LIDL has announced that it will soon become the first UK retailer to sell milk exclusively produced and bottled in Wales, thanks to a partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery.

Starting from June 1, Lidl customers in Wales will be able to purchase Welsh own-label milk products, with plans to extend this to include cream shortly thereafter.

Previously, milk produced in Wales was transported to England for bottling before being sold in Welsh stores. However, with a significant £20m investment supported by the Welsh government, Pembrokeshire Creamery has now established the only bottling facility in the country certified to supply supermarkets. This development not only reduces transportation distances, thus cutting down on food miles, but also generates 80 new jobs in the local community.

The initiative is part of Lidl’s broader strategy to support Welsh agriculture and provide consumers with locally sourced products. Their range already includes Welsh bread, butter, yoghurt, eggs, lamb, and beef. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the retailer’s dedication to local produce: “Our partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery is testament to our commitment to offer Welsh shoppers the very best in homegrown food and drink.”

Mark McQuade, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery, highlighted the efficiency of the new operation. “The partnership will deliver products from farm to shelf in a more efficient way, removing the need for Welsh milk to be sent to England for bottling, before coming back to Wales,” he said.

This news coincides with Lidl’s announcement of a £500m investment in the British pork industry, aimed at supporting continued production amidst recent challenges such as rising costs, a Chinese import ban on EU pork, and butcher shortages, which have significantly impacted the sector.

Lidl’s initiatives are set to bolster not only the local Welsh economy but also the broader agricultural sector across the UK.

A COALITION of leading Welsh democracy and civil organisations has declared the approval of new legislation to expand the Senedd a ‘pivotal moment’ for devolution in Wales, suggesting it will significantly enhance accountability in Cardiff Bay.

According to a statement released by ERS Cymru, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA), and the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill is crucial in addressing the long-standing inequality where Wales remained the only UK parliament incapable of managing its increasing duties due to its small size.

Under the new bill, the number of Senedd representatives will rise from 60 to 96, allowing the Welsh Parliament to more effectively oversee its annual public spending of over £23 billion, and ensure the Welsh Government is held accountable.

The legislation also introduces a shift in the Senedd’s electoral system from the Additional Member System (AMS) to a closed list system of proportional representation, where voters will select a party instead of an individual candidate.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, stated, “This is a pivotal moment in Welsh devolution’s history. Twenty-five years after the first elections to the Senedd, this bill corrects a historical disparity, aligning the Welsh parliament with other devolved assemblies in the UK.” She highlighted that the initial 60-member assembly was formed when the Welsh parliament lacked legislative and tax-raising powers. Blair noted the expansion as “an investment in better accountability so that issues are identified sooner and public funds are utilised more effectively.”

However, Blair expressed concerns over the new closed list voting system, urging a review and reform post-election to allow voters more choice.

Joe Rossiter, Co-Director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, commented on the importance of the Senedd’s growth in capabilities to match its increased responsibilities. “As the powers of the Senedd have expanded, so too must its capacity and capability,” he said, acknowledging the need for further electoral reform to better reflect voter preference.

Victoria Vasey, Director of WEN Wales, described the legislation as a historic step towards a more effective Welsh parliament, emphasising the importance of representation. “An effective parliament is one that represents its population, ensuring women and all marginalised communities have a voice,” she said. Vasey also called for continued vigilance regarding the closed list system, which could potentially enhance party power over voter choice.

This legislative milestone marks a significant advance in the democratic process in Wales, though it appears the conversation around optimal electoral systems and representative democracy is set to continue.

LONGSTANDING Pembrokeshire local business, W.B. Griffiths & Son, located in Haverfordwest, emerged victorious in the latest Pembs Lottery draw. The company, which has been an avid supporter of the lottery since its inception, was rewarded for its loyalty with a substantial win.

Director Neil Griffiths graciously accepted the £2000 prize on behalf of the business and expressed their delight in being able to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years. Griffiths revealed that the prize money would be directed towards local community projects, thereby fostering a positive cycle of support within the area.

The gesture characterises Pembrokeshire. W.B. Griffiths & Son’s commitment to supporting local initiatives not only enriches the community.

The Pembrokeshire Lottery team extended their heartfelt congratulations to the fortunate winners, acknowledging their unwavering support and dedication to the local community.