Politics

Welsh Government ministers urged to condemn Trump’s Gaza plan

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

PLAID CYMRU has called for the Welsh and UK Governments to condemn US president Donald Trump’s proposals to depopulate Gaza.

Rhun ap Iorwerth led a debate in the Senedd 469 days on from the Welsh Parliament becoming one of the first in the world to pass a vote endorsing a ceasefire.

Plaid Cymru’s leader said the scale of destruction in Gaza since is beyond comprehension, arguing Wales cannot, and must not, remain silent in the face of profound injustice.

He warned: “Now we see a dangerous escalation, an outright attack on international justice itself. The president has made it clear he will sanction the International Criminal Court if it dares to investigate Israeli war crimes. This is a direct assault on the rule of law.”

In a vote on February 19, the Senedd reaffirmed its support for a permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, the return of hostages and prisoners, and a two-state solution.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth during the debate

Mr ap Iorwerth described Trump’s call for the forced displacement of Gaza’s entire population as not just deeply offensive but akin to ethnic cleansing.

He said: “He has proposed that once the fighting stops, Gaza should be owned by the US, with its 2.3 million residents forcibly relocated to Jordan, to Egypt, and the land redeveloped into a luxury destination: the ‘riviera of the middle east’ as it was dubbed.

“He speaks of resettling people as if they’re not human beings – as if they have no right to their own land, their own history, their own future.”

Plaid Cymru’s motion urged the UK Government to suspend all arms exports to Israel and called on Welsh ministers to review public sector procurement.

Conservative Paul Davies condemned the devastating loss of human life in the conflict, calling for the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire and a two-state solution.

He raised concerns about “soaring” levels of hate crime against Jewish and Muslim people in the UK since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Mr Davies told the Senedd: “We’ve also seen the release of Eli Sharabi, the son in law of Peter and Gillian Brisley of Bridgend.

“On his release, Eli was gaunt and malnourished; he had no knowledge of the fate of his wife, Lianne, and their two teenage daughters, all of whom were brutally murdered by Hamas on October 7. Imagine his pain on learning that news.”

Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams criticised the Welsh Government’s amendments, accusing Labour of putting “party before international humanitarian law”.

She said: “You cannot support the rule of law if you’re not willing to condemn Trump’s proposals to depopulate Gaza as ethnic cleansing.”

Ms Williams urged ministers to commit to further humanitarian support for Gaza on top of a total of £200,000 donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal so far.

Her colleague Peredur Owen Griffiths criticised President Trump’s “frankly disgusting” proposal for the future of Gaza.

He said: “We must demand the Welsh Government makes clear its opposition to those dangerous proposals and continues to stand for justice, human rights and self-determination – Gaza belongs to its people, it is not for sale.”

Labour’s John Griffiths told the Senedd: “None of us should be bystanders. I think we do now need an international campaign of boycotts, disinvestment and sanctions.”

Mike Hedges, a fellow Labour backbencher, backed an anti-apartheid-style boycott and called for the Senedd to fly the Palestinian flag in Cardiff Bay.

Jane Hutt, for the Welsh Government, said: “Whilst foreign policy issues are not devolved, there are real and lasting concerns and consequences for and in Welsh communities.”

She supported calls to reaffirm the Senedd’s condemnation of Hamas attacks on October 7 2023 and Israel’s military response, which has led to an estimated 60,000 deaths.

The social justice secretary also backed the motion’s calls around ethical procurement.

She said: “I will be meeting DEC Cymru but also other humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, in the coming weeks to explore how we can commit further humanitarian support.”

Senedd members voted 39-11 against the motion. The Welsh Government’s amendments, which deleted calls to condemn Trump and limit arms exports to Israel, were agreed.

Community

Key changes approved for forthcoming Llantwd Eisteddfod site

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for permission for works clearing part of the 2026 Eisteddfod site ahead of this year’s festival in Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Cardiff-based Angharad Davies sought permission for the removal of multiple small sections of hedge on a temporary basis for the forthcoming Eisteddfod at Glanrhyd Road, Llantood/Llantwd.

A supporting statement said: “Preparation works have been undertaken to reduce hedge growth in several locations where openings are required for festival access, with all arisings shredded and retained within the hedgerow to support natural regeneration.

