Senedd plan to ban lying politicians ‘unworkable’

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2024

PLANS to ban Senedd Members for deliberately lying may be unworkable, according to the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser.

Mick Antoniw, Wales’ counsel general, raised concerns about Adam Price’s proposals to disqualify politicians from the Senedd for deliberate deception.

The ex-Plaid Cymru leader’s amendment to the elections and elected bodies bill, which would create the offence of deception, was agreed after Labour’s Lee Waters abstained.

Giving evidence to an inquiry on accountability, Mr Antoniw said: “I’ll put my neck on the line at the moment and say I don’t think criminalisation is the way that it actually works.

“I think it’s actually unworkable probably.”

He said the issue would be best considered by the standards committee inquiry, suggesting Welsh ministers will try to delete the clause during the next amending stage set for July 2.

Vikki Howells, the Labour backbencher who chairs the standards committee, asked whether Wales should adopt Westminster’s approach to removing MPs between elections.

In the House of Commons, a recall petition can be triggered by a custodial sentence for 12 months or less, a suspension of ten sitting days or more, or an expenses offence conviction.

Mr Antoniw broadly agreed with the criteria, emphasising the importance of consistency across parliaments while accounting for Wales-specific circumstances.

He said the 12-month threshold – above which Senedd members are already automatically disqualified – seems “rather high”, suggesting six months may be more appropriate.

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths pointed out people could be imprisoned over a matter of conscience such as protesting about the environment, nuclear or the Welsh language.

Mr Antoniw recognised the concern, saying peaceful protest is part of a democratic society, but he said a six-month threshold would exclude “nearly all of those sorts of circumstances”.

He cautioned: “Discretions are always very difficult in terms of things like disqualification.”

Asked whether a recall system should apply to members who change their political allegiance after an election, Mr Antoniw warned it may be a step too far.

The counsel general said politicians defecting to another party risks inappropriately changing the balance of the Senedd and the outcome of an election.

But he told the committee a politician could leave a party over a matter of conscience, such as a group changing its position on an issue post-election.

Mr Antoniw argued the most effective way forward would be to ensure Senedd members cannot form or join another political party, with a requirement to sit as an independent.

He made the case for an appeals process as part of any recall system, warning the absence of one could throw up “all sorts of human rights issues” and lead to legal challenge.

But Mr Antoniw stressed the importance of proceeding at pace as he raised concerns about previous standards committee processes going on for a “very, very prolonged period”.

He argued a simple majority vote of the whole Senedd should be required to sign off on recall processes, rather than a two-thirds supermajority.

“Whips can’t apply,” he said. “I don’t think that would be appropriate in any circumstances.”

Responding to Mark Drakeford’s concerns about the risk of a minority blocking recall, Mr Antoniw agreed with the ex-First Minister that a supermajority risks over-politicisation.

Mr Owen Griffiths asked how the counsel general would envisage the process working in light of the complexities of Wales’ new fully proportional “closed-list” electoral system.

Under the members and elections bill, which is set to receive Royal Assent, people will vote for parties rather than individual candidates in future Senedd elections.

Mr Antoniw suggested a simple retain-or-replace public vote, saying it would effectively be a referendum on whether an MS should be removed.

“It’s not so much a petition because a petition is to ask permission to do something,” he explained. “And it’s not a byelection because there are no other candidates.”

He said the next person on a party’s initial list, which can include up to 12 candidates, would replace an unseated MS, retaining the make-up of the Senedd determined at the ballot box.

Asked whether parties should have discretion to later reorder lists, based on factors such as gender balance, Mr Antoniw cautioned against the added complexity.

Mr Drakeford highlighted that the 32 constituencies in Wales that will be used in the July 4 general election will be paired to create 16 for the next Senedd poll.

The Cardiff West MS suggested a threshold should be required in each constituency rather than across both, saying: “Fairness should trump anxieties about complexity.”

He said it is possible constituencies such as Blaenau Gwent and Monmouth, which have a different character, could be paired by the Electoral Commission.

Mr Drakeford warned: “Unless you have a threshold that applies to both, one half could actually determine the outcome for the other.”

Mr Antoniw accepted issues could arise, such as between industrial and rural constituencies, but his “gut feeling” favoured the simplicity of a combined threshold.

Asked whether polls should be open for a single day or longer as in Westminster’s system, Mr Antoniw preferred the latter as he argued it would best maximise participation.

The Conservatives’ Natasha Asghar asked about the chances of a recall bill being passed before the next election, and said having 96 more MSs will raise the risk of misbehaviour.

Mr Antoniw told the June 17 meeting: “The commitment given from the Welsh Government – from the First Minister – is that we would like to see this legislation in place by 2026.

“I think that is the public expectation as well.”

