News

Welsh Democracy at risk unless changes made, warns Constitutional Commission

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

THIS WEEK the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales released its long-awaited final report, concluding a two-year national conversation on Wales’ governance and future prospects. The report, co-chaired by Professor Laura McAllister and Dr Rowan Williams, presents a stark warning: urgent changes to Welsh devolution are necessary to avert its collapse.

Established in 2021, the 11-member Commission boasts diverse backgrounds, offering a rich tapestry of expertise and political views. Its extensive engagement efforts – including surveys, roadshows, and a Community Engagement Fund – have echoed the voices of thousands across Wales. The Commission’s interim report, published in December 2022, highlighted significant governance issues within the Union, deeming the ‘status quo’ an unstable foundation for Wales’ prosperity.

***Professor Laura McAllister and Dr Rowan Williams, Co-Chairs of Commission***

The final report, underpinned by this comprehensive public dialogue, deems all three previously outlined constitutional options for Wales – independence, federalism, and enhanced devolution – as viable. However, it stresses the necessity of immediate changes to safeguard current devolutionary arrangements. Key among these are the devolution of justice, policing, and rail infrastructure, alongside major financial reforms to maximize Welsh value for money.

Additionally, the report calls for legislated protections for inter-governmental relations, ensuring efficient collaboration and public interest delivery. The three constitutional options offer distinct paths: enhanced devolution promises economic stability without fundamental shifts; a federal UK presents a balanced, accountable ‘middle way’; while independence carries the greatest economic risks but also the potential for significant, long-term benefits.

Professor McAllister emphasizes the timeliness of this national conversation, noting the transformative changes in Welsh governance over the past quarter-century and the pressing need for responsive reforms. Dr Rowan Williams highlights the importance of this grassroots engagement, urging the continuation of this national dialogue beyond the Commission’s lifespan to foster a robust democratic culture in Wales.

Responses to the report vary across the political spectrum. Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, acknowledges the report’s significance, reiterating Labour’s commitment to devolution. Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, criticizes the status quo’s inadequacy, advocating for pragmatic reform and localized power distribution.

Conversely, Darren Millar MS, Shadow Minister for the Constitution, critiques the report as a diversion from pressing issues, arguing for a focus on public services over constitutional debates. YesCymru welcomes the report, viewing it as a stepping stone towards independence, stressing the need for Welsh control over its destiny.

Plaid Cymru, via Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, plans to respond to the report at a forthcoming Aberystwyth University event, reflecting on its implications for Welsh independence.

In summary, the Commission’s final report ignites a vital conversation on Wales’ constitutional future, offering a foundation for imminent, impactful change. It underscores the need for a balanced, informed dialogue to shape the path ahead, ensuring that Welsh democracy not only survives but thrives in the coming years.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.