News

Farage piles on BBC Wales as bias row deepens

Published

4 months ago

November 11, 2025

REFORM UK leader Nigel Farage has accused BBC Wales of being “infected with left-wing bias” — comments that add fresh fuel to the storm engulfing the broadcaster following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News chief Deborah Turness.

Farage’s criticism centres on Rhuanedd Richards, the BBC’s interim Nations Director, who previously served as chief executive of Plaid Cymru and as a special adviser during the Labour–Plaid “One Wales” coalition government.

According to the BBC’s website, Richards earns between £190,000 and £194,999 per year in her current role overseeing the corporation’s national output across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the English regions.

Farage told supporters: “Rhuanedd Richards was the chief executive of Plaid. She worked during the Labour–Plaid coalition for the Government of Wales. She’s now a director of BBC Wales, on just over £190,000 a year. There is living proof that, right the way through to the top, the BBC is infected with left-wing bias.”

The BBC declined to comment directly on his remarks but has repeatedly denied institutional bias. Outgoing news chief Deborah Turness said earlier this week: “Our journalists aren’t corrupt — they’re hardworking people who strive for impartiality.”

Political theatre or deeper problem?

Farage’s comments come less than 24 hours after The Pembrokeshire Herald’s opinion piece on BBC bias went viral, reaching more than 89,000 views and getting 2,600 likes. That article argued that the real issue isn’t one flawed Trump edit — it’s the political culture that uses “bias” as a weapon to discredit journalism.

Farage’s intervention fits that pattern. His attack on Richards — a respected Welsh broadcaster with a long BBC career both before and after her time in politics — blurs the line between legitimate scrutiny and political point-scoring.

Supporters of Richards note that her appointment followed standard BBC governance procedures and that previous political experience does not automatically equate to editorial bias. She began her career as a BBC Wales journalist and political correspondent before moving into party work and later returning to broadcasting.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said: “BBC Wales’ decision to appoint Plaid Cymru separatists’ former chief executive as its Director obviously raises questions.

“This is a senior editorial role – it would be the equivalent of appointing Alistair Campbell as Director General.

“We need a review into the relationship between BBC Wales and Plaid Cymru separatists, and I’m happy to support such calls.”

The irony: BBC caught its own error

Amid the noise, one fact has been largely overlooked — the controversial Trump edit was identified by the BBC’s own internal checks. The broadcaster’s review system flagged the mistake, demonstrating that its mechanisms for accountability do, in fact, work.

Where next for the BBC?

With senior leadership in flux, the corporation faces intense scrutiny from all sides — government, Reform UK, and commercial rivals keen to weaken its public-service model.

Yet the bigger question remains: without a strong, independent BBC — and without a thriving local press to nurture the next generation of reporters — who will defend factual, balanced journalism in Britain?

In the end, the loudest cries of “bias” may come from those who fear impartial reporting the most.

News

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

Published

8 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Banking hub plans gather pace in Pembroke Dock

Published

37 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to deliver a new Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock are moving forward, following a key meeting between local representatives and Cash Access UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS met with Cash Access UK Regional Manager Debbie Crow on Wednesday (Mar 19), alongside community representatives, to discuss the next steps after confirmation last week that the campaign for a hub had been successful.

The new facility is expected to be up and running within 12 weeks, providing vital access to banking services for residents, businesses and community groups across Pembroke Dock and the wider South Pembrokeshire area.

***Samuel Kurtz*** MS: **“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area”**

Banking Hubs offer a shared space where customers can carry out everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access face-to-face support from individual banks on designated days.

The development follows the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock, which had raised concerns about access to essential financial services in the area. Samuel Kurtz has been working with LINK, local businesses and community groups to secure the new hub.

Discussions at the meeting focused on identifying a suitable location and ensuring the service meets the needs of those who continue to rely heavily on cash.

Following strong public interest in the project, Mr Kurtz has confirmed he will hold a series of drop-in sessions in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to update residents and answer questions.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Last week’s news that the campaign for a Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock had been successful was incredibly welcome for our community.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area. I have already been inundated with questions from people wanting to know what happens next.

“That’s why I will be holding drop-in sessions in both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock so residents and businesses can come along, ask questions and hear the latest updates.

“I was pleased to meet with Cash Access UK’s Regional Manager to discuss the next steps, and I will continue working closely with local stakeholders to help ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Further details about the drop-in sessions are expected to be announced shortly.

Health

Decision pending on adult mental health referral pathway

Published

47 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1