News
Labour and Plaid agree on Senedd carve-up
LABOUR and Plaid Cymru this week pre-empted the results of a Senedd Committee’s enquiry and announced a huge increase in the number of Wales’s Senedd Members.
While the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform continues to hear evidence ahead of its final report, Labour and Plaid announced they had agreed that Wales would elect 96 Senedd members instead of the current sixty at the next election.
Securing electoral reform and expanding the Senedd were Plaid Cymru manifesto commitments while expanding the Senedd was a Labour policy pledge.
However, the arrangements announced on Tuesday (May 10) are likely to increase questions about how accountable Senedd members are to their electorate.
FIXING THE SYSTEM
One of the key gripes of those in favour of Senedd reform is the abolition of regional members selected using Wales’s complex PR system.
The new arrangements will see 32 constituencies based on the new Westminster constituency boundaries electing three members each but grouped with six other constituencies to ensure seats are allocated (theoretically) more proportionately.
If that sounds complicated, the system will have one simple result.
It will sever the link between elected and electors.
Voters will vote for parties and not individuals. The party-list will decide who gets elected to represent you.
You will no longer have a say in the identity of your representatives.
Instead, the parties have all the power to decide who gets elected.
You’re made for life if you get in via the system proposed.
And if that sounds like modern Welsh democracy, it’s a very peculiar form of it.
The arrangement suits Labour as its voters won’t have any chance to vote for anyone else. In a properly proportional single transferrable vote system (STV), votes get the chance to rank their preferences.
Under the proposals, voters will vote for one party and whoever else gets elected depends on the system churning out results and favoured and otherwise unelectable party hacks.
Like most current regional members, Senedd Members elected under the proposed system will become
invisible in their communities.
MPs will have far greater local profiles.
Suppose the proposals want to encourage nation-building and create a stronger and more democratic Welsh Parliament. In that case, the results are likely to entrench Labour and Plaid in a permanently symbiotic relationship with very little chance for other parties to breakthrough.
It’s a system ripe for abuse by party managers and rooked to exclude small parties from any national say.
From Labour and Plaid’s perspectives, it will ensure the Conservatives are permanently excluded from power in Wales.
THE WIND OF CHANGE
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The case for Senedd reform has been made.
“We now need to get on with the hard work to create a modern Senedd, which reflects the Wales we live in today. A Parliament that truly works for Wales.
“The joint position statement we are publishing today will help support the important work of the cross-party Special Purpose Committee to move Senedd reform forwards.”
Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said: “These reforms will lay the foundations for a stronger Welsh democracy and a fairer, more representative Senedd that will look entirely different to the outdated political system at Westminster.
“A stronger, more diverse, more representative Senedd will have a greater capacity to perform its primary purpose of making a positive difference to the lives of the people of Wales.”
Ensuring that the Senedd is more diverse is an interesting step forward.
The statement detailing the proposals says that electoral law in Wales will include “integrated statutory gender quotas and mandatory zipping.”
The first part of that phrase indicates an aim to ensure equal representation between the genders in the Senedd.
The second part, “mandatory zipping”, requires parties to put forward equal numbers of male and female candidates and alternate between men and women when preparing their candidate lists.
If number one on the internal party list is male, the second is female, the third male, the fourth female &c.
It is unclear whether the Welsh Government has the legal power to force those measures.
Mark Drakeford and Ada Price wrote to the Reform Committee’s Chair, Huw Irranca-Davies, saying their proposals are “most likely to achieve the two-thirds Senedd majority required by law to deliver reform.
“We are confident that the statement below will enable you to make recommendations on these fundamental issues.”
DRAKEFORD AND PRICE “TRYING
TO STRONGARM COMMITTEE”
The Welsh Conservative response was swift.
Andrew RT Davies said: “Wales does not need more politicians in Cardiff Bay – we need more teachers, doctors, dentists, and nurses.
“While we have consistently objected to more politicians, we recognise Labour and Plaid have enough votes to push ahead.
“That’s why we have engaged constructively with the Senedd Reform Committee.
“Sadly, both parties have completely undermined the committee’s work with this announcement.”
Darren Millar, the Conservative Member of the Senedd Reform Committee, was even more scathing.
Announcing his decision to quit the Committee, he said: “It was extremely disappointing to see the Committee undermined by the publication of a joint position statement on Senedd reform by the First Minister and the Leader of Plaid Cymru.
