Politics

Plans to ban greyhound racing in Wales clear first hurdle

Published

3 months ago

December 17, 2025

THE WELSH Government has taken a major step towards making Wales the first nation in the UK to ban greyhound racing after winning a key vote.

Senedd Members voted 36-11, with three abstentions, to support the general principles of the greyhound racing bill on December 16, paving the way for the sport to be outlawed by April 2030. However, the bill will be subject to further votes before becoming law.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister who is responsible for animal welfare policy in Wales, told Senedd Members the welfare of greyhounds must remain paramount.

“It is about protecting the lives and welfare of greyhounds in Wales,” he said. “Greyhound racing around a track poses an inherent risk of high-speed collisions, falls and injuries.

“Bringing this to an end… will keep animals safer. This bill shows we are a progressive nation committed to ethical standards, animal welfare and forward-thinking legislation.”

He said officials will continue to monitor the social and economic impact, including the effect on the Valley Greyhound Stadium – Wales’ last remaining track in Ystrad Mynach.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who visited the stadium in November, added that work is under way to ensure targeted support for workers before the bill comes into force.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies

The Deputy First Minister told Senedd Members: “I took the opportunity to listen to the concerns from trainers, track managers and other industry representatives.”

He argued the likelihood of racing going underground was low, telling the Senedd he had accepted most of the recommendations on the bill made by scrutiny committees.

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture committee which has been examining the bill, expressed concerns about the “accelerated” window for scrutiny. “We hope the reduced timetable followed for this bill will not set precedents,” she said.

Ms Jewell said opponents accepted injuries to greyhounds happen but argued that welfare has improved under regulation, warning of racing moving underground or across borders.

South Wales East's Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell — South Wales East’s Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell

She raised evidence from supporters who suggested these measures cannot address the inherent dangers of racing dogs where “catastrophic injuries are at times unavoidable”.

She stressed that the available data on welfare measures and injuries is highly contested.

Ms Jewell expressed her personal view that the bill should be agreed during the stage-one debate despite “shortcomings” in the legislative process.

The Plaid Cymru deputy leader said: “Nobody, in giving evidence, contested the fact there will always be predictable and unavoidable harms that are inherent to greyhound racing.”

She added: “Compassion should be our compass and the law should reflect that.”

Mike Hedges, who chairs the Senedd’s legislation committee, warned of a lack of consultation and said relevant impact assessments have not all been completed.

The Conservatives’ Gareth Davies, who visited the Valley track last week, recognised welfare concerns but he voted against the bill, suggesting a ban was disproportionate.

Mr Davies said: “I saw, first hand, the kennels the dogs were kept in which were of a very high quality and I was satisfied that the industry is, rightly, more than willing to comply with the very high standards of animal welfare regulation.”

He was pressed by Labour’s Carolyn Thomas about his support for a sport which sees dogs “suffering life-ending or life-altering injuries in the name of gambling and entertainment”.

Mr Davies warned the bill had been rushed through, with “clear evidence that injury rates have fallen to historic lows under the current regulatory framework”.

Llŷr Gruffydd explained he would not support the principles of the bill, breaking with most of his Plaid Cymru colleagues, due to the “highly contested” evidence base. “A strong ethical basis alone doesn’t necessarily make good law,” he said.

Mr Gruffydd told the Senedd the bill was introduced without an evidence base, without comprehensive public engagement and without complete impact assessments.

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd — Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd

Raising the risk of unintended consequences, he pointed out dogs could still be kept in Wales and raced in England – “increasing travel distances and welfare risks”.

Mr Gruffydd warned the bill falls short, saying: “We all share the goal of improving animal welfare but good intentions don’t always deliver good legislation.”

Conservative James Evans echoed these concerns as he argued against a ban, warning politicians were being placed in an “impossible position” without the necessary evidence.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, struck a budget deal with the Welsh Government last year which led to the introduction of the greyhound racing bill.

