Community

‘No targets, no teeth and no accountability’: ministers’ disability rights plan criticised

Published

11 months ago

June 6, 2025

CAMPAIGNERS warned it will be “impossible” to hold the Welsh Government to account on progress against its disabled people’s rights plan due to a lack of concrete targets.

Mark Isherwood, who chairs the Senedd’s cross-party group on disability, raised concerns that many of the long-term objectives in the draft ten-year plan lack firm commitments.

He said Natasha Hirst, who was part of ministers’ disability rights taskforce, pointed to a lack of funding to implement the plan as well as a scarcity of clear, robust targets.

Mr Isherwood also quoted Joe Powell, chief executive of All Wales People First, who said: “For this plan to succeed we need the appropriate investment into the infrastructure and services to make this aspiration a reality.

“We need clear targets about how we are going to achieve this. Without these, it is very difficult to see how the plan will make a difference to disabled people in Wales.”

The Conservative told the Senedd: “Damian Bridgeman, who chaired the disability rights taskforce’s housing and community working group, said the draft document was a smokescreen rather than a plan.

“He pointed to the absence of new money and a mechanism to track delivery of the action plan further, adding that, ‘disabled people have been reviewed to death, what we need is action – and there’s none of that here’.”

He said Mr Bridgeman described the plan as a “collection of vague intentions dressed up as progress”, with “no targets, no teeth and no real-world accountability”.

Mr Isherwood, who has campaigned on disability rights for decades, warned the plan lacks a commitment to enshrine the UN convention on the rights of disabled people into Welsh law.

The north Walian also warned the UK Government’s plans to cut benefits risk further disabling people in Wales by compounding poverty and exclusion.

During a statement on June 3, Jane Hutt described the plan as a landmark moment in the Welsh Government’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive and accessible society for all.

Wales’ social justice secretary said: “This plan is a ten-year blueprint for progress, designed to ensure its outcomes are realised through actions taken across government.”

Ms Hutt cautioned that UK Government welfare reforms risk overlooking the circumstances and needs of disabled people, and more so in Wales than some other parts of the UK.

Jane Hutt, secretary for social justice, trefnydd and chief whip

She said the plan seeks to position Wales as a world leader in the social model of disability, which says people are disabled by barriers in society – not by their impairment or condition.

Ms Hutt urged organisations and disabled people to have their say by responding to a consultation on the draft plan, which runs until August 7.

Sioned Williams warned the plan has been a “long time coming”, with the taskforce set up after a 2021 report, entitled Locked out, into the impact of the pandemic on disabled people.

Ms Williams told the Senedd: “We must never forget that disabled people comprised 60% of deaths from Covid-19 in Wales, and many of those deaths were preventable and rooted in socioeconomic inequality.”

Plaid Cymru's shadow social justice minister, Sioned Williams — Plaid Cymru’s shadow social justice minister, Sioned Williams

The Plaid Cymru politician stressed the importance of legally enforceable rights – “rights that can literally be the difference between life and death”.

Ms Williams warned planned welfare cuts cast a long, dark shadow over the plan, saying: “The removal of this vital support doesn’t simply reduce income, it rips away the safety net that many disabled people rely on to live with dignity.”

She called for assurances that disabled and neurodivergent people will no longer be detained in secure hospitals in Wales, as highlighted by the Stolen Lives campaign.

Jenny Rathbone supported efforts to embed the social model of disability because “it is society that needs to change, not the individual who happens to have an impairment”.

But she recognised that a huge amount of work still needs to be done.

Julie Morgan, a fellow Labour backbencher, said the plan clearly shows the Welsh Government’s commitment to making Wales an open, inclusive and accessible place.

But Conservative Laura Anne Jones warned the plan “falls short in many critical areas”, with disabled people still facing systemic barriers to work, transport and access to services.

Laura Anne Jones MS speaking during the meeting — South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones

She said: “With rising living costs and sweeping cuts to support services alongside welfare, this plan feels more like a statement of intent than a blueprint for real action.”

