News

Minister criticised for refusal to back Senedd veto over damaging UK trade deals

Published

1 year ago

July 10, 2024

A MINISTER has been criticised for his refusal to support the Senedd having a veto over trade deals that would damage Welsh businesses.

Llŷr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, took aim at The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies for a “failure to stand up for Wales’ interests.”

The Plaid Cymru politician, who is his party’s Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, challenged, the Labour minister about the issue during a debate in the Senedd.

Plaid Cymru is calling for the UK to rejoin the European single market and customs union, and Mr Gruffydd also asked the Cabinet Secretary whether he agreed that we would be better off as part of it.

Llŷr Gruffydd MS said: “Brexit and Tory trade deals are undermining much of our food and drink producers at the moment.

“Do you therefore agree with Plaid Cymru’s calls for Wales to have a veto on future trade deals if we believe that they are detrimental to the food and drink sector here in Wales?

“And would you agree with Plaid Cymru also that we would be better off as part of a single market and customs union?”

In response Huw Irranca-Davies said: “On the issue of the voice for Wales in future trade deals, we’ve had no voice, Llyr.”

He added: “I’m not saying veto, I’m saying a voice.”

Speaking after the debate in the Senedd, Llŷr Gruffydd MS: “The minister’s point blank refusal to back the Senedd getting a veto over trade deals that would harm our businesses is disappointing to say the least.

“This is a complete failure to stand up for Wales’ interests and is an open invitation for Westminster politicians and bureaucrats to trample all over our food and drink sector.

“We have seen in the recent past that Westminster just can’t be trusted to do what’s right for Welsh businesses and Welsh communities.

“Farmers in Wales have been completely sold out in shoddy and shabby trade deals signed by the UK Government with no Welsh representation around the negotiating table. It’s increasingly clear that an incoming Labour administration would continue in exactly the same vein.

“Having a voice isn’t enough because the Westminster parties have shown time and time again that they’re happy to ignore our needs and priorities.

“A veto would mean that Westminster couldn’t just ignore Wales in the future, but it seems that the Labour Welsh Government is perfectly content to roll over and do what they are told by their London bosses.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.