“Any openings created will be carefully excavated, with the soil set aside and preserved for reinstatement upon completion, ensuring that all materials are returned as found. Where herringbone stonework is uncovered, we will reinstate it to match the original as closely as possible, typically engaging a specialist local stone mason experienced in traditional methods.

“Following the event, reinstatement works will be completed prior to leaving site, and we will return in November to plant a mix of seven hedgerow species and we will consult with yourselves to ensure the selected species are appropriate and in line with your recommendations, maintaining the character and biodiversity of the site.

“Where possible, we have incorporated original gates into a number of the proposed openings to retain the character and integrity of the site, ensuring consistency with existing features.

“In selecting locations for access points, we have prioritised sections of hedgerow with minimal growth to reduce the extent of intervention required and to minimise impact of the surrounding vegetation. This approach supports efficient installation while maintaining the natural appearance and structure of the hedgerows.”

The application was unconditionally approved by county planners.

The 2026 festival, running from August 1-8 at Llantwd holds particular historical significance, marking the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod, held in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi.

With this year’s Maes located close to the original site, the event is expected to be a landmark occasion for the region and for Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe and one of the most prominent events in the Welsh cultural calendar, attracting approximately 175,000 visitors annually.

The festival celebrates Welsh language, literature, music, and the arts, with a diverse programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions, and community activities.

The Eisteddfod proclamation took place in Narberth last May, with hundreds attending.

At the time, Narberth County Councillor Mark Tierney posted: “One of the biggest parades through Narberth in a long time and we provided the warmest of welcomes to visitors from near and far for the Eisteddfod proclamation procession.”

Business

Council seeks senior officer with salary of £132,063 – £145,050 plus perks

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is on the lookout for a new senior officer with a salary, including allowances, that could top £150,000 a year.

In an advertisement posted on its own social media page, the council is seeking a new Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place.

It says: “Are you an experienced leader with a passion for place, regeneration and economic growth? Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place to help shape the county’s future.

“This influential role will lead on regeneration, economic development, planning, transport, environmental services, climate change and major capital projects, supporting ambitious investment opportunities including the Celtic Freeport.

“Based in Haverfordwest/agile, Pembrokeshire: £132,063 – £145,050 plus £9,576 lease car allowance and relocation package.

“If you have a strong track record of delivering growth and transformation in complex environments, we’d love to hear from you.”

A linked page quotes Chief Executive Will Bramble, which also features a video of him promoting the county as a place to work: “Pembrokeshire is a great place to learn, live and grow. With some of the finest natural assets in the whole of Wales, we are immensely proud of our county and everything it has to offer.

“Since I joined Pembrokeshire as Chief Executive in 2021, I have been hugely impressed by the passion and dedication of our officers and members, and their shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents.

“As part of our journey towards being an even better organisation, we are looking to recruit for this critical post.”

Crime

Fears wildlife at Mill Pond beauty spot being targeted by catapults

Published

13 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

WILDLIFE at Pembroke’s Mill Pond beauty spot may be being killed after being deliberately targeted by what appears to be catapult attacks, the town council has said.

The beauty spot close to the town’s castle has long been a haunt of swans and other wildlife, and concerns have been raised recently that several reported deaths of animals may be related to levels of algae present in the pond.

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council it said it has received a number of comments and enquiries from concerned residents regarding deceased wildlife recently found at Pembroke Mill Pond.

“We are aware that there has been speculation on social media suggesting that the deaths may be linked to the water quality or algae currently present in the pond. We would like to reassure residents that this is not the case.

“For the past seven years, Pembroke Town Council has employed Aqua Clear to help manage algae growth and control the spread of reeds within the pond. This ongoing work has been highly successful, with algae levels reducing by approximately 45 per cent since the programme began. The pond’s water quality continues to be monitored and remains in good condition.

“Following reports from residents, council representatives visited the pond and retrieved some of the deceased wildlife.

“On examination, it appears that around five different animals had suffered injuries consistent with being intentionally targeted using a catapult. This is an extremely distressing and cruel act against wildlife.

“The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Crime Officers, who are aware of the incident and will be investigating.

“Pembroke Town Council strongly condemns any form of cruelty towards wildlife and would encourage anyone who witnesses this type of behaviour, or has any information that may assist enquiries, to report it immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to thank residents for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued care and concern for Pembroke Mill Pond and the wildlife that calls it home.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.