CATHOLIC bishops in Wales have called on Members of the Senedd to withhold consent for Westminster’s assisted suicide legislation, ahead of a debate and vote expected next week.

In a joint statement issued on Monday (Jan 19), Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff-Menevia and Bishop Peter Brignall of Wrexham said they were “deeply concerned” about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament.

On Tuesday (Jan 27), Senedd Members are expected to be asked whether Wales should give legislative consent for the bill. This is the process used when UK legislation touches on devolved matters, including areas linked to health and the delivery of public services.

The bishops said that, if enacted, the bill would legalise assisted suicide and represent what they described as a “profound change” in how society responds to people who are terminally ill.

They warned that vulnerable people could be placed at greater risk, arguing that in countries where assisted suicide has been legalised, eligibility criteria have tended to widen over time, the number of deaths has increased, and some people may feel subtle pressure to end their lives, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or anxious about becoming a burden.

Calling on Wales’ “long and proud tradition of compassion,” the bishops said true compassion did not mean ending a life, but supporting those who suffer, easing pain, and ensuring no one feels abandoned or without worth.

They urged politicians to focus instead on strengthening palliative and end-of-life care, saying every person should be able to live their final days with dignity, comfort and peace.

Supporters of assisted dying argue that the law would give mentally competent adults with a terminal diagnosis greater choice at the end of life, and say that any system introduced should include strict safeguards to prevent coercion or abuse. They also say the debate should include the experiences of patients and families facing the realities of prolonged and distressing deaths.

The bishops’ intervention comes as assisted dying continues to prompt strong views across the UK, with campaigners, faith groups, medical professionals and disability rights advocates raising questions about safeguards, potential unintended consequences, and the resourcing of palliative care.

As the Senedd vote approaches, Archbishop O’Toole and Bishop Brignall have invited people across Wales to “pray and reflect carefully” on the issue.

They are also encouraging those who can to observe a day of fasting on Monday (Jan 26), the eve of the debate, in solidarity with those they believe would be most vulnerable if the bill becomes law, and to urge those supporting it to reconsider.

The bishops ended by calling on the public to engage respectfully with their elected representatives ahead of what they described as an important decision for Wales.

Tough warning as Eluned Morgan says Wales could be disproportionately hit if the US raises tariffs linked to Greenland demand

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has urged the Prime Minister to “stand firm” in the face of threats by Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs unless the UK backs his stated desire to purchase Greenland.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, First Minister Eluned Morgan said Wales could be hit particularly hard by any additional tariffs because of the scale and make-up of Welsh exports to the United States.

Welsh goods exports to the US, excluding oil products, were valued at £2.1bn in the year ending September 2025. The Welsh Government said more than 1,000 Welsh businesses, around a third of Wales’ exporters, send goods to the US.

It added that Wales’ exports to the US are made up of a higher proportion of goods than the rest of the UK. It said 59% of Welsh exports to the US are goods, compared to 32% for the UK overall.

Eluned Morgan said: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living – increased tariffs will only put further pressure on Welsh businesses.

“I have written to Sir Keir Starmer setting out that Wales could be disproportionately affected by additional tariffs, which would be a challenge for many Welsh businesses.

“Threatening the use of tariffs is an unacceptable and aggressive act from a country we consider a friend and ally. Welsh jobs are on the line and as First Minister I will defend them to the hilt.

“I recognise the importance of the US to the Welsh economy – there are around 330 US-based companies in Wales, employing just over 40,000 people. But there comes a point where principle must be respected. It is the people of Greenland and Denmark who should be determining the future of the island, and international law must be upheld.

“We cannot continue to be threatened with more tariffs by Donald Trump. At this critical moment, we must stand by our allies and the values we hold dear.”

National Park Authority confirms application will not go to committee

PLANS for a proposed “Adventure Hub” at Moylegrove have been pulled after the applicant formally withdrew the scheme.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has confirmed that planning application NP/24/1098/FUL has now been withdrawn, meaning it will not be determined and will not go before the Authority’s Development Management Committee.

In an update issued this week, the National Park Authority said it will take no further action on the case, and the planning file will be amended to reflect the withdrawal.

The applicant has indicated they may return with a revised or alternative proposal for the site at a later date, which would incorporate the existing building. Any future submission would be treated as an entirely new planning application, processed in the usual way, and would trigger a fresh round of consultation.

The Authority thanked residents and stakeholders who took part in the planning process.