Business

Wales ‘hurt hardest’ by Brexit trade barriers

Published

4 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

WALES has been “hurt hardest” by Brexit amid a “mess” of trade barriers, cultural blockades and a “fading” Welsh presence in EU relations, Senedd committees have warned.

Delyth Jewell led an “unprecedented” cross-committee inquiry which found “unanimous” agreement from witnesses that the UK-EU trade deal has not benefited Wales.

The Plaid Cymru politician warned the Welsh Government was not informed of UK priorities in advance, leaving Wales with a “diminishing voice” and no “seat at the table”.

Ms Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture and international relations committee, criticised UK ministers for refusing to give evidence to the inquiry or share their EU priorities.

She told the Senedd: “This is a moment for ambition and for Wales not to be a mere passive observer in the processes that happen.

“We must take an active role in shaping outcomes that matter to our culture, our economy, our environment, our communities.”

Turning to the impact on culture, she said: “Touring artists, creative professionals and cultural organisations face barriers that were unimaginable before Brexit, barriers that restrict mobility, increase costs and diminish Wales’s cultural presence on the international stage.

“The evidence is stark – current arrangements for touring are described as unworkable.”

The debate heard the economic impact has been severe – with the EU remaining the biggest trading partner, accounting for 47% (or £17.6bn) of Wales’ total trade in goods.

Hannah Blythyn, for the economy committee, said 90% of businesses are still dealing with challenges, including increased bureaucracy, costs, time, and supply chain disruption.

The ex-minister said: “According to committee witnesses, processes cause extreme levels of cost, administration, complications and loss, intense annoyance, and are hugely frustrating.”

Ms Blythyn, who is the Labour Senedd Member for Delyn, criticised the Welsh Government for rejecting calls to produce its own detailed impact assessment of the trade agreement.

She pointed out that such documents had been produced for trade deals with “Wales’ smaller trading partners, but not its largest to date”.

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd — Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd

The report’s criticism was not limited to trade. Llŷr Gruffydd, chair of the climate committee, warned Wales has had a glaring environmental governance gap since the UK left the EU.

The Plaid Cymru politician expressed concerns about the UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) containing no dedicated chapter on environment and climate cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mike Hedges – who chairs the Senedd’s legislation committee – sounded the alarm about Wales’ diminishing voice in UK-EU relations. He criticised ministers for “not stepping in” to support Welsh organisations’ involvement.

Mr Hedges told Senedd Members the Welsh Government has not published any Wales-specific information, advice nor guidance on the TCA since 2021.

“This is incredible,” he warned during Wednesday’s (November 5) debate. “It is one of the most significant international treaties that will ever be considered by the Senedd.”

His Labour colleague Alun Davies told the Senedd he could “think of no witness… who said that Brexit had benefited Wales,” adding he was “astonished” the Welsh Government “doesn’t seem to want to set real objectives for the future”.

The criticism was echoed by Adam Price, the former Plaid Cymru leader, who said: “If I can sum it up – we are in a mess, aren’t we?”

Raising the World Trade Organisation’s first post-Brexit review of trade, Mr Price warned Wales has been “hurt the hardest” due to a reliance on exports and smaller companies.

Conservative Gareth Davies was the only speaker to defend Brexit as he challenged the premise of the committees’ report. He flatly rejected the report’s framing, stating the “debate is over” and the task is to “make Brexit work for Wales, not to re-run the arguments of 2016”.

Responding to the debate, Labour’s Rebecca Evans said the Welsh Government was focused on ensuring Wales’ distinct priorities are represented in UK-EU talks.

Wales’ economy secretary welcomed a “new, more positive direction” in EU relations but insisted it remains “vital that the views of devolved nations are heard”.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

2 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.

Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

6 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

14 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.