WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

A LONG-SERVING Gwynedd councillor has been suspended by Plaid Cymru after comments linking migration, housing pressure and the Welsh language.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, who represents Bangor’s Dewi ward, made the remarks during a planning committee debate on an application for 25 homes in Chwilog, on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Councillor raised concerns

The committee voted to reject the scheme against officers’ advice after concerns were raised about its possible impact on community cohesion and the Welsh language.

During the meeting, Cllr Roberts said Bangor was “no longer a Welsh-speaking area” and claimed he had seen the city’s Welsh-speaking population decline.

He said: “Certainly, within the last five years, I’ve seen hundreds if not 1,000 more people coming here to live, migrants.”

He also referred to pressure on schools, saying he had been told there were 42 different languages being spoken at his former primary school.

Cllr Roberts argued that housing shortages in Bangor could push demand into surrounding Welsh-speaking communities, including Chwilog.

Party investigation

Plaid Cymru has confirmed that Cllr Roberts’ party membership has been temporarily suspended following a formal complaint.

A party spokesperson said the suspension was a “neutral action” while an investigation is carried out.

Cllr Roberts has also resigned from Plaid Cymru’s group on Cyngor Gwynedd and is now listed as an individual member.

Speaking to BBC Wales, he insisted he was not opposed to migration and said Bangor had always been multicultural.

He said his comments were about housing, integration and the need to help people learn Welsh, rather than criticism of those who had moved to the area.

PEMBROKESHIRE council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, who announced he is to step down and not seek re-election, has backed Cabinet member Cllr Tessa Hodgson as his successor.

Pembroke St Mary North member Cllr Harvey became leader in May 2024 after narrowly beating fellow leadership hopeful Conservative group leader Di Clements by 30 votes to 27.

Cllr Harvey replaced Cllr David Simpson as leader.

Following his decision to step down, Cllr Harvey said: “It has been a fantastic two years, a real honour and privilege to lead the council, working with a talented and committed cabinet.

“After much thought and reflection, I feel now is the right time to make way for someone else to lead the council through the next 12 months to the local government elections in May 2027.”

With Cllr Harvey not remaining as leader, three nominations have been received for the all-women leadership battle at the May 15 AGM: Conservative Group Leader Cllr Di Clements, unaffiliated member and current Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and Leader of the Independent Group Cllr Anji Tinley.

Cllr Harvey has backed Cllr Hodgson for the top job.

He said: “We are living through turbulent times, and following the Senedd election next week, we will almost certainly have a new government in Cardiff, and we need leadership and a cabinet in Pembrokeshire, that has experience and is able to build on the great work already in progress, and that is why I will be 100 per cent supporting Tessa in her bid to become the next Leader.”

Cllr Hodgson was first elected in 2012 as the member for Lamphey and is currently the cabinet member for adult social care and safeguarding.

Cllr Anji Tinley (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

Cllr Hodgson said: “I was sad to hear that Jon had decided not to seek re-election – he has much to be proud of and it has been great to serve in his cabinet and to work alongside him with such a dedicated team of cabinet colleagues.

“Should I be successful in my bid to be leader, I would look to build on the successes of the last nine years and use my experience, energy and ideas to lead the council through the next 12 months and to work collaboratively with all members in the best interests of Pembrokeshire.”

Fellow hopeful for the leader role, Cllr Clements gave her reasons why she should lead: “My Conservative Group are laser-focussed on making sure the people of Pembrokeshire get value for their money, delivering good statutory services and tackling the failure of leadership on education seen in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Di Clements. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

“People I talk to are concerned about making ends meet and are worried that our local economy is stagnating.

“In these particularly challenging times, we need to make sure that our council tax is as low as practicably possible so they have more money in their pockets and prove to them that the council can spend their hard-earned money more wisely on services that really matter to the residents whom we serve.

“Resident’s priorities are our priorities.”

Leader Cllr Jon Harvey. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council.)

Cllr Tinley has been contacted for a statement.

When Cllr Harvey’s decision became public, former leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council Cllr Huw Murphy, in a statement, claimed Cllr Havery has been removed in a “coup”.

Cllr Harvey has denied any ‘coup’ taking place, saying: “Honestly, I had to laugh at this statement by Cllr Murphy. I’ve enjoyed my time as Leader immensely and I am proud of my record, but I have done a full leadership term.

“The decision to stand down and not seek re-election was mine and mine alone and I’m looking forward to supporting Cllr Tessa Hodgson at the AGM.”