News

Eluned Morgan: Labour ready for ‘one hell of a fight’ before Senedd election

Published

6 months ago

September 28, 2025

Leader sets out ‘Red Welsh Way’ and new pledges on high streets, fair work and transport, while warning of risks from Reform and Plaid

WELSH LABOUR leader and First Minister Eluned Morgan used her UK conference speech to rally activists for “one hell of a fight” ahead of May’s Senedd election, setting out what she called the “Red Welsh Way” and warning that Reform UK and Plaid Cymru pose a threat to public services and stability.

Opening with “Siwmae,” Ms Morgan said Labour and Wales were “entwined,” but warned that polls were “not looking good” and voters were disillusioned. “We’re in this together, all of us on the front line,” she said, accusing opponents of offering “easy answers” without plans.

Ms Morgan framed Welsh Labour’s record around three principles—equality, security and community—highlighting social partnership in law, the Future Generations Act, universal free primary school meals, free prescriptions, free bus passes for older people and a Real Living Wage guarantee for care workers. “That, my friends, is socialism in action,” she told delegates.

New pledges for high streets and fair work

Citing concerns raised on doorsteps—particularly in Caerphilly, where a by-election is pending—Ms Morgan said a Welsh Labour Government would introduce licensing powers to curb the spread of vape shops “to keep town centres safe, balanced and welcoming.”
She said future Welsh Government support for businesses would be tied to “fair work” conditions: paying the Real Living Wage, ending exploitative zero-hours contracts and enabling trade union access. “Public money must mean public good,” she said.

Transport and late-night services

Ms Morgan pointed to £800m spent on new trains and the South Wales Metro, announcing from December new late-night services between Cardiff and the Valleys and a doubling of trains on the Wrexham–Chester line.

Partnership with UK Labour

“When Labour governs in Cardiff and Westminster, partnership delivers,” she said, crediting a record financial settlement with enabling safer coal tips, higher wages and “2.7 million NHS appointments delivered each month.” She added that people “need us to move faster… deliver bigger.”

Arguing that ambition outstrips current devolved levers, Ms Morgan called for youth justice powers for Wales, fair rail funding and greater control over “our wind, our seas, our energy.” “We will never stop pressing for every power, every pound Wales deserves,” she said.

Attacks on Reform and Plaid

Ms Morgan accused Reform UK of seeking to “gut the NHS” and prioritising profit over people, drawing a parallel with UKIP’s 2016 Senedd record. She criticised Plaid Cymru’s focus on independence as “promises without plans,” and said Wales needs “experience and stability in an age of instability” rather than “fantasy politics.” Some claims about opponents were framed as her assertions from the conference platform.

Switching briefly into Welsh—“Mae brwydyr anferth o’n blaen…”—Ms Morgan said Welsh Labour had “changed lives” but that progress could be reversed if the party loses next year. “Let’s build, not break… Labour never gives up. Labour never gives in,” she concluded. “So are you up for it, conference? Then bring it on!”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

25 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

31 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

45 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.