NEW YOUGOV POLL SHOWS 73% OF WELSH RESPONDENTS WANT CLOSER RELATIONS WITH EUROPE

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have renewed their call for closer ties between the UK and the European Union after new YouGov polling suggested Wales has the strongest support in Britain for rebuilding relations with Europe.

The poll found that 73% of Welsh respondents want closer UK-EU relations, higher than in both England and Scotland.

It also showed that 69% of people in Wales support the UK rejoining the European Union, 59% back a return to the Single Market, and 60% support a new customs union.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats said the findings show growing public frustration with the current post-Brexit settlement and its economic impact on Wales.

The party said Brexit, driven by the Conservatives and Nigel Farage, had damaged Welsh trade, weakened economic growth, and created unnecessary barriers for businesses that rely on exporting.

It said key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and food production, had faced higher costs, more paperwork, and reduced access to European markets.

The party also argued that families had felt the impact through inflation and increased costs for goods and services.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on Labour to begin rebuilding the UK’s relationship with Europe and have reaffirmed their support for a new UK-EU customs union as an immediate first step.

They said such a move would reduce trade barriers, lower costs for businesses, and help restore economic confidence across Wales.

Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “This polling shows that people in Wales are clearly saying they want change. They can see the damage Brexit has done, higher costs, more red tape, and fewer opportunities for growth.

“The Conservatives and Nigel Farage created this mess and still refuse to take responsibility for it. Reform wants to double down on it whilst making us dependent on an erratic America controlled by Trump.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are leading the argument for that change, starting with a customs union so we can rebuild trade, support Welsh businesses, and repair the damage that’s already been done.

“Wales should not be stuck paying the price for a failed Brexit experiment. It’s time to move forward.”

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.