News

Six-month wait for livestock policy answer sparks anger from MS

Published

6 months ago

November 14, 2025

Kurtz: ‘Welsh Government quietly content with 19% cut to livestock numbers’

A SIX-MONTH delay in responding to concerns about proposed cuts to livestock numbers has sparked criticism from Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz, who says the Welsh Government appears “quietly content” with plans that could reshape the future of Welsh farming.

Mr Kurtz wrote to Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, on 15 May seeking clarity on the Government’s position following the UK Climate Change Committee’s (UKCCC) recommendation that cattle and sheep numbers in Wales fall by 19 per cent by 2033.

The UKCCC recommendation forms part of its wider decarbonisation modelling for the UK agriculture sector. The committee has argued that reducing overall livestock numbers is one route to lowering methane emissions, although farming unions in Wales say the approach risks undermining food production and exporting emissions overseas.

Mr Kurtz received a reply dated 13 November — a delay he described as “unacceptable.”

Welsh Government: review ongoing, no explicit rejection

In his letter, the Cabinet Secretary confirms that Welsh Government officials are reviewing the UKCCC advice as part of preparations for Wales’ fourth Carbon Budget (2031–35), which must be set before the end of the year. The Carbon Budgets — required under the Environment (Wales) Act — determine the emission reduction pathway the country must follow.

The response acknowledges that the UKCCC’s modelling anticipates cattle and sheep numbers falling from 10.9 million in 2025 to 9.7 million by 2030, with the Cabinet Secretary noting that some of this change is “largely being driven by market forces.”

The Welsh Government stops short of endorsing or rejecting the 19 per cent figure. Instead, Mr Irranca-Davies highlights that current livestock numbers in Wales are already below the UKCCC’s projected 2025 baseline, and says herd and flock trends will continue to be monitored through UK market oversight systems.

SFS flexibility stressed — but modelling still includes reductions

The Cabinet Secretary also references the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), due to replace the Basic Payment Scheme from 2026. He emphasises that the SFS is “outcome-driven” and should provide more flexibility than earlier economic modelling assumed — particularly around habitat and stocking requirements.

Officials have stated that previous modelling took a “worst-case” approach by assuming every participating farm would face uniform stocking restrictions. The Cabinet Secretary says this will not be the case in practice.

However, his letter also confirms that reductions in livestock numbers — and the associated impact on farm incomes — remain a factor within the wider decarbonisation pathway under consideration.

Kurtz: “Deeply concerning for farmers and food security”

Responding to the reply, Mr Kurtz said the combination of delay and tone should alarm the agricultural sector.

He said: “It’s unacceptable that it has taken this long to provide a response. While the Scottish Government has objected to the recommendation, the Welsh Government appears to be quietly content with it. This is deeply concerning for Welsh farmers, our agricultural industry, the wider supply chain, and our long-term food security.”

The MS has urged farmers and rural businesses to complete his ongoing farming survey, which he says will help shape future scrutiny of Welsh Government policy.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

11 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

11 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

13 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.