Port Talbot confirmed as ‘cornerstone’ of wind industry — questions remain for Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New government-backed deal with ABP reinforces Port Talbot’s central role in Celtic Sea wind plans

PORT TALBOT has been firmly established as the “cornerstone” of the UK’s floating offshore wind ambitions in the Celtic Sea, following a major agreement between the UK Government and Associated British Ports.

The deal confirms government support for the development of large-scale port infrastructure at Port Talbot, enabling manufacturing, assembly and deployment of floating wind turbines for gigawatt-scale projects.

The announcement strengthens Port Talbot’s position as the primary industrial hub for the emerging sector.

Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports, said the development would “establish the port as a cornerstone of the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind industry.”

Clear role for Port Talbot

The agreement, subject to final regulatory approval, will support the delivery of major offshore wind projects awarded through the latest Celtic Sea leasing round.

Government ministers visiting the site described the development as a key step in building the UK’s clean energy future.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the project would help Wales “storm ahead in floating offshore wind,” supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added that the investment would “further cement Port Talbot as a hub of the industries of the future.”

Milford Haven still waiting for detail

The latest announcement comes just days after questions were raised about Milford Haven’s role within the wider Celtic Freeport.

While Port Talbot’s position as a manufacturing and assembly hub is now clearly defined, there has still been no detailed breakdown of what activity will be based in Pembrokeshire.

Industry figures continue to point to Milford Haven’s strengths in operations, maintenance, logistics and servicing of offshore wind projects.

However, no formal commitments have yet been made.

Industry backing grows

Developers involved in Celtic Sea wind projects welcomed the progress at Port Talbot, describing it as essential infrastructure for delivering future schemes.

Ocean Winds said strengthening port infrastructure was “essential” to ensuring regional ports can support the rollout of offshore wind.

The Crown Estate also described the move as a key step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Celtic Sea, which could create thousands of jobs across Wales and beyond.

Growing pressure for answers

With Port Talbot now firmly positioned at the centre of construction and deployment, attention is likely to turn to how other ports—including Milford Haven—fit into the wider strategy.

For Pembrokeshire, the question remains unchanged:

As billions of pounds flow into the Celtic Sea over the coming decade, will Milford Haven secure a defined share of that investment—or continue to wait for clarity?

Pictured above:

From left to right: Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans; David Rees MS for Aberavon; Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey; Secretary of State Jo Stevens; Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager (ABP); Julian Walker, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director (ABP), Mike Goddard, Head of Programme, Future Port Talbot (ABP)

Climate

Wind hub row: Where are Milford Haven’s jobs?

Published

8 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Port Talbot secures £64m backing as questions grow over Pembrokeshire’s share of offshore wind boom

MILFORD HAVEN’S role in Wales’ clean energy future is under intense scrutiny after a major government-backed wind project placed Port Talbot firmly at the centre of the Celtic Sea boom.

The UK Government has confirmed up to £64 million in funding to transform Port Talbot into the UK’s first dedicated floating offshore wind hub—unlocking up to 4.5GW of capacity and thousands of jobs.

But as the scale of the investment becomes clear, a critical question is now being asked across Pembrokeshire: what does Milford Haven actually get?

***Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens speaking at the Celtic Freeport event in Cardiff last year*** ***promised jobs for Milford Haven***

Freeport partnership — but unequal detail

The UK Government has made clear the scale of its backing for Port Talbot, describing it as central to its “clean power mission.” The £64 million grant will fund design and engineering work to develop a specialist floating wind port, expected to unlock at least 4.5GW of projects in the Celtic Sea—enough to power around 6.5 million homes. Officials say the scheme could support up to 5,000 jobs and attract more than £500 million in private investment.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “With its deep waters and strong winds, we are supporting Wales to storm ahead in floating offshore wind – a pioneering industry that will support thousands of good jobs, drive growth across the country and unlock the next generation of clean, homegrown power.”

Both Port Talbot and Milford Haven form part of the Celtic Freeport, a flagship project intended to drive growth across South West Wales.

Yet while Port Talbot has secured clear backing as the main construction and assembly hub, there has been no detailed explanation of Milford Haven’s role.

That lack of clarity is raising concern locally.

Milford Haven is one of the UK’s most strategically important energy ports, handling a significant share of the nation’s gas imports and boasting deep-water access ideal for large-scale offshore operations.

For many, it appeared an obvious candidate to play a central role in floating wind.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Floating wind in the Celtic Sea could power millions of homes
More than £500 million in private investment expected
Up to 5,000 jobs linked to port and supply chain activity
Wales could attract tens of billions in long-term renewable investment
Early decisions will determine where those jobs are based

‘Value will go elsewhere’

The announcement has also triggered political criticism over how much economic benefit Wales will actually retain.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have warned that key components for the turbines are likely to be manufactured abroad, with only assembly taking place in Port Talbot.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick said: “Any job creation is a positive step for Port Talbot, but Labour need to be honest about what this actually contains.

