Politics
Labour and Tories urged to ‘right a £4bn wrong’ over HS2 funding
LABOUR and the Conservatives have been urged to commit to reclassifying HS2 as an England-only project to “right a £4bn wrong”.
Delyth Jewell accused Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak of ignoring Wales as the Senedd unanimously reiterated calls for a fair share of funding from the rail project.
Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport secretary said committing to HS2 consequential funding is a litmus test for the UK Labour and Tory leaders – “a test they are failing”.
The party’s deputy leader told the chamber: “This is not just a debate about a railway line; it is about how Westminster disregards the needs and the voice of Wales.
“HS2 is a railway line in another country that we are nonetheless funding – a track that does not break our border but that is costing us billions to run.”
Natasha Asghar said the Welsh Conservatives have long called for Wales to receive its share of HS2 consequential funding, pledging to continue to make the case.
The Tory shadow transport secretary argued any extra funding should go directly to Network Rail to invest in infrastructure rather than to the Welsh Government.
“We all know how reckless they are when it comes to spending taxpayers’ money,” she said, warning Welsh ministers could fritter the cash away on vanity projects.
Ms Asghar highlighted the UK Government’s announcement of a £1bn investment in electrifying the north Wales main line.
She said: “Regardless of what happens on July 4, we must all keep the pressure on to ensure that it happens and the Welsh public gets what is due to them.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth told the Senedd that Wales is home to about 12% of the UK’s rail infrastructure but receives 2% of rail investment.
He said: “The greatest scandal is that even in a general election campaign – traditionally the time of big giveaways and pledges and promises – we’ve heard nothing from either the Conservatives or Labour on righting the HS2 wrong.”
The Plaid Cymru leader said the estimated £4bn could transform public transport in Wales, making up for decades of chronic underfunding by successive UK Governments.
Cefin Campbell, the Plaid Cymru MS for Mid and West Wales, warned a lack of access to public transport is a driver of rural poverty and social exclusion.
“It is a matter of gross injustice that Wales has yet to receive what it is owed from the investment in HS2,” he said.
Peredur Owen Griffiths, who chairs the Senedd’s finance committee, criticised the UK Government’s “absurd” claim that HS2 benefits Wales and England.
“It is not right that UK Government is able to make these unjust decisions arbitrarily,” he said, highlighting that Scotland and Northern Ireland will receive extra money
Giving evidence to the finance committee on May 22, Sir Paul Silk, a constitutional expert, described the justifications that HS2 benefits Wales as “rather threadbare”.
Mr Owen Griffiths pointed out that the Northern Powerhouse rail project has similarly been classified as a Wales-and-England project, despite being entirely across the border.
The Plaid Cymru MS, who represents South Wales East, said: “This means Wales will miss out again, this time on more than £1 billion-worth of funding for transport.”
Rhianon Passmore, who represents Islwyn, said a fair share of funding would make a big difference, with public services in Wales facing tough financial decisions.
“The reality is that the current funding system is flawed,” she warned.
Carolyn Thomas, a fellow Labour backbencher, said HS2 has been a disaster, “ripping up countryside, destroying homes and costing the taxpayer billions”.
Criticising the “expensive white elephant”, she highlighted that costs have ballooned from £32bn in 2011 to a projected £106bn by 2020.
Ms Thomas described the decision to label HS2 as an England-and-Wales project as a “ridiculous, cynical move to cheat Wales out of much-needed investment”.
Rebecca Evans said not an inch of track will be built on Welsh soil and HS2 should be reclassified as an England-only project.
The finance secretary said Wales will have missed out on £350m by the end of 2024-25, and the Welsh Government should be due as much as £70m each year in future.
Ms Evans accused the UK Government of mismanaging the economy and presiding over a managed decline of Welsh rail infrastructure.
Calling for full devolution of powers over the railways, she pointed to the Welsh Government’s £1bn investment in the south Wales valleys lines.
The Plaid Cymru motion was agreed without objection following the debate on June 5.
Business
Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged
A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.
In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.
A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.
“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.
“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.
“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”
It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.
“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.
“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”
The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
Business
Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales
A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.
In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.
The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.
It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.
Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.
Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.
The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.
It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.
“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”
The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.
“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
News
Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.
A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.
The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.
The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.
Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”
Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.
He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.
“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”
Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.
He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.
“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.
“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.
“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”
The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.
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