MS raises alarm over lack of transparency as ICO refuses to probe MOD silence

A SENEDD Member has accused the Information Commissioner’s Office of taking an “untenable” position after it refused to investigate a complaint about the Ministry of Defence’s failure to provide details on Afghan resettlement in Wales.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said the ICO’s handling of his office’s request “defies common sense” and risks fuelling public suspicion about the level of scrutiny applied to the UK Government’s Afghan relocation schemes.

Complaint dates back to October request

Mr Davies’ office first wrote to the Ministry of Defence on 15 October 2025 seeking detailed information about Afghan resettlement activity, including the MOD’s decision to utilise the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose for housing evacuees under government schemes.

The request also sought figures relating to criminal incidents, safeguarding issues and public safety linked to the various Afghan resettlement programmes operating across the UK.

When repeated follow-ups went unanswered, a member of Mr Davies’ staff submitted a formal complaint to the ICO on his behalf — a standard practice in parliamentary offices.

ICO: complaint rejected because staff member sent it

However, an ICO case officer informed the staff member that the complaint would not be investigated because the individual who submitted it was not the same person who made the original request for information.

Mr Davies said this was “highly unusual,” noting that elected representatives routinely submit correspondence through staff. He warned that the ICO’s decision risks undermining confidence in public oversight mechanisms.

Sky News raised concerns over alleged misuse

The row comes against a backdrop of increased public scrutiny of Afghan resettlement schemes following a recent Sky News investigation. The report alleged that some applicants had exaggerated or fabricated claims of assisting British forces during the Afghanistan conflict.

The investigation cited cases of allegedly fake Taliban threat letters, staged videos purporting to show torture, and claims of attacks that could not be verified. These allegations have driven renewed calls for transparency in how resettlement decisions were made.

Davies: public safety questions remain unanswered

Mr Davies said that the MOD’s silence — and the ICO’s refusal to intervene — leaves elected representatives unable to fulfil their responsibilities to constituents.

“There are serious questions regarding the government’s various Afghan resettlement schemes – relevant both nationally and to my own constituency,” he said.

“It is concerning how obstructive authorities have been regarding the release of information, particularly that concerning crime rates and public safety. There are serious concerns many people may have been brought to Britain under false pretences and the MOD’s failure to be open and transparent will only exacerbate this.”

Formal complaint lodged

Mr Davies has now written directly to the Information Commissioner urging a review of the decision and calling for immediate steps to secure disclosure from the MOD.

He argues that without access to accurate statistics, the public cannot have confidence in oversight of the Afghan resettlement programme or the processes used to verify applicants’ claims.

A HAVERFORDWEST opticians has been recognised as one of Wales’ leading optical practices after being shortlisted for eight awards at the Optometry Wales Awards 2025.

Specsavers Haverfordwest, which is locally owned and run, is a finalist across categories including Multiple Practice of the Year, Technology Practice of the Year and Collaborative Working. These nominations reflect its commitment to delivering outstanding service, patient experience and innovation.

The store has also been shortlisted for Sustainability Practice of the Year, following its gold award in the Greener Primary Care Wales Framework and Award Scheme last year, which recognised its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

‘We’re thrilled to be recognised in so many categories this year,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director at Specsavers Haverfordwest.

‘It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team and the care we deliver every day to people across Pembrokeshire. Being finalists in eight different categories really shows the breadth of our expertise – from clinical leadership to customer service – and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together.’

Several of the store’s employees have also been individually shortlisted:

• Andy Britton, specialist optometrist and ophthalmic director – Optometrist of the Year
• Chris Rosser, optical assistant – Optical Assistant of the Year
• Samantha Houghton, contact lens optician – Contact Lens Optician of the Year
• Alex O’Brien, dispensing technician – Rising Star

In 2023, director Andy Britton was awarded a medal by Specsavers founders Doug and Mary Perkins in recognition of his clinical excellence.

Mr Britton says: ‘It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year, but what makes me most proud is seeing so many of my colleagues recognised too. This is a reflection of the dedication, innovation and care shown across our whole team.’

The winners will be announced at the Optometry Wales Awards ceremony in Cardiff on 29 November.

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest. 

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

A POPULAR psychic and wellbeing fayre is set to return to Tenby next month, bringing a full day of readings, healing, crafts and Christmas magic to the town centre.

The event, hosted by QueenBee Events, will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the De Valence Pavilion on Upper Frog Street.

Mind, body and soul

Organisers say the fayre is designed to offer “enlightenment for the mind, body and soul”, with a wide range of stalls and services on offer throughout the day. Visitors can expect mediumship readings, tarot readings, reiki, spiritual healing, and an assortment of local craft stalls.

A spokesperson for the event said the day aims to provide “a welcoming space for reflection, guidance and festive wellbeing” as the Christmas season approaches.

Festive fun for families

Younger visitors will also have an added attraction, with Santa’s Grotto running alongside the fayre for £2 per child. Admission to the main event costs £1.

The popular annual gathering has become a fixture of Tenby’s December calendar, drawing residents and visitors keen to explore spiritual and holistic practices.

Further information is available by emailing: [email protected].