News

Davies and Morgan clash over policing powers and terror response in Senedd exchange

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2026

CONSERVATIVE MS says breaking up UK would ‘benefit criminals’ as First Minister insists Wales would still rely on cross-border co-operation

A ROW over whether policing powers should be devolved to Wales spilled onto the Senedd floor as a senior Conservative warned that separating from UK-wide structures could leave the country exposed to terrorism and serious crime.

During questions to the First Minister in Senedd Cymru, Andrew RT Davies pressed ministers on whether law and order is better delivered from Westminster rather than Cardiff Bay.

Opening the exchange, Mr Davies said that although he and the Welsh Government disagreed on where policing powers should sit, they should both accept that dismantling the United Kingdom would weaken security.

He told the chamber that if “separatists had their way and they broke up the United Kingdom, policing would be fundamentally weakened in these islands and the criminals will benefit from it”.

He asked the First Minister to agree that the UK provides the strongest framework for keeping communities safe through joint working between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“The co-operative working and that strong union, working together… protects the citizens of this great country of ours,” he said, urging ministers to reject what he called a “narrow, separatist, independent argument”.

‘Strong devolution in a strong UK’

Responding, Eluned Morgan said her government was not pursuing devolution as a stepping stone to independence.

“We want to see strong devolution in a strong UK,” she said, adding that Labour remained committed to improving services rather than chasing constitutional change for its own sake.

She argued that reforming how policing is governed in Wales could improve accountability and outcomes for the public, particularly as discussions continue over replacing the current police and crime commissioner model.

“We want to see change when it comes to policing… because we want to see better provision for the people in Wales,” she told MSs.

Terrorism expertise ‘not something you could replicate’

However, the First Minister acknowledged that certain specialist capabilities, particularly counter-terrorism, would still require close links with the rest of the UK.

“It of course makes sense for us to co-operate across the border when it comes to policing, when it makes sense,” she said.

“Just think about terrorism; we’ll never have the kind of absolute expertise in terrorism that you may get in a place like London. We would have to work with them and depend on them—not something you could do in an independent Wales.”

Her comments prompted Mr Davies to argue that this reliance showed why policing should remain reserved to Westminster.

He later said the admission demonstrated “the dangers of putting the Senedd in charge of policing”, claiming Wales could end up dependent on external support during major incidents.

Long-running debate

Policing and criminal justice are among the few major public services not currently devolved to Wales, with responsibility resting with the UK Government.

Supporters of devolution, including Plaid Cymru, argue that Welsh control would allow policies better tailored to local needs.

Opponents say fragmenting the system could weaken intelligence sharing and increase costs, particularly for specialist units tackling organised crime and terrorism.

The exchange underlines how the issue remains a political dividing line in Cardiff Bay, with both sides framing the argument around public safety rather than constitutional theory.

For now, any change would require agreement from Westminster, meaning the debate is likely to continue long before any powers formally shift.

Community

Firefighter experience days planned in Haverfordwest and Newtown

Published

11 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hands-on sessions will give potential recruits a taste of life in the fire service

PEOPLE interested in becoming firefighters are being invited to take part in special Firefighter Experience Days being held by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service this June.

The events will take place at Haverfordwest Fire Station on Wednesday, June 3, and at Newtown Fire Station on Friday, June 5. Both sessions will run from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which covers almost two-thirds of Wales, says the days are designed to give people a practical introduction to life in the fire service in a relaxed and informal setting.

Around 75 per cent of the service’s fire stations are crewed entirely by on-call firefighters, who play a vital role in protecting communities across the region.

Visitors attending the experience days will have the opportunity to try on firefighting kit, learn how equipment is assembled, and take part in practical exercises alongside serving crews.

Firefighters from both stations will also be on hand to explain the realities of the role, answer questions, and offer guidance on the recruitment process.

Topics covered during the sessions will include the modern role of a firefighter, fitness requirements, personal protective equipment, career pathways within the service, and what applicants can expect during recruitment.

Booking is essential for anyone wishing to attend.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lily Evans, Digital Marketing Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, by emailing [email protected].

News

Local Windsurf instructors ride the waves with Welsh Sailing Impact awards

Published

33 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Local windsurfers who support the Windswept Watersports are riding the waves this month after being presented with their Welsh Sailing Impact Awards.

Volunteer instructors David Picker, Bob Jones, Leslie Burton and Graham Smith

have all been recognised for their commitment to encouraging the next

generation of windsurfers at the community watersports centre in Dale.

The dedicated team has played an essential role in supporting the Windswept

Warriors youth windsurfing club since its launch more than four years ago.

