News

First Minister pledges to ‘deliver even more’ for Wales in final year of Senedd term

Published

8 months ago

July 15, 2025

Eluned Morgan outlines key achievements and renewed priorities

FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has pledged to “deliver even more for the people of Wales” as the Welsh Government enters the final year of the current Senedd term.

Addressing the Senedd on Tuesday (Jul 15), the First Minister highlighted major policy progress across four key areas: health, housing, transport, and jobs. Her speech came during a Welsh Government debate ahead of the summer recess.

Health: Longest NHS waits slashed

Eluned Morgan said the government had made significant headway in cutting NHS waiting times, with the longest waits reduced by 86% since their peak during the Covid pandemic. In June, ministers announced an additional £120 million to reduce waiting lists by 200,000 patients, eliminate all two-year waits, and restore a maximum eight-week wait for diagnostic tests.

The First Minister also reaffirmed her commitment to improving services for women, with Women’s Health Hubs expected to be operational in every health board by March 2026.

Housing: Record social housing investment

The Welsh Government has invested nearly £2 billion in social housing during this Senedd term—its most ambitious commitment to date. Annual housing delivery rates have reached their highest levels since 2008, helping more people across Wales to access secure and affordable homes.

Transport: New trains, cheaper fares, and fewer potholes

The government has committed more than £800 million to a new train fleet and over £1 billion to upgrade the Core Valley Lines. Passenger journeys on the Transport for Wales network have increased by 19% in the past year—the highest growth among UK rail operators.

A new Bus Services (Wales) Bill was introduced in March, and £1 bus fares for young people will begin in September. By the end of 2025, the government aims to fix or prevent at least 200,000 potholes.

Jobs: Youth support and global investment

Over £600 million has been invested in Welsh businesses since 2021, supporting the creation of 42,000 jobs. The Young Person’s Guarantee has already helped more than 57,000 young people into training or employment. Wales is also set to host an International Investment Summit in December to attract further global interest.

‘We’re charging ahead’ – First Minister

Reflecting on her time in office since taking over as First Minister in August 2024, Eluned Morgan said:

“When I became First Minister last August, and after a summer listening exercise, I was clear—of the people’s priorities, delivery comes first. Real change—change people can feel in their lives.

This government isn’t standing still—we’re charging ahead. We’re rolling up our sleeves, getting stuck in, and delivering on what really matters.

With a renewed focus, we’re going to finish this term by delivering even more for the people of Wales.”

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.