News

Milford Haven could bid for Freeport status as UK and Welsh governments make agreement

Published

3 years ago

May 12, 2022

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has reached agreement with the UK Government on the establishment of Freeports in Wales, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has confirmed.

Welsh Ministers have agreed to support Freeport policies in Wales following the UK Government’s agreement to meet the Welsh Government’s demands that UK Ministers provide at least £26m of non-repayable starter funding for any Freeport established in Wales, which represents a parity with the deals offered to English Freeports.

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “I welcome today’s news that the benefits of the freeports policy are set to come to Wales.

We look forward to collaborating with public, private and academic partners to create a compelling bid to ensure Wales maximises this opportunity to deliver accelerated green economic growth and well-paid career opportunities for future generations.”

The UK Government have agreed to meet a number of other demands – including that both Governments will act on the basis of a ‘partnership of equals’ to deliver any Freeports in Wales.

In addition, both Governments have agreed a Freeport will only be implemented if it can be demonstrated clearly it will operate in a manner that aligns with the Welsh Government’s policies on fair work and environmental sustainability, including the commitment to Wales becoming a net-zero carbon nation.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “Following considerable engagement between our Governments, I’m pleased we have been able to reach agreement with UK Ministers to establish Freeports in Wales. The agreement we have reached is fair to Wales, and respects the Welsh Government’s responsibilities in devolved policy areas.

“However, we have made it clear to the UK Government that a Freeport will only be implemented if it can be demonstrated, using robust evidence and analysis, that it will support our fair work agenda and deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for Wales, and value for money for Welsh taxpayers.

“I very much hope that the UK Government’s willingness to work with the Welsh Government as equals on Freeports can provide a positive model for future co-operation between our governments on other initiatives.”

The UK Government’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said: “I am delighted that Wales is the latest area in the UK set to benefit from a new Freeport.

“The UK Government’s ambitious Freeports agenda will help to level up our coastal communities and create new opportunities for people right across the country.

“Together with the Welsh Government, I look forward to seeing innovative proposals come forward that demonstrate tangible benefits for the people of Wales.”

In addition, Welsh and UK Ministers have agreed:

The UK Government will provide tax incentives for Freeports in Wales in parity with Freeports in other parts of the United Kingdom for the reserved taxes that have been designated to advance the policy aims. The Welsh Government will design tax reliefs from local and devolved taxes (Non-Domestic Rates and Land Transaction Tax) to support the policy aims.
Both Governments will remain open to the possibility of a multi-site Freeport in Wales. In recognition of Wales’ unique economic geography and the Welsh Government’s aspirations for economic development in Wales, the UK Government is willing to relax the 45 km boundary limit for a multi-site Freeport solution, should there be a sufficiently compelling case for doing so.
Both Governments will remain open to the possibility of allowing more than one Freeport in Wales, should they be presented with a sufficiently compelling business case.
As with English Freeports, a fair and open competitive process will be used to determine where the policy should be implemented in Wales. Both Governments will work together to co-design the process for Freeport site selection, and both will have an equal say in all decisions throughout the implementation process. This includes the final decision on site selection.

Both Governments have begun the process of designing the bid prospectus for the competition and further details about the timing of next steps will be released in due course.

News that the UK Government has struck a £26 million deal with Labour ministers to establish a freeport in Wales has been welcomed by the Welsh Conservatives.

The freeport, backed by millions in UK Government funding, will create high-quality jobs, attract new businesses and investment and help regenerate communities.

Both governments have also agreed that they would be prepared to consider creating another freeport in Wales if a truly exceptional proposal was presented at the bidding stage.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for the Economy, Paul Davies MS, said: “Creating a freeport in Wales will be a real shot in the arm for our economy and the country as a whole with more high-quality jobs and investment as a result.

“Freeports bring a vast array of opportunities and benefits, and this exciting project highlights just how serious the UK Government is about levelling up Wales.

“It is incredibly positive to hear a second freeport could be on the cards, and I sincerely hope lots of innovative bids are submitted.