“Issuing the position statement to the media in the absence of any written or oral statement to the Senedd was extremely discourteous to the Welsh Parliament.
“The publication of such a prescriptive statement before the Committee completes its work. However, this announcement effectively terminates its ability to draw independent conclusions.
“It is with regret that I have resigned from the Committee, but after the stunt pulled by the First Minister and Plaid’s leader, it has become futile.
“It is unacceptable that they have tried to strongarm the Committee by imposing their position in this way. Senedd committees should not be fettered in this way.
“We joined this committee and process in good faith as there was a mandate for change, but it looks like that was misplaced.”
The Reform Committee will report on May 31, but it looks like its decisions have been made for it.
IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the area. High-profile cases and anecdotal evidence have contributed to speculation that the Dyfed-Powys region, particularly Pembrokeshire, experiences these crimes at a higher rate than other parts of the UK. But do the statistics support this perception?
National overview
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2022 estimated that 2.3% of adults aged 16 years and over had experienced sexual assault (including attempts) in the previous year. Police in England and Wales recorded 193,566 sexual offences, the highest level on record. Among these, 103,055 identifiable child sexual abuse (CSA) offences were reported.
Key findings include:
- Gender Dynamics: 82% of offenders were male, while 79% of victims were female.
- Offender Age: 52% of young perpetrators (aged 10 to 17) abused other children, with 14 being the most common age.
How do Dyfed-Powys figures compare nationally?
Statistical analysis of CSA cases in Dyfed-Powys presents a complex picture. While any number of such crimes is concerning, data does not indicate that the area is significantly worse than the rest of the country.
In the year leading up to March 2023:
- Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 192 crimes related to child sexual abuse images—the lowest among Wales’ four police forces.
- When adjusted for population, Dyfed-Powys had 37 offences per 100,000 residents, the lowest rate in Wales. In comparison:
- South Wales Police recorded 74 per 100,000.
- North Wales Police recorded 76 per 100,000.
- Gwent Police recorded 84 per 100,000, the highest in Wales.
Between 2018 and 2023, Dyfed-Powys recorded 13 cases where sexual offences led to the sentencing or cautioning of an under-18, showing a marginal increase. Over six years, police recorded six allegations of rape and 61 allegations of sexual assault against children under 10, lower than North Wales, which recorded 20 rapes and 33 sexual assaults for the same age group.
Despite these figures, Dyfed-Powys Police have expressed concerns about a rise in online child exploitation. In 2018, for example, an estimated 55-58% of rape cases in the region involved victims under 18, demonstrating the significance of CSA within overall sexual crime.
The Pembrokeshire picture
Pembrokeshire has been a focal point for CSA cases within Dyfed-Powys.
Between September 2022 and September 2023, Pembrokeshire recorded the second-highest number of reported sexual offences in Dyfed-Powys, accounting for almost a quarter of all cases in the region. Several high-profile cases have reinforced public concerns, including the jailing of Paul Chesher (Milford Haven) and ex-mayor Terry Judkins (Pembroke Dock).
Additionally, historical abuse remains a significant factor. The December 2024 review into Caldey Abbey on Caldey Island revealed extensive historical CSA by members of the monastic community, contributing to long-term concerns about safeguarding failures.
Why Wales records higher CSA rates
While Pembrokeshire’s CSA rates are concerning, it is important to consider broader factors influencing these statistics across Wales:
- Rural policing challenges: Dyfed-Powys covers a vast rural area, making detection and prevention harder than in urban regions.
- Improved reporting and safeguarding: Higher CSA reports may result from stronger safeguarding policies and greater awareness rather than increased offending.
- Historical cases coming to light: Reviews of past offences, such as the Caldey Island scandal, have increased overall CSA statistics in recent years.
- Variability in support services: Limited access to specialist victim support in rural Wales may delay investigations and reporting.
Notably, in 2022, Dyfed-Powys had one of the highest rates of child sexual exploitation per capita in Wales, highlighting ongoing concerns.
Reporting and underreporting
CSA is frequently underreported due to stigma, fear, and the relationship between victim and perpetrator. This underreporting can create discrepancies between actual prevalence and recorded cases.
Are offenders being moved to Pembrokeshire?
A common local concern is that convicted sex offenders are being relocated to Pembrokeshire. However, there is no official evidence to support this claim.
