News
Welsh Government reinforces LGBTQ+ safe haven commitment
THE Welsh Government is reinforcing its commitment to making Wales a ‘safe haven’ for LGBTQ+ people by providing the first in-person support service for victims and survivors of conversion practices, Social Justice Secretary Lesley Griffiths has said on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (Friday 17 May).
The Welsh Government is partnering with Galop to deliver the new service which will also offer crucial information and resources for organisations looking to support LGBTQ+ people.
‘Conversion practices’ refer to any form of treatment, behaviour or psychotherapy aiming to change a person’s sexual orientation or to suppress a person’s gender identity.
A growing network of organisations have pledged to help survivors and people vulnerable to LGBTQ+ conversion practices access support.
The in-person support service is expected to be launched later this year.
Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, said: “This new service is a first for Wales and will support survivors and victims of conversion practices. It is part of our wider commitment to improving the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
“Organisations throughout Wales have a crucial role in working with us to support the LGBTQ+ community and I encourage them to register their interest in helping us.
“Work continues to ensure steps are in place for the service to be available later this year.”
Amy Roch, Galop’s Interim CEO said, “We are delighted to be working with the Welsh government to provide direct support to LGBT+ victims of conversion practices in Wales.
“Galop’s research shows that conversion practice abuse is a significant and ongoing issue. The psychological, emotional and physical trauma of conversion practices has serious and long-term impacts on its victims. We know that survivors of this abuse need long-term, expert support to help them move on from what has happened to them, and ensure that they are safe and able to fulfil their potential.
“We’re grateful to the Welsh Government for ensuring that LGBT+ survivors of conversion practices have somewhere to turn for support.”
Tony Smith, Principality Building Society’s Chief Governance Officer, said: “We are proud to work with Welsh Government and other partners, in their efforts to make Wales a safe haven for all.
“At Principality Building Society, we believe that a diverse workforce, that reflects the communities we serve, is key to our success as a business. Our goal is to ensure that we provide an inclusive workplace for all our colleagues with a culture focused on celebrating diversity, acceptance and a sense of belonging.”
The Welsh Government commitment to support victims and survivors of conversion practices comes as part of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales in 2023, which saw the creation of a Working Group on Banning Conversion Practices.
The Group advises on proposed actions to ban conversion practices in Wales. The Action Plan was drawn up as part of a co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, set out the government’s aims to improve all aspects of the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people in Wales.
Business
West Wales firm fined £75,000 after man killed by escaped cow
A WEST WALES company has been fined £75,000 following the death of a 75-year-old man, Huw Evans, who was killed by a cow that had escaped from a livestock market. The incident occurred on November 19, 2022, at Whitland Livestock Market in Carmarthenshire, operated by J.J. Morris Limited.
Father-of-two Mr Evans was crossing the junction at North Road and West Street in Whitland when the cow, which was being auctioned, escaped from the market pen. The animal attacked Mr Evans, knocking him down and trampling him. He suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later.
A worker from J.J. Morris Limited was also injured during an unsuccessful attempt to recapture the cow. The cow eventually made its way towards Whitland Rugby Club and a railway line before being subdued and put down by Dyfed-Powys Police.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found that J.J. Morris Limited had failed to implement essential physical control measures to prevent cattle from escaping. The HSE concluded that the company’s risk assessment was inadequate, referencing control measures that were not in place at the market.
J.J. Morris Limited, based in Haverfordwest, admitted to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 20.
In court, Mr Evans’ son, Dafydd, expressed his grief, saying: “Dad was my best friend, and I miss him terribly. He was taken from us too soon. Losing dad has had a tremendous effect on both myself and my brother. Because of this incident, dad’s grandsons will never fully know him personally, and he will not see them grow up.”
Following the hearing, HSE inspector Rhys Hughes remarked, “This tragic incident was foreseeable and preventable. The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented. The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle.”
News
Wales international Johnny Williams signs new Scarlets contract
THE SCARLETS said this week that they are delighted to announce that Wales international centre Johnny Williams has signed a new contract with the club.
The 27-year-old joined the Scarlets from Newcastle Falcons in 2020 and after just four appearances earned his first Wales cap, against Georgia in Llanelli.
A powerful-carrying presence in the Scarlets midfield, he has since made 46 appearances, scoring six tries, including a memorable interception in last season’s Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Clermont Auvergne.
He has won seven caps for Wales, featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Johnny has been a key member of the side in recent years. He’s a player who is a dynamic carrier, is physical with and without the ball, has a good skill set and has an impact on every game he’s involved in.
“He is an important cog in how we look to play and it’s fantastic that he has agreed a new contract with the club. I know the fans will be thrilled with this news and, along with the likes of Eddie James, Joe Roberts and with Macs Page coming through, we have a lot of talent in that midfield pool for the coming years.”
Johnny Williams said: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been a frustrating season in terms of results, but I am excited by the potential of the squad we are putting together.
“A lot of young boys have put their hands up and we showed during the final few games of the season the kind of rugby we can produce.
“Pre-season will be around before we know it and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, ready for a big start to next season.”
Johnny is the latest player to recommit to the Scarlets ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, following Tonga lock Sam Lousi, Wales internationals Tom Rogers and Harri O’Connor and back-rowers Dan Davis and Ben Williams.
Scarlets have also strengthened their squad with the addition of hooker Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), prop Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), full-back Ellis Mee (Nottingham), lock Max Douglas (Toyota Canon Eagles), Wales international prop Henry Thomas (Castres Olympique) and back-three player Blair Murray (Canterbury).
Business
Tata workers call first strikes in 40 years to stop steel destruction
HISTORIC strikes in Port Talbot as Labour vows emergency talks with Tata after general election
Around 1,500 Tata workers based in Port Talbot and Llanwern will begin all-out indefinite strike action over the company’s plans to cut 2,800 jobs and close its blast furnaces.
The strike action, which begins on 8 July, will severely impact Tata’s UK operations. It is the first time in over 40 years that steel workers in the UK have taken strike action.
The escalation in industrial action comes after the workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, began working to rule and an overtime ban on Tuesday (June 17).
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Tata’s workers are not just fighting for their jobs – they are fighting for the future of their communities and the future of steel in Wales.
“Our members will not standby while this immensely wealthy conglomerate tries to throw Port Talbot and Llanwern on the scrapheap so it can boost its operations abroad. They know South Wales is ideally placed to take advantage of the coming boom in green steel – if the right choices are made.
“The strikes will go on until Tata halts its disastrous plans. Unite is backing Tata’s workers to the hilt in their historic battle to save the Welsh steel industry and give it the bright future it deserves.”
Labour has called for Tata to halt its plans and wait until after the general election to engage in talks with the government, saying there is a ‘better deal to do’. Labour has pledged £3 billion for UK steel if elected next month, a commitment secured by Unite. Labour has also made emergency talks with Tata a priority if it wins the election.
-
Crime5 days ago
Pembroke Dock residents ‘terrified’ as chaos and violence erupts in streets
-
Crime4 days ago
Police confirm arrests following violent disorder in Pembroke Dock
-
News4 days ago
Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ couple who died in A477 collision
-
Crime3 days ago
Drink-driver admits failing to stop after hitting vehicles near Neyland
-
Community6 days ago
Two Pembrokeshire residents honoured in King’s Birthday List
-
Crime3 days ago
Milford youth accused of rape and sexual assault
-
Community4 days ago
Council accused of acting as ‘town sheriff’ after stopping boxing event
-
Business5 days ago
Application for 28 affordable homes in Solva submitted