News
Changes made to Sex and Relationships Education
EDUCATION SECRETARY Kirsty Williams has announced changes to Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) and its role in the curriculum.
Whilst the topic of sex and relationships is a statutory part of the curriculum of Wales, individual schools can currently choose their approach to the subject. But the changes, set to be introduced in 2022, aim to provide a greater grasp of sexuality, with greater emphasis on healthy relationships rather than a lesson on the biology of the topic.
Age appropriate material on diversity, domestic abuse and consent will be taught to children from five to 16 years old.
The announcement comes 30 years after Section 28 was introduced in Welsh, English and Scottish schools. Section 28 of the Local Government Act stated that a local authority ‘shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ or ‘promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’. It was repealed in 2000 in Scotland and in 2003 for the rest of the UK.
Kirsty Williams, Member of the Welsh Assembly for Brecon and Radnorshire, said: “The days of traditional sex education are long gone; the world has moved on and our curriculum must move with it.
“Sex should never be taught in isolation for the simple reason that it is about so much more than just sex; it’s also about relationships, rights and respect and that must go hand in hand with a much broader understanding of sexuality.
“Anything less does a disservice to our learners and teachers.
“The fact is relationships and sexuality shape our lives as well as the world around us.
“They are a fundamental part of who we are and how we understand ourselves, each other and society.
“30 years on from the introduction of Section 28, we will also ensure that RSE is fully inclusive of all genders and sexualities and meets the needs of LGBTQI+ learners.
“Crucial to all of this will be ensuring that our teachers have the knowledge and confidence to provide the RSE our learners deserve.”
Crime
Armed police called to Milford Haven address
ARMED police responded to an incident in Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven, on Sunday morning, with witnesses reporting a significant emergency presence on the usually quiet residential street just off The Rath.
Residents said officers arrived shortly after 9:00am and that at least six police vehicles were seen in the area, including two police vans. Witnesses also reported seeing armed officers at the scene.

The incident is believed to be related to a domestic matter, though police have not yet issued an official statement. The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police requesting comment and will update this report when more information is available.
The dramatic scenes caused concern among some residents.
One woman told The Herald: “I’ve never seen anything like this down here. It really was a shock first thing on a Sunday morning.”
Police were also seen in numbers at St Lawrence Avenue in Hakin.
It is not yet clear whether anyone was arrested, and details surrounding the operation are still being confirmed as this is a breaking story.

Crime
Carmarthenshire man committed to Crown Court over online child sex offences
MAN accused of attempting to involve a child in sexual activity online has been sent to the Crown Court for sentence after indicating guilty pleas at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
Richard Dawe, 61, of Caroline Street, Llanelli, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 14) for a first hearing.
The court heard Dawe is charged with attempting to cause a child under thirteen to look at an image of sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to cause or incite a girl under thirteen to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
The offences are alleged to have taken place in Llanelli between Tuesday, January 7 and Monday, January 13, involving a child described in the court register as “purported to be” aged twelve.
Dawe indicated guilty pleas to all three matters on Tuesday (Jan 14). The case was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, with a committal hearing listed for Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00am.
Magistrates granted conditional bail, including a nightly curfew, reporting requirements, and restrictions on contact with anyone under eighteen. The court also ordered a pre-sentence report.
Health
MS calls for corridor care data to be published in Wales
Conservatives say ministers must be held to account as health chief confirms figures are not routinely available
CONSERVATIVE MS Andrew RT Davies has demanded Senedd ministers begin collecting and publishing data on “corridor care” in Welsh hospitals, after the Welsh Government confirmed it is not currently able to provide routine figures.
Mr Davies raised the issue in the Senedd during questions to Health Minister Jeremy Miles, asking whether information is being gathered on patients being cared for in corridors and, if so, how many people are affected.
Mr Miles told MSs the data is not currently available in a form that can be published routinely, but said the Welsh Government is “trialling approaches” which would put ministers in a position to provide regular publication.
The exchange comes amid ongoing concern across Wales about severe pressure in emergency departments and delays in moving patients into appropriate ward beds — a situation that can result in people waiting for treatment, assessment or admission in areas not designed for patient care.
The term “corridor care” is widely used to describe circumstances where patients receive care in inappropriate settings, often due to a lack of capacity elsewhere. Health bodies and staff representatives have warned that such conditions can affect privacy and dignity, make infection control harder, and place additional strain on staff working in already pressured environments.
Mr Davies said he had been contacted by constituents in the Vale of Glamorgan reporting what he described as unacceptable experiences in local hospitals, adding that frontline NHS staff should not be blamed.
He also linked the issue to wider spending priorities at the Senedd, claiming that services were under strain while ministers pursued other policies, including plans to expand the size of the Senedd and maintain a “Nation of Sanctuary” approach to asylum seekers.
Mr Davies said it was vital that corridor care data was collected and published so that the scale of the problem could be measured and ministers held to account.
Mr Davies said: “I’m frequently contacted by Vale constituents reporting unacceptable experiences in local hospitals.
“This is not the fault of NHS staff – but hospitals are underfunded thanks to resources instead going towards Plaid Cymru separatist and Labour plans for 36 more Senedd members and a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers.
“We must end corridor care – and it’s vital this data is made available to hold Senedd ministers to account.”
In response, the Welsh Government position is that it is working on ways to standardise and publish information on corridor care, but that the data is not yet routinely available across the system.
Opposition parties and health campaigners have argued that without clear national reporting, it is harder for the public and Senedd members to understand how widespread the issue is, whether it is improving, and which hospitals are under the greatest pressure.
The Welsh Government has not yet set out when routine publication will begin, but ministers say the trial work is intended to enable regular reporting in future.
-
Crime4 days agoMilford Haven man tells jury he feared being run over outside pub
-
Crime5 days agoMan jailed after samurai sword brandished in Pembroke Dock street brawl
-
Crime7 days agoFather jailed for 35 years after baby hurled at television
-
Education6 days agoPembrokeshire Learning Centre placed in special measures following Estyn inspection
-
Crime4 days agoDock woman sentenced after assault on neighbour during ‘psychotic episode’
-
Crime6 days agoMilford Haven man, 65, convicted of sexual assault on teenage girl
-
Crime4 days agoOn-duty paramedic racially abused at Withybush General Hospital
-
Crime4 days agoMilford Haven man denies sexual assault charge






