News

Welsh Lib Dems welcome review into foreign interference in UK politics

Published

3 months ago

December 16, 2025

A UK-GOVERNMENT-ORDERED independent review into alleged foreign financial interference in British politics has been welcomed by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, following the conviction of former Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill.

The review was announced after Gill, a former UKIP and Reform UK politician, was found guilty earlier this year of offences linked to receiving money connected to a foreign state in order to influence political activity. The case has raised wider concerns about the vulnerability of UK and devolved political systems to overseas funding and interference.

Responding to the announcement, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the investigation was necessary to safeguard democratic integrity, particularly ahead of future elections in Wales.

“The actions of former Welsh Reform leader Nathan Gill are utterly reprehensible,” he said. “Taking money linked to a hostile foreign state to influence democratic debate is a betrayal of public trust and a stain on our democracy.”

Gill, who previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for UKIP before later joining Reform UK, was convicted following a high-profile investigation that brought renewed scrutiny to political finance rules and enforcement mechanisms. Reform UK distanced itself from Gill following the case, stating that he was no longer a member of the party.

Mr Chadwick criticised Reform UK for what he described as a failure to carry out a thorough internal investigation into Gill’s conduct before the matter reached the courts.

“It is telling that the UK Government is now stepping in after Reform UK failed to launch a serious internal investigation into the conduct of their former Welsh leader,” he said. “When parties fail to take responsibility for their own standards, independent scrutiny is essential to protect our democracy.”

The UK Government has said the independent review will examine whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent foreign money being used to influence political debate, campaign activity and elections, including at devolved level. It is expected to consider the effectiveness of current transparency rules, reporting requirements and enforcement powers.

The issue has taken on added significance in Wales, with the next Senedd election approaching in 2026. Political finance and campaign regulation is devolved in part, but remains closely linked to UK-wide electoral law.

Mr Chadwick said the case should act as a warning to all political parties.

“This must be a wake-up call,” he said. “With future Senedd elections ahead, stronger safeguards are needed to protect Welsh democracy from foreign interference, illicit funding and opaque donations.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats said they would continue to press for tighter transparency requirements and tougher enforcement of political finance laws, arguing that public confidence in the democratic process depends on voters knowing who is funding political activity.

The UK Government has not yet set a timetable for the completion of the review but has said its findings will be published in full once concluded.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

3 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

27 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

2 hours 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.