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Wales strengthens cooperation with German state

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DURING a visit to Stuttgart this week, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, and Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, signed a joint statement of cooperation to further boost political, economic, social, and ecological ties.

The joint declaration intends to expand bilateral cooperation between Wales and Baden-Württemberg in areas including trade and entrepreneurship, science and research, education and youth, culture and civil society, as well as environmental and climate protection.

Welsh Government Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething said: “The signing of a shared statement with Baden-Württemberg is momentous in cementing our important relationship with this priority region for Wales. As one of our largest trading partners, it presents us with an opportunity to ensure continued, strengthened co-operation.

“Germany is a hugely important collaboration partner for Wales with an estimated 90 German-owned companies having a presence in Wales, employing just under 12,000 people. Around 20 of these organisations are owned by parent companies from Baden-Württemberg so I very much look forward to the opportunities that our engagement across areas including trade, research and education will bring.”

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford and Prime Minister Kretschmann agreed to strengthen cooperation in 2022, and today’s Shared Statement of Cooperation builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries in 1990.

Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann said: “The United Kingdom is and will remain a very important partner for Baden-Württemberg. It is important to overcome the challenges for business and science after Brexit together.

“In view of the current crises and wars in the world, the EU and the democratic states must now cooperate more closely, and valued partners such as Germany and the United Kingdom, Baden-Württemberg and Wales must move even closer together.”

Dr Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, said: “I very much welcome the signing of an agreement on further cooperation between Wales and Baden-Württemberg. Wales and the United Kingdom are important trade and economic partners for us.”

In a one-to-one meeting, Minister Dr Hoffmeister-Kraut discussed innovation with her counterpart in Wales and said: “Transformation and structural change pose major challenges for companies in both countries. Minister Gething and I agreed that innovation is the key to a strong and resilient economy. That is why we want and need to strengthen the power of innovation through functioning regional innovation networks and continue to grow in international alliances with trustworthy partners.”

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething added: “Wales is an outward looking and welcoming nation. We want to have the strongest possible presence on the world stage and where better to build on and strengthen our global relationships than Baden-Württemberg.

“We will continue to make the most of the multiple connections between our governments, organisations, people and culture – and ensure that our long historical ties continue well into the future.”

 

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

 

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Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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