As of March 2022:
- 587 convicted sex offenders were managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Dyfed-Powys.
- This number has increased from 514 in 2020 to 587 in 2022.
- Dyfed-Powys recorded 126 sex offenders per 100,000 people, in line with the national average.
- Unlike other forces, Dyfed-Powys Police have rejected all applications from offenders seeking removal from the sex offenders register.
While the increasing number of registered offenders is concerning, the rise likely reflects improved detection and reporting rather than a deliberate relocation policy.
Protests highlining the issue in Pembrokeshire
In Pembrokeshire, public protests against the presence of sex offenders in local communities have been notable, often amplified through social media and press coverage. These demonstrations have played a significant role in shaping public perception regarding the prevalence of child sex offenders in the area.
Notable protests in Pembrokeshire
- Milford Haven protest (December 2024): Approximately 70 residents gathered in Wentworth Close, Milford Haven, protesting the bail release of Jamie Hughes, who had pleaded guilty to possessing over 400 Category A child abuse images—the most severe classification. The protest led to a substantial police presence, including armed response units, to maintain order.
- Burton demonstration (January 2025): Around 40 individuals assembled outside a residential address in Burton, objecting to the bail granted to a man accused of abusing a baby. The peaceful protest highlighted community concerns over the suspect’s presence in their vicinity.
- Hubberston incident (December 2024): A large protest occurred in Hubberston, where residents expressed outrage over a man released on bail after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images. The situation escalated to the point where police had to remove the individual from his residence for his safety.
Influence of media and social platforms
These protests have been extensively covered by local and regional media outlets. Social media has further amplified these events, with live broadcasts and widespread sharing increasing their visibility. This extensive coverage contributes to heightened public awareness and concern, potentially leading to the perception that child sex offenders are more prevalent in Pembrokeshire than statistics alone might suggest.
Research indicates that media portrayals can significantly influence public perceptions of crime, often leading to misconceptions about the frequency and nature of offences. For instance, sensationalized reporting can create a perception gap, where the public believes crime rates are higher than official statistics indicate.
In Pembrokeshire, the combination of high-profile protests, extensive media coverage, and the viral nature of social media content has likely contributed to a heightened perception of the prevalence of child sex offenders in the community. While community vigilance is crucial, it’s essential to balance public concern with factual data to avoid unnecessary fear and ensure informed discussions on public safety.
Conclusion
There is no conclusive evidence that Pembrokeshire experiences higher CSA rates than other parts of the UK. However, the county has seen significant cases, contributing to local fears. High-profile convictions, historical abuse revelations, and an increasing number of registered sex offenders have fueled public concern.
Authorities continue to strengthen policies such as Operation Soteria Bluestone, aimed at improving investigations. Police anticipate further rises in online CSA cases, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance. With public concern still high, transparency and continuous crime analysis will remain essential to safeguarding children and addressing community fears.
THREE men have been sentenced to eight years and one month each after luring a man to a remote location in west Wales, where they kidnapped and assaulted him in a carefully orchestrated scheme.
Mohammad Comrie, 22, of Leeds; Faiz Shah, 22, of Bradford; and Elijah Ogunnubi-Sime, 20, of Croydon, deceived a London-based music producer into travelling to Carmarthenshire on August 26, 2024, under the false pretense of attending a music recording camp. Once there, the victim was subjected to significant violence and restrained with handcuffs.
The perpetrators had arranged the trip using a fabricated music production and recording company, leading the victim to believe he was meeting fellow musicians for a legitimate session.
While his captors were out of the room, the victim managed to escape by lifting his handcuffed hands over a pole to free himself. He fled the property and was later taken to hospital with injuries to his face and head.
The three men attempted to evade capture but were found hiding in fields near the property in Brynteg, Llanybydder. Police responded swiftly, deploying significant resources, including a helicopter, to locate them following reports of an assault.
All three were arrested and later charged. They pleaded guilty to kidnapping on the first day of their trial at Swansea Crown Court on February 18. Additional charges of unlawful wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent were ordered to lie on file.
Inspector Gareth Jones, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This offence has had a profound and lasting impact on the victim and his family. It was a meticulously planned crime, involving false identities and deception.
“Early messages between the defendants revealed their ultimate intention to kidnap the victim. Their motive appeared two-fold: to extort money from him and to act on political and racial motivations.
