Politics
Plaid Cymru’s Road Map for Wales


Plaid policies: ‘Characterised by solutions’
PLAID CYMRU launched their ‘Road Map for Wales’ this week – a policy consultation outlining their plans to form the next Welsh Government.
Speaking at the opening in Cardiff on Monday, Leanne Wood said that a Plaid Cymru government’s approach to reversing Wales’ fortunes would be ‘characterised by solutions’, focusing on saving the NHS, improving outcomes at schools and generating wealth in the economy.
“A Plaid Cymru government can restore confidence in our nation, she claimed. “May next year is Wales’ second chance. For people, for communities, for public services, for our economy.
“Today, Plaid Cymru is launching its road map for Wales, a consultation sharing initial ideas on getting Wales back on track.
“Plaid Cymru’s approach in the forthcoming campaign will be characterised by solutions.
“Others will pursue grievance politics, we want to get on with overcoming the challenges facing the country and fulfilling our collective national potential.
“Shortly after this year’s UK general election, I made a commitment that Plaid Cymru’s proposals for saving our NHS, improving outcomes at schools and generating wealth in our economy would be deliverable. I am pleased to unveil proposals that will spark a debate on achieving that.
“There is nothing inevitable about Wales. Our nation has all the ingredients to be a success in the modern world, and Plaid Cymru will repair, rebuild and renew Wales.
“Wales deserves a government under strong leadership.”
News
MPs back historic move to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales

MEMBERS of Parliament have voted decisively in favour of changing the law to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.
The amendment, introduced by Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, will remove the threat of criminal prosecution for women undergoing abortions after the current 24-week limit. Antoniazzi argued passionately that women facing late-term abortions are in “desperate situations” and need “compassion, not criminalisation.”
MPs were allowed a free vote on the issue as a matter of personal conscience, and the measure passed comfortably by 379 votes to 137—a majority of 242.
Currently, abortions in England and Wales are legal up to 24 weeks, with exceptions permitted beyond this period if the woman’s life is at risk or under other specific conditions. Antoniazzi’s amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill ensures that women can no longer face arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment for ending a pregnancy at any stage.
Highlighting her argument in Parliament, Antoniazzi pointed out that nearly all abortions—99%—occur before 20 weeks. She emphasised that the small percentage who undergo late-term abortions are often vulnerable and facing complex personal circumstances.
“Each case represents a profound tragedy enabled by an archaic law,” she said. “This outdated Victorian legislation, created by an all-male parliament, has increasingly been weaponised against vulnerable women and girls.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy urged colleagues to consider broader changes to abortion laws, including repealing the 1861 Act entirely and formally recognising abortion access as a fundamental human right. Despite receiving significant initial backing, Creasy’s amendment did not proceed to a vote following concerns from abortion providers such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who suggested it was not the optimal path to long-term reform.
Meanwhile, a Conservative amendment introduced by shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson, proposing to end the practice of allowing abortion medication by post without an in-person consultation, was rejected by MPs, with 379 voting against and 117 in support.
The landmark vote marks a significant step in abortion law reform, removing longstanding criminal penalties and shifting towards a compassionate framework for women’s healthcare.
News
Welsh Government publishes first Supplementary Budget for 2025-26

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has today (June 17) published its First Supplementary Budget for the 2025-26 financial year.
The updated budget reflects adjustments made since the Final Budget was agreed in February and includes several allocations from the Welsh Government’s reserves. It also incorporates changes to baseline funding following UK Government fiscal decisions earlier this year.
According to the written statement issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford MS, the revised budget is designed to keep public spending aligned with shifting economic conditions and priorities.
The Supplementary Budget outlines how money will be reallocated or drawn down to address emerging pressures or policy changes. It forms part of the normal financial planning process and gives the Senedd an opportunity to scrutinise government decisions taken since the Final Budget.
A debate on the Supplementary Budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, in the Senedd.
The Welsh Government said the changes ensure financial flexibility while remaining within overall spending limits.
Further details, including the full budget breakdown, are available on the Welsh Government’s website.
Photo caption:
Finance lead: Mark Drakeford MS will present the Supplementary Budget to the Senedd on July 8 (Pic: Herald)
News
Council begins settlement-by-settlement review of 20mph limits in Pembrokeshire

Listening exercise complete – local feedback now under review
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has begun a comprehensive review of 20mph speed limits across the county, following a wave of public concern and a major listening exercise.
The review follows widespread concern over the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, introduced in September 2023. Residents, businesses and community leaders across Pembrokeshire raised concerns that the one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the county’s rural road network and varying local conditions.
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, confirmed that the council is now reviewing the feedback on a settlement-by-settlement basis and will contact residents directly in areas where speed limit changes are under consideration.
“Where a speed limit review has been proposed, we will engage directly with local residents before moving to wider consultation and any formal changes,” said Cllr Sinnett.
While the initial public response to the 20mph policy has been mixed, data from police shows a 28% drop in casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads across Wales since the change. In Pembrokeshire, recorded casualties fell from 125 to 89 over the same period.
Although the council is no longer seeking new suggestions, the review process will continue throughout the current financial year. Formal changes to speed limits will be implemented where appropriate via the statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.
Meanwhile, the council has also reported a number of 20mph signs being vandalised or removed across the county, with the cost of replacement now exceeding £4,000. Despite this, the reduced limits remain fully enforceable.
The Herald understands that the next steps will include direct communication with residents in affected settlements, followed by formal consultation where required.
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