News

Trump tariff threat reignites ‘NHS Trump tax’ row as Lib Dems urge retaliation

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2026

THE WELSH LIB DEMS have urged the UK Government to scrap what they brand an NHS “Trump tax” and to coordinate with European allies on countermeasures after Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on UK goods from Saturday, February 1 — linking the move to his demand that the United States should acquire Greenland.

Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said Wales would be among the parts of the UK most exposed to a tariff shock, warning that key sectors including advanced manufacturing, steel, food and drink, and life sciences are particularly vulnerable to rising trade barriers and market uncertainty.

She also argued the Greenland threat should not be treated as a routine trade dispute, describing it as economic coercion aimed at the sovereignty of Denmark — a democratic NATO ally — and a dangerous precedent for global security and international law.

Dodds said: “Donald Trump is trying to bully the UK and ransom the sovereignty of Greenland… That is economic coercion, and it cannot be met with appeasement.”

Call for coordinated retaliation

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to work “in lockstep” with European partners to prepare a coordinated package of countermeasures and retaliatory tariffs, saying economic bullying must be met with a firm and united response.

They argue that acting alongside Europe would strengthen the UK’s hand and reduce the risk of Britain being picked off in bilateral disputes.

Dodds said: “We must also work in lockstep with our European partners to prepare a robust package of countermeasures and retaliatory tariffs to hit Trump and his cronies where it hurts… Britain is strongest when we stand alongside Europe, not when we act as a doormat for a bully.”

Wales’s exposure to a tariff shock

Although tariff announcements tend to be framed in national terms, the Welsh Liberal Democrats say the impact could be highly regional, hitting areas where export-reliant industries are concentrated.

Wales has major employers and supply chains linked to manufacturing, steel and food production, and the party warned that any sudden increase in costs for exporting to the United States could make Welsh products less competitive overnight — while uncertainty alone can chill orders and investment.

The party’s argument is that Wales has more to lose than most if the dispute escalates: fewer alternative markets for some producers, greater exposure to supply chain disruption, and less resilience in communities where one major employer underpins large parts of the local economy.

What is the ‘NHS Trump tax’?

At the heart of the Liberal Democrat intervention is a long-running row over medicines pricing and UK–US trade policy.

The Liberal Democrats have previously used the term “Trump tax” to describe what they say would be billions of pounds in additional pharmaceutical costs to the NHS, arguing that UK policy risks inflating the price of medicines and effectively transferring money from public health budgets into higher drug costs.

Dodds said: “This Government is still planning to hand over £3 billion a year in a so-called ‘Trump tax’ on our NHS through inflated pharmaceutical costs. With health and care services in Wales under immense strain, that is indefensible. Scrap the Trump tax and put that money into frontline care.”

However, the £3bn figure and the way it is presented remain disputed. Ministers and some analysts have previously challenged claims of an annual “tax” of that scale, arguing the numbers depend on assumptions and timeframes, and that the NHS retains protections on medicines pricing.

In short: the Liberal Democrats say the policy is a costly concession that should be reversed immediately — while the Government is likely to argue that the characterisation is politically loaded and that NHS safeguards remain in place.

Greenland: trade spat or geopolitical coercion?

By tying tariffs to the question of Greenland, the Liberal Democrats say Trump is pushing beyond normal trade leverage and into geopolitical coercion — a framing designed to increase pressure on the UK Government to respond not just economically, but as a matter of democratic solidarity.

The party says the UK should treat the Greenland threat as an issue of allied sovereignty and global norms, warning that failure to stand up to it could invite similar pressure tactics elsewhere.

But ministers may calculate that cooler diplomacy is more effective than public escalation — particularly given the UK’s long-standing security relationship with the United States, the role of NATO, and the reality that trade wars can rapidly damage businesses and consumers on both sides.

The Government may also argue that the UK must keep channels open to reduce the risk of tariffs widening beyond the initial 10% or spilling into other areas such as defence procurement, services, or strategic cooperation.

Why the Lib Dems say Europe matters

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say this crisis underlines the case for closer UK relations with the European Union, arguing that coordinated action would carry more economic weight and send a clearer message than unilateral UK measures.

They also point to Canada as an example of a democratic ally willing to stand firm and prepare countermeasures, arguing that deterrence — not concession — is the only language Trump respects.

Dodds said: “Canada has shown you do not deter Trump by pleading. You deter him by standing firm and being ready to act. The Prime Minister should do the same and defend our economy, defend our allies and defend our values.”

The political test at Westminster

The row sets up a high-stakes balancing act for Labour: projecting toughness against “economic bullying” while avoiding an all-out trade war that could rebound on UK consumers and exporters.

If the UK Government declines to pursue retaliatory tariffs, it risks being accused of weakness. If it retaliates too aggressively, it risks triggering further escalation.

For Welsh Labour in particular, the pressure is twofold: demonstrating it will stand up for Welsh industry and jobs, while also holding together a coherent UK-wide trade and foreign policy stance.

