News

Plaid Cymru demands £4bn from HS2 and more control over Welsh resources

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

PLAID CYMRU’S leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has called for an additional £4 billion in funding for Wales from the HS2 rail project, along with greater control over the nation’s natural resources. Unveiling the party’s manifesto for the upcoming general election, Mr ap Iorwerth outlined several key demands aimed at ensuring “fair” funding and increased autonomy for Wales.

“It’s not a begging bowl, it’s just what’s right,” he stated, highlighting the necessity for investment in public services and the economy. He urged Welsh voters to hold Labour accountable, warning against giving them a “free pass” in the general election.

Mr ap Iorwerth emphasised the need for equitable financial treatment for Wales, advocating for a £20 per week increase in child benefit. This increase, according to the manifesto, would lift 60,000 children out of poverty. He criticised the current funding system, which is governed by the Barnett formula based on population, and called for its replacement with a needs-based approach.

Plaid Cymru claims that Wales is owed £4 billion from the HS2 project, which is classified as an England and Wales project despite terminating in Birmingham. This classification precludes additional funding for the Welsh government. Mr ap Iorwerth argued that the extra funds would significantly enhance public transport in Wales, enabling investments in buses, roads, and railways.

“Just imagine what that could do to transform our public transport network nationwide – buses, roads, and railways – connecting our communities and giving our economy that desperately-needed boost,” he said.

The manifesto also calls for the decriminalisation of “soft” drugs and proposes expunging the criminal records of those convicted of drug possession, provided there are no aggravating factors. Plaid Cymru advocates for devolving criminal justice to Wales to develop a distinct Welsh approach to policing.

Plaid Cymru’s manifesto promotes a “fairer” tax system, with increased windfall taxes on energy companies and a cap on bankers’ bonuses. The party argues that the burden should fall on those with “the broadest shoulders” to ensure a fairer share of overall tax paid.

The party stands against the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system, suggesting that defence funds should be redirected towards conventional defence and peaceful initiatives rather than “weapons of mass destruction.”

Plaid Cymru is pushing for full control over natural resources and waters, along with enhanced powers over migration, including Wales-specific visa schemes. The party also seeks control over broadcasting and Crown Estate properties, allowing benefits from investments, such as renewable energy, to return to Wales.

Currently, the Welsh government only oversees energy projects up to 350MW. Plaid Cymru argues for complete levers over all energy projects.

Plaid Cymru won four seats in Westminster during the 2019 election. Following boundary changes, the party is defending two constituencies: Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Ceredigion Preseli. It aims to gain additional seats in Caerfyrddin and Ynys Mon, fending off competition from Labour and the Conservatives.

Mr ap Iorwerth took over as Plaid leader last June after Adam Price stepped down following a report on allegations of misogyny within the party. Recently, Mr ap Iorwerth led Plaid Cymru out of a co-operation agreement with Vaughan Gething’s Welsh Labour government.

Plaid Cymru’s manifesto sets forth a vision of fair funding, increased autonomy, and progressive policies aimed at enhancing the well-being and governance of Wales. As the general election approaches, the party appeals to voters to ensure their voices are heard and their interests represented in Westminster.

News

Rhun ap Iorwerth to chair first meeting of new Welsh Government Cabinet

Published

7 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New First Minister says government will focus on waiting lists, jobs, education and child poverty

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth will chair the first meeting of his new Welsh Government Cabinet today, setting out what he says will be an agenda based on action, openness and results.

The meeting marks the formal start of the new government’s programme, with ministers expected to focus on improving public services, supporting families and growing the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth said his Cabinet would work as “one team” and avoid what he described as unnecessary duplication across government.

The First Minister said: “This is a government of action, a government for all, and a government of new ideas. The hard work has now started.

“Our focus is on the issues that matter most to people in every part of Wales – cutting waiting lists, supporting families with the cost of living, creating good jobs, raising standards in education and tackling child poverty.

“As First Minister, I am determined to end siloed working and unnecessary duplication across government. This Cabinet will work as one team, with ministers focused on delivering together in the interests of the people of Wales.

“We will lead with openness and purpose, building trust through practical action and visible outcomes.

“The people of Wales expect a government that listens, that stands up boldly for Wales, and that works together to get things done. That is exactly what this Cabinet is determined to deliver.”

The first Cabinet meeting will be closely watched as the new administration begins to turn election promises into policy, with pressure already mounting over NHS waiting times, household costs and the state of public services across Wales.

Local Government

Road resurfacing works welcomed after repeated pothole complaints

Published

10 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Castle ward councillor thanks residents for patience as long-running issue near St Thomas’ Green finally addressed

ROAD resurfacing works at St Thomas’ Green in Haverfordwest have been welcomed by local county councillor Thomas Tudor, who says a long-standing pothole problem near a bus shelter is finally being resolved.

Cllr Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said he was pleased to see progress being made on the improvements, particularly in an area that had required repeated repairs over time.

The works, being carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council and contractors, include resurfacing along part of the road close to the bus shelter near St Thomas’ Green.

Cllr Tudor said the pothole had been reported and repaired on numerous occasions before more permanent resurfacing work was approved.

He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward, which includes St Thomas’ Green, I am pleased to see works progressing very well with the road resurfacing, in particular the area by the bus shelter which had a pothole which I have been reporting and having repaired numerous times.

“Many thanks to Pembrokeshire County Council and the various contractors involved and I would also like to apologise to the residents and thank them for their patience and understanding during these essential works.”

The resurfacing has caused some disruption to local traffic while work is underway, with temporary traffic management measures in place.

Residents have been thanked for their patience as crews complete the improvements, which are aimed at providing a safer and smoother road surface for motorists and pedestrians.

Photo caption:

Improvements underway: Cllr Thomas Tudor pictured at St Thomas’ Green as resurfacing works progress (Pic supplied)

News

Cefn Sidan retains Blue Flag status as one of Wales’ top beaches

Published

10 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CEFΝ Sidan has retained its place among the world’s best coastal locations after being awarded Blue Flag status in the Wales Coast Awards 2026.

The Carmarthenshire beach, located within Pembrey Country Park near Burry Port, has now received the prestigious award 38 times — more than any other beach in Wales.

Cefn Sidan was also the first beach in Wales to receive a Blue Flag when the awards were introduced in 1988.

The awards, announced by Keep Wales Tidy, recognise beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, facilities, environmental education and site management.

A total of 48 beaches across Wales were recognised this year, with 20 receiving Blue Flag status.

Cefn Sidan is an eight-mile sandy beach backed by dunes and forms part of Pembrey Country Park, one of Carmarthenshire’s major visitor attractions. The park also offers woodland walks, mountain bike trails, a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, crazy golf, train rides and a family campsite.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy said: “We are delighted to see Cefn Sidan once again retaining its Blue Flag Award status and continuing to hold the title of the Welsh beach which has received the most Blue Flags.

“As Wales’ very first Blue Flag Award winner, we appreciate the ongoing commitment of everyone at Carmarthenshire County Council and Pembrey Country Park in ensuring Cefn Sidan meets the high standards needed to gain the Blue Flag Award.”

He added: “These awards recognise high and consistent standards and we would like to thank staff, volunteers and everyone else at sites across Wales who work so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.

“All of these places are beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.”

Other Blue Flag beaches in west Wales include Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Saundersfoot, Tenby South and Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire.

Thirteen Welsh beaches also received Green Coast Awards, including Mwnt and Penbryn in Ceredigion, Freshwater East and Manorbier in Pembrokeshire.