News

Welsh Lib Dems welcome review into foreign interference in UK politics

Published

3 months ago

December 16, 2025

A UK-GOVERNMENT-ORDERED independent review into alleged foreign financial interference in British politics has been welcomed by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, following the conviction of former Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill.

The review was announced after Gill, a former UKIP and Reform UK politician, was found guilty earlier this year of offences linked to receiving money connected to a foreign state in order to influence political activity. The case has raised wider concerns about the vulnerability of UK and devolved political systems to overseas funding and interference.

Responding to the announcement, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the investigation was necessary to safeguard democratic integrity, particularly ahead of future elections in Wales.

“The actions of former Welsh Reform leader Nathan Gill are utterly reprehensible,” he said. “Taking money linked to a hostile foreign state to influence democratic debate is a betrayal of public trust and a stain on our democracy.”

Gill, who previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for UKIP before later joining Reform UK, was convicted following a high-profile investigation that brought renewed scrutiny to political finance rules and enforcement mechanisms. Reform UK distanced itself from Gill following the case, stating that he was no longer a member of the party.

Mr Chadwick criticised Reform UK for what he described as a failure to carry out a thorough internal investigation into Gill’s conduct before the matter reached the courts.

“It is telling that the UK Government is now stepping in after Reform UK failed to launch a serious internal investigation into the conduct of their former Welsh leader,” he said. “When parties fail to take responsibility for their own standards, independent scrutiny is essential to protect our democracy.”

The UK Government has said the independent review will examine whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent foreign money being used to influence political debate, campaign activity and elections, including at devolved level. It is expected to consider the effectiveness of current transparency rules, reporting requirements and enforcement powers.

The issue has taken on added significance in Wales, with the next Senedd election approaching in 2026. Political finance and campaign regulation is devolved in part, but remains closely linked to UK-wide electoral law.

Mr Chadwick said the case should act as a warning to all political parties.

“This must be a wake-up call,” he said. “With future Senedd elections ahead, stronger safeguards are needed to protect Welsh democracy from foreign interference, illicit funding and opaque donations.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats said they would continue to press for tighter transparency requirements and tougher enforcement of political finance laws, arguing that public confidence in the democratic process depends on voters knowing who is funding political activity.

The UK Government has not yet set a timetable for the completion of the review but has said its findings will be published in full once concluded.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

13 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.