Laura Anne Jones says net zero focus is driving up bills and harming energy security

A REFORM UK Senedd Member has called for a major shift in Wales’ energy strategy, urging ministers to prioritise nuclear power during a heated exchange in the Senedd.

Laura Anne Jones, Regional Member for South Wales East, used the final First Minister’s Questions of the current term to challenge the Welsh Government’s approach, warning that current policies risk increasing costs for households and businesses.

She told the chamber that Wales needs energy which is “affordable, reliable and secure for the long term,” adding that an overemphasis on net zero targets was having unintended consequences.

Ms Jones said: “For too long, Welsh energy policy has been driven by ideological Net Zero targets imposed without regard to cost, reliability, rural impact, or democratic consent.”

Calling for a change in direction, she argued that nuclear power should play a central role in the country’s future energy mix.

“A Reform Welsh Government will act as an active enabler of nuclear development, not a passive bystander or a blocker,” she said. “We will work constructively with Westminster and fast-track infrastructure.”

She also criticised opposition to nuclear projects, claiming it could delay developments seen as vital to national energy security.

“We will not allow ideological opposition by Plaid to frustrate or halt nationally important nuclear developments,” she added, warning that current policies were “bringing our Welsh economy to its knees.”

Energy debate intensifies

The comments come amid growing political debate over how Wales balances its net zero commitments with concerns over energy costs and security.

The Welsh Government has consistently defended its strategy, arguing that investment in renewable energy and decarbonisation is essential to tackle climate change while creating long-term economic opportunities.

Ministers have also pointed to the UK Government’s role in nuclear policy, with major projects and funding decisions largely reserved to Westminster.

However, critics argue that rising energy prices and global instability are exposing weaknesses in current approaches, with calls for a broader mix of energy sources gaining traction.

Ms Jones said she would continue to press for what she described as a “common sense” approach, focused on lowering bills, supporting jobs and ensuring long-term energy security for Wales.

PASSENGERS at Tenby railway station are set to benefit from step-free access as a major £8.3 million upgrade moves into its next phase.

Network Rail, working with contractor AmcoGiffen, is delivering the scheme as part of the UK Government’s Access for All programme. The project will introduce a new footbridge with lifts, providing full step-free access between both platforms.

Bridge removed as work progresses

Earlier this month, engineers removed the station’s existing footbridge using 220-tonne and 60-tonne cranes. A temporary walkway has now been installed to allow passengers to continue moving between platforms while construction continues.

The milestone was marked by a visit from local schoolchildren, who were given the chance to watch the crane operation and learn more about careers in engineering.

Complex infrastructure work underway

Behind the scenes, teams have carried out significant work to relocate and recommission signalling and telecommunications equipment. New ducting has also been installed, and cabling rerouted to support the upgraded infrastructure.

Work will continue over the coming months, with the new accessible bridge and lifts expected to be completed in autumn 2026.

Improving access for all

The Tenby project forms part of a wider national programme to improve accessibility across the rail network. Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All scheme has upgraded more than 200 stations across Britain.

Theo Smith, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “This is an important milestone for Tenby and the local community, bringing us closer to a station that everyone can use with confidence.

“We’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience as we continue these major improvements.”

James Gough, Customer Operations Director at Transport for Wales added: “It’s great to see real progress being made at Tenby. This investment will make a lasting difference for both local people and visitors.”

TAXI passengers in Milford Haven are facing a sudden jump in fares, as drivers increasingly switch on their meters and charge full council-approved rates.

One Herald reader said a short return trip from Milford Haven to Neyland cost £30 — around double what he expected to pay.

But drivers insist the prices are not new — they are simply the official tariff now being applied.

Under Pembrokeshire County Council rules, the standard daytime fare starts at £4 for the first mile (£5 after 6pm), rising by around £3 per mile thereafter. Waiting time is also charged, meaning even short return journeys can quickly add up.

Higher rates apply in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

End of the £3 taxi

Milford Haven has long been known for cheap taxis, with short in-town journeys often costing as little as £3 — far below official rates.

That was down to competition, older vehicles, and the need to keep prices low in a town where many rely on affordable transport.

Drivers say those days are now over.

One local driver told The Herald: “People got used to cheap fares, but that was never the real price. Now we have to use the meter or we’re losing money.”

Fuel costs biting

Most taxis run on diesel, now around 170p per litre locally. For drivers covering long distances each day, the increase has hit hard.

Global tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, feeding directly into higher fuel costs in the UK.

With fare increases requiring a lengthy council process, many drivers say they have no option but to charge the full tariff.

Vulnerable hit hardest

The change is being felt most by those who rely on taxis the most.

Elderly residents, people on low incomes and those without access to a car are now facing higher everyday travel costs.

There has been no recent increase in Pembrokeshire’s official taxi fares, which have remained broadly unchanged since 2022.

The difference is simple: drivers are now charging them.

As one put it: “We’re not putting prices up — we’re just finally charging what we’re supposed to be charging.”