News

Plaid accused of backtracking on Wales Covid inquiry pledge

Published

1 minute ago

July 1, 2026

ANDREW RT DAVIES has accused the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government of backtracking on a pledge to hold a Wales-specific Covid inquiry.

The Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend challenged ministers in the Senedd this week, asking whether the Government’s proposed examination of Wales’s pandemic response would be a full public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005.

Such an inquiry would have statutory powers, including the ability to compel witnesses and evidence.

Mr Davies said Plaid had repeatedly called for a Wales-specific inquiry while in opposition, but claimed ministers were now using the language of a “review” instead.

Speaking in the Senedd, he asked Trefnydd and Culture Minister Heledd Fychan to clarify whether the process would be an inquiry under the 2005 Act.

He said: “In his statement last week, he referred constantly to the Covid review rather than the Covid inquiry that the Government promised when they were in opposition.

“It was quite clear that, when you were in opposition, you were voting for an inquiry.

“Can we have clarity, please, via a statement, to understand the Government preparations in putting this together and that it will be an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005?”

Ms Fychan did not directly confirm whether the process would be statutory, but said Plaid would stand by its manifesto commitment and continue working with families affected by the pandemic.

She told the Senedd: “I will refer the Member to the Plaid Cymru manifesto, where it was clear, and the commitment that was made in working with Covid bereaved families, in terms of what we would commit to.

“Certainly there will be an update when that work does progress.

“He will also know that we stood shoulder-to-shoulder and have been calling for lessons to be learned. And that’s what needs to happen here: lessons should be learned, so that preparations are better for the future.”

Responding afterwards, Mr Davies said the answer suggested Plaid was watering down its previous position.

He said: “Plaid Cymru’s first weeks in power have been marred by broken promises.

“Their failure to commit to a Covid inquiry with full statutory powers suggests they’re backtracking on this too.

“The cynical way in which many politicians fail to keep their pledges is the reason public trust in politics has collapsed.”

The dispute matters because there is a significant difference between a statutory public inquiry and a non-statutory review.

A statutory inquiry can compel documents and witnesses. A review may be quicker and cheaper, but its powers depend on the terms set by ministers.

Plaid’s position has developed over time. While in opposition, the party was among the strongest voices calling for Wales-specific scrutiny of the pandemic response. In November 2025, following the publication of the UK Covid Inquiry’s report into core decision-making, Heledd Fychan said a Plaid Government would conduct a dedicated “gap inquiry” to examine Welsh Government decisions.

However, Plaid’s 2026 manifesto promised to “establish a review of Wales’s Covid response, its legacies and lessons for the future within the first year of the next Senedd term, with a targeted focus on Wales-specific matters and questions not covered by the UK-wide inquiry.”

That wording is likely to be central to the political row now developing in Cardiff Bay.

The UK Covid Inquiry has already considered aspects of Wales’s pandemic response. Module 2B focused on core political and administrative decision-making in Wales, including decisions taken by the First Minister and Welsh Ministers between early 2020 and the lifting of remaining restrictions.

The inquiry has also published reports on resilience and preparedness, decision-making, healthcare systems, and vaccines and therapeutics. Further reports are expected on procurement, social care, test and trace, children and young people, economic support, and the wider impact of the pandemic.

For many families in Pembrokeshire and across Wales, the issue remains deeply personal rather than political.

Pandemic decisions affected care home visits, hospital appointments, school closures, business support, funeral arrangements, access to GPs and the rules governing daily life. In rural areas such as west Wales, the impact was felt by older residents, tourism businesses, farming families, pupils, carers, NHS staff and people who lost loved ones in difficult and often isolated circumstances.

Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru has continued to call for a Wales-specific statutory public inquiry. The group has argued that Wales does not need simply to repeat the UK-wide inquiry, but does need a short, focused and economical process capable of answering questions specific to Wales.

The Welsh Government says it remains committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and has pointed to its manifesto commitment to a targeted review.

The key question now is whether that review will have the legal force demanded by opposition politicians and bereaved families, or whether ministers will opt for a narrower process intended to report more quickly.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government whether the planned Covid review will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, whether it will have powers to compel evidence and witnesses, when its terms of reference will be published, and how bereaved families in Wales will be involved.

Entertainment

Milford Waterfront unveils bumper summer programme for families

Published

9 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD WATERFRONT has announced a packed summer programme of free activities, family entertainment, outdoor cinema, live music and waterfront attractions.

The summer season will begin with the free annual Milford Haven Carnival on Saturday, July 4, before more festival-style entertainment arrives at the Milford Waterfront Weekender from August 14 to 16.

