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News

Senedd expansion ‘pivotal moment’ for devolution say democracy groups

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A COALITION of leading Welsh democracy and civil organisations has declared the approval of new legislation to expand the Senedd a ‘pivotal moment’ for devolution in Wales, suggesting it will significantly enhance accountability in Cardiff Bay.

According to a statement released by ERS Cymru, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA), and the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill is crucial in addressing the long-standing inequality where Wales remained the only UK parliament incapable of managing its increasing duties due to its small size.

Under the new bill, the number of Senedd representatives will rise from 60 to 96, allowing the Welsh Parliament to more effectively oversee its annual public spending of over £23 billion, and ensure the Welsh Government is held accountable.

The legislation also introduces a shift in the Senedd’s electoral system from the Additional Member System (AMS) to a closed list system of proportional representation, where voters will select a party instead of an individual candidate.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, stated, “This is a pivotal moment in Welsh devolution’s history. Twenty-five years after the first elections to the Senedd, this bill corrects a historical disparity, aligning the Welsh parliament with other devolved assemblies in the UK.” She highlighted that the initial 60-member assembly was formed when the Welsh parliament lacked legislative and tax-raising powers. Blair noted the expansion as “an investment in better accountability so that issues are identified sooner and public funds are utilised more effectively.”

However, Blair expressed concerns over the new closed list voting system, urging a review and reform post-election to allow voters more choice.

Joe Rossiter, Co-Director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, commented on the importance of the Senedd’s growth in capabilities to match its increased responsibilities. “As the powers of the Senedd have expanded, so too must its capacity and capability,” he said, acknowledging the need for further electoral reform to better reflect voter preference.

Victoria Vasey, Director of WEN Wales, described the legislation as a historic step towards a more effective Welsh parliament, emphasising the importance of representation. “An effective parliament is one that represents its population, ensuring women and all marginalised communities have a voice,” she said. Vasey also called for continued vigilance regarding the closed list system, which could potentially enhance party power over voter choice.

This legislative milestone marks a significant advance in the democratic process in Wales, though it appears the conversation around optimal electoral systems and representative democracy is set to continue.

Crime

Tenby man charged after robbery incident

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A MAN is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.

Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage.

He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.

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Farming

Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

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DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.

Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.

Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”

During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.

Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.

Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.

Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.

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News

Casualty airlifted after fall on rocks at Manorbier

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A PERSON was flown to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Manorbier on Sunday afternoon (April 13).

Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30pm, with Tenby RNLI, the Wales Air Ambulance, land paramedics, and coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans attending.

Tenby’s inshore lifeboat launched first, with two crew members going ashore just as the air ambulance arrived to land nearby. They were soon joined by a land ambulance and coastguard rescue officers.

A stretcher was brought ashore from the all-weather lifeboat, and RNLI crew assisted in stabilising the casualty and carrying them up the beach for transfer into the waiting helicopter.

Once the airlift was complete, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.

It was the third call-out of the weekend for Tenby RNLI volunteers.

The first incident took place at 2:20pm on Friday (April 11), when the all-weather lifeboat was diverted from a training exercise following a report of paddleboarders possibly in difficulty near Manorbier. As the lifeboat arrived, the paddleboarders were confirmed safe ashore and the crew resumed their exercise.

Later that evening, at 9:15pm, the lifeboat launched again to assist the operator of a seven-metre rigid inflatable boat that had broken down around a mile south of Old Castle Head. The boat was towed safely back to Freshwater East, from where it had launched earlier in the day.

(Photo: File image)

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