“These turbines are set to be built using imported steel and only assembled locally, not manufactured. This means much of the real economic value will still go elsewhere.”

***Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick: “Any job creation is a positive step for Port Talbot, but Labour need to be honest… the turbines are set to be built using imported steel.”***

Major projects already linked to Milford Haven

Despite the uncertainty, significant clean energy investment is already being directed into Milford Haven itself.

A £50 million green hydrogen project within the Freeport tax site is set to begin construction this year, producing low-carbon hydrogen using renewable electricity—much of it expected to come from offshore wind.

UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the investment was “crucial in de-carbonising industry, driving investment, boosting our energy security and creating hundreds of jobs in our industrial heartlands.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: “This is a huge milestone… which will create jobs and help grow the Welsh economy.”

Meanwhile, a major 1.5GW floating wind project in the Celtic Sea has already secured an Agreement for Lease, with Welsh Government backing.

Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans said: “These projects will create thousands of skilled jobs and help secure our energy independence for generations to come.”

Labour promises jobs — but few specifics

On Friday (Mar 27), Eluned Morgan is set to visit the Port of Milford Haven, where she will pledge to bring more jobs to West Wales through clean energy investment.

She is expected to say the region has “a wealth of opportunity” in the sector and promise that rural communities will benefit from the transition.

However, no specific commitments have yet been made about what proportion of offshore wind activity will be based in Pembrokeshire.

What could Milford Haven secure?

Industry expectations suggest Milford Haven could play a key role in:

Servicing and maintenance vessels
Crew transfer operations
Storage and logistics for turbine components
Long-term operations bases for offshore wind farms

The Herald understands that discussions around Milford Haven’s role in operations and maintenance have been ongoing for several years, but no formal allocation of work has yet been confirmed.

In contrast, Port Talbot has already secured early-stage government backing and a clearly defined role in construction and assembly.

Opportunity — but no guarantees

Floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea is expected to accelerate later this decade, with the first large-scale projects likely to come online in the early 2030s.

Supporters argue the expansion of offshore wind is key to reducing long-term energy bills and protecting the UK from volatile global fossil fuel markets.

Milford Haven’s location, infrastructure, and experience in handling large-scale energy logistics place it in a strong position.

But without firm agreements, there is no certainty over how much work will ultimately come to the area.

With billions of pounds expected to flow into the Celtic Sea over the next decade, early decisions could shape the economic balance of the region for a generation.

A defining moment for the Haven

For Milford Haven, the stakes could hardly be higher.

The port has long been central to the UK’s fossil fuel economy.

Floating offshore wind represents the next chapter—but whether Pembrokeshire becomes a key player or a supporting act remains unresolved.

As political parties set out competing visions ahead of the next Senedd election, local leaders are now under pressure to secure clear commitments.

The opportunity is real.
The investment is coming.

The only question now is whether Pembrokeshire secures its share—or watches it land elsewhere.

News

Trail hunting ban proposed across Wales and England

Published

10 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Public consultation launched as ministers move to tighten animal welfare laws

TRAIL hunting could soon be banned across Wales and England under new UK Government plans, with a public consultation launched this week (Mar 26).

The move would deliver on a key manifesto pledge and marks the latest step in efforts to strengthen animal welfare protections across the UK.

Trail hunting involves hounds following a pre-laid scent, often animal-based, across the countryside to replicate traditional fox hunting. The practice became widespread after the Hunting Act 2004 outlawed hunting wild mammals with dogs.

However, ministers say trail hunting can still result in harm to wildlife. Concerns have been raised that hounds may pick up the scent of live animals, leading to foxes, hares, and in some cases pets being injured or killed.

There are also ongoing allegations that the activity is sometimes used as a cover for illegal hunting.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has previously warned that trail hunting can act as a “smokescreen”, giving individuals the opportunity to continue traditional hunting practices.

Ministers have stressed that alternative countryside activities—such as drag hunting and clean-boot hunting, which use artificial scents—would still be permitted.

The government acknowledged the role that hunts can play in supporting rural jobs and communities, but said future activity must not put wildlife at risk.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Sue Hayman said: “We pledged to ban trail hunting in our manifesto and that is exactly what we intend to do.

“The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.

“We understand that this is a complex issue and are seeking views from everyone with an interest to help shape how we bring this forward.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “It is right that the UK Government is going to ban trail hunting in Wales. In 2004 traditional fox hunting was banned and this is the latest step to ensure we have the highest standards for animal welfare.”

The proposals follow the publication of the government’s wider animal welfare strategy, described as one of the most ambitious reform programmes in a generation.

The public consultation on the ban will run until June 18.