News

Wales climate week: people at the heart of net zero

Published

5 months ago

October 22, 2025

New discussion paper invites national input on how Wales can deliver and benefit from the green transition

DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, has reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to working together to tackle the climate emergency — and to ensuring that every voice in Wales is heard in shaping the journey to net zero.

“As we look ahead to Wales Climate Week in November,” he said, “I’m excited to hear a wide range of perspectives on the opportunities and trade-offs involved in tackling climate change. We are developing the pathway to reduce emissions in the next carbon budget period (2026–2030), and this year more than ever we need the input of as many people as possible.”

The Deputy First Minister stressed that addressing the climate crisis must also deliver wider benefits — improving public health, protecting the environment, creating jobs, enhancing energy security, and helping people save money.

New discussion paper published

The Welsh Government has published a new paper, Enabling the People of Wales to Deliver and Benefit from the Net Zero Transition in 2026–2030 and Beyond. It brings together the latest independent evidence and advice from the Climate Change Committee, the Net Zero Wales 2035 Challenge Group and other expert bodies.

The paper outlines current policy across agriculture, land use, housing, and transport, and explores the opportunities and challenges that will shape Wales’s next steps on the path to net zero.

Looking ahead to COP30

November 2025 will also see Brazil host COP30 — marking a decade since the Paris Agreement. The Deputy First Minister said this will be a defining moment in global climate action and that Wales will continue to “stand firm and stand proud as a global leader” — citing progress in sustainable development, recycling, transport, and collaborative policy-making.

A national conversation

The publication of the paper marks the start of a new phase of engagement. It will form the basis for discussions during Wales Climate Week 2025 through virtual events, regional workshops and community-led sessions. Feedback will help shape Wales’s next emissions reduction plan, due in 2026.

“The Welsh Government remains committed to a fair and just transition,” Huw Irranca-Davies said, “ensuring that the people of Wales are actively involved in shaping the policies that affect them. This discussion paper is a key part of that commitment.”

Members of the public and stakeholders are invited to read the paper and contribute their views via the Climate Action Wales website, where further details about Wales Climate Week are available.

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

11 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

12 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.