsh ministers viewed their own cabinet as more inclusive, with Mr Drakeford characterised as a “careful and considered leader” who maintained constructive relationships with colleagues.

Call for reform and clearer communication

The report recommends new communication structures to improve coordination between the four nations during future emergencies, along with reforms to clarify internal decision-making processes within each government.

Welsh Government response

Responding to the report on Thursday, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I welcome the second report published by the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry. It is important that we remember the huge loss and suffering experienced by so many people as a result of Covid-19. Today, our thoughts must be with them above all else.

“We will spend time reading the report and will work with the other UK governments over the coming months to consider and act on the recommendations. We are committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and will continue to take an active part in the UK inquiry.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

31 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

44 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.