Questions raised over funding, scale and timing of long-delayed development

Gareth Davies MS questioned the First Minister in the Senedd today {Jan 13} over the future delivery of the Royal Alexandra Hospital development in Rhyl, following the recent granting of planning permission by Denbighshire County Council but with no confirmed funding commitment from the Welsh Government.

The issue was raised after Welsh Labour North Wales MS Carolyn Thomas asked the First Minister to make a statement on the development. Mr Davies used a supplementary question to highlight concerns over the lengthy delays surrounding the project and what he described as a sudden increase in political attention from Welsh Labour representatives ahead of an election.

Mr Davies criticised what he said had been years of silence from North Wales Labour Senedd members on the Royal Alexandra Hospital, followed by what he described as a “resurrection” of the plans in recent months. He argued that the proposals had been significantly scaled back from the original plans announced in 2013 and suggested the development was now being used for political purposes rather than properly addressing the healthcare needs of the region.

During his contribution, Mr Davies pressed the First Minister to confirm whether construction would begin early this year, as suggested by the Health Board, and whether the Welsh Government would commit to delivering the hospital to the original specifications set out in 2013. He said those specifications were necessary to adequately relieve pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Responding, First Minister Eluned Morgan criticised previous UK Conservative Governments and the current Welsh Conservative Senedd Group, referring to what she described as “fantasy economics – wanting to build these huge places.” She said Wales had been “deprived for years of capital funding” by previous UK Governments.

The First Minister also stated that “the people of Rhyl want to see this community hospital” and said she hoped to see progress under a Labour government. However, she did not provide a commitment that construction would begin early this year, nor did she offer assurances that the hospital would be built to the original, larger specifications.

Commenting after the exchange, Gareth Davies MS said the First Minister had failed to provide clarity on the future of the project.

He said: “After deflecting and shifting the blame, the First Minister still refused to give a straight answer on whether construction will begin this year, leaving many local people feeling they’ve heard it all before.

“Planning permission is only the first step, and after more than a decade of delays there are real concerns, the Welsh Government has dusted off scaled-down plans to use as political capital before the election, without committing the funding needed to actually build the hospital.

“The reduced plans fall well short of what was promised to North Denbighshire and will not adequately ease pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital, so the Welsh Government must stop moving the goalposts, commit to an early start, and deliver a fit-for-purpose hospital rather than a watered-down version of what was promised over a decade ago.”

BROADCASTER tells Florida court it has no jurisdiction and says claim over ‘fight like hell’ edit does not meet US defamation threshold

The BBC is seeking to have Donald Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit over an edited Panorama clip dismissed by a federal court in Florida.

Court documents show the broadcaster is preparing a motion to throw out the claim on a number of grounds, including that the Florida court lacks personal jurisdiction over the BBC, the venue is improper, and the case fails to set out a valid legal claim.

The lawsuit centres on a Panorama episode broadcast in 2024 which featured a spliced clip of Trump’s address at a rally on 6 January 2021, shortly before the attack on the US Capitol.

The programme used sections of the speech to create the impression Trump told supporters: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.” Reports say the words were drawn from parts of the speech delivered nearly an hour apart.

Trump alleges the edit falsely suggested he encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol, and he is seeking $5bn in damages on two counts – one for defamation and another under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

In its submissions, the BBC is expected to argue that it did not create, produce or broadcast the documentary in Florida, and that claims it was available to US audiences via BritBox are untrue.

The corporation is also challenging the legal basis of the defamation claim, arguing that Trump, as a public official, must meet the high US standard of proving “actual malice” – meaning the broadcaster knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The BBC has asked the court to pause the pre-trial discovery process while the dismissal application is considered, warning that Trump could seek wide-ranging disclosure covering the BBC’s reporting on him over many years.

A trial date in 2027 has been proposed should the case proceed.

The BBC previously acknowledged the editing was an “error of judgment” and apologised, but has insisted there is no legal basis for a defamation case. It has said it will defend the action and will not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Staff and supporters go the extra mile to back vital charity

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has raised an impressive £168,604 for the Fire Fighters Charity over the past 12 months, marking a slight increase on last year’s total of £166,297.

The total reflects the continued commitment and generosity of staff across the Service, with both operational and support teams taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities. These included community car washes, Fire Station open days, physical challenges and a variety of creative initiatives held throughout the year.

Speaking on the achievement, MAWWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery thanked everyone involved, saying the support would make a lasting difference.

He said the generosity, enthusiasm and community spirit shown by staff and supporters would have a real impact on the work of the Fire Fighters Charity and on the lives of those who dedicate themselves to keeping others safe.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides lifelong support for the mental, physical and social wellbeing of serving and retired firefighters, their families, and other Fire and Rescue Service personnel. Founded in 1943, the Charity is funded through donations and fundraising events and remains a vital resource for those working within the Fire and Rescue Service community.

Pictured receiving the Service’s Certificate of Appreciation are Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and MAWWFRS Central Response Officer and Charity Coordinator Nerys Thomas, both of whom have personally benefited from the Charity’s support.

During his recovery from a knee ligament injury, ACFO Flannery received tailored rehabilitation support from the Fire Fighters Charity, which played a key role in helping him manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with his injury.

As Charity Coordinator, Nerys Thomas acts as the link between the Fire Fighters Charity and MAWWFRS staff. She has also received support herself following rehabilitation treatment after a skiing accident. Her bespoke programme included pool sessions, workshops and guided walks, helping her return to running sooner than expected. After the death of her father, she again turned to the Charity for support, taking part in a Rest and Recharge stay at Harcombe House.

Speaking about her experience, Nerys said: “During my Rest and Recharge stay, my mother, my husband and I were able to enjoy lovely walks, outdoor reading, trips to the local area and had all our meals prepared for us by the chefs there which were amazing.

“The charity was absolutely brilliant throughout my contact with them. I’m keen to spread the word to other green book staff who still aren’t aware they’re eligible for support from the charity.”