News

Plaid Cymru leader calls for change in Wales as 2026 election looms

Published

1 year ago

October 11, 2024

WALES is at a “real opportunity” for political change after 25 years of Labour dominance, according to Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth. Addressing his party’s annual conference, ap Iorwerth urged supporters to seize the moment and “build trust” with voters ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

In a rousing speech, he asked the Welsh public to decide whether to “accept second best” by continuing to support Labour or take “that first step towards becoming the nation we know we can be” under a Plaid Cymru government. The leader sharply criticised Labour’s record, accusing them of losing the moral high ground in Welsh politics. This comes after a year marked by controversy surrounding donations to former First Minister Vaughan Gething.

Plaid Cymru’s conference was overshadowed by internal tension over the refusal of Cyngor Gwynedd leader Dyfrig Siencyn to apologise to the victims of a paedophile headteacher. Senior figures within Plaid called Siencyn’s position “untenable” after his remarks during an interview with Newyddion S4C.

***Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS is hugged by former leader Adam Price at the end of his speech (Pic: Rob Norman)***

Despite recent controversies, Plaid Cymru has reasons for optimism. The party achieved its best-ever result at a UK general election in July, winning four Westminster seats, but it has yet to claim a victory in the Senedd since devolution in 1999.

In previous years, Plaid Cymru has worked alongside Labour in coalition governments and under a co-operation agreement, which ap Iorwerth ended abruptly in May. He told conference attendees: “Wales can’t afford another 25 years of Labour.” His remarks come as Plaid positions itself as a strong challenger ahead of the 2026 election, buoyed by a new, more proportional voting system that could benefit smaller parties like Plaid.

***Rhun ap Iorwerth hugs supporters following his speech (Pic Matthew Horwood)***

Criticism of Welsh Labour

Ap Iorwerth saved his harshest words for Welsh Labour, accusing the party of failing to recognise “the difference between right and wrong.” He specifically called out the £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething from a donor with a criminal record for environmental offences. This scandal played a part in Gething’s downfall and is being used as evidence of Labour’s ethical failings.

In contrast, ap Iorwerth positioned Plaid as a party of integrity and bold reform. “Unlike Eluned Morgan, I will acknowledge that some things are broken, but more importantly, I’ll be determined that nothing is beyond repair,” he declared.

A vision for change

If elected, ap Iorwerth promised to break the cycle of “short-term thinking” in Welsh politics. He outlined plans to overhaul the NHS, committing to preventative healthcare measures and promising a new budget within the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government. Ap Iorwerth announced plans to increase spending on preventative health measures annually, stating: “No more sticking plaster, no more blaming the individual, no more passing the buck.”

In response to the recent critical incident at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital, where significant damage to the roof was discovered, ap Iorwerth committed to clearing emergency maintenance backlogs in Welsh hospitals by 2030. He also vowed to appoint a dedicated minister for public health if he becomes First Minister, ensuring that preventative health becomes a national priority.

His party’s focus on health policy extended to education and housing, with Plaid Cymru pledging to overhaul how children are taught to read and launching an ambitious retrofitting programme to improve energy efficiency in homes. Additionally, the party vowed to reinstate meaningful targets for reducing child poverty, which remains a persistent issue in Wales.

Looking towards 2026

Speaking to the media, ap Iorwerth highlighted the new electoral system for the 2026 election, which increases the number of Senedd seats from 60 to 96. Polling suggests Plaid Cymru could be in a strong position to challenge Labour, raising the possibility of a coalition government.

However, ap Iorwerth ruled out any co-operation with the Welsh Conservatives or Reform UK, focusing his sights on Labour as his party’s main opposition. While Labour will likely need to strike a deal with another party to pass its budget in the coming year, ap Iorwerth was clear that Plaid would not seek a budget deal. “The ball is very much in Labour’s court,” he said.

Analysis

Plaid Cymru has never been closer to becoming the largest party in the Senedd. With positive polling and its best-ever general election result, the party feels momentum is on its side. However, with this increased pressure comes heightened scrutiny. The row over Dyfrig Siencyn has cast a shadow over the start of the conference, offering a taste of the challenges Plaid will face as it moves closer to potentially unseating Labour.

The question for the Welsh public in 2026 will be whether Plaid Cymru can translate this momentum into electoral success and deliver the change it promises.

Local Government

Milford Haven set for £200m investment with schools, leisure centre and rail upgrade

Published

16 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council outlines major plans for town with backing from Welsh Government

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a major transformation with nearly £200 million of public investment planned, including a new school, leisure centre and upgraded railway station, The Herald can reveal.

***Huge announcements: Cllr Paul Miller***

In an interview with this newspaper, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller, said the town’s long-awaited regeneration was now firmly underway, with some projects already moving into delivery after years of planning.

The announcement represents one of the largest single waves of public investment ever proposed for Milford Haven.

New £140m school by 2030

The centrepiece of the investment is a £140 million co-located primary and secondary school, which is expected to open by 2030.

The Labour Group leader said the project had now passed a key Welsh Government approval stage, allowing it to move into the delivery phase.

He said: “This is not a ‘might happen’ — this is happening. We can now say with confidence that we’re going to open a new primary and secondary school in Milford Haven in 2030.”

