News

Police smash door in dawn raid on Nation.Cymru journalist Martin Shipton

Published

1 minute ago

March 6, 2026

Counter-terror officers search home in China espionage investigation

AN AWARD-WINNING Welsh journalist has described the “terrifying” moment armed counter-terror police smashed in the front door of his home during a dawn raid linked to an investigation into alleged Chinese espionage.

Martin Shipton, a prominent political reporter for Nation.Cymru, said an eight-strong team from the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism unit forced entry to his property shortly after 6:20am on Wednesday (Mar 4).

Shipton said he and his wife were asleep when they were woken by loud banging on the door and someone shouting the name “Michael”.

“When I pointed out that nobody of that name lived in the house, the shouter said: ‘We’re coming in!’ and the door was smashed open,” he said.

“It was an utterly terrifying experience, and one that I don’t hope to repeat.”

National Security Act warrant

Officers served Shipton with a search warrant issued by a judge at the Old Bailey under the National Security Act 2023.

The warrant authorised police to search his home for a wide range of items including mobile phones, computers, storage devices, cameras, travel documents and financial records.

The warrant also permitted officers to seize material linked to any foreign intelligence service.

Police told Shipton the search would likely take the entire day but did not provide further details about the investigation.

Shipton said he was “utterly bemused” by the suggestion that he might possess any such material.

“I have never been paid significant sums from foreign jurisdictions, let alone in cryptocurrency,” he said.

“In fact I have little knowledge of cryptocurrency, beyond seeing them as dodgy investments promoted by the likes of Donald Trump and Nigel Farage.”

He also stated that he had never communicated with a foreign intelligence service.

Link to Labour figures

Shipton said he later learned the police operation appeared to be connected to the arrest of David Taylor, a political consultant he has known for more than twenty-five years.

Taylor was reportedly arrested on suspicion of spying for China along with two other individuals.

All three men are understood to have previously worked for the Labour Party and now operate in public affairs and political consultancy.

The journalist said the news prompted him to recall a trip he had taken with Taylor to Hong Kong around three years ago.

Taylor had told him that a Chinese think tank based in Shanghai – which he said advised Chinese president Xi Jinping on international relations – had asked him to attend a briefing in Hong Kong on attitudes toward China in the UK.

Shipton said Taylor invited him to accompany him as another “expert” on the trip, which was paid for by the organisation.

Hong Kong visit

According to Shipton, the visit lasted around a week but involved little serious policy discussion.

Instead, he said much of the trip resembled a tourist visit.

“As the only one of the three of us who had visited Hong Kong before, I became the de facto tourist guide,” he said.

The group visited a Buddhist temple, museums and restaurants and watched a well-known harbour light show from Kowloon.

Shipton said conversations with the Chinese representative were largely general in nature.

Topics included concerns in the West about China’s treatment of the Uyghur minority and the possibility of expanded trade between the UK and China.

“At no stage did it occur to me that anything criminal was taking place,” he said.

Voluntary statement

During the search, Shipton said he offered to give police a voluntary statement about the Hong Kong trip.

He told officers he was willing to do so without a solicitor because he believed he had done nothing wrong.

“I am happy to tell them about the trip,” he said.

Shipton stressed that he has not been arrested and has not been accused of any offence.

He said he is cooperating fully with police inquiries.

Passport seized

Police seized a number of items during the search, including Shipton’s mobile phone and passport.

Officers offered to place him and his wife in a hotel while the search took place, but they declined because they wanted to remain with their cats.

Shipton said he briefly left the house and used a neighbour’s phone to make calls while officers carried out the search.

Police have agreed to pay for a replacement front door after forcing entry to the property.

Shipton said he hopes to have his passport returned soon so he can attend a planned concert in Dublin.

“Finally,” he said, “I would rather like to have my passport back so I can attend with my wife and daughter a long-anticipated concert of Christy Moore in Dublin in two weeks’ time.”

Investigation continues

Police have not provided further details about the investigation, which is being conducted under the National Security Act.

The arrests and searches are part of a wider inquiry into suspected Chinese espionage activities in the UK.

Shipton said the raid came “completely out of left field” and that he has seen no evidence suggesting that any of the individuals arrested committed offences under the legislation.

Cover image: Martin Shipton (Image Reach PLC)

News

Mother’s Day treats by the coast at Milk Wood House

Published

29 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Luxury spa escape and Sunday lunch offer a chance to celebrate Mum in style

MOTHER’S DAY is fast approaching, and families across west Wales looking to treat the special women in their lives are being invited to celebrate by the sea at Milk Wood House, part of the Dylan Coastal Resort in Carmarthenshire.

Overlooking the stunning Taf Estuary, the venue is offering a range of indulgent experiences designed to help families slow down, reconnect and make the day memorable.

Whether it’s a relaxing spa escape during March or a traditional Sunday lunch on Mothering Sunday itself, Milk Wood House promises a welcoming coastal setting where the focus is firmly on relaxation and quality time together.

Coastal spa escape

For those looking to give the gift of relaxation, Milk Wood House is offering a Coastal Spa Escape for Two throughout March.

Priced at £245 and available Monday to Friday from March 1 to March 31, the experience begins with an hour in the thermal suite, where guests can unwind in calming surroundings designed to soothe both body and mind.

This is followed by a 55-minute “Best of Both” treatment, combining a rejuvenating facial with a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage.

The experience concludes with a glass of Prosecco and handcrafted chocolates served in the relaxation lounge, giving guests the chance to savour the moment together.

The spa package is aimed at those seeking a peaceful break from everyday life and an opportunity to share a restorative experience with someone special.

