A CONSERVATIVE Senedd Member has criticised a petition calling for Wales to be officially renamed Cymru, warning that the move would risk excluding non-Welsh speakers.

Andrew RT Davies, Member of the Senedd for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, said the name Wales was part of the nation’s history, identity and culture, and claimed attempts to scrap it should be resisted.

The petition, submitted to the Senedd, calls for “Cymru” to replace “Wales” as the official name of the nation. It also calls for English place names to no longer be used where Welsh names already exist.

It argues that the name Wales was imposed from outside and says the country should present itself internationally through the Welsh language.

The petition states: “Wales is not the name of our nation,” adding that now is the time for the country to assert how it is seen across the world.

Supporters of the proposal say adopting Cymru would strengthen Welsh identity, promote the language and bring Wales into line with other countries that have changed the way they are officially known internationally.

The petition also points to the use of Welsh names by national parks, including Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog, as examples of Welsh-language names gaining wider recognition.

But Mr Davies said the proposal went too far and would alienate many people in Wales.

He said more than 80 per cent of people in Wales do not speak Welsh, warning that removing the English-language name would leave many people feeling excluded from their own national identity.

Mr Davies said: “I was born and brought up in Wales and have lived here my whole life.

“The name Wales is an important part of our history, identity and culture.

“This attempt to scrap it must be resisted.”

Census 2021 figures showed that 17.8 per cent of people aged three and over in Wales reported being able to speak Welsh, meaning more than four in five did not.

The petition has already passed the 250-signature threshold needed for consideration by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee once it closes.

If it reaches 10,000 signatures, it could be considered for a debate in the Senedd.

The row comes amid continuing debate over the use of Welsh-language names in public life, with some arguing that greater use of Cymraeg is vital to protecting national culture, while others say Wales’ bilingual identity should be preserved.

The petition remains open until December.

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].

BUSINESSES from across Carmarthenshire and west Wales are being encouraged to attend a major networking and trade event at Parc y Scarlets next week.

The Welsh Business Show Carmarthenshire takes place on Thursday, July 9, from 10am to 1pm, bringing together more than 50 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors for a morning of business networking, learning and growth.

The free event is aimed at organisations of all sizes, from start-ups and sole traders to established firms looking to make new contacts, find suppliers, promote services and explore fresh opportunities.

Visitors will be able to meet a wide range of exhibitors showcasing business products, services and professional support. Many exhibitors will also be offering exclusive on-the-day promotions.

The day begins with the Welsh Networking Breakfast from 8.30am until 10am, giving professionals the chance to meet fellow business owners and entrepreneurs before the main exhibition opens.

Organisers say the breakfast offers a relaxed environment for networking and making useful new connections.

Throughout the morning, a series of free seminars will also be held by industry experts. Topics include guidance from Sell2Wales on accessing public sector contract opportunities, practical advice on improving business efficiency through CRM systems, and marketing advice to help businesses increase visibility and growth.

The Welsh Business Show has built a strong reputation for creating a welcoming and productive atmosphere where conversations can lead to collaborations and new business opportunities.

Whether visitors are looking for inspiration, practical support, new contacts or ways to grow their customer base, organisers say the Carmarthenshire event offers something for every business.

The Welsh Business Show Carmarthenshire takes place at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday, July 9, from 10am until 1pm.

Registration is available at: https://twbs.wales/visitor-registration-Carmarthenshire/