News

Gething warns of ‘fragility’ of Welsh devolution

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

THE FIRST Minister warned that devolution remains fragile as Senedd members reflected on the 25th anniversary of the first election to the then-National Assembly.

Vaughan Gething described the findings of an independent commission on Wales’ constitutional future as a “wake-up call of the fragility of devolution as we know it”.

Mr Gething said the report highlights the opportunity costs of doing nothing to actively improve democracy and civil engagement in Wales.

He told the chamber, also known as the Siambr: “We have real challenges before us, and we cannot ever be complacent about our ability to achieve more for Wales.

“A better future for Wales needs us to take action and continue the devolution journey.”

The First Minister highlighted “successes” of devolution so far, including carrier bag charges, free prescriptions, Wales’ opt-out system for organ donation and a new curriculum.

Andrew RT Davies criticised those on the right of Welsh politics – including some in his own party – who argue the Senedd should be abolished.

“I don’t agree with that,” said the Tory group leader. “And I will argue every time with anyone who says that Wales should put its parliament to one side and go back to a 1950s, 1960s model of government. That’s not the modern Wales we want to see.”

Mr Davies disagreed that devolution sets a trajectory towards inevitable independence as he called for a relentless focus on utilising current powers to improve people’s lives.

Raising concerns about low turnout, he said the legitimacy of the Welsh Parliament will grow if a greater proportion of people vote in Senedd elections.

He said: “There is a lot of work to do and the big job of work is to get the people of Wales engaged as to what we can do as a parliament and what you can do as a government.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth called for more innovation in the delivery of public services in Wales, with devolution providing a buffer against the headwinds of Westminster and beyond.

The Plaid Cymru leader highlighted that Wales Governance Centre data shows a majority of people want more devolution, with support for independence almost tripling since 1999.

He urged the Welsh Government to carve a distinct path for constitutional change in Wales.

Mr Iorwerth lamented missed opportunities to make strides towards tackling challenges around the economy, health, education and child poverty.

He said: “Let us ensure the next 25 years focus on proving the true value of devolution, by tackling those challenges … and strengthening our democracy.”

Jane Dodds paid tribute to former Lib-Dem members Mick Bates and Aled Roberts, two “very loyal and committed public servants”, who died in recent years.

The Lib Dems’ leader in Wales pointed out that her predecessor, Kirsty Williams, guided backbench legislation on nurse staffing levels through the Senedd onto the statute book.

Ms Dodds, who represents Mid and West Wales, told the chamber her mother was part of a stakeholder group that helped in the development of the then-Assembly.

“She wasn’t a politician at all; she was a community agitator,” she said. “And that’s where, I think, we should be going back to: listening to those community agitators, making sure that we involve everybody across Wales….

“We have an awesome opportunity to continue to change Wales, to make it more radical, progressive, surprising and inspiring, but we do need to get back to listening.”

Vikki Howells, a Labour backbencher who represents Cynon Valley, said it should be a matter of pride that the Senedd has not only endured but matured.

The former history teacher at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive said: “It’s not always been an easy journey, but we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before us and worked hard to establish a confident, outward-looking parliament.”

Luke Fletcher, who was three at the time of the 1999 election, pointed out that a generation has grown up with the Senedd.

The Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West stressed that delivering improvements to people’s lives must be the focus of the next 25 years.

John Griffiths, who is one of the four sitting members first elected in 1999, called for new constitutional arrangements to recognise the reality of a devolved UK.

Adam Price, the former Plaid Cymru leader, raised concerns about low turnout, with less than half of the electorate voting in the six Senedd elections since 1999.

He said “I think the failure to achieve more than 50% turnout in any of the elections since the creation of the institution is a problem that we have to solve, isn’t it?

“Because the longer that continues, the more it will erode the legitimacy but also the effectiveness of this institution.”

Mr Price, a former MP, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, urged Wales to introduce mandatory voting for the 2030 election.

Mr Gething said he personally supports compulsory voting but the Welsh Government does not yet have a fixed position, suggesting it is not among his administration’s priorities.

Heledd Fychan, the Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central, highlighted that Wales was the first UK nation to introduce free access to museums.

