FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has welcomed the appointment of Rep. Lloyd Doggett as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Friends of Wales Caucus in the US Congress.

Rep. Doggett spoke about his new role during a Welsh Government-hosted reception at the Library of Congress to mark St David’s Day. The Caucus, established on St David’s Day in 2014, aims to strengthen cultural and trade links between Wales and the USA.

The group currently has 26 members across both the US House and Senate. The existing Chair, Rep. Morgan Griffith, a Republican representing Virginia’s 9th Congressional District, will now be joined by Rep. Doggett as the Democratic Co-Chair.

The Welsh Government has been actively engaging with Congress to foster stronger ties. With the support of the Caucus, it has hosted events promoting Wales’s compound semiconductor cluster and its climate change initiatives during New York Climate Week.

Rep. Doggett, who joined the Caucus in November 2023, has expressed enthusiasm for his new role. He has served in the US House of Representatives since 1995 and currently represents Texas’s 37th Congressional District. Over his tenure, he has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, healthcare expansion, public education, and social safety net programmes.

On March 12, his congressional district will host the SXSW festival, where FOCUS Wales will showcase Welsh music with support from the Welsh Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted to welcome the first Democratic Co-Chair of the Friends of Wales Caucus, Congressman Lloyd Doggett. I have no doubt that he will be immensely successful alongside Congressman Griffith. I am confident that, through their joint leadership, the Caucus will continue to grow and support the interests of Wales before Congress.”

“Ukraine is fighting not just for its own freedom, but for the principles of democracy and justice that should unite us all”, says Herald Editor, Tom Sinclair

THERE are moments in history when leaders define themselves—not just by what they say, but by how they treat others. On Friday (Feb 28), in a shocking display of arrogance and ignorance, President Donald Trump showed the world precisely what kind of leader he is. In an extraordinary and disgraceful diplomatic blunder, Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave the White House, cutting short a meeting that was meant to strengthen ties between the two nations. Instead of supporting a country fighting for its survival, Trump chose to humiliate its leader.

This was not just a moment of political theatre; it was an insult to every Ukrainian citizen suffering under Russia’s brutal invasion, to every soldier defending their homeland, and to every nation that has stood up against tyranny.

For all his bluster about “making America great,” Trump’s latest act proves yet again that he does not understand the difference between strength and bullying. A strong leader stands by their allies. A weak leader turns their back when it’s convenient. A strong leader understands diplomacy. A weak leader throws a tantrum when things don’t go their way.

Trump’s dismissive attitude towards Ukraine is a betrayal of not just one nation but of democratic values themselves. Under his administration, the White House has become a revolving door of diplomatic disasters, with world leaders leaving insulted and America’s reputation in tatters. Instead of standing up to Vladimir Putin—the aggressor responsible for this war—Trump appears more interested in undermining Ukraine at every turn. His words and actions send a dangerous message: that the United States is no longer a reliable ally, and that dictators can act with impunity.

Unlike Trump and his administration, the people of Pembrokeshire have demonstrated true solidarity with Ukraine. When Russia launched its unprovoked invasion, our community stepped up. Five vans filled with essential supplies were sent directly to those in need, organised by The Pembrokeshire Herald and backed by the incredible generosity of local people. Our firefighters have sent vital equipment to help their Ukrainian counterparts. Across our county, individuals and businesses have raised money, collected aid, and stood in unwavering support of Ukraine’s right to defend itself.

We do this because we understand something Trump never will: that integrity, compassion, and standing up for what’s right matter more than self-serving political games. Pembrokeshire knows that Ukraine is fighting not just for its own freedom, but for the principles of democracy and justice that should unite us all.

History teaches us that bullies never win. Whether it’s on the playground or the world stage, those who use power to intimidate and belittle eventually face their reckoning. Trump’s pathetic treatment of Ukraine will not be forgotten. The world is watching, and America’s allies are taking note. The bonds between democratic nations will not be broken by one man’s petulance.

The Pembrokeshire Herald remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. We stand with President Zelenskyy. We stand with the Ukrainian people. And we stand with all those who believe that democracy, freedom, and justice must prevail over the cowardice and corruption of those who would rather appease tyrants.