The development will bring together English-medium primary and secondary education on a single site. While initially operating as two separate schools, the model could evolve into an all-through school for pupils aged three to sixteen.

The funding will largely come through Welsh Government’s school investment programme, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing around 30 percent of the total cost.

The project is expected to modernise education provision in the town and replace ageing facilities.

***Ambitious plans: Cllr Paul Miller now says that the new Primary and Secondary schools in Milford Haven will be accompanied by a leisure centre development to replace The Meads Sports Centre***

Leisure centre plan takes shape

Alongside the school, the council has approved plans for a new leisure centre to replace the ageing Meads facility.

While still at an earlier stage, the project is expected to cost more than £50 million and will include a new swimming pool, upgraded gym facilities, and modern leisure provision for families.

Cllr Miller said: “The Meads has served its purpose, but it’s looking tired and reaching the end of its useful life. This will be a fantastic new facility for the town.”

The council is expected to fund the project directly, with leisure centres generating income through public use.

However, no firm construction start date or completion timeline has yet been confirmed, with feasibility work still ongoing.

***There are plans for a new leisure centre in Milford Haven (Pic: File)***

Station upgrade to begin next month

A £16 million upgrade of Milford Haven railway station is set to begin next month, with completion expected by 2027.

The scheme will see significant improvements, including better links to Havens Head Retail Park, expanded parking, improved bus interchange, and platform extensions to accommodate longer intercity trains.

The work is also expected to enhance accessibility and modernise the station environment.

Cllr Miller said: “Starting on site next month is fantastic news for Milford Haven.”

***Work will start on the new train station in Milford Haven in April 2026 (Pic: TfW)***

Push to restore London rail link

Cllr Miller confirmed that efforts are ongoing to restore direct rail services between Milford Haven and London Paddington.

He said discussions are taking place with Welsh Government, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, as well as Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Direct services last operated in the late 1990s, when InterCity 125 trains connected west Wales to London.

Cllr Miller said he was “hopeful and optimistic” that a deal could be reached, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.

***New trains to Paddington: There have been no direct services between Milford Haven and London since the late 1990’s***

Major retailer in talks for Wilko site

The council is also in advanced discussions with a major national retailer to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, one of the town’s most prominent vacant retail units.

Cllr Miller said a deal could be agreed within “weeks — maybe even days”.

He confirmed the council is investing in essential structural repairs, including roofing works, to prepare the building for occupation.

A new tenant would then carry out a multi-million pound fit-out before opening.

While the retailer has not been named, speculation locally has centred on Primark — something not confirmed, but also not denied during the interview.

The move is expected to provide a significant boost to footfall in Haverfordwest town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years following a number of retail closures.

***‘Anchor store’: There are talks of a major retailer renting the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest very soon***

‘Milford Haven’s turn’

Cllr Miller rejected suggestions the announcements were timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

He said: “These are not things we dreamed up yesterday as part of an election campaign. These are things we’ve been working on for years.”

He added: “It is Milford Haven’s turn. It is not forgotten — we are determined to invest in its future.”

The comments reflect a long-standing perception among some residents that Milford Haven has been overlooked compared to other parts of Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain

While firm commitments have been made on the school and railway station, other elements — including the leisure centre’s final cost and the return of direct London rail services — remain subject to further agreement.

With construction on the station due to begin within weeks and a major retail deal potentially days away, Milford Haven could be on the brink of significant change.

However, residents are likely to watch closely to see how quickly these ambitious plans move from announcement to delivery.

Health

Paper petition launched in Withybush hospital campaign

Published

42 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Pembrokeshire can now back the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in council offices across the county.

The initiative has been introduced to ensure those who are digitally excluded – including older residents and people without reliable internet access – are still able to have their say.

The petition, originally launched online by local resident Ajay Owens, has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures. Campaigners say the introduction of paper copies will help ensure the final total reflects the views of the whole community.

***Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS***

SUPPORT GATHERS PACE

Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who are supporting the campaign, said it was vital that every voice is heard.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS, PAUL DAVIES said: “We have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting services at Withybush Hospital, including gathering evidence from staff, patients and residents, and raising concerns with health leaders. It is vital that people continue to share their experiences of why local services matter.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS added: “The community has come together before to oppose cuts to Withybush, and once again the community are showing they will not accept the closure of services at Withybush lying down. We will stand beside them every step of the way until this decision is overturned.”

Both Members have formally requested that the petition be debated in the Senedd before its dissolution, in a bid to ensure Pembrokeshire residents’ concerns are considered at the highest level.

RURAL CARE CONCERNS

Campaigners argue that maintaining services at Withybush Hospital is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care, and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office during normal opening hours.

Ajay Owens said: “I am incredibly heartened by the support from our local town halls and businesses. This petition is about giving every resident in Pembrokeshire a voice, and having these physical locations available ensures that everyone, regardless of their access to the internet, can stand up for what matters to our community and share their concerns.”

WHERE TO SIGN

Paper copies of the petition are currently available at locations including Fishguard and Goodwick Town Hall, Haverfordwest Town Council at the Old Wool Market, Milford Haven Cemetery Lodge, Narberth Community Library, Newport Town Council, Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke Dock Town Council, and across Saundersfoot via local distribution.

Opening times vary depending on location.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

50 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.