News

Plaid leader says election win would be used to map ‘road to independence’

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2026

Conservatives accuse party of trying to “tear Britain apart” as parties gear up for Senedd poll

PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has said his party would use time in government after the 2026 Senedd election to set out what he described as a “road to independence” for Wales.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 13), Mr ap Iorwerth said Plaid’s next manifesto would explain how the party would use office to “make the case” for Wales taking “more levers of power” into its own hands.

“Of course, the manifesto will spell out how we will want to use our time in government to make the case for how we can do things differently in Wales, how we can set a different trajectory for us by taking more levers of power into our hands,” he said.

“You can call that independence now, you can call it the road to independence, whatever.”

The comments come as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next Senedd election, due to take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

What Plaid is proposing

Plaid Cymru has long supported Welsh independence in principle, but the pace and mechanism of any constitutional change has been a recurring point of political contention.

In previous policy documents, Plaid has proposed producing a “Green Paper on the path to independence” and establishing a national commission to examine options for Wales’ political and economic future and involve citizens in that debate.

Mr ap Iorwerth’s latest remarks suggest the party intends to foreground that agenda in the run-up to 2026, framing independence as part of a broader argument for greater Welsh decision-making powers.

A Plaid Cymru news release issued the same day described the election as an opportunity to elect a Plaid-led government and referenced “bold plans” for Wales, delivered alongside the press conference.

Conservatives and Lib Dems hit back

The Welsh Conservatives responded by accusing Plaid of seeking to break up the United Kingdom.

Darren Millar MS, the party’s leader in the Senedd, said: “Plaid Cymru want to tear Britain apart. The people of Wales won’t let them.”

He added: “Plaid pretends to put Wales first, but in reality, they would bankrupt us to pay for their independence pipe dream.”

Mr Millar also criticised further devolution, describing it as a “salami slice strategy” towards independence.

Responding to Plaid Cymru’s press conference, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Plaid Cymru’s plans for independence would do catastrophic damage to the Welsh economy and be thousands of times more damaging than Brexit, risking jobs, investment and public services across Wales.

Plaid may be trying to hide its support for independence, but it is the very reason the party exists. We have seen in Scotland with the SNP that once nationalists get into power, they waste money, time and political resources obsessing over independence instead of focusing on the day-to-day issues that actually affect people’s lives.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are clear: we will not support any government, formally or informally, that spends a single pound on independence. Our priority is fixing the real issues people face: fixing the NHS and social care, growing the economy and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.”

The political backdrop

The exchange lands in an already volatile pre-election landscape, with polls and analysis over the past year suggesting a more fragmented contest than Wales has traditionally seen, and growing competition for voters across parties.

It also comes against the backdrop of Senedd reforms that will change how voters choose their representatives at the next election, including an expanded chamber.

What comes next

Plaid Cymru has not yet published its 2026 manifesto. The party says the document will set out how it would use government to advance its case for greater powers, which Mr ap Iorwerth described as a “road to independence”.

The Welsh Conservatives say they will campaign against any further constitutional drift and will argue that independence would weaken Wales economically.

With the election less than 16 months away, both parties are expected to sharpen their pitch to voters on the constitutional question—alongside the more immediate concerns of public services, living costs, and jobs—issues likely to dominate campaigning across Wales in the months ahead.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

7 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.