Politics
Hillsborough law hailed as ‘incredibly important moment for Wales’
THE WELSH Government has hailed the introduction of a Hillsborough law to enforce a new duty of candour on public officials as an “incredibly important moment” for Wales.
Counsel general Julie James welcomed the Hillsborough law – officially called the public office (accountability) bill – which was introduced in the UK Parliament this week.
The Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser told Senedd members her officials are working through the details to examine the “far-reaching” implications for public services in Wales.
The Hillsborough law follows families’ decades-long fight for justice after the disaster at the football ground in Sheffield in 1989, which led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters.
Under the bill, public officials would be under a legal “duty of candour” to act with frankness and transparency. Failure to do so with intent could lead to imprisonment for two years.
Labour’s Mick Antoniw paid tribute to the determination of families in Liverpool as he backed the “long-overdue and most-necessary” Hillsborough law.
The politician told the Senedd the law also reflects July’s announcement of an inquiry to uncover the truth about clashes between police and miners at Orgreave in 1984.
He said: “The reason why those events at Orgreave are so important is because they relate to an issue from the miners’ strike of an abuse of state power. And… had events at Orgreave been properly investigated then it might be that Hillsborough would never have occurred.”
During topical questions in the Senedd on September 17, the former lawyer asked about the Welsh Government’s role in ensuring the Hillsborough law is implemented in Wales.
Ms James replied: “It’s an incredibly important moment actually and I think we’re all very proud to see the law introduced.
“And I also want to pay tribute to the families and the wider campaigners who’ve tirelessly pursued the Hillsborough law over many years of – frankly – vilification and victim blaming and all of the other things that we’ve seen so unedifyingly in our newspapers.”
Ms James also recognised Mr Antoniw, who she succeeded as counsel general, and Labour colleague Jack Sargeant who have campaigned for the introduction of the Hillsborough law.
She said: “I know you’ve both worked very, very hard indeed behind the scenes and in public, and with the families to make sure that this happened.
“I couldn’t agree with you more about Orgreave… there are a whole series of these kinds of misuses of public/state power… against people who have little power to fight back.”
The Conservatives’ Gareth Davies backed the bill, paying tribute to families’ 36-year campaign for justice which led to the proposed legislation.

He said: “This law will strengthen the position of whistleblowers: those individuals within institutions who have the courage to speak out. They should not be silenced nor punished.”
Ms James told the Senedd the ramifications of such abuses of power continue for generations, scarring entire families and communities.
She said: “We expect the impact to be far-reaching, quite rightly. We have to work through to understand the provisions of the bill in detail and make sure that we have that analysis.
“But, just to say, candour is a fundamental thing that all governments should adhere to, it’s fundamental to good governance and regulatory compliance.
“We have duties of candour already in the NHS in Wales, of course, and I don’t think it’s asking us to do anything that the best of us wouldn’t already do fulsomely.”

She added: “It gives legal backing to who we should be, who we ought to be.”
The bill would embed Nolan principles on ethical standards in public life and make it an offence for an authority or official to intentionally or recklessly mislead the public.
Ms James, herself a former lawyer, welcomed plans to introduce non-means-tested legal aid for bereaved family members where a public authority is involved in an inquest or inquiry.
“That’s really important,” she said. “So, people can have the right support in what can be a formidable experience – a pretty emotionally damaging experience as well.”
She stressed: “What this really is saying to people is ‘for goodness sake, do the right thing’ – do the thing you knew you should have done in the first place and it puts the power of the law behind it. So, we’re delighted to see the bill introduced and we’ll be following it closely.”
Mike Hedges, a Swansea and Liverpool supporter, said: “I remember exactly where I was when that event occurred and it’s etched into my mind. It was one of the greatest disasters.
“No one should go to a football match, like many of us do, and not come home alive.”

Business
Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged
A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.
In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.
A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.
“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.
“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.
“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”
It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.
“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.
“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”
The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
Business
Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales
A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.
In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.
The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.
It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.
Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.
Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.
The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.
It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.
“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”
The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.
“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
News
Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.
A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.
The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.
The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.
Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”
Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.
He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.
“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”
Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.
He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.
“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.
“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.
“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”
The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.
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