News

Kurtz Calls for greater defence investment in Wales amid NATO uncertainty

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2025

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has urged the Welsh Government to collaborate with the UK Government to boost defence spending in Wales, citing escalating global tensions and uncertainty surrounding the future of NATO.

His call follows recent remarks from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who suggested that UK forces could be deployed to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, potentially positioning British troops along the Russian border alongside other European forces to help maintain stability.

The urgency of Kurtz’s appeal is further reinforced by concerns over NATO’s long-term stability, with former US President Donald Trump recently questioning the level of US commitment to the alliance. Trump’s suggestion that NATO members failing to meet their defence spending obligations might not receive US protection has sparked alarm among European allies, with many now re-evaluating their military preparedness. The UK has already committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, but many believe that further investment is necessary, particularly in Wales, where defence infrastructure remains underfunded.

Speaking outside the Senedd, Kurtz said: “It is clear that many commentators are right: the UK is entering a pre-war era. It is our duty to ensure that our military personnel, whether in the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force, receive the full support they need and deserve.

“Wales has a proud military tradition and is home to key defence assets, including Castlemartin Firing Range, Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy, and Brecon Barracks, to name but a few. Despite this, Wales has historically received a disproportionately small share of defence investment.”

Kurtz warned that with the US potentially scaling back its NATO commitments, European nations, including the UK, must take greater responsibility for their own defence.

“In light of escalating global tensions and growing doubts over the future of NATO, the Welsh Labour Government must do all it can to secure increased defence funding for Wales. Strengthening our military infrastructure is not only vital for our national security but also for ensuring that our servicemen and women have the resources and backing they require.”

With NATO facing an uncertain future, and the UK reassessing its defence commitments, Kurtz’s call for greater investment in Wales is likely to gain traction among those concerned about both national security and regional economic benefits tied to military funding.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.