News

Labour accused of ‘contempt’ over Crown Estate stance

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have accused the UK Labour Government of treating Wales “with contempt” after Labour MPs refused amendments to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales.

David Chadwick, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson, slammed Labour’s decision, highlighting that devolving Crown Estate profits to Wales could generate an additional £50 million annually for Welsh public services.

Speaking after participating in the debate, Chadwick said: “If Crown Estate profits were kept in Wales, it could contribute an additional £50 million to the Welsh Government’s budget. That’s more money for our public services, economic investment, and community infrastructure.

***David Chadwick, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe***

“At a time when public services in Wales are crumbling after 26 years of Labour rule, it is nothing short of outrageous that the Labour Government in Westminster seeks to deny Wales vital sources of income.

“The Labour Government’s refusal to devolve these powers further entrenches the outrageous notion—held by both Labour and Conservatives—that Wales is somehow a lesser nation compared to Scotland.

“Instead of empowering Welsh communities to benefit directly from their own resources, profits will continue flowing directly to London.

“This is not a vision of growth benefiting local communities or levelling up neglected areas. It is merely a continuation of the Conservatives’ failed economic model, prioritising centralisation and investment in the Southeast of England above all else.

“The Liberal Democrats have long supported devolution and empowering local communities, and we will continue campaigning against this injustice.”

Scotland has controlled its Crown Estate since 2017, generating over £103 million for public finances. Despite possessing significant Crown Estate assets, Wales remains without similar powers.

The Liberal Democrats tabled their own amendment calling for devolution but supported Plaid Cymru’s amendment to enhance the likelihood of a successful vote. However, both amendments were defeated by Labour MPs.

The debate on the Crown Estate Bill continues later this month, when campaigners hope to force another vote.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

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

Published

22 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.