Trump’s disgraceful behaviour will be remembered for what it is: a moment of shame. But the bravery of Ukraine and the solidarity of those who support it will be remembered for what it represents: hope, resilience, and the undeniable truth that justice will triumph in the end.

Controversial policy changes to be debated on Monday (Mar 3)

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is facing allegations of secrecy after proposals to change its Recording of Meetings Policy sparked concern among some councillors. The changes, set to be debated at the Full Council meeting on Monday (Mar 3), could restrict access to meeting recordings for councillors, the public, and even external agencies.

Cllr Steve Thomas, who originally wrote the council’s existing policy in 2023, claims the proposed amendments could “open the door to abuse of power” by limiting who can access recordings of council meetings. He says the new rules would make it harder for councillors and residents to scrutinise decisions, and even external bodies such as Audit Wales and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales could find it more difficult to obtain recordings.

However, Town Clerk Libby Matthews has denied these claims, insisting that the changes are necessary to bring the policy in line with the council’s Standing Orders, which govern how the council operates. She has also accused some councillors of using recordings in a “vindictive manner” rather than for legitimate purposes.

The upcoming vote on the policy has deepened divisions within the council, with some members questioning the motives behind the proposed changes.

Changes under fire

According to Cllr Thomas, the proposed amendments would:

• Prevent councillors from automatically receiving meeting recordings – access would require a vote at the following council meeting, potentially delaying access for up to two months.
• Restrict members of the public from easily obtaining recordings, with the Clerk having the power to refuse requests if deemed “vexatious.”
• Limit external agencies’ ability to obtain recordings, making it more difficult for bodies such as Audit Wales and the Public Services Ombudsman to investigate complaints.
• Allow councillors to vote against recording meetings altogether, raising concerns that controversial discussions could be kept off the record.

Cllr Thomas has raised the alarm that these changes “must not be accepted,” calling them “a backwards step away from transparency.”

“What exactly are those currently running the council afraid of?” he asked. “What are they trying to hide? Who are they trying to protect?”

Clerk defends changes, claims policy was misused

In response, Town Clerk Libby Matthews has defended the proposals, stating that they are necessary to correct contradictions between the recording policy and the council’s Standing Orders.

“The reason for the proposed amendments is that the current policy directly contradicts the Standing Orders of Neyland Town Council,” she told The Pembrokeshire Herald. “I have been tasked by Council to review and amend the policy to ensure it complies.”

Matthews also denied that external agencies, such as the Ombudsman, would have restricted access.

“To the contrary, I have reworded the policy to clarify that external bodies are the only ones with automatic access to recordings,” she said.

She also defended restrictions on councillors’ access to recordings, stating that councillors should be treated the same as members of the public when requesting them.

Furthermore, Matthews claimed that recordings had been used in a ‘vindictive manner’ by councillors, arguing that the policy was originally introduced to help with accurate minute-taking rather than to serve as a tool for scrutiny.

“The only legal record of a council meeting is the minutes,” she said. “No other council records meetings, and there is no law stating that they must.”

Councillors denied access to recordings

Matthews also confirmed that recent requests from councillors for meeting recordings have been refused.

Cllrs Steve Thomas, Brian Rothero, and David Devauden have all requested recordings in the past six months, but their requests were denied due to a formal vote by the council stating that no recordings would be released until the policy aligns with Standing Orders.

However, she insisted that requests from external agencies, such as the Ombudsman, had not been refused and had been granted when asked.

Transparency concerns remain

Despite the Clerk’s reassurances, critics argue that the proposed changes could shield controversial decisions from scrutiny.

Cllr Thomas has also questioned why the council is prioritising restricting access to recordings rather than improving public access to meetings.

“They have no interest in those with visual impairments who cannot read minutes, or those who cannot attend meetings,” he said.

The final decision on the Recording of Meetings Policy will be made at the Full Council meeting on Monday (Mar 3), where councillors will vote on whether to approve or revise the proposed changes.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to follow this story.