News
MP fights for bass fishermen


MPs from the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group: Simon Hart, Charles Walker and Scott Mann with Angling Trust Chief Executive Mark Lloyd preparing to battle for bass in the House of Commons
SIMON HART has challenged the UK Government over unfair restrictions that are hitting Pembrokeshire’s recreational bass fishermen.
Mr Hart, a keen fisherman, led a small delegation from the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group and the Angling Trust to meet Environment Secretary Liz Truss and Fisheries Minister George Eustice to discuss the issue.
The EU has ordered a complete bass fishing ban for commercial vessels and recreational anglers until July 2016 and a monthly one-tonne catch limit for boats and a one fish per day bag limit for anglers in the second half of the year.
Mr Hart said: “EU Fisheries Ministers caved in to pressure from commercial fishing interests and granted four month exemptions to commercial hook and line and the highly damaging bass fixed gill net fishery which are responsible for 50% of landings.”
At the same time anglers faced raconian restrictions and are at risk of criminalisation if they try to keep the self-same bass that a netsman is free to kill during the moratorium.
Mr Hart added: “Recreational anglers are prepared to play their part in what was expected to be a fair, effective and proportionate package of measures that would help rebuild bass stocks but this has not happened.
“The recreational bag limits are grossly unfair, make an ass of the law and fail to acknowledge that recreational sea angling is the most sustainable form of bass fishing which delivers the best economic return.”
Ministers accepted the proposal from The Angling Trust and the Bass Anglers Sport fishing Society to work with Defra officials on a long term management plan for bass.
This would include both domestic measures like bass nursery areas and EU wide proposals ahead of the December 2016 Fishing Opportunities meeting.
Commenting on this potential breakthrough Angling Society’s Martin Salter said: “Fair play to ministers for meeting some of their strongest critics and being willing to work with recreational anglers on trying to secure a long term future for the bass fishery rather than simply responding to short term commercial pressures.
“The current situation is risking ignoring the lessons of previous stock collapses and forcing the introduction of a complete moratorium on all forms of bass fishing which would be a disaster. We must learn from good practice in the USA and elsewhere which delivers agreed resource sharing by species in line with good fishery management advice, best scientific evidence and key economic objectives.”
News
Councils pay over £100,000 to Crown Estate annually

CALLS FOR DEVOLUTION
NEW data has revealed that councils in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire pay a combined £105,589.29 each year to the Crown Estate for public access to land.
The figure was obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the office of Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales (pictured). Mr. Campbell argues the findings strengthen his party’s call for the devolution of the Crown Estate’s responsibilities to Wales.
Currently, profits from the Crown Estate are received and managed by the UK Treasury on behalf of the royal family.
PLAID CYMRU PRESSURE
In the Senedd today (Wednesday, February 19), Mr. Campbell questioned Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing. He raised concerns about the financial strain on local councils and the impact of rising costs.
“Local authorities, facing the cost-of-living crisis and increased national insurance contributions, are having to consider cuts to public services to balance their budgets,” he said. “Ceredigion Council, for instance, is facing a £5 million deficit and considering a council tax rise of up to 14%.”
He added: “Do you agree with me and my Plaid Cymru colleagues that it is impossible to justify councils in south-west Wales sending over £100,000 to the UK Treasury and royal family each year? Shouldn’t the process of transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate to Wales begin as soon as possible?”
News
Welsh Conservatives vote against £7m support for Welsh businesses

A POLITICAL row has erupted after the Welsh Conservatives voted against a Welsh Government plan to provide £7 million in financial support to businesses struggling with their bills. The decision, made in the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 18), has drawn sharp criticism from Welsh Labour, who accused the Tories of failing to help businesses recover from economic pressures exacerbated by UK Government policies.
Labour slams Tory opposition
A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “You couldn’t make it up. The party that gave us the disastrous Liz Truss budget that sent bills soaring has now voted against providing a package of support for Welsh businesses worth £7 million.”
The funding was part of a broader £335 million package within the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses. The proposed support included targeted relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, which have been struggling amid high operating costs and economic uncertainty.
Tories defend their stance
The Welsh Conservatives have defended their decision, arguing that their own economic growth plan, which included reinstating business rates relief to 75% for key sectors, would have been a more effective solution. Their proposal was rejected by Labour members, leading to their opposition to the alternative package.

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, said: “Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses. Instead of implementing real, long-term solutions to drive economic growth, they are offering piecemeal support that does not address the deeper challenges facing our economy.”
Economic challenges in Wales
The debate over business support comes against the backdrop of concerning economic statistics in Wales. The nation continues to grapple with higher unemployment rates and lower employment figures compared to other parts of the UK. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have been vocal about the need for more substantial government intervention to cope with rising costs.
The Welsh Labour Government insists that its package is necessary to provide immediate relief, while the Welsh Conservatives argue that broader tax and economic reforms are needed to create a more sustainable business environment.
Divided reactions
Business leaders and organisations have expressed mixed reactions to the political fallout. While some have welcomed the Welsh Government’s funding plan, others believe it does not go far enough to address long-term financial pressures.
A spokesperson for Business Wales said: “Any support for businesses is welcome, but we urge all parties to work together on long-term solutions that provide certainty and stability for Welsh enterprises.”
Political fallout
The vote has intensified the ongoing political battle between Labour and the Conservatives in Wales, with both parties accusing each other of failing to support the economy effectively. With the Welsh economy facing ongoing challenges, businesses will be watching closely to see if further financial relief or policy changes emerge in the coming months.
The Herald will continue to follow developments on this issue.
News
Government to consider report on Welsh-speaking communities

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT says it has welcomed a new report examining how town and country planning impacts Welsh-speaking communities, with recommendations for strengthening policies to protect the language.
The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has published its findings on the challenges faced by the Welsh language. Evidence presented to the commission highlighted concerns from planning authorities and professional bodies, many of whom believe existing policies and guidelines need revision to better support Welsh-speaking areas.
The report outlines 14 recommendations, including the need to strengthen planning guidance and assess the impact of policies on the language. One key proposal calls for a framework to evaluate how planning applications affect the Welsh language in high-density Welsh-speaking areas, similar to assessments used for Special Areas of Conservation. The commission also recommends reinforcing Technical Advice Note 20 to provide clearer guidance on planning matters relevant to the Welsh language.
The Welsh Government will now review the report and respond to its findings in the coming months.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I would like to thank the members of the commission for presenting this report, and the contributors who have shared their time and expertise. We will consider its findings and recommendations carefully.”
Dr Simon Brooks, Chair of the Commission, added: “Following thorough research, we have concluded that planning policies related to the Welsh language should be revised. Strengthening the role of the language within the planning system is crucial to securing its future as both a national and community language.”
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