She said: “It was a huge success; within a year, we saw an increase of 88% in those accessing our national collections, going from 764,599 to 1.4 million, which is incredible.”

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservative MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, who was seven in 1999, urged the public to have their say at the ballot box.

Closing the statement on May 7, Elin Jones, who is the speaker or Llywydd, stressed that it is the people’s Senedd, not a politicians’ parliament.

She said: “We were elected to look forward, and to plan for the future, and that’s what we’re doing here, for the next 25 years, and, indeed, the next century.”

News

Welsh Conservatives table Senedd debate on ‘fixing Wales’

Published

7 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have tabled a Senedd debate this week setting out what they describe as a plan to “fix Wales” after nearly three decades of Labour-led government.

The party claims that, after twenty-seven years of Labour in power — supported at times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats — Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK on key measures including health, education and the economy.

Figures highlighted by the Conservatives include one in four people currently on NHS waiting lists, with thousands waiting more than two years for treatment. Emergency departments in Wales are also said to be among the worst performing in Britain.

In education, Wales continues to rank at or near the bottom of UK league tables, with rising absenteeism and ongoing concerns over teacher recruitment and morale.

Economically, the party says Wales has some of the lowest wages in Great Britain and faces ongoing challenges in boosting productivity and employment.

Ahead of the debate, the Conservatives outlined a series of policy proposals, including:

Cutting income tax by 1p to stimulate growth
Declaring a health emergency to tackle NHS backlogs and increase bed capacity
Scrapping stamp duty on primary homes
Removing business rates for pubs, post offices and small firms
Expanding free childcare, including allowing payments to grandparents
Providing a £100 million boost for farmers and replacing the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme
Investing in infrastructure, including the M4 relief road and upgrades to the A55 and A40
Reversing default 20mph speed limits
Reducing bureaucracy and focusing on frontline delivery

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said the current system “isn’t working” and argued his party has a “credible and costed plan” to improve public services and economic performance.

He said: “We will cut taxes, boost growth, and fix our public services.

“We want to see a Wales that thrives, with a stronger economy, a properly functioning NHS, and opportunities for people in every corner of the country.”

The debate is scheduled to take place in the Senedd on Wednesday evening.

Local Government

Milford Haven set for £200m investment with schools, leisure centre and rail upgrade

Published

30 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council outlines major plans for town with backing from Welsh Government

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a major transformation with nearly £200 million of public investment planned, including a new school, leisure centre and upgraded railway station, The Herald can reveal.

***Huge announcements: Cllr Paul Miller***

In an interview with this newspaper, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller, said the town’s long-awaited regeneration was now firmly underway, with some projects already moving into delivery after years of planning.

The announcement represents one of the largest single waves of public investment ever proposed for Milford Haven.

New £140m school by 2030

The centrepiece of the investment is a £140 million co-located primary and secondary school, which is expected to open by 2030.

The Labour Group leader said the project had now passed a key Welsh Government approval stage, allowing it to move into the delivery phase.

He said: “This is not a ‘might happen’ — this is happening. We can now say with confidence that we’re going to open a new primary and secondary school in Milford Haven in 2030.”

The development will bring together English-medium primary and secondary education on a single site. While initially operating as two separate schools, the model could evolve into an all-through school for pupils aged three to sixteen.

The funding will largely come through Welsh Government’s school investment programme, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing around 30 percent of the total cost.

The project is expected to modernise education provision in the town and replace ageing facilities.

***Ambitious plans: Cllr Paul Miller now says that the new Primary and Secondary schools in Milford Haven will be accompanied by a leisure centre development to replace The Meads Sports Centre***

Leisure centre plan takes shape

Alongside the school, the council has approved plans for a new leisure centre to replace the ageing Meads facility.

While still at an earlier stage, the project is expected to cost more than £50 million and will include a new swimming pool, upgraded gym facilities, and modern leisure provision for families.

Cllr Miller said: “The Meads has served its purpose, but it’s looking tired and reaching the end of its useful life. This will be a fantastic new facility for the town.”

The council is expected to fund the project directly, with leisure centres generating income through public use.

However, no firm construction start date or completion timeline has yet been confirmed, with feasibility work still ongoing.

