THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have welcomed a new announcement from Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch outlining her proposals to safeguard the future of the UK’s farming industry.

During a press conference earlier today, Ms Badenoch pledged to scrap what the party describes as the “Family Farm Tax”, cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy, lower energy bills and step up efforts to tackle rural crime. She told supporters that the Conservatives “understand what farmers are going through” and would ensure their voices are heard.

Commenting on the announcement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay had “made it clear they do not understand rural life.”

“Farmers are facing immense pressures from rising costs, uncertain markets and changes to agricultural policy,” he said.

“Labour’s family farm tax, their inability to deal with rural crime, high energy costs and unnecessary red tape could all be the final straw for many. Today’s announcement reiterates that the Conservatives are the only party standing with our farming communities.”

Mr Kurtz added that the Welsh Conservatives’ own plan for agriculture, combined with the pledges set out by Ms Badenoch, would help the sector “thrive”.

“Farming in Wales needs a friend,” he said, “and that friend is the Welsh Conservatives.”

A FAMILY originally from West Wales is appealing for support as they raise £40,000 for life-changing surgery for their six-year-old daughter, Phoebe.

Wyn Dakin, from Five Roads, and his wife Rachel, from Llandysul, now live in Lyneham, Wiltshire. Wyn will run the Tata Steel Llanelli Half Marathon next February as part of the fundraising effort. Meanwhile, a group of Year One pupils at Lyneham Primary School is preparing to complete the 2km Junior Park Run in support of their classmate.

Phoebe and her identical twin sister, Mia, were born ten weeks early. Phoebe suffered a bleed on the brain shortly after birth and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She is a wheelchair user.

Mum Rachel, 33, a paediatric nurse originally from Carmarthen, said: “Phoebe loves to play games like Uno, to help around the house and to play with her little sister Bella. She is often in pain but inspires us daily with her strength and bravery.”

Phoebe has been assessed as suitable for a specialist procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). The operation reduces the muscle tightness that causes pain and restricts mobility. With intensive physiotherapy, the family hopes Phoebe will gain greater control of her movements, improved strength, and more independence.

However, the surgery is not funded by the NHS, and the full cost — including rehabilitation and essential therapies — is expected to exceed £40,000.

The family has already raised nearly half the amount through community events and company sponsorship. Upcoming fundraisers include Wyn and colleagues taking part in the Llanelli Half Marathon, a team completing the CarTen 100-mile cycle ride next May, and a bingo night at Lyneham Community Centre on 22 November.

Rachel said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has taken on events for us and everyone who has donated — every penny counts. We are hoping Phoebe can have her surgery next summer as the younger she is, the better.

“She often wakes in the night with leg cramps and we hope the procedure will help alleviate that. At the moment she can walk a short distance with a frame, but after the operation she will need intensive physio. The first two years are the most important, and we hope she will eventually be able to walk much further.”

The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families fund medical treatments and healthcare services not available through the NHS. The charity provides fundraising guidance, financial management, campaign development and emotional support.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: “We wish Phoebe and her family all the best with their fundraising activities. We are pleased to be supporting them as they work towards their fundraising goals.”

To find out more or to donate to Phoebe’s campaign, visit Tree of Hope: Help Phoebe Walk With Confidence.

Young Cardiff man jailed after police uncover cocaine, crack and cannabis supply operation across two counties

A DRUG dealer who tried to hide from police in a shower — with cannabis concealed in his anus — has been jailed after a series of raids in Neyland and Cardiff.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at a property in Neyland on March 27, where they found cash and cannabis inside the address. Prosecutor Nik Strobl said officers arrested the occupants and discovered Miguel Ada, 22, hiding in the shower. He initially gave a false name.

Ada was taken to hospital because officers suspected he was carrying drugs internally. He later admitted he had hidden cannabis in his anus, which was removed the following day. His phone contained messages offering cannabis for sale and encouraging others to deal for him, promising they could earn “serious money”.

At the time, Ada was already on bail for earlier drug matters. On January 26, officers attended a Cardiff hostel for vulnerable over-55s and saw him leaving a room in suspicious circumstances. He was arrested and found with 2.6g of cannabis, eleven wraps of cocaine in his bag worth around £200, and a further twenty-one wraps of cocaine — valued at £550 — hidden behind his scrotum.

Police arrested him again on June 15 at his partner’s home in Fairwater, Cardiff, after tracing a drugs line number written on a Rizla paper. During that search, officers recovered eight wraps of crack cocaine, cash, a Nokia phone and small amounts of cannabis. Analysis of the phone revealed a large number of bulk messages advertising crack cocaine for sale.

Ada, of Claude Road, Cardiff, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, offering to supply crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis.

Defending, Sol Hartley said Ada had no previous drug convictions and had come under “pressure” from gang members he met while remanded in custody. He said Ada had been effectively homeless since being told to leave home at 17 and had “no stability” in his life.

Recorder Andrew Hammond sentenced Ada to three years and nine months in prison.