News

Welsh Government ministers ‘economical with truth’ over Withyhedge

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

Jon Coles

THE FIRST MINISTER couldn’t have been clearer.

There was no room for misinterpreting his words.

Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives asked him whether the Welsh Government would take the lead in resolving the ongoing scandal at Withyhedge.

Vaughan Gething tried slipping the question, but finally volunteered: “NRW, as the regulator, need to take the required action. I’m not aware that a single member of the Government has attempted to influence the action of NRW; it is for them to undertake the required action to ensure that improvement is delivered, and that’s the very clear position of the whole Government.”

That was the Welsh Government position at around ten-to-two on Tuesday afternoon, May 14.

The following day, Paul Davies asked a series of questions about Withyhedge.

Answering the Preseli Pembs MS, Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Climate Change, said: ” “NRW are very clear what our steer is and what our priority is: that the enforcement orders that have been put in place to do the work on the ground and to resolve the problem need to be done for the benefit of local residents.”

On Tuesday, the Welsh Government had not been in touch with NRW about Withyhedge, or at least the First Minister was “not aware” of any such contact.

On Wednesday, NRW not only knew the Welsh Government’s position but had also received “a steer” from it.

The two statements are mutually exclusive.

The answers cannot be reconciled by semantics or wordplay.

Mr Irranca-Davies was being asked directly about Withyhedge. He was not speaking generally about any nebulous influence the Welsh Government might exert. He was not speaking about what he expected NRW to do in all circumstances, including Withyhedge. He referred directly to Withyhedge in each of the answers he gave Paul Davies.

There can be no doubt he meant the Welsh Government had influence over and had influenced NRW’s actions (or lack thereof) at Withyhedge.

One of the Welsh Cabinet misspoke, at the very least.

You cannot go from no contact on Tuesday to “providing a steer” on Wednesday and understand both to mean the same thing.

We put our questions to the Welsh Government.

We asked if no member of the Welsh Government attempted to influence NRW’s actions over Withyhedge, how NRW could be clear about its steer.

We asked what contact the Welsh Government has had with NRW regarding Withyhedge, when it took place, and who from the Welsh Government – minister or civil servant – delivered a steer to NRW.

While we did not get a direct answer, a Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: “The response from the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs speaks for itself, of course we expect NRW to carry out its regulatory functions to resolve these issues.”

That doesn’t wash.

The context of Mr Irranca-Davies’s could not be clearer.

“From my perspective as the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, NRW are very clear what our steer is and what our priority is: that the enforcement orders that have been put in place to do the work on the ground and to resolve the problem need to be done for the benefit of local residents.”

If he is not speaking specifically about Withyhedge, what is he speaking about?

And it’s noticeable that when he was asked point blank by Joyce Watson what conversations the Welsh Government was having with NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council, Huw Irranca-Davies did not say “none”. In fairness, he also didn’t say any. But if the totality of his words speak for themselves, it’s clear the WG is involved in what is happening at Withyhedge at closer than arm’s length.

We raised the contradictory answers with Paul Davies MS.

Paul Davies told us: “This whole situation stinks and it’s clear that the Welsh Government has been engaging with Natural Resources Wales and giving them a steer.

“Whatever that steer is clearly isn’t working – as residents are continuing to live with potentially toxic emissions.

“The only appropriate action now is to close the site immediately and hold an independent public inquiry to get to the bottom of all of this.”

Andrew RT Davies added: “Vaughan Gething’s Welsh Government is developing a reputation for being economical with the truth.”

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.