Ms Dodds, who has owned rescue greyhounds, said: “These are animals that have been raced, they have been cruelly treated and I’m not going to milk that word: it is cruel.” She paid tribute to the Cut the Chase charity coalition which has campaigned for change.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Labour’s Lesley Griffiths, John Griffiths and Carolyn Thomas; Plaid Cymru’s Siân Gwenllian and Luke Fletcher; and the Conservatives’ Altaf Hussain similarly spoke in support of a ban.

Mr Hussain told the Senedd: “Dogs are being subjected to horrendous injury and death… to maximise profits for the multi-billion-pound betting industry… enough is enough.”

The bill now moves to the next steps – consideration of detailed amendments by the culture committee then the whole Senedd – before a final stage-four vote.

Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain which has launched a legal challenge to the plans, said the process showed the Senedd in the worst possible light.

Following the debate, he criticised a “dodgy backroom deal” and an “indefensible policy sham” which ignores the “condemnation and objections” of Senedd scrutiny committees.

Mr Bird warned: “This is neither good government nor good politics. This bill will do nothing to serve the priorities of the Welsh public, economy or animal welfare.

“Rather every instance of animal use in Wales – from horseracing to livestock farming – should prepare to be the next target of the animal rights movement and its political lackeys.”

He added: “Wales is sleepwalking into the arms of an animal rights future that no one has voted for and which ignores common sense, factual evidence and proper process.”

A spokesperson from the Cut the Chase Coalition – made up of Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue, and the RSPCA – said: “Today’s vote is so important and marks the latest step in what we hope will be the final lap for a pastime which is outdated, and puts animals at unnecessary risk.

“In backing the legislation’s general principles, MSs have made a clear statement that the risks greyhound racing continues to pose to dog welfare are simply not defendable in the interests of sport or entertainment.

“Across the UK, the industry’s own data shows the thousands of injuries that have occurred in recent years as a result of racing, while hundreds of dogs have lost their lives.

“Ending greyhound racing is the only way to protect dogs from such avoidable and unnecessary risk; and MSs have today voted in line with public opinion after tens of thousands of people signed a petition urging the Welsh Government to take action.

“In the months ahead, we look forward to continuing to work with MSs as this legislation progresses… to ensure Wales joins the growing list of nations worldwide where greyhound racing has been consigned to where it belongs – the history books.”

News

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

Published

11 hours 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.

News

Welsh steel communities at heart of tariff debate as unions warn strategy still lacking

Published

12 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Port Talbot jobs and future of UK steel industry in focus despite government move to curb cheap imports

WELSH steelworkers could be among the biggest beneficiaries of new UK tariffs on imported steel — but unions have warned that without a long-term plan, the industry will continue to face uncertainty.

The UK Government has confirmed it will strengthen its tariff regime from June to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel on the domestic market, a move welcomed by trade union Unite.

However, the union says the decision highlights a wider problem — a reactive approach that has left critical industries like steel “lurching from crisis to crisis.”

The issue is particularly significant for Wales, where the steel industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, with communities such as Port Talbot heavily reliant on the sector for jobs and investment.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market from June.

“But this last minute situation is just another reminder that the reactive approach to UK steel that sees it lurch from crisis to crisis needs to be overhauled.”

She added: “Ministers must introduce a long-term strategy that secures the future of the industry, which is vital to the UK’s economy and national security, without delay.”

The Herald understands that concerns remain across the Welsh steel sector about the pace and direction of change, particularly following the transition away from traditional blast furnace steelmaking at Port Talbot.

Unions and industry figures have repeatedly warned that the shift towards electric arc furnaces, while more environmentally sustainable, could reduce the UK’s ability to produce so-called “virgin steel” — a key material for major infrastructure and defence projects.

Unite has called on the government to go further by legislating to ensure that all major UK infrastructure developments use domestically produced steel.

