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Wales set to ‘lose out’ on more than £1bn in transport funding

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Lib Dems accuse UK Government of “deliberately depriving Welsh communities”, but Labour insists investment plans remain fair

WALES is set to lose out on more than £1 billion in transport funding over the coming years after the Welsh Liberal Democrats highlighted that the UK Labour Government has confirmed Northern Powerhouse Rail will proceed as an “England and Wales” project – despite the scheme not touching a single centimetre of Welsh soil.

Northern Powerhouse Rail – sometimes described informally as High Speed 3 – aims to improve rail connections between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and other major cities across northern England. But by designating it as an “England and Wales” scheme, the Treasury avoids triggering Barnett consequentials that would otherwise flow to the Welsh Government.

Sixth-billion shortfall

According to figures released by the Lib Dems, the decision could deprive Wales of between £1.34bn and £1.59bn over the project’s lifetime. This is in addition to the estimated £4bn in lost funding when HS2 was similarly classified, and a further £306m–£363m linked to East–West Rail between Oxford and Cambridge.

In total, Wales could be missing out on around £6bn across the three projects.

By contrast, Scotland is expected to receive £2.7bn in consequentials from Northern Powerhouse Rail, while Northern Ireland is set to receive just under £1bn.

Lib Dem criticism of Labour stance

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say the figures undermine Labour’s claim that Wales is receiving fair transport funding. Labour has pledged £445m for rail in Wales over ten years – an amount the Lib Dems described as “an absolute joke” when set against the billions flowing elsewhere.

The party has again called for heavy rail to be devolved to Wales, as it is in Scotland and Northern Ireland, arguing this would prevent future funding disputes. They also point out that the UK Government could choose to classify such schemes as “England only” – as was done with Crossrail – which would automatically provide Wales with consequential funding.

Welsh rail projects still awaiting decisions

Critics also note that several Wales-specific rail improvements, including electrification of the North and South Wales Mainlines, have not yet been committed to by Labour, despite being previously supported while in opposition.

‘Wales left behind’ – Chadwick

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “This Labour Government is deliberately depriving Welsh communities of billions of pounds in transport funding, whilst expecting a pat on the back for delivering crumbs.

“Labour has the power to change the system and stop these funding scandals, but has made its position clear – they are happy for Wales to be left behind, paying for megaprojects in England whilst our own rail and transport infrastructure collapses.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for fair transport funding that delivers for our communities and businesses.”

Labour response

A UK Labour Government spokesperson has previously said that its investment plans will deliver “a fair and balanced package for every part of the UK”, and that decisions on rail funding are being taken “in line with long-standing Treasury processes”. The Government maintains that its £445m investment commitment demonstrates its intent to improve Wales’s rail network.

The Welsh Government has also been approached for further comment.

 

Crime

Two arrested after high-value shoplifting incident in Kilgetty

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TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting following a rapid police response to a reported high-value theft at a supermarket in Kilgetty.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the Co-op store at around 3.35pm on Wednesday (Jan 28), after a report that a large quantity of alcohol and other items had been stolen.

Using information provided by the caller, Roads Policing Unit officers worked closely with control room staff to identify a vehicle believed to be involved. Several patrol cars were deployed, and the vehicle was located a short time later travelling east.

Police said the safety of all those involved was treated as a priority, with specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) advice obtained while officers maintained constant observation of the vehicle.

The car was brought to a safe stop on a back road approaching Hendy, involving three Roads Policing Unit vehicles. No injuries or damage were reported.

Following roadside checks, two men — aged 67 and 46 — were arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop.

Both remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Police said the swift response helped prevent further offending and demonstrated the effectiveness of specialist roads policing officers acting on real-time intelligence.

 

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Climate

Breaking down barriers between finance and industry in offshore renewables sector

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EARLIER this week, Marine Energy Wales brought together senior representatives from national and devolved finance institutions with developers, ports and supply-chain companies operating across Wales’ offshore renewable energy sector for a dedicated finance roundtable in Pembroke Dock. Attendance was limited to premium MEW members to allow for frank, focused discussion.

The session was intentionally designed to be different.

Rather than relying on formal presentations or sales pitches, the roundtable created a facilitated, closed-door space for open dialogue. Finance organisations were able to explain clearly how they operate, what types of projects they can support, and where constraints still exist. Industry participants, in turn, set out the real-world challenges they are facing across tidal energy, floating offshore wind, port infrastructure and supply-chain development.

What emerged was more than information sharing—it was a clearer, shared understanding of how decisions are made on both sides.

From siloed conversations to shared problem-solving

A consistent theme from the discussion was that significant public and institutional finance is now available to support clean energy projects. However, navigating that landscape remains complex, particularly for early-stage developments, smaller supply-chain businesses and emerging technologies.

By bringing the right people into the room at the same time, the roundtable helped to:

  • demystify how different finance bodies assess risk, scale and project readiness
  • highlight where policy ambition, market signals and investment criteria are not yet aligned
  • identify opportunities where better sequencing and coordination of funding could unlock progress
  • establish direct relationships that will support follow-up conversations beyond the room

The discussion also surfaced where gaps remain. In particular, the need for clearer market signals and more tailored support for tidal stream and other early-stage marine technologies was repeatedly raised. These are challenges that are difficult to address in isolation, but far more productive to tackle collectively.

The value of convening

For Marine Energy Wales, the roundtable reinforced the importance of our role as a neutral convener for the sector.

Members consistently tell us that access to finance is one of the most significant barriers to progress—not only in terms of capital availability, but in understanding how to engage effectively with funders. At the same time, finance organisations are keen to deepen their understanding of project development timelines, technology risk and the scale of Welsh supply-chain ambition.

Creating space for those conversations is where real value is added.

This is not about Marine Energy Wales brokering individual deals. It is about building shared understanding, reducing friction, and helping to align finance, policy and industry around credible pathways to delivery.

What comes next

This roundtable was not a one-off.

Marine Energy Wales is committed to continuing this work, developing structured and trusted forums where finance, industry and government can engage early, openly and constructively. As Wales moves from ambition to delivery in offshore wind and tidal energy, these relationships and conversations will be critical to ensuring projects are investable, deliverable and anchored in Welsh economic benefit.

We will continue to work with our members and partners to identify priority issues, convene the right voices, and help turn opportunity into tangible outcomes on the ground.

 

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Business

Eight-year prison sentence after vehicle stop uncovers drugs worth over £150,000

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A ROUTINE vehicle stop by roads policing officers has led to an eight-year prison sentence after more than £150,000 worth of illegal drugs were discovered in a car in Pembrokeshire.

On Friday, January 2, officers from the Roads Policing Unit stopped a grey Seat Ateca on Hoyland Road, Pembroke. The vehicle was being driven by 43-year-old Dean Evans.

During the stop, Evans told officers they would find “stuff” in the car. He and the vehicle were subsequently searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A search of the boot uncovered a cardboard box containing a one-kilogram block of cocaine and ten half-kilogram packages of herbal cannabis. The street value of the drugs was estimated to be well in excess of £150,000.

Evans was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. He was later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, January 3.

On Thursday, January 28, Evans was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to eight years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

DC Jones, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Tackling the supply of illegal drugs is a priority for Dyfed-Powys Police, and the misery that illegal drugs bring to local communities will not be tolerated.

“We welcome the sentence passed to Dean Evans, given the large quantity of harmful drugs he was caught trafficking into Pembrokeshire.

“This sentence should serve as a stark warning to anyone tempted to become involved in the illegal drugs trade in Dyfed and Powys.”

 

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