***There are plans for a new leisure centre in Milford Haven (Pic: File)***

Station upgrade to begin next month

A £16 million upgrade of Milford Haven railway station is set to begin next month, with completion expected by 2027.

The scheme will see significant improvements, including better links to Havens Head Retail Park, expanded parking, improved bus interchange, and platform extensions to accommodate longer intercity trains.

The work is also expected to enhance accessibility and modernise the station environment.

Cllr Miller said: “Starting on site next month is fantastic news for Milford Haven.”

***Work will start on the new train station in Milford Haven in April 2026 (Pic: TfW)***

Push to restore London rail link

Cllr Miller confirmed that efforts are ongoing to restore direct rail services between Milford Haven and London Paddington.

He said discussions are taking place with Welsh Government, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, as well as Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Direct services last operated in the late 1990s, when InterCity 125 trains connected west Wales to London.

Cllr Miller said he was “hopeful and optimistic” that a deal could be reached, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.

***New trains to Paddington: There have been no direct services between Milford Haven and London since the late 1990’s***

Major retailer in talks for Wilko site

The council is also in advanced discussions with a major national retailer to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, one of the town’s most prominent vacant retail units.

Cllr Miller said a deal could be agreed within “weeks — maybe even days”.

He confirmed the council is investing in essential structural repairs, including roofing works, to prepare the building for occupation.

A new tenant would then carry out a multi-million pound fit-out before opening.

While the retailer has not been named, speculation locally has centred on Primark — something not confirmed, but also not denied during the interview.

The move is expected to provide a significant boost to footfall in Haverfordwest town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years following a number of retail closures.

***‘Anchor store’: There are talks of a major retailer renting the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest very soon***

‘Milford Haven’s turn’

Cllr Miller rejected suggestions the announcements were timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

He said: “These are not things we dreamed up yesterday as part of an election campaign. These are things we’ve been working on for years.”

He added: “It is Milford Haven’s turn. It is not forgotten — we are determined to invest in its future.”

The comments reflect a long-standing perception among some residents that Milford Haven has been overlooked compared to other parts of Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain

While firm commitments have been made on the school and railway station, other elements — including the leisure centre’s final cost and the return of direct London rail services — remain subject to further agreement.

With construction on the station due to begin within weeks and a major retail deal potentially days away, Milford Haven could be on the brink of significant change.

However, residents are likely to watch closely to see how quickly these ambitious plans move from announcement to delivery.

Health

Paper petition launched in Withybush hospital campaign

Published

56 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Pembrokeshire can now back the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in council offices across the county.

The initiative has been introduced to ensure those who are digitally excluded – including older residents and people without reliable internet access – are still able to have their say.

The petition, originally launched online by local resident Ajay Owens, has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures. Campaigners say the introduction of paper copies will help ensure the final total reflects the views of the whole community.

***Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS***

SUPPORT GATHERS PACE

Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who are supporting the campaign, said it was vital that every voice is heard.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS, PAUL DAVIES said: “We have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting services at Withybush Hospital, including gathering evidence from staff, patients and residents, and raising concerns with health leaders. It is vital that people continue to share their experiences of why local services matter.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS added: “The community has come together before to oppose cuts to Withybush, and once again the community are showing they will not accept the closure of services at Withybush lying down. We will stand beside them every step of the way until this decision is overturned.”

Both Members have formally requested that the petition be debated in the Senedd before its dissolution, in a bid to ensure Pembrokeshire residents’ concerns are considered at the highest level.

RURAL CARE CONCERNS

Campaigners argue that maintaining services at Withybush Hospital is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care, and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office during normal opening hours.

Ajay Owens said: “I am incredibly heartened by the support from our local town halls and businesses. This petition is about giving every resident in Pembrokeshire a voice, and having these physical locations available ensures that everyone, regardless of their access to the internet, can stand up for what matters to our community and share their concerns.”

WHERE TO SIGN

Paper copies of the petition are currently available at locations including Fishguard and Goodwick Town Hall, Haverfordwest Town Council at the Old Wool Market, Milford Haven Cemetery Lodge, Narberth Community Library, Newport Town Council, Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke Dock Town Council, and across Saundersfoot via local distribution.

Opening times vary depending on location.