What happens next

The immediate question is whether the tariff threat becomes policy on February 1 — and whether it is confined to a narrow range of goods or becomes the opening move in a broader trade confrontation.

The second question is how the UK chooses to respond: quietly through negotiation, publicly through retaliatory tariffs, or in tandem with European allies in a coordinated package.

For the Welsh Liberal Democrats, today’s message is blunt: scrap the policy they say inflates NHS medicines costs, stand with Europe, and treat Greenland as an allied sovereignty issue — not a bargaining chip.

For ministers, the challenge is to protect Welsh exporters and UK consumers while navigating a dispute that mixes trade, diplomacy and security — and to do so without conceding ground on principles that democratic allies consider non-negotiable.

Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

11 minutes 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.

News

Local defence ties strengthened as Shadow Defence Secretary visits Castlemartin

Published

20 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

James Cartlidge MP highlights strategic role of training area in national security and local economy

JAMES CARTLIDGE, the UK Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, has visited Castlemartin Training Area on Thursday (Apr 16) to meet personnel and discuss the site’s importance to both UK defence capability and the Pembrokeshire economy.

Castlemartin Training Area has a long-established role in the community, having been established in 1938 for tank training by the Royal Armoured Corps. The range was temporarily abandoned following the Second World War but reopened in 1951. From 1961 to 1996 it was also used by German Bundeswehr armoured units under NATO agreements. Today, it is regarded as one of the UK’s premier live-fire armoured training facilities, regularly used to prepare troops for operational deployment.

During the visit, the Shadow Defence Secretary was joined by Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, both former Pembrokeshire MSs and Conservative candidates for the Ceredigion Penfro constituency in the upcoming Senedd election on May 7. They highlighted the training area’s role in sustaining skilled local employment, supporting the wider supply chain, and underpinning the presence of the Armed Forces in West Wales.

Discussions also focused on the importance of maintaining strong defence capability amid global instability, alongside the contribution made by defence infrastructure to local communities and businesses across Pembrokeshire.

James Cartlidge MP, Conservative Shadow Defence Secretary, said: “Our Armed Forces rely on world-class training facilities like Castlemartin to ensure they are prepared for the challenges they face.

“It is clear this site plays a crucial role not only in UK national defence but also in supporting local jobs and the wider economy here in Pembrokeshire.”

Paul Davies said: “Castlemartin is an incredibly important asset for Pembrokeshire and for the UK as a whole.

“It supports skilled jobs locally and brings significant economic benefits to the area, as well as playing a key role in training our Armed Forces. We have a proud military history here, with many veterans living in the community.

“We also made clear during the visit that it was the Welsh Conservatives who fought to secure the extension of the 14th Signal Regiment at Cawdor Barracks, protecting jobs and ensuring a continued military presence in the county.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “We are proud of the role Pembrokeshire plays in supporting our Armed Forces. As a former MS with Castlemartin within my constituency, I have worked to build relationships and champion this important military site.

“Facilities like Castlemartin are vital. It is essential they continue to receive the support and investment needed to remain world-leading, and not be repurposed for any other use.”

The visit also underlined Conservative commitments to defence, including increasing defence spending, strengthening the Armed Forces, and ensuring the UK remains secure in an increasingly uncertain world.

It further provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of the defence industry supply chain and the range of businesses across the region that contribute to the sector.

Crime

Stalking reports hit 625 in a year, police warn of hidden danger

Published

31 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Force highlights scale of problem during awareness week as victims urged to report every incident

DYFED-POWYS POLICE recorded 625 instances of stalking over the past year, as the force highlights the serious and often hidden impact of the crime.

Marking the start of Stalking Awareness Week, new figures show the control room receives on average between one and two calls a day reporting stalking behaviour.

Through a social media campaign running this week, the force is raising awareness of the warning signs of stalking, its impact on victims, and where people can seek help and support.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Katie Cuthbertson said: “One of our force priorities is to ensure a compassionate response to victims of stalking, as we recognise the devastating impact it can have on someone’s life.

“It is incredibly important that anyone who reports being stalked is supported throughout an investigation, and that we consider all measures to safeguard them while enquiries are carried out.

“Anyone can become a victim of stalking. While many victims are targeted by former partners, perpetrators can also be acquaintances or even strangers with no prior connection.”

She added: “Stalking remains a widely misunderstood crime, and we are using this week to educate our communities about how serious it can be.”

Since Stalking Awareness Week 2025, the force has also secured 15 interim or full Stalking Protection Orders through the courts.

Police say multiple reports can often relate to the same victim and perpetrator, as stalking is defined by fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour.

Victims are urged to report every incident to help officers build a full picture and identify any escalation in behaviour.

T/DCI Cuthbertson said: “Stalking behaviours can appear innocuous, from leaving gifts or flowers to sending repeated messages, which can make it difficult for victims to explain to others why they feel frightened.

“The true risk is often masked by what appears to be low-level behaviour, but stalking is considered a high-risk crime.”