News

Welsh Lib Dems call for tax on big banks to fund ‘fair deal for Wales’

Published

5 months ago

November 22, 2025

Party says emergency support for households and high streets must be prioritised as pressure grows on Welsh economy

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have outlined their priorities ahead of next week’s UK Budget, calling for what they describe as a “fairer settlement” for Wales funded through higher taxation on major banks, multinational tech firms, online gambling operators and oil and gas producers.

Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the focus must be on delivering practical support for households and small businesses, warning that many Welsh communities continue to feel the effects of stubborn inflation, high energy costs and low investment.

Emergency package for households and hospitality

The Party is proposing a 17-month “Households and High Streets” package designed to cut energy bills and support local pubs, cafés and restaurants. Under the plan, an energy levy would be removed from bills and VAT for hospitality would be reduced, which the Lib Dems claim would put around £270 back into the pocket of a typical household.

Hospitality and tourism account for roughly 12% of Wales’ economy, and industry groups have warned throughout 2024–25 that rising costs and weaker demand have pushed many businesses close to the edge. The Welsh Liberal Democrats argue that a temporary VAT cut would provide immediate relief and protect jobs, particularly in rural and coastal areas where local pubs and cafés form part of the economic backbone.

The package would, the Party says, be paid for through a time-limited windfall tax on the big banks—a sector that has reported significant profits over the past two years as interest rates have remained high.

Support for rural Wales and energy investment

Other measures the Party is calling for include:

• Scrapping the so-called Family Farms Tax, amid concerns that proposed UK-wide changes to Agricultural Property Relief could disproportionately impact Welsh family farms already facing volatility in the supply chain and sharply rising costs.
• Investment in large-scale hydro and tidal power, including long-discussed projects such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. Several governments have promised progress on tidal schemes over the last decade, but none have yet been delivered. The Lib Dems say a firm commitment could create skilled jobs and help secure Wales’ renewable energy future.
• Reform of the Barnett Formula, devolution of the Crown Estate in Wales and delivery of long-promised HS2 consequentials—issues that have been the subject of cross-party debate for years, with the Senedd and Welsh Government maintaining that Wales has been underfunded relative to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Fair access to pensions for around 4,000 Welsh miners in the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).
• Scrapping the two-child benefit cap, which anti-poverty organisations say has contributed to rising levels of child poverty in several parts of Wales.
• Greater funding for social care, an area under severe pressure in all Welsh local authorities, including Pembrokeshire.

How the plans would be funded

To pay for the package, the Welsh Liberal Democrats want the Chancellor to:

• Reverse the Conservatives’ recent tax cuts for major banks.
• Increase the Digital Services Tax paid by large multinational tech corporations.
• Strengthen the windfall tax on excess oil and gas profits.
• Raise Remote Gaming Duty on the largest online gambling operators, whose profits have grown during the cost-of-living crisis.

Chadwick: “Time for the Government to show Wales matters”

David Chadwick MP said: “This Labour Government has presided over a series of decisions that have harmed Welsh communities. This Budget is an opportunity for them to change course and finally show that Wales matters.

“The Liberal Democrats have been clear and consistent in calling for those with the broadest shoulders to pay their fair share. The Chancellor should be taxing big banks, tech giants and oil companies fairly, instead of placing the burden on working people. That revenue must be used to support the communities that need it most.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to ensure the voices of Welsh communities are heard in the halls of Westminster.”

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.