“I commend the investigative team for their determination and professionalism, as well as the officers who carried out an extensive and difficult search to locate the defendants and recover crucial evidence. Securing justice for the victim has remained our priority.
“I also extend my gratitude to the Community Security Trust (CST) for providing the victim with vital psychological and emotional support.
“Today’s sentences reflect the severity of this crime and the ordeal suffered by the victim. We hope this outcome brings him a sense of justice, and we thank him for his bravery and patience throughout this investigation.”
THE SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP will remain on free-to-air television in the UK until at least 2029 following a landmark new agreement between the BBC and ITV. The deal, announced today, ensures that rugby fans across the country can continue watching the prestigious tournament without needing a subscription service.
The agreement follows months of speculation that the tournament could move behind a paywall, with TNT Sports expressing interest in bidding for the rights. The BBC and ITV’s renewed partnership secures accessibility for the competition for the next four years, preserving the tradition of free-to-air coverage.
NEW BROADCASTING AGREEMENT
Under the new agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2029:
ITV will broadcast ten live matches each season, including all of England’s fixtures. These will be available across ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, with highlights and exclusive content shared via ITV Sport’s digital platforms.
BBC will air five live matches each season, covering Wales, Scotland, and Ireland’s home games. The broadcaster will also retain audio commentary rights for all Six Nations matches on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio, and online platforms.
BBC will continue to be the exclusive home of the Women’s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations.
REACTIONS FROM BROADCASTERS AND RUGBY OFFICIALS
The new agreement has been widely welcomed, with key figures from the BBC, ITV, and Six Nations Rugby celebrating the deal as a significant victory for fans and the sport’s growth.
BBC Cymru Wales Director Rhuanedd Richards described the news as “wonderful” for Welsh rugby supporters:
“I have always been a passionate advocate for keeping the Six Nations on free-to-air television, and I’m so pleased that the BBC, working with ITV, has ensured this can continue for the next four years. The viewing figures speak for themselves—hundreds of thousands tune in to watch these incredible tournaments, and we look forward to bringing the very best coverage to Welsh audiences.”
ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane highlighted the importance of keeping the tournament accessible:
“This is a monumental deal for rugby fans and ITV, ensuring the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship stays on free-to-air television. We are proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal, including England’s much-revered clashes with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament is always one of the sporting highlights of the year.”
BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski added: “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible. We are proud to bring the biggest sporting moments to our audiences, and this new deal is the perfect news ahead of our exclusive coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This is great news for rugby fans across Wales and the future of the game here in general.
“We have consistently advocated that the Six Nations should remain free-to-air so the majority of the Welsh population are able to enjoy and be inspired by this special tournament.
“There’s no question that rugby, and the Six Nations, are of significant cultural importance to Wales and we hope to see today’s good rugby news extend into the weekend and the Super Saturday match against England!”
WHY THIS DEAL MATTERS
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the financial state of Welsh rugby and the accessibility of the sport to future generations. The deal ensures that audiences across the UK will continue to watch Six Nations rugby for free, protecting one of the sport’s most valuable showcases.
Recent pressure from politicians, including a campaign by the Liberal Democrats, had called for the Six Nations to be added to the UK’s “Category A” list of sporting events that must remain on free-to-air television. While the tournament is not yet protected by this status, the new agreement safeguards its availability for the next four years.
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, emphasised the significance of the deal: “The significance of these new and innovative free-to-air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated. By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible access to enjoy live coverage of the Six Nations.”
“The commercial environment in which rugby is operating is extremely challenging, and the battle for audience attention has never been greater. But the Six Nations stands alongside the very greatest occasions in world sport, which is reflected by these partnerships.”
FUTURE OF RUGBY BROADCASTING
The deal also reaffirms the BBC and ITV’s commitment to rugby at a time when more sports are shifting toward pay-per-view models.
ITV’s sports rights portfolio includes other major events such as the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Men’s Euros 2028, The FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
BBC Sport’s portfolio includes the Olympic Games, Women’s Euros 2025, Women’s Super League, Wimbledon, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The decision to keep the Six Nations free-to-air reflects the tournament’s significance to UK sports culture. The competition regularly attracts millions of viewers, and its continued accessibility ensures that rugby remains at the heart of the sporting calendar for fans across all backgrounds.
For now, supporters can breathe a sigh of relief—Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy will continue battling for Six Nations glory live on BBC and ITV, without the need for a subscription.
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