Rhun ap Iorwerth’s party says plan is radical and fully costed as it bids to lead next Welsh government

PLAID CYMRU has launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out a programme focused on childcare, health, education and tackling child poverty as the party seeks to convince voters it is ready for government.

With opinion polls suggesting Plaid could be in contention for its strongest ever Senedd result, the party is presenting itself as a serious alternative administration under leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Rather than putting major constitutional change at the centre of the campaign, Plaid’s manifesto concentrates heavily on public services and living standards. While the party continues to support Welsh independence, it is not proposing an independence referendum during a first term in government.

Instead, Plaid says it would establish a national commission for Wales, with a budget of £500,000, to examine future constitutional options including further devolution and the foundations for a future white paper on independence.

On education, Plaid is promising to widen access to free school meals. The party says it would extend free meals to year seven to 11 pupils in households receiving Universal Credit, with no income cap. It is also pledging new incentives to attract teachers and says it wants to strengthen Welsh-medium education.

However, questions remain over whether enough Welsh-speaking staff could be recruited to support the scale of expansion Plaid is proposing across childcare and education.

The party is also promising a review of the Curriculum for Wales, alongside clearer guidance for teachers, in what appears to be an acknowledgement of continuing concern about how the reforms are working in practice.

In health, Plaid says it wants to cut waiting times, although the manifesto itself does not contain a detailed overall target. Rhun ap Iorwerth has said that under a Plaid-led government no-one would be waiting two years for treatment within the first year, with wider waiting lists brought back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of a Senedd term.

The manifesto also says Plaid would consider “all options” for reforming Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales, leaving open the possibility of structural change at Wales’ largest health board.

On higher education, Plaid says it would prioritise a review of universities and their funding amid growing financial pressure in the sector. The party says it wants to ensure more Welsh government spending on higher education remains in Wales.

The manifesto also proposes refocusing the Seren programme towards Welsh universities and boosting participation from disadvantaged communities. Critics, however, may argue that such a move risks narrowing options for the most academically able students.

Housing and tourism policy also feature prominently. Plaid says it will review the effectiveness of current second homes and self-catering holiday let rules, including the controversial requirement for holiday lets to be rented out for at least 182 days a year to avoid being treated as second homes for council tax purposes.

That rule has been defended by those concerned about housing shortages in tourism hotspots, but it has come under strong criticism from tourism operators who say it is harming local businesses.

Plaid is also proposing to explore a Welsh child payment of £10 a week for children under six in families receiving Universal Credit. The idea would begin as a pilot scheme aimed at addressing child poverty.

But there are doubts over how easily such a scheme could be delivered, given that Wales does not have the same benefits powers as Scotland, where a similar payment already exists. Any full rollout could depend on cooperation from the UK government.

Taken together, the manifesto suggests Plaid Cymru is trying to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base, offering a platform centred less on constitutional change and more on bread-and-butter issues such as health, schools, housing and family finances.

Whether that approach is enough to persuade voters Plaid is ready to run Wales may prove one of the defining questions of the 2026 election campaign.

PAUL SARTORI Hospice at Home is calling on the community to help keep end-of-life care moving across Pembrokeshire as it launches an urgent appeal to fund a replacement for its essential Equipment Loan Van.

The appeal, which went live on Friday, April 10, 2026, will run until December 1, 2026, with the aim of raising £40,000 to replace the vital vehicle and safeguard the future of the service.

Every day, families across the county face some of the hardest moments of their lives while living with terminal illness or saying goodbye to a loved one. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home believes everyone deserves dignity, comfort and choice at the end of life, and its Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in making that possible.

At the heart of this service is the charity’s van, which delivers essential equipment free of charge directly to people’s homes. From hospital-style beds and wheelchairs to commodes and pressure-relieving mattresses, these items enable patients to remain in familiar surroundings, close to the people they love.

The service often responds on the same day, ensuring urgent needs are met quickly. By providing the right equipment at the right time, the team helps prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and supports faster hospital discharges, giving people the chance to spend precious time at home.

Beyond deliveries, the team also shows families how to use the equipment, supports safe transfers where needed, and fills critical gaps that statutory services are unable to meet. For many people, this service provides something truly invaluable: dignity, independence and comfort during end-of-life care.

However, the current Equipment Loan Van is now reaching the end of its working life, putting this lifeline service at risk. To continue operating safely and efficiently across Pembrokeshire, the charity urgently needs to replace it with a reliable, roadworthy vehicle.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, said: “This van is essential to the care we provide. Every day, we see the difference it makes, helping people return home from hospital, supporting families to care for loved ones, and making sure patients can remain where they feel most comfortable.

“It is not just about delivering equipment; it is about delivering dignity and choice at the end of life. Without a reliable van, we simply cannot respond as quickly or effectively as people need us to.”

The charity is encouraging individuals, businesses and community groups to get involved and support the appeal. Donations of all sizes will help ensure that no one in Pembrokeshire has to face the end of life without the care and equipment they need.

To support the campaign and help fund a new Equipment Loan Van, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/equipmentloanvan

Extra patrols launched after social media alert in aftermath of Tenby stabbings

POLICE intervened after an online warning raised fears of a planned fight involving young people in Pembroke Dock.

The development came in the immediate aftermath of the shocking stabbings of four youths at Tenby railway station on Tuesday night, which have caused serious concern across Pembrokeshire.

Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police said they were made aware of social media posts suggesting a fight had been arranged for Friday afternoon (Apr 10), and that the reports were treated with “the utmost seriousness”.

The Herald understands concerns were flagged directly to Dyfed-Powys Police after troubling material was seen online, including a post warning parents about an alleged planned fight in Memorial Park, Pembroke Dock.

The post urged parents to check their children’s phones and referred to claims that children as young as nine could be involved, with allegations that knives were being discussed in group chats on social media.

In a statement, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Superintendent Louise Harries said: “These reports have been treated with the utmost seriousness, and our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in this area, as well as disrupting any kind of violent or anti-social behaviour that occurs.

“Today, our officers have taken proactive measures to identify those involved in the planned activity, and have spoken to each young person, along with their parents and guardians.

“I’d like to thank the young people involved for co-operating with our officers and for their understanding of the potential dangers and risks posed by planning such an event.

“To provide further reassurance, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will carry out patrols of the area and will be happy to speak with any members of the community about any concerns they may have.

“As we come to the end of the Easter holidays, I continue to urge parents, carers, and guardians to be aware of their children’s whereabouts.”

Police said neighbourhood officers would carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter any further anti-social or violent behaviour.

The latest development is likely to deepen fears of further youth disorder following the serious violence in Tenby earlier this week.

Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.