Other highlights include outdoor cinema screenings on Mackerel Quay, free Under the Bridge evening activities for young people aged 11 to 17, exhibitions at the Waterfront Gallery, and a range of family attractions across the marina.

Throughout the school holidays, visitors can also explore Milford Haven Museum and learn more about the town’s maritime heritage. Entry costs £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for children, while under-fives go free.

For those looking to get out on the water, Milford Beach Activity Centre will offer SUP and kayak hire, as well as guided tours of the waterway, with prices starting from £15.

Indoor activities include ten-pin bowling, indoor play and themed events at Phoenix Bowl, with prices from £7 per person.

Families looking to stay locally can also take advantage of a summer offer at Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, where children stay for free when sharing a family room with their parents. The hotel, which overlooks the marina, is offering rooms from £74 per night for stays between July 13 and September 1, 2026.

Milford Haven Carnival

Milford Haven Carnival, hosted by Milford Haven Round Table, takes place on Saturday, July 4.

The colourful parade will begin at Waterloo Square before travelling along Hakin Bridge, Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, finishing at Milford Waterfront.

From 1pm to 5pm, visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink, pop-up stalls, a funfair and family entertainment.

The celebrations will continue into the evening with a free Carnival afterparty at the Lord Nelson Hotel, hosted with Westpresents. Running from 3pm to 11pm, the event will feature live performances on a main stage, an outdoor bar, face painting and a large LED screen provided by TCW Productions.

Milford Waterfront Weekender

From August 14 to 16, Milford Waterfront Weekender will bring three days of food, music and entertainment to Mackerel Quay.

Running from midday into the evening, the event will feature street food from Pembrokeshire and south-west Wales, along with live music in a waterfront setting.

Outdoor cinema

Milford Waterfront will also host three outdoor cinema screenings in association with the Torch Theatre.

Finding Nemo will be shown on Friday, July 17, with arrival from 1.30pm, followed by Back to the Future later the same day, with arrival from 6pm.

The Greatest Showman will be screened on Friday, August 21, with arrival from 6pm.

All screenings will take place on Mackerel Quay. Tickets cost from £12 per person, or £44 for a group of four.

Free youth activities

Free Under the Bridge activities for young people aged 11 to 17 will take place every Tuesday and Friday from July 21 to August 28.

Running from 6pm to 8pm, the sessions will include arts, music, sports activities and inflatable games.

More information is available from Milford Youth Matters on Facebook.

Full details of the summer programme can be found at milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on.

Health

Wales’ only specialist eye hospitals strengthen senior team

Published

39 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WALES’ only specialist eye-care hospital, Sana Private Health, has expanded its senior team to welcome Francesca Oak as a new Business Relationships Manager.

Aiming to increase Sana’s optometry network across Wales, Francesca’s appointment represents the Cataract Centres of Excellence’s approach to enhanced patient care, particularly for those with complex eye health conditions.

The new role has been created as demand for specialist eye care continues to grow across Wales, with increasing numbers of patients seeking treatment for age-related eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

The appointment will see Francesca, who holds extensive experience in optometry practice, provide expert consultation for optometrists. Advising on bespoke treatment options available for patients, Francesca will also take feedback from optometrists to shape Sana’s future planning based on patient needs.

It is the first time the hospital has brought in a specialist in relationship management, demonstrating Sana’s commitment to improving patient pathways to care. Coupled with the recent investment in renovating its Bridgend hospital, the new role highlights Sana’s continued growth.

Speaking of her appointment, Francesca Oak said: “I’m delighted to join the team at Sana Private Health at this exciting time for the hospital. We are seeing real growth and investment in cutting-edge technologies which will enhance patient care, and I’m looking forward to working with optometrists across Wales to shape our approach to care.”

With hospitals in Swansea and Bridgend, Sana Private Health was established in March 2023 by world-leading ophthalmologists Mr Luke Anderson and Mr Mario Saldanha.

The private healthcare centre offers treatment for glaucoma, retinal disorders, macular degeneration, cornea conditions, refractive lens exchange, laser vision correction, and is a leading specialist centre for cataract removal.

Mr Luke Anderson, Founding Director and Ophthalmic Surgeon at Sana Private Health, said: “Bringing Fran into the team represents our commitment to excellence, strengthening our relationships with optometrists across the country.

