News
Millions risk being unable to vote as registration deadline looms
SO far only 1.1m applications to register to vote have been made since the election was called, ahead of the voter registration deadline on Tuesday, June 18th. Last year, the Electoral Commission found that up to 8 million people were not registered to vote or registered incorrectly.
If the spike before the local elections is included this number rises only to 1.8m in total. The Electoral Reform Society is urging any unregistered voters to take the time to register this week to ensure they can cast their vote on July 4. The easiest way to register is via the government portal at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
There are substantial demographic inequalities in terms of the different people more likely to be registered to vote. Electoral Commission figures show that young people are far less likely to be registered to vote than older people, with 60% of 18 and 19-year-olds registered in Great Britain and 67% of 20-24-year-olds, compared to 96% of over 65s.
Private renters are far less likely to be registered (65% in GB) compared to homeowners, 95% of whom are registered.
Voters who are registered also face a new potential barrier to casting their vote next month, as this will be the first general election where they will be required to show Voter ID at the polling station. Figures by the Electoral Commission show that 14,000 voters have already been prevented from casting their vote due to not having an accepted form of ID at last year’s local elections.
The Electoral Reform Society is calling for the next Government to make this the last election where voters must register to vote by bringing in Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). Wales is planning to introduce AVR, with legislation progressing through the Senedd currently. This should be introduced for 2026, pending a successful pilot.
The ERS is calling for AVR to be rolled out across the whole of the UK to make it easier for people to cast their vote and enfranchise the millions of missing voters.
Willie Sullivan, Senior Director of the Electoral Reform Society, said: “With just a week to go before the voter registration deadline, the number of applications to register is being dwarfed by the amount of people missing from our electoral roles. This means a huge effort is needed to avoid millions of people being locked out of being able to have their say in the general election.
“Participation is a vital sign of the health of our democracy, so it is crucial that as many people as possible are able to vote on July 4. We are urging anyone still unregistered to take the time over the next week to register ahead of the deadline next Tuesday.
“We are also calling on whoever is in government after July 4 to bring in Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) to make sure we are not in the scandalous situation again of having millions of people unable to vote due to being unregistered.
“Moving to AVR would make life easier for voters by taking one more thing off their to-do list and strengthen our democracy by helping enfranchise the millions of people missing from our electoral roles.”
Education
Milford Haven School names new prefect team for 2026/27
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has announced its new Prefect Team for the 2026/27 academic year.
The school said there had been an exceptional number of applications from pupils keen to take on leadership roles.
Following an application and interview process, Annabelle Griffiths and Oliver Phillips have been appointed Head Prefects.
The Deputy Prefects for 2026/27 are Millie Lewis, Izzy Roberts, Elif Evans-Browning and Freddie Sturley.
The wider Prefect Team is made up of Rishi Dutta, Seren Carridge, Diya Joshi, Damien Dyson, Lewis Reynolds, Jemima Kenny, Megan Lewis, Finley Jenkins, Ellie Lawlor, Charlotte Lacey, Teleri Mathias, Erin Dando and Harmony Blissett.
The team will help mentor younger pupils, support school events, promote pupil voice and help maintain a positive and respectful school environment.
Acting Headteacher Mr John said: “We are immensely proud of every pupil who applied for a prefect position. The standard of applications this year was exceptionally high, reflecting the dedication, enthusiasm and leadership qualities of our students.
“It was inspiring to see so many pupils willing to contribute their time and talents in the service of the school community.
“We are confident that our new Prefect Team will be outstanding representatives of Milford Haven School and will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for all.”
Milford Haven School also thanked the current 2025/26 Prefect Team for their hard work and dedication over the past year.

Caption:
Milford Haven School has announced its new Prefect Team for 2026/27 (Pic: Milford Haven School).
News
Welsh Government mulls third Menai crossing but rules out M4 Black Route
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is to begin detailed work on options for a third Menai crossing, while ruling out a return to the controversial M4 Black Route around Newport.
Deputy Transport Minister Mark Hooper MS told the Senedd that repeated closures of the Menai Suspension Bridge had exposed wider problems with the resilience of Wales’ transport network.
The bridge, which is around 200 years old, has been hit by closures after drivers ignored a 7.5-tonne weight limit. Ministers say each breach requires precautionary inspections, causing further disruption.
Works to stabilise and preserve the bridge, including repairs to crossbeams, bolts and other structural components, are expected to continue until spring 2027.
Mr Hooper said the Welsh Government was working with North Wales Police and the DVSA on stronger enforcement.
Third crossing back on table
The minister said the Menai crossings must be treated as one system, with Britannia Bridge carrying most traffic but vulnerable to high winds, while the Menai Suspension Bridge has lower capacity and ongoing maintenance needs.
He confirmed that work would now begin on “detailed options” for a third Menai crossing, building on previous studies.
The move marks a significant shift after earlier plans for a third crossing were scrapped following the Welsh Government’s roads review.
M4 plan due in autumn
Mr Hooper also confirmed a new short programme of work on the M4 corridor around Newport, one of Wales’ busiest and most congested roads.
However, he said the Government did not believe the previously proposed Black Route was “a credible option”.
Instead, ministers will look at road, rail and bus measures, including public transport alternatives, targeted improvements to the existing road network, and better links between strategic and local transport.
The minister said he would report back to the Senedd in early autumn with the Government’s intended way forward.
He said both the Menai crossings and the M4 showed the challenge of managing ageing infrastructure under increasing demand.
News
Carmarthenshire lorry driver arrested after fatal crash near Liverpool
Motorcyclist in his 40s dies after collision involving two HGVs on major road
A LORRY driver from Carmarthenshire has been arrested following the death of a motorcyclist in a crash near Liverpool late on Monday night.
Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway of the East Lancashire Road in Haydock at around 11:00pm on Monday (Jun 8), following reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and two heavy goods vehicles.
The motorcyclist, a man in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.
Merseyside Police said a 38-year-old man from Carmarthenshire was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
A second man, aged 28 and from Widnes, was also arrested in connection with the incident. Both remained in custody following the crash.
Police believe two HGVs towing white trailers were involved. One lorry had a dark-coloured cab, while the second was described as white with black stripes.
Investigators are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Officers are appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, CCTV, or any information that may help their investigation.
Anyone travelling on the East Lancashire Road near Haydock at the time of the collision is asked to contact Merseyside Police quoting reference 26000456942.
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