The proposal would have clear implications for Wales, potentially boosting demand for steel produced at Welsh sites and helping to safeguard jobs.

Unite regional secretary Peter Hughes said: “The steel strategy must be a first step in backing the UK steel industry and steelworkers.

“Steel is a foundation industry and is critical to the success of our economy. The government must also back the production of virgin green steel as we can’t simply rely on electric arc furnaces to produce all the steel we need.”

The debate comes at a crucial time for Welsh steelmaking, with significant public investment already committed to supporting the industry’s transition to greener production methods.

While ministers have framed the tariffs as a necessary step to protect domestic producers, critics argue that without a comprehensive industrial strategy, the measures risk being a short-term fix.

For communities in south Wales, the stakes remain high. Steel is not only a major employer but a defining part of the region’s identity — and decisions made in Westminster will have lasting consequences on the ground.

As global competition intensifies and energy costs remain volatile, pressure is mounting on the UK Government to move beyond emergency interventions and set out a clear, long-term vision for the future of steel — one that secures both jobs and production capacity in Wales.

Local Government

Pembrokeshire parking charge increases backed by Cabinet

Published

21 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PARKING charge increases in Pembrokeshire, which include part of Tenby’s multi-storey and the new Haverfordwest interchange moving to a 24-hour charging model, have been backed by senior councillors.

At the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back a number of amendments to the current Pembrokeshire County Council parking charges.

For parking permits the changes proposed, to take effect from April 1, were: Y Penfro, parking across any long stay car park all year, from £240 a year to £300; The Puffin, which allows non-vehicle specific parking in a specific named car park all year round, from £180 to £240; Coastal, a transferable permit to allow a vehicle to park in specific seasonal car parks, up from £120 season to £160; Parking Permit Passport, a weekly permit transferable across all long stay car parks, from £35 to £40 a week.

These changes are expected to net an extra £25,000 a year.

At the Haverfordwest Interchange, changes, moving from a 9am-7pm charging to 24 hours, include the first hour now being free, with additional charges to the current rates of 10 hrs at £3.50 and 24 hrs at £4.50, along with a new dedicated motorcycle bay charge of £1 per 24 hours.

At Tenby multi-storey, to take effect from May 1, the proposal is to introduce 24 hours charging on floors 1–3. The ground floor would remain as charging between 9am and 7pm, this floor is short stay only, maximum stay two hours.

The main additional summer charges are: 10 hours £6, 24 hours £10, and weekly £50, up from the current £30; winter rates see 10 hours £3, 24 hours £5, and weekly £25, the latter up from £15.

From March 2027, Tenby Harbour Resident Permits see no cost changes, but a maximum of two vehicle registrations allowed, but a Tenby Harbour visitors permit will be introduced at a cost of £60 per vehicle.

These would be via a Variation Order which involves consultation. It is proposed to bring back any comments to Cabinet prior to implementing.

In Haverfordwest, a new four-hour charge, at £3, for Perrots Road is proposed alongside the current one and two-hour stay charges.

The town’s Hole in the Wall Car park is proposed to be revoked.

Two sites at Gelliswick Seafront currently have no enforceable parking restrictions. Due to recurring issues including overnight camping, it is proposed to introduce: Gelliswick Seafront – free parking, and Gelliswick – free parking.

Many of these changes will be require variation orders.

Other general cincreases proposed included: on street resident permit, £46 a year (to £48); on street visitor permit £52.50 (£60); compound £200 a week (£250); charity £50 (£65) free if all funds to charity; events, on a sliding scale dependent on the percentage capacity of the car park used from less than 50 per cent £100 (£150), 50-75 per cent £175 (£225) and over 75 per cent £225 (£275).

Members backed the changes, also agreeing to undertake a full review of parking services operations to include parking charges, charging periods, seasonal charges, license opportunities, in line with full cost recovery, with a report back to Cabinet in June 2027 – any changes to be implemented from September 2027.