“Patients need to feel confident that, when they speak to their optometrists, they’ll be able to access the right treatment in outstanding facilities. By bringing Francesca on-board, we’re improving our outreach to optometry practices and ensuring patients have an efficient, practical and tailored referrals process, so they can be seen by a specialist quicker and get back to the life they love.”

To find out more, visit https://www.sana-health.co.uk/

News

Welsh victims ‘must not be overlooked’ in grooming gangs inquiry

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Darren Millar calls for assurances that Welsh cases will be properly examined, as first local investigations are named in England

WELSH victims of group-based child sexual exploitation must not be left on the margins of the national grooming gangs inquiry, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has warned.

Darren Millar MS has called on the Welsh Government to seek urgent assurances that cases from Wales will be properly examined by the statutory inquiry chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield.

The inquiry formally covers England and Wales, but the first named local investigations are London, Oldham, Bradford and Keighley. No Welsh area has yet been listed as one of the first local investigation sites.

Mr Millar said that has raised serious questions about whether Welsh victims and survivors will be given the same level of scrutiny, particularly where devolved public services may have failed to identify or protect children at risk.

He said schools, councils, social services, health boards and safeguarding partnerships in Wales must be prepared to answer difficult questions about what was known, what was missed and whether vulnerable children were properly protected.

Mr Millar said: “The grooming gangs scandal was not confined to a handful of towns in England.

“We know organised child sexual exploitation happened in Wales, Welsh victims suffered appalling abuse and there are serious questions about whether public bodies did enough to protect vulnerable children.

“Victims deserve confidence that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth.

“If the UK inquiry is not going to investigate Wales, then the Welsh Government must establish a Wales-specific inquiry into the role of devolved public services, including schools, health boards and local authorities.

“There is evidence that vulnerable children have been failed by the very institutions that should have protected them. It is unforgivable that warnings were ignored and victims were dismissed because people avoided having uncomfortable conversations that could have raised the alarm about safeguarding concerns.

“Lessons must be learned to ensure these horrific crimes can never happen again.”

The call comes amid renewed UK-wide scrutiny of group-based child sexual exploitation and the repeated failure of public bodies to act on warnings from victims, families and frontline professionals.

The statutory inquiry was established after Baroness Louise Casey’s national audit into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. It will examine how children were targeted, how institutions responded and whether public bodies failed to act because of poor practice, weak leadership, cultural sensitivities, or a failure to treat victims with credibility and care.

The inquiry has powers to compel evidence and require witnesses to give testimony. It is expected to look at failures by local authorities, police, health services, schools and other public bodies.

Although Wales is included in the formal England and Wales remit, the inquiry has made clear that it will not investigate every area where abuse may have taken place. Victims and survivors outside the named local investigation areas are still able to share evidence.

That distinction is now central to the political argument in Wales.

The Welsh Conservatives say it is not enough for Wales to be technically covered by the inquiry if Welsh cases are not examined in detail. They argue that Welsh victims need public confidence that the inquiry will follow the evidence into Welsh institutions where necessary.

The issue is especially sensitive because child protection, education, social services, health boards and safeguarding arrangements are devolved responsibilities in Wales. Policing and criminal justice remain largely reserved to Westminster, meaning any proper examination of Welsh failures would need to look at how devolved and non-devolved bodies worked together.

Wales has already featured in previous national scrutiny of child sexual exploitation. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse included Swansea as one of its case study areas when it examined child sexual exploitation by organised networks.

That inquiry found concerns around the way cases were identified, recorded and understood. It said examples of exploitation by networks or groups should have been identified by police and the local authority.

The Welsh Government has previously argued that an England and Wales inquiry is the best way to examine the issue, rather than setting up a separate Wales-only process. It has also published a 10-year strategy for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in Wales.

That strategy is intended to improve prevention, strengthen professional responses, support children and families, and provide help for adult survivors.

However, the Welsh Conservatives say a safeguarding strategy cannot replace accountability for historic failures.

They argue that victims need answers about whether warnings were missed, whether agencies failed to share information, whether children in care were properly protected, and whether professionals wrongly dismissed victims instead of recognising exploitation.

Campaigners and specialist support organisations have also warned that any inquiry must remain focused on victims and survivors rather than becoming a party-political row.

They have stressed that child sexual exploitation can take many forms, including online grooming, trafficking, abuse by groups or networks, criminal exploitation, familial abuse and abuse by people in positions of trust.

Mr Millar said Welsh victims must not be treated as an afterthought.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government whether it has sought assurances that Welsh evidence will be considered by the inquiry, and whether Ministers would support a Wales-specific investigation if no Welsh area is selected for detailed examination.