FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has told European ambassadors that Wales is ready to play a stronger role in rebuilding relationships with the EU.

Speaking at Europe House in London yesterday, the First Minister addressed representatives to the UK from major EU nations, setting out his government’s ambition for closer cultural, economic and political co-operation with Europe.

The meeting came just a day after Mr ap Iorwerth made his first overseas visit as First Minister, travelling to Dublin on Wednesday.

In his speech, he described Wales as an “internationalist nation” and said the Welsh Government wanted to strengthen ties with European neighbours.

He said: “This Welsh Government is determined to take meaningful action to strengthen cultural and economic ties with our European neighbours.

“But we must have the tools to do this. That means a stronger Welsh voice in international engagement.”

Mr ap Iorwerth also repeated his support for a closer UK-EU relationship, saying Wales would continue to make the case for the UK to rejoin the Single Market and Customs Union.

He said doing so would “reduce friction, restore alignment and unlock the full potential of our shared economies.”

The First Minister said international engagement was already helping Welsh exports, inward investment and job creation, but added that Wales wanted to build further partnerships across Europe.

He also said the relationship with Europe was about more than trade.

“For generations, opportunities to live, study and work across Europe have shaped Welsh lives and broadened horizons,” he said.

“We are determined that the next generation will not be denied those opportunities.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales was “full of national pride” while also being “confidently internationalist”.

He added: “We stand ready to work with you to deliver that future, together.”

A 19-YEAR-OLD man has admitted deliberately placing human faeces in a public swimming pool, causing it to close for cleaning.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers investigated a series of alleged criminal damage incidents at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre between November 2025 and May 2026.

The man, from the Cardigan area, was identified and interviewed by police.

During interview, he admitted deliberately placing the waste in the pool, which led to its closure while cleaning was carried out.

Police said the matter has been dealt with by way of an Adult Community Resolution and the investigation is now closed.

A FORMER Swansea Prison inmate died from combined drug toxicity just 48 hours after being released, an official investigation has found.

Jason Maynard, 43, left HMP Swansea on May 23, 2024. Two days later, he was pronounced dead by paramedics after being found unresponsive in the back of a friend’s car.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report says Mr Maynard had been given overdose-reversal medication before leaving custody and warned about the heightened risk of overdose after a period of reduced drug tolerance.

After his release, he attended his first probation appointment and was placed in temporary hotel accommodation by Swansea Council.

The following day, police were called after concerns were raised that Mr Maynard had a cut above his eye and appeared incoherent. He refused hospital treatment and was taken to his mother’s home.

The report says he later used drugs and drank alcohol with friends. He then fell asleep in a car outside an address, where he was later found unresponsive.

Mr Maynard had missed a substance misuse appointment on May 24 but attended the service the next day. Staff noted he had “blue around his mouth”, which caused concern about possible drug use.

The Ombudsman found that prison, probation and support services had taken appropriate steps before and after his release.

Its findings said Mr Maynard had received suitable substance misuse support, had been referred for accommodation, and had licence conditions in place covering drug and alcohol use, engagement with services and drug testing.

The report concluded that the necessary referrals and support arrangements had been made, but Mr Maynard died later the same day he attended the community substance misuse service.