News

Reform faces questions after journalist blocked from Welsh manifesto launch

Published

2 months ago

March 5, 2026

REFORM UK has faced criticism after a prominent Welsh political journalist said he was prevented from attending the party’s Senedd election manifesto launch.

***No access to Reform Conference: Will Hayward***

Will Hayward, a well-known commentator on Welsh politics, revealed that he had been unable to attend the event despite making repeated requests for accreditation.

Hayward said he had attended and questioned the leaders of Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Conservatives at their respective campaign launches earlier in the same week, but was not granted access to Reform’s event.

The journalist said he had contacted the party to request details and accreditation in the usual way but did not receive confirmation allowing him to attend.

The situation has prompted political criticism from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who accused Reform of hypocrisy over its stance on free speech and media scrutiny.

The party said the decision to block journalists from attending a major campaign event raised concerns about transparency during an election campaign.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats pointed to Reform’s previous criticism of Bangor University earlier this year, when party figures warned that institutions could face funding consequences after some students declined to participate in a political event involving the party. Reform representatives at the time said they were defending free speech.

Commenting on the manifesto launch issue, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said preventing journalists from attending campaign events was inconsistent with those claims.

She said: “Reform love to present themselves as defenders of free speech, but the moment a journalist might ask difficult questions they appear to resort to censorship.

“It is not free speech if you only allow people who agree with you to ask questions or take part.

“Just weeks ago they were threatening to ‘defund’ Bangor University in the name of free speech, yet now journalists are being blocked from attending their own manifesto launch.

“This isn’t about free speech, it is about control. Reform seem to want the freedom to say whatever they like without being challenged, while trying to silence those who might hold them to account.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats also warned that limiting access to campaign events could undermine democratic accountability during the election period.

Some reports have suggested that certain organisations were offered entry to the event for a fee, though these claims have not been independently confirmed.

Reform UK has not publicly commented on the specific claims regarding the journalist’s exclusion.

Campaign launches and manifesto events are sometimes organised with restricted attendance due to venue capacity or accreditation arrangements, though political parties typically allow media access in order to enable coverage and questioning.

The controversy comes as parties across Wales step up campaigning ahead of the Senedd election in May.

Reform UK, led in Wales by Dan Thomas and supported by party figure Nigel Farage, is hoping to make significant gains at the election as polls suggest growing support for the party.

At the time of publication Reform had not responded to requests for comment regarding the journalist’s exclusion from the manifesto launch.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 hours 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

4 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

4 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.