Sarah Bagley, Director of Windswept Watersports, said: “A huge congratulations go to

our windsurf volunteers on being chosen for Impact Awards – Bob, Leslie, Graham

and Dave have supported us so much by making our Windsurf Warrior sessions

happen every week, and they couldn’t deserve this more.

“They have made a huge impact in making the club what it is today and we’re able

to grow the club’s numbers and keep the costs down due to them giving up their

Sundays. Since the club started they’ve been so enthusiastic about inspiring

the next generation of windsurfers and their passion for the sport really is

Infectious.

“What’s more, the club has gone on to win medals at windsurfing national

championships and none of this would have happened without our superstar

volunteers.”

Windswept Watersports is a Not-For-Profit organisation which aims to make

activities accessible for all, including delivering outreach sessions to local schools,

youth and community groups, and running a variety of clubs encouraging local

people to enjoy getting on the water.

The Windswept Warriors group enables young people aged 10-19 to learn the

sport and take their skills to the next level, with Sunday morning sessions for just

£10 a go, including all equipment and tuition thanks to its volunteer instructors.

Impact Awardee Leslie said: “I didn’t start windsurfing until my late 30s so I really

love helping the juniors to progress. It’s great to see their confidence grow by just

having fun on, and in, the water. We just love sharing our sport with youngsters

and seeing the enjoyment they get from it, whether that’s improving and

progressing their skills or just having a go occasionally.”

Explaining their enthusiasm for giving back to the sport, fellow Impact Awardee

Graham said: “I’ve had some fantastic times and I’ve met some amazing people while

windsurfing and by volunteering I get the opportunity to give those chances to

others. I also love it when I see people progress and what it means to them.”

Award-winning team members Bob and Dave likewise sum up the satisfaction

and rewards of seeing young windsurfers progress from beginner to intermediate

to themselves becoming instructors.

Bob said: “I love coaching the junior club, seeing their progression week by week, especially those big ‘Hallelujah, I did it’ moments. I’m super proud to be a colleague of Windswept’s young instructors who were part of the junior crew not so far back.”

Welsh Sailing Impact Awards are presented by RYA Cymru Wales to recognise the

hard work of individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to support

activities afloat, in line with the governing body’s Together on our Waters strategy

to create a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.

Hester Walker, Club Development Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “This team

commit a huge amount of time to supporting the youth windsurfers at Windswept

Watersports. Their time allows for the training to be offered at a lower rate, helping

to remove the barrier of cost and enabling more young people to get on the

water. Dale has become one of the most active windsurfing communities thanks

to Windswept Watersports and the fantastic support of these volunteers.”

News

Plaid tells Carmarthenshire voters: ‘Only we can stop Reform’

Published

41 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLAID CYMRU has urged voters in Sir Gaerfyrddin to back the party on Thursday, claiming it is the only party able to beat Reform UK in the new constituency.

The appeal comes after the latest ITV Cymru Wales, YouGov and Wales Governance Centre MRP poll suggested Plaid Cymru is on course to become the largest party in the Senedd, with Reform close behind. The poll put Plaid on 33% across Wales and Reform on 29%. (YouGov)

Sir Gaerfyrddin is one of the new Senedd constituencies being used for the first time in this election. It has been created from the Carmarthen and Llanelli Westminster seats and will elect six Members of the Senedd under the new closed-list system.

Plaid Cymru’s list in Sir Gaerfyrddin is led by Cefin Campbell, followed by Nerys Evans, Adam Price and Mari Arthur. (Who Can I Vote For?)

The party says the contest locally is now between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, and has called on voters who want to stop Nigel Farage’s party from gaining ground in Carmarthenshire to “lend” Plaid their vote.

Nerys Evans said Plaid was offering “new leadership” and a “positive vision” for Wales, including childcare support, a National Development Agency to grow the economy, and a new numeracy and literacy scheme for children.

She said: “As the voters of Sir Gaerfyrddin head to the polls on Thursday, the choice could not be more stark.

“Only two parties can win here: Plaid Cymru, who offer new leadership, a positive vision, and which will be accountable only to the people of Wales; or Reform, which would divide our communities, threaten the future of our NHS, cut support for our culture and language and is controlled by Nigel Farage, billionaires, and ex-Tories in London.

“Support for Labour has disappeared in Carmarthenshire, with people unwilling to vote for a party that has let Wales down for over 27 years and in Westminster since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

“There is no evidence that the Greens or the Liberal Democrats will secure enough votes to come close to winning a seat.

“We ask anyone who wants to prevent a victory for Reform in Carmarthenshire to lend their vote to Plaid Cymru on Thursday.”

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday (May 7).