News

First Minister considers legislation to protect seals during pupping season

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

FIRST Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has expressed his willingness to consider legislation aimed at safeguarding seals during their vulnerable pupping season. This decision comes after Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member, Paul Davies, raised concerns voiced by residents of Moylegrove in North Pembrokeshire. The residents had been urging the Welsh Government to align with other parts of the UK where similar protective measures are already in place.

Paul Davies, the advocate behind this initiative, announced on October 24 that he had secured a commitment from the First Minister to explore the possibility of enacting legislation to shield seals from disturbance during their crucial pupping season. Davies, who recently visited Ceibwr Bay with concerned residents, emphasized the necessity of such legislation, especially considering the absence of comparable laws in Wales, unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“It’s a highly sensitive time for the species,” Davies explained, “and yet unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is no legislation in Wales to protect seals from disturbance. It’s vital that the Welsh Government uses all the tools at its disposal to ensure that these animals are protected as much as possible.”

During a session at the Senedd in Cardiff, Davies voiced the worries of Moylegrove residents directly to the First Minister. He highlighted the distressing disturbance faced by seals during pupping season and called for immediate action to bring Wales in line with the rest of the UK, where effective legislation protects these marine mammals.

In response, First Minister Mark Drakeford acknowledged the beauty of seals along the Pembrokeshire Coast, attracting numerous visitors. He acknowledged the need to balance this tourism aspect with the essential protection of seals during their sensitive pupping season. “Making sure that seals are not disturbed during the pupping season is a genuine objective that is shared by the Welsh Government,” stated Mr. Drakeford. “I’m very happy to give a commitment that we will pursue the points the member has made.”

Paul Davies MS expressed his satisfaction with the First Minister’s willingness to consider legislation, highlighting the pivotal role played by Moylegrove residents in bringing this issue to the attention of the Welsh Parliament. He commended their efforts and stressed the importance of aligning Welsh practices with the effective legislation already established in other parts of the UK.

“I’m pleased that the First Minister has agreed to consider legislation on this serious animal welfare issue,” Davies remarked. “It’s thanks to the residents of Moylegrove that this is on the Senedd’s radar, and they should be commended for their efforts to bring this matter to the attention of the Welsh Parliament.”

Davies also reassured the public that he would continue to work closely with the concerned group to ensure that any legislation introduced would be appropriate and effective in its purpose – safeguarding seals from disturbance during their vulnerable pupping season.

This significant step towards protecting marine life reflects the growing awareness and commitment to animal welfare in Wales. As the Welsh Government explores the possibilities of enacting protective legislation, the future appears promising for the seals along the picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast.

Health

GPs across Wales trained to spot endometriosis earlier

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

GPs across Wales are being trained to better recognise the symptoms of endometriosis as part of a national initiative to improve women’s health and reduce diagnostic delays.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in Wales and is a key priority in the Welsh Government’s Women’s Health Plan, launched six months ago. The condition—often painful and difficult to diagnose—can significantly impact women’s daily lives, careers, and relationships.

The new expert-led training programme, delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has already led to a 43% increase in participating GPs’ knowledge of endometriosis. It has also improved their confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with patients.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: “Women have told us they feel unheard and their symptoms dismissed. This training helps ensure women’s voices are at the heart of their healthcare, empowering GPs to provide better, more responsive care.

Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women’s lives. Through our Women’s Health Plan, we are committed to delivering real improvements and tackling inequality.”

Dr Mirka Slavska, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who led the training, said:

“We were pleased to deliver training that covered differential diagnosis, referral pathways, and the latest diagnostic and treatment options.

We also introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. The positive feedback we received underlines the importance of practical, up-to-date training for frontline healthcare professionals.”

Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas identified in the Women’s Health Plan, which aims to improve care and support for women and girls across Wales. Since the plan’s launch in December 2024, key milestones include:

Early-stage work to develop a women’s health hub in every health board area by March 2026

Establishment of Wales’ first Women’s Health Research Centre, funded by Health and Care Research Wales

A dedicated research call focused on communication in women’s healthcare

At the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff today (Saturday, 7 June), Dr Helen Munro, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health in Wales, provided an update on the development of the new health hubs:

“Meeting women’s needs throughout their lives will be at the core of our new women’s health hubs. These hubs will bring together professionals and services in community settings, with local population needs and existing infrastructure shaping their design and delivery.”

News

Coastguard rescues casualty near Goodwick pier

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HM COASTGUARD was called to assist police in locating a casualty near the Ocean Lab in Goodwick on Saturday evening (June 14).

The Fishguard Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked at around 8:30pm to support officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, including units from Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and St Davids.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Fishguard said: “The team was tasked to assist Dyfed-Powys Police with locating a casualty in the area of Ocean Lab, Goodwick. A quick search was carried out and the casualty was located nearby.

“Once found, the casualty was assisted and brought back into the care of the police. With the individual safe, the team was stood down.”

The nature of the incident has not been confirmed.

News

Pembrokeshire Council invites public to have their say on 20mph zones

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COU TY COUNCIL is calling on residents to share their views on potential changes to 20mph zones across the county.

The consultation, launched at the start of May, invites the public to give feedback on whether any roads should be removed from the new 20mph default speed limit or whether additional areas should be considered for the lower limit.

As part of a broader review of the Welsh Government’s controversial rollout of 20mph default limits, councils have been given the opportunity to identify roads that may be better suited to a 30mph limit instead.

Residents who wish to contribute their opinions can do so by emailing: [email protected]

The move follows widespread concern from motorists, businesses and community leaders who have argued that the blanket approach does not always reflect the realities of local road use in rural counties like Pembrokeshire.

The council has not yet confirmed which roads might be considered for changes, but feedback from this public engagement will help shape recommendations to be submitted for review.

The Herald understands that responses will be collected throughout June, with the findings passed on to the Welsh Government in due course.