Mothering Sunday lunch

On Mothering Sunday itself, families are invited to gather for lunch overlooking the Carmarthenshire coastline.

Lunch will be served from midday on Sunday, March 15, offering diners a choice of two courses for £35 or three courses for £45.

With panoramic views from the terrace and elegant dining spaces inside, Milk Wood House provides a scenic backdrop for a family celebration.

Guests can expect attentive hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere designed to make the occasion feel special without being overly formal.

Gift vouchers available

For those unable to celebrate on the day itself, Milk Wood House is also offering gift vouchers which can be used for spa days, treatments, dining experiences or overnight coastal escapes.

The vouchers provide a flexible option for families who want to give a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed at a later date.

Advance booking is required for both the spa escape and Mothering Sunday lunch.

To reserve a place or find out more, call 01994 427 332 or visit the Dylan Coastal Resort website.

Business

Caulmert director of planning wary of Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 change

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CONSULTANCY’S director of planning believes the “devil is in the detail” when it comes to the impact of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and its new Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIPs) regime.

Steve Ottewell, who joined Caulmert late last year, says that while the ambition behind the reforms is clear, practical challenges could shape how successful the new process proves.

Replacing Developments of National Significance and other consenting routes, the streamlined system is designed to speed up planning decisions and make Wales more attractive to investors.

SIPs will cover major schemes in energy, transport, water, and waste, requiring a single infrastructure consent that consolidates multiple authorisations for large-scale developments on land and offshore.

Projects must meet defined thresholds to qualify – for example, 35-50MW for solar and wind schemes, or 10-million cubic metres capacity for new or altered dams/reservoirs.

The intention is to create a modernised one-stop shop, similar to the Development Consent Order (DCO) process introduced in England under the Planning Act 2008.

However, Steve remains cautious, saying: “Advisors and clients alike must tread carefully. There is nothing wrong with the ambition of the new regime, but it does raise some questions and concerns.

“It is only when fresh methods are operational do we know the impact they will have. Does the bottleneck that is currently in one area of the procedure now just move to another step, for example.”

Welsh ministers will also have discretion to bring projects that fall below the thresholds into the SIP regime.

Steve continued: “On paper, this flexibility is welcome because it enables schemes that are strategically important, but not technically captured by the definitions, to benefit from the streamlined process.

“There is, however, ambiguity around the criteria ministers will apply when exercising this. Is it purely a matter or scale, or will policy alignment and political priorities weigh more heavily?

“This lack of clarity means developers face uncertainty at the very first step regarding whether to prepare for a SIP application or proceed through local planning.

“Misjudging this route could waste months of preparation and expose projects to challenge.”

Applications will be submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which will examine cases on behalf of Welsh ministers. Inspectors will review evidence from all stakeholders, with ministers making the final decision in most instances.

Steve said: “If a significant volume of projects are classed as SIPs, either because thresholds are broad or because ministers exercise their discretion liberally, the burden will fall squarely on these bodies.

“PEDW already manages a heavy caseload of appeals and inquiries, and the SIP regime adds a layer of complexity and intensity.

“Examinations under the act will demand specialist expertise, rigorous environmental assessment, and careful handling of compulsory acquisition powers.”

Despite the challenges, Steve views the act as a bold step towards modernising infrastructure planning in Wales.

Key to this is making the right choice at the outset regarding whether to pursue the SIPs route, seek optional designation, or remaining within local planning.

He explained: “Advisors can provide clarity here, mapping project characteristics against statutory thresholds and ministerial guidance, and framing proposals to resonate with Wales’ sustainability agenda.

“Working together, clients and advisors can ensure that the country’s new regime delivers not just on efficiency, but on its promise of sustainable growth and investment confidence.

“The team at Caulmert can help with any questions or queries you might have.”

Founded in 2008, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan.

Its expertise in a variety of engineering, environmental, planning, and project management disciplines is supported by its use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to ISO 19650 standard on many of its projects.

For more information visit www.caulmert.com

Entertainment

Evening with rugby legend Shane Williams coming to Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NIGHT of rugby stories, laughter and behind-the-scenes memories is heading to Milford Haven next month as Welsh rugby icon Shane Williams appears live on stage at the Torch Theatre.

The special event, titled An Evening with Shane Williams, will take place on Saturday (Apr 4) at the Torch Theatre and promises fans a rare chance to hear first-hand stories from one of Wales’ greatest ever rugby players.

Williams, widely regarded as one of the finest wings to play the game, earned legendary status during his career with Wales and the British & Irish Lions. Known for his blistering pace, elusive running and remarkable try-scoring ability, he became a fan favourite across the rugby world and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2008.

During the evening, Williams will share stories from his playing career, including memories from international matches, Lions tours and life inside the Welsh dressing room. The event will also include audience interaction and opportunities for fans to hear the untold moments behind some of Welsh rugby’s most memorable matches.

Hosting the evening will be entertainer and comedian Phill Howe, who will provide a stand-up set as well as guiding the conversation with the rugby legend throughout the show.

Organisers say the night is designed to combine humour with sporting nostalgia, giving rugby supporters a relaxed and entertaining evening while hearing from one of Wales’ most celebrated players.

The Torch Theatre has long hosted major live events and touring productions, but appearances by sporting legends are always particularly popular with local audiences in rugby-loving Pembrokeshire.

Doors for the event will open at 6:30pm, with the show beginning at 7:00pm.

Tickets are available from the Torch Theatre box office by calling 01646 695267 or via the theatre’s website.

With Shane Williams still one of the most recognisable and admired figures in Welsh sport, organisers expect strong interest from fans across west Wales hoping to hear stories from a career that helped define a golden era for Welsh rugby.