“This landmark milestone just goes to show what can be achieved when Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay stop picking fights with the UK Conservative Government and work with them instead.”

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Crime

Week of action launched to tackle knife crime across Wales

Published

9 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE forces across Wales have launched a week of action as part of Operation Sceptre — the national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime.

Running from Monday (May 19) to Sunday (May 25), the initiative involves a coordinated effort by neighbourhood policing teams, who will be visiting retailers to provide guidance on legislation and encourage staff to challenge underage attempts to purchase knives.

The campaign also offers members of the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives and bladed articles. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the following police stations will accept voluntary surrenders throughout the week:

Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen
Old Castle Road, Llanelli
Boulevard St. Brieuc, Aberystwyth
Parc Teifi, Cardigan
Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest
Park Lane, Newtown

A police spokesperson said: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to remove knives from our communities and reduce the risk of harm. While the vast majority of people do not carry knives, the impact of even one incident can be devastating.”

Residents are also urged not to donate unwanted knives to charity shops. Instead, they can safely dispose of them in designated metal bins at local recycling centres.

Anyone concerned that someone they know may be carrying a knife is encouraged to report it — either to the police directly, to a trusted adult, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Crime

Police launch appeal for information after beachside assault in Tenby

Published

13 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information following an early-morning assault near North Beach in Tenby.

The incident happened at around 1:30am on Saturday (May 17) on The Croft, near Croft Court, overlooking the popular beach.

Officers are searching for a man in connection with the assault. He is described as being approximately 6ft 2in tall, of slim build, with medium-length dark brown hair. At the time, he was wearing a red top and was accompanied by a yellow Labrador-type dog.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who may have seen the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be reported online via https://orlo.uk/kMmSw, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those making contact are asked to quote crime reference 25000406189.

News

Time-warp tavern in Cwm Gwaun named one of the best pubs in the UK

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

National Geographic hails Pembrokeshire pub as ‘perfection’

A PUB in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire has been named one of the best in the UK by National Geographic – and locals are not surprised.

The Dyffryn Arms in Cwm Gwaun, known fondly as Bessie’s, has taken fourth place on National Geographic’s newly published list of the UK’s “Perfect Pubs”.

Described by the magazine as a “time-warp tavern” that offers “perfection”, the Dyffryn Arms has become legendary for its simplicity, charm, and deeply traditional character – and now it has national recognition to match.

Situated near Fishguard, at the foot of the Preseli Hills, the pub has been run by the same family for generations. Until her passing in 2023, the pub was famously run by landlady Bessie Davies, whose name became synonymous with the place itself.

There is no bar as such at Bessie’s – just a hatch in the wall. Ring the bell, and a jug of Bass is brought through. No fruit machines, no music, no gastro menu – just a pint, a portrait of the Queen, and some good company.

National Geographic said: “Perched on the edge of the picturesque Preseli Hills, this time-warp tavern is extraordinarily old fashioned. Known as ‘Bessie’s’ after the legendary landlady who died in late 2023, it’s more a tiny living room than a local. On ringing a bell, the hatch is opened and just one beer, Bass, is served fresh.”

“There’s a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II and two benches outside. Perfection.”

The Dyffryn Arms was the only Welsh pub to make the 12-strong list, which includes establishments in Edinburgh, London, Cornwall and Belfast.

High praise from visitors

Tripadvisor reviews echo the acclaim, with a 4.5-star average from nearly 100 reviewers. One visitor said: “Idyllic setting in the beautiful Gwaun Valley. This pub is famous for its basic interior which hasn’t been changed over the years. The beer is good too!”

Another wrote: “This cannot be beaten. A wonderful experience. Anyone who does not appreciate this experience simply doesn’t understand. Best pint in Pembrokeshire in a truly stunning location.”

Pint of tradition

The Dyffryn Arms has long been a favourite of CAMRA and is a regular feature in real ale guides, but its inclusion in a mainstream publication like National Geographic may bring a new wave of attention.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, one thing’s for certain – at Bessie’s, nothing much changes. And that’s exactly the point.