Tough warning as Eluned Morgan says Wales could be disproportionately hit if the US raises tariffs linked to Greenland demand

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has urged the Prime Minister to “stand firm” in the face of threats by Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs unless the UK backs his stated desire to purchase Greenland.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, First Minister Eluned Morgan said Wales could be hit particularly hard by any additional tariffs because of the scale and make-up of Welsh exports to the United States.

Welsh goods exports to the US, excluding oil products, were valued at £2.1bn in the year ending September 2025. The Welsh Government said more than 1,000 Welsh businesses, around a third of Wales’ exporters, send goods to the US.

It added that Wales’ exports to the US are made up of a higher proportion of goods than the rest of the UK. It said 59% of Welsh exports to the US are goods, compared to 32% for the UK overall.

Eluned Morgan said: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living – increased tariffs will only put further pressure on Welsh businesses.

“I have written to Sir Keir Starmer setting out that Wales could be disproportionately affected by additional tariffs, which would be a challenge for many Welsh businesses.

“Threatening the use of tariffs is an unacceptable and aggressive act from a country we consider a friend and ally. Welsh jobs are on the line and as First Minister I will defend them to the hilt.

“I recognise the importance of the US to the Welsh economy – there are around 330 US-based companies in Wales, employing just over 40,000 people. But there comes a point where principle must be respected. It is the people of Greenland and Denmark who should be determining the future of the island, and international law must be upheld.

“We cannot continue to be threatened with more tariffs by Donald Trump. At this critical moment, we must stand by our allies and the values we hold dear.”

National Park Authority confirms application will not go to committee

PLANS for a proposed “Adventure Hub” at Moylegrove have been pulled after the applicant formally withdrew the scheme.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has confirmed that planning application NP/24/1098/FUL has now been withdrawn, meaning it will not be determined and will not go before the Authority’s Development Management Committee.

In an update issued this week, the National Park Authority said it will take no further action on the case, and the planning file will be amended to reflect the withdrawal.

The applicant has indicated they may return with a revised or alternative proposal for the site at a later date, which would incorporate the existing building. Any future submission would be treated as an entirely new planning application, processed in the usual way, and would trigger a fresh round of consultation.

The Authority thanked residents and stakeholders who took part in the planning process.

Jake Richards, 19, sentenced to three-and-a-half years in young offenders’ institution

A 19-year-old man from Garnswllt, Carmarthenshire, has been sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender institution after admitting to raping a 12-year-old girl.

Jake Richards pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred when he was 17, following online contact with the victim via Snapchat that led to an in-person meeting. The victim courageously reported the incident to police in August 2024 after first confiding in a friend.

Details of the offence

The pair had arranged to meet, and the victim believed they were simply going to talk. They walked to a secluded tunnel, where Richards initiated sexual activity despite the victim’s repeated verbal refusals and pleas for him to stop. He continued regardless.

A thorough investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police, involving forensic analysis (including DNA evidence) and digital enquiries (such as Snapchat records), built a strong case. This evidence contributed to Richards’ early guilty plea at Swansea Crown Court, sparing the victim the further distress of a full trial.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Richards was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

Police commend victim’s bravery

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed-Powys Police praised the victim’s extraordinary courage: “First and foremost, I want to commend the victim—who was just 12 years old at the time—for her immense bravery in coming forward and cooperating fully throughout the investigation.

“Rape and sexual abuse are incredibly difficult topics to discuss, especially for someone so young facing an offender five years her senior. She clearly and repeatedly said ‘no’ and asked him to stop, yet he ignored her to satisfy his own desires.

“Her strength continued when she disclosed the abuse to a friend and then reported it to police, ensuring justice could be pursued. Our specialist team examined her account meticulously, using DNA and digital forensics to prove the case beyond doubt. This robust evidence led to the early guilty plea and avoided the added trauma of a trial.

“It is crucial to emphasise that a child of 12 cannot legally consent to any sexual activity. This case underscores the urgent need for open conversations with young people about online safety, the law on consent, and healthy relationships—including how to recognise and assert consent, never to assume it, and what to do if it is ignored or withdrawn.”

DS Pocock added that the case demonstrates Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to supporting and seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of age.

Broader implications and prevention

Cases like this highlight the risks of online interactions transitioning to real-life meetings, particularly when significant age differences and power imbalances exist. Grooming or pressure can occur subtly via social media, making early education essential.

Parents, educators, and guardians are encouraged to discuss consent, boundaries, and digital safety proactively with teenagers. Reliable guidance includes resources from organisations like the NSPCC, which offers advice on talking to young people about healthy relationships, signs of unhealthy dynamics, and understanding consent (including that it must be freely given, informed, specific, and revocable).

Support available

Anyone affected by rape or sexual assault can access specialist help. New Pathways provides dedicated support services across Wales for victims dealing with the traumatic aftermath of such offences, including counselling and practical assistance. More details are available on their website.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, contact police on 101 (or 999 in emergencies), or reach out to support organisations directly.

This sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of sexual offending and the priority given to victim protection in the justice system.