News

Samuel Kurtz calls on new Environment Secretary to back farmers

Published

9 months ago

September 9, 2025

CARMARTHEN WEST and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz has written to the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging her to rethink government policy on farming and food security.

Emma Reynolds MP was appointed to the role following Sir Keir Starmer’s general election victory in July, and Mr Kurtz said her arrival offered an opportunity for “fresh thinking” and to “put right some of the mistakes this government has made.”

In his letter, the Welsh Conservative MS called for two immediate changes: scrapping the so-called “Family Farms Tax” and reinstating a grant to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).

Farming at the heart of rural Wales

Mr Kurtz, who serves as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs in the Senedd, said farming remains “the backbone of rural Wales and a cornerstone of the wider UK economy.” He stressed that agriculture provides high-quality produce, sustains rural communities and the Welsh language, and underpins the nation’s food security.

“When our farmers are supported, the benefits are felt far beyond the farm gate,” he wrote. “It strengthens both local economies and the UK as a whole.”

Young farmers need support

Drawing on his own background as a former member of the Young Farmers’ movement, Mr Kurtz warned that new taxes and the removal of funding for young farmers would harm the sector at a time when it needs investment.

“The introduction of the Family Farms Tax risks undermining family businesses across Wales and beyond, hitting farmers both young and old,” he said. “At the same time, the withdrawal of the NFYFC grant removes vital support for the farmers of tomorrow.”

The NFYFC, one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK, has more than 20,000 members across England and Wales. It provides training, competitions, and social opportunities for young people in agriculture and rural communities. Its government grant was withdrawn in recent years as part of wider funding cuts.

A call to DEFRA

Mr Kurtz urged the new Secretary of State to act quickly, setting out two specific requests:

Scrap the Family Farms Tax – which he said would have a damaging impact on family farms, the rural economy, and food security.
Reinstate the NFYFC grant – to give young people the encouragement and opportunities they need to remain in the industry.

He concluded by asking Ms Reynolds to “place food security, farming families, and the next generation of farmers at the heart of your work in DEFRA.”

The Herald has approached DEFRA for comment.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

50 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

Entertainment

The Big Retreat confirms first details for 2027 Pembrokeshire festival

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Soul Space sessions, new relaxation areas and Abba Revival among early announcements

THE BIG RETREAT FESTIVAL has revealed the first details of its 2027 event in Pembrokeshire, with organisers promising new spaces, more inclusive activities and the return of a popular Main Stage act.

The festival will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2027, at Newton Farm, Lawrenny.

Organisers said they had been reflecting on feedback from this year’s event, with visitors most often describing the festival as “fun, relaxing and friendly.”

Among the changes already planned for 2027 is the inclusion of all sessions within The Soul Space as part of the standard festival ticket.

New areas dedicated to rest, relaxation and connection are also being introduced, giving visitors more opportunities to step away from busier parts of the site during the weekend.

The Talk Tent will move to the Village Green, while a new Gathering Place will also be created there. Hosted by the festival’s Solo Traveller Manager and Accessibility Manager, the space will be open to everyone as somewhere to meet others, ask questions, relax or take a moment out.

Other changes include new glamping accommodation with electric hook-ups and the return of the football pitch in Family Camping.

Organisers have also confirmed that Abba Revival will return to The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire in 2027 as the first announced Main Stage act.

The tribute act proved popular at this year’s event, with organisers saying the request to bring them back came up repeatedly in visitor feedback.

The festival team said: “One of the things we love most about The Big Retreat is that no two people experience it in the same way.

“Some come for the music. Some for the yoga. Some for the wild swimming. Some for the talks. Some for the food. Some for the adventure.

“However you choose to spend your weekend, our goal remains the same: Feel Good Your Way.”

First wave tickets are now on sale, with organisers also offering a ten-month payment plan.

Glamping accommodation for 2027, including the new electric hook-up options, is due to go on sale on Wednesday, June 17.

News

Police close Hakin Bridge amid welfare concern

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Bridge was shut for around 35 minutes while officers dealt with incident

POLICE temporarily closed Hakin Bridge in Milford Haven over the weekend following concerns for the welfare of an individual.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the bridge at around 11:20pm on Saturday (June 13).

The road was closed shortly afterwards, at around 11:30pm, while officers dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern of welfare of an individual on Hakin Bridge, Milford Haven at around 11:20pm on Saturday, June 13.

“The individual was spoken to by officers at the scene, who ensured their safety.

“The road was closed from 11:30pm and reopened at approximately 12:05am on Sunday, June 14.”

The closure lasted around 35 minutes and affected traffic between Hakin and Milford Haven.

Photo caption:

Temporary closure: Hakin Bridge was closed while police dealt with the incident (Pic: File image).