Labour claims opposition blocked protections for workers and tougher action on violence

PLAID CYMRU has come under criticism from Welsh Labour after voting against a motion supporting UK legislation aimed at strengthening protections for workers and tackling crime.

Members of the Senedd debated a Legislative Consent Motion relating to the UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill on Tuesday (Mar 10). The bill includes measures intended to strengthen action against anti-social behaviour, knife crime, and violence against women and girls, as well as providing additional protections for retail and emergency workers.

Welsh Labour MSs voted in favour of the motion, while Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, and Reform UK members opposed it.

The proposed legislation includes provisions to increase protections for shop workers and emergency staff from assault, strengthen powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence, address knife and drug-related crime, and improve safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults.

Welsh Labour politician Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who is standing as a candidate for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, criticised Plaid Cymru’s decision.

He said: “Plaid teamed up with the Tories and Reform to block this bill. They voted against stronger protections for retail workers, emergency workers, and vulnerable people in our communities.

“When there was a choice to vote to make Wales a safer place, Plaid and the other opposition voted against it. When there was a choice between backing tougher action on crime and creating a constitutional row, Plaid chose the row. Welsh Labour chose to back stronger protections and safer communities.”

He added that the vote showed what a Plaid-led government might prioritise.

“This shows exactly what a Plaid-led government would look like — putting political arguments ahead of practical action to keep people safe,” he said.

However, opposition parties have previously argued that votes against Legislative Consent Motions do not necessarily reflect opposition to the policy itself, but rather concerns about Westminster legislating in areas that overlap with devolved powers.

Plaid Cymru has often taken the position that Welsh laws affecting devolved matters should be made in the Senedd rather than by the UK Parliament.

The Crime and Policing Bill continues its passage through the UK Parliament.

POLICE have arrested a woman following what is being described as a ‘knife attack’ at a property in Spittal on Monday night (Mar 10).

Emergency services were called to the domestic incident shortly before 8:30pm after the ambulance service requested assistance from Dyfed-Powys Police.

Officers and paramedics attended the property where a man and a woman were both found with injuries. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and assaulting an emergency worker. She remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance crews at the property during the evening, prompting concern among local residents about what had happened.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers remain at the scene while investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson said there is no ongoing risk to the wider community and described the incident as isolated.

COLLEAGUES at First Milk’s Haverfordwest Creamery in Merlin’s Bridge have helped cycle more than 5,800 kilometres during a fundraising challenge supporting Prostate Cancer UK.

The Bike the Hedgerows challenge saw teams across First Milk sites keep static bikes moving continuously for 24 hours from midday on 5 March to midday on 6 March, with remote riders also contributing miles during the weekend.

Together they aimed to cycle the equivalent distance of the hedgerows found on dairy cooperative First Milk’s member farms, 5,564 kilometres. By the end of the challenge, colleagues and supporters had cycled 5,884.08km in 5,564 minutes, exceeding the target by more than 320 kilometres.

So far, the challenge has raised over £2,000, helping take First Milk’s total fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK to over £16,000, with donations still continuing to come in.

Commenting on the challenge First Milk’s Chief Impact Officer Mark Brooking said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people get behind Bike the Hedgerows. Colleagues, members and community partners all played a role in helping us exceed the challenge and raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Prostate cancer touches many families within farming and rural communities, so supporting the charity is something that means a great deal to people across First Milk. As a farmer-owned co-operative, we believe in supporting the communities we’re part of and backing charities that make a real difference.”

At the Haverfordwest Creamery, colleagues were supported by local businesses to help keep the wheels turning including S7 Fitness, Will Powders, J’s Muscle & Fitness, Tenby Penguins Swim & Tri Club, Nestlé UK & Ireland, Pembrokeshire Leisure and the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Community.

Bike the Hedgerows forms part of First Milk’s two-year partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, chosen by colleagues and members because many within the farming community have been affected by the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with risk increasing for those over 50 or with a family history.

First Milk is a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative whose members produce milk on farms across the UK. The Bike the Hedgerows challenge brought colleagues, members and community partners together to raise funds while helping spark conversations about men’s health in rural communities.