Community

Tenby lifeboats called out five times in ‘exceptionally busy’ week

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer RNLI crews dealt with reports of people cut off by the tide, a vessel with engine failure and a possible kitesurfer in difficulty

TENBY lifeboat crews have been called out five times in a week, dealing with a series of incidents around the south Pembrokeshire coast.

The latest launch came just before 5:30pm on Sunday (May 3), when the inshore lifeboat was sent to Monkstone Point following a report that people may have been cut off by the tide.

As the volunteer crew arrived on scene, it was confirmed that the people were fishing and did not require assistance. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The call-out was the station’s fifth shout of the week.

On Friday (May 1), the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:00am after the occupants of a 21ft pleasure boat reported engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

The lifeboat arrived around ten minutes later and found the vessel at risk of drifting onto rocks. The crew decided the safest option was to tow it back to Saundersfoot.

With the tide out, the vessel was moored in the bay and those on board were taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4:30pm after a report that a kitesurfer appeared to be in difficulty between Tenby and Caldey Island. The crew searched the reported area and extended the search towards Giltar Point, but no one in difficulty was found.

Earlier in the week, both Tenby lifeboats were launched at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27) after a report that two people may have been cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first, with choppy conditions slowing the inshore lifeboat. Coastguard rescue team members on the cliffs above directed the crew to two people on rocks.

The Y-boat was launched and the pair confirmed they were in difficulty. They were taken aboard and brought ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting. The inshore lifeboat also collected the casualties’ bags before returning them ashore.

The busy week came as three Tenby RNLI volunteers — Eddie, Alice and Jack — successfully completed their ALB tier one pass-out on Sunday.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI congratulated the trio, saying: “Well done guys.”

Community

Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

***Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event***

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

***The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)***

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.

Community

Milford Haven groups recognised at Mayor’s celebration tea

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Charities, volunteers and cadets honoured as Mayor’s Charity Fund donations are handed out

COMMUNITY groups, charities and volunteers from across Milford Haven were recognised at a special Mayor’s Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The event was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, as an opportunity to bring together many of the individuals, groups and organisations who support the town.

Afternoon tea was provided by Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, with several cadets achieving their Catering badge as a result.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL MStJ presented certificates, badges and thank-you gifts to the cadets. Gifts were also presented to those who provided stewarding support, and to the adults who helped with instruction and support over the weekend.

The Mayor and Consort also presented donations from the Mayor’s Charity Fund following fundraising carried out during their term of office.

Recipient	Donation
Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets	£4,250
Milford Haven Town Band	£4,250
Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru	£4,250
Pill Social Centre	£1,000
The Harrier Association	£501.57
Gelliswick Community Choir	£500
New Pembrokeshire Pride	£500
2nd Milford Haven Sea Scouts	£500
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society	£400
Milford Haven Bowls Club	£300
NCI Wooltack Point	£300
St Katharine’s Stratford Players	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Luncheon Club	£300
Megan’s Starr Foundation	£300
Milford Haven Chess Club	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Stroke Survivors Short Mat Bowls Group	£300

A raffle held during the afternoon raised £300 for The Wallich, to support its homeless outreach work.

The Mayor also presented Civic Awards in recognition of community service and support to the town.

Recipients included NCI Wooltack Point, Pembrokeshire Pride, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Callum Goodland RNR, Gelliswick Community Choir, Frank Hart, Anthony Williams of Milford Haven Royal British Legion, Jackie Davies, and Mayor’s Cadet Leading Cadet Connor.

The Freedom of the Town was also presented to Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and Milford Haven Town Band.

Cllr Elliott and Mr Jones said: “Thank you for all of your support for our two years as the Mayor and Consort of Milford Haven.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed it once again, meeting and supporting many of the wonderful groups, charities and individuals in our town.

“For those that received an award or a donation, thank you for all you do to support and make our community great — making Milford Haven the safe and welcoming haven it is.”