News

BSL legislation hailed as “historic moment for disability rights”

Published

3 months ago

March 15, 2026

First Minister Eluned Morgan says new law will improve access to public services for Deaf people across Wales

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan has welcomed the passing of legislation recognising and promoting British Sign Language (BSL) in Wales, describing the move as a “historic moment for disability rights”.

Members of the Senedd voted to pass the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, which will place new responsibilities on public bodies to improve services for BSL users.

The legislation will require organisations including NHS Wales, schools and local councils to review and adapt their services so that they actively facilitate and promote the use of BSL.

Eluned Morgan, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said the Bill marks an important cultural moment for Wales and for the Deaf community.

She said: “Representation is important. For many people in the Deaf community across Mid and West Wales, British Sign Language is their first language.

“This Bill lays the foundations for more meaningful use of BSL across our public services.

“While communicating in your first or chosen language in everyday life – such as during a medical appointment – is taken for granted by English speakers, that is not always the case for BSL signers.

“The passing of this Bill is a huge step forward in tackling the barriers and inequalities faced by this community in Wales.”

Morgan added that the legislation should lead to more accessible services in health, education and local government.

She said: “I am proud to see legislation pass that will create lasting improvements to the lives of BSL users in Pembrokeshire and across Mid and West Wales.

“This Bill was created with BSL signers at its heart, and that will continue as the policy becomes a reality.”

The Welsh Government says the new law builds on its previous support for BSL. Wales was the first UK nation to include BSL within the national curriculum, allowing both Deaf pupils and hearing students to learn the language.

Ministers say embedding BSL within education has helped Deaf signers develop and use their language while also broadening access to it among younger generations.

The legislation is expected to lead to improved access to public services and greater recognition of BSL across Wales.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

6 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

7 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).