News

Wylfa chosen for UK’s first small modular reactor

Published

6 months ago

November 13, 2025

Labour hails “clean energy revolution” as others urge local jobs and wider investment

WYLFA on Anglesey has been chosen as the site for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station — a landmark decision welcomed across the political spectrum but met with calls to ensure that local people benefit from the investment.

The announcement, made on Thursday (Nov 13), was described by Labour as “proof that two Labour governments working together are delivering for Wales.” The project is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs, attract billions of pounds in investment, and re-establish Anglesey as a hub for energy generation.

Labour: “A new era for Wales”

Welsh Labour said the move marks the start of a new era for clean energy, aligning with its target of meeting 100% of electricity demand from renewables by 2035.

A spokesperson said: “The Welsh Labour Government is seizing the green opportunities of the future, making the most of our landscape, and taking action to deliver clean energy, good jobs, and cheaper bills. This is Labour’s vision for renewable energy — made here in Wales.”

The party highlighted recent initiatives including Trydan Gwyrdd, a publicly-owned renewable developer aiming to power 350,000 Welsh homes with new wind farms by 2030, and Ynni Cymru, which supports local hydro and solar energy projects.

Anglesey Council: “Prosperity for decades to come”

Anglesey Council Leader and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step forward for new nuclear build on Ynys Môn.”

He said: “If, as we hope, these plans come to fruition – it will mean economic certainty and prosperity for decades to come. Despite past disappointments, we remain committed to hosting a new nuclear on the condition that it delivers long-term transformational benefits – in terms of local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and prosperity for our communities and residents.”

Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, added that the development could “transform the economy of Ynys Môn, particularly the north of the Island and North Wales,” but stressed that the council would “work to mitigate negative impacts” on local residents and ensure “the voices of north Anglesey are fully taken into account.”

Lib Dems: “Local jobs and training must come first”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said he welcomed steps to improve energy security but warned against the use of outside contractors.

“I welcome any moves to improve our energy security, but this must translate into real jobs for local people, not outside contractors flown in for a few years,” he said.

“The focus should be on training, apprenticeships, and long-term opportunities that strengthen communities. Wales has the natural resources to lead a green energy revolution through tidal energy and offshore wind, but we need to see this same level of investment extended to projects like the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.”

Unite: “A step forward but a missed opportunity”

Trade union Unite said the announcement was welcome but criticised the government for not opting for a larger gigawatt-scale nuclear station at Wylfa.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is a strong supporter of the development of SMRs, but a failure to support a giga-watt nuclear power station at Wylfa would be a huge missed opportunity in securing the UK’s energy security.

“The UK is crying out for a joined-up energy strategy that ensures long-term energy security while maximising well-paid, highly skilled jobs for British workers.”

Unite national officer Simon Coop added: “While there are several places where SMRs could be sited, Wylfa is by far the best placed for a giga-watt nuclear power station. This would bring substantial jobs and investment to Anglesey.”

Reform UK: “Long overdue”

Reform UK Wales also welcomed the news but accused successive governments of dragging their feet.

A spokesperson said: “This announcement is long overdue and, if the political will had been there, we could have been well on our way to generating nuclear power from Wylfa by now.

“With energy costs soaring and unemployment rising in Wales, we should be taking a lead on nuclear power, not dawdling as we have done now for many years. Sadly, lukewarm support from Plaid Cymru for nuclear has also played a role in slowing this down.”

A new chapter for Wylfa

The original Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, near Cemaes, provided stable employment from the 1960s until its decommissioning in 2015. If the new project goes ahead as planned, it would mark the revival of one of Wales’ most iconic industrial sites — bringing new life and purpose to Anglesey’s north coast.

However, with questions over scale, local employment, and community impact still to be resolved, the challenge now is to ensure that Wylfa’s future truly delivers for the people of Wales.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.