News
Automatic voter registration set to be introduced in Wales

AUTOMATIC voter registration (AVR) is set to be introduced in the United Kingdom for the first time after the Welsh Senedd passed a ground-breaking bill today.
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill was this week (July 9) voted through with an over two thirds majority and will see AVR introduced for 2026, pending successful trials.
AVR means voters are automatically added to the register by local authority officers and don’t have to initiate the process themselves. Voters are then contacted to ensure the details are correct and to ensure they are happy to be added to the register and whether they want to register anonymously.
The Electoral Reform Society has hailed the passing of the bill as a big step forward for Welsh democracy that will help to enfranchise the up to 400,000 missing voters who are not on registered to vote or registered incorrectly in Wales.
AVR is already used around the world such as in Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and some US states.
The Electoral Reform Society is now urging the UK government to bring AVR in across the United Kingdom to help enfranchise millions of missing voters. The Labour Party has committed to ‘improve voter registration’ in its manifesto.
During the general election there were 2.9 million applications to register to vote [5] across the UK. However, last year, the Electoral Commission found that up to 8 million people were not registered to vote or registered incorrectly.
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.
Darren Hughes, Chief Executive of Electoral Reform Society, said: “Participation is a vital sign of the health of our democracy, so it is crucial that as many people as possible are able to cast their vote.
“The passing of this bill is a groundbreaking moment for democracy in Wales, as well as the wider United Kingdom. Automatic voter registration is a win-win for voters as it takes one more thing off their to-do list while also strengthening our democracy by helping to enfranchise the hundreds of thousands of missing voters in Wales.
“Labour have committed to improving voter registration and we would urge the new UK government to now bring in AVR to end the scandal of the millions of voters missing from the electoral rolls.
“The introduction of measures such as voter ID in recent years mean people now face more barriers to casting their vote than at previous elections. It is crucial that we reverse this trend by expanding access to voting and making it easier for people to exercise their basic democratic right.”
Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said: “The passing of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill today sees Wales lead the way when it comes to modernising UK democracy. The introduction of AVR will level the playing field and should vastly reduce the number of people missing from the register.
“This Bill also sees an emphasis on improving the information available to voters at election time and puts measures in place to increase the diversity of our political institutions.
“Modernising Welsh democracy has been an ongoing piece of work with the franchise extended to 16 and 17-year-olds for Welsh elections back in 2020. Recently the Senedd also voted to strengthen the Welsh Parliament by increasing the number of members and moving to a proportional list voting system.
“The new government in Westminster should look across Offa’s Dyke and learn from the democratic innovation taking place in Wales. Welsh voters will soon have many more barriers removed to their participation and we hope voters across the border will soon join them in this.”
News
Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?
Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.
Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration
While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.
A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.
One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

Government admits mistakes
The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.
However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.
Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?
In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.
With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.
Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.
Education
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.
Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.
He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.
However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.
School attack in Ammanford
Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.
“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.
“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.
While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.
Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.
Union backs tough action
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.
He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.
“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.
“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”
He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.
“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”
Rising behavioural issues
Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.
Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”
He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.
“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.
Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.
News
Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’
FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.
He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.
A POLITICAL MAVERICK
Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.
He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.
A FAMILY’S LOSS
In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”
POLITICAL TRIBUTES
First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”
“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”
“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.
Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”
Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”
Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”
Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.
-
featured3 days ago
Culture of fear exposed in damning fire service report
-
Crime5 days ago
Gwent Police officer from Pembrokeshire accused of making sexual comments to women
-
Community2 days ago
National triumph: Pembrokeshire pub ranked among the friendliest in UK
-
Crime6 days ago
Girl, 14, guilty of attempted murder in school stabbing
-
News4 days ago
Neyland Town Council meeting descends in to chaos
-
News6 days ago
Partial lockdown at Pembrokeshire Learning Centre Neyland now lifted
-
News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man remanded in custody after denying intentional strangulation of partner on Christmas Day
-
News5 days ago
Local fashion designer brings history to life with new, dynamic Welsh costumes