Politics

‘Know your place’: UK Government accused of contempt in heated Senedd debate

Published

3 months ago

December 18, 2025

THE UK GOVERNMENT has been accused of ditching “Pride in Place” for a “know-your-place” attitude and treating Wales with contempt in a fiery Senedd debate.

Rhun ap Iorwerth led the criticism, warning the will of the electorate has been “flagrantly ignored” by “at best inertia” and “at worst a concerted attempt” by UK ministers.

The Plaid Cymru leader pointed out that more than a third of Labour Senedd Members sent a letter to Keir Starmer, accusing the Prime Minister of rolling back devolution.

The letter, which was signed by 11 backbenchers, described a decision to “impose” policy on Wales as ranging from “deeply insensitive” to a “constitutional outrage”.

Their attack on Sir Keir’s government was prompted by the Pride in Place scheme which gives money to Welsh councils for town centre improvements – a wholly devolved area.

Calling for Wales to be treated equally, they wrote: “Why is the UK Government directly funding Welsh councils to fix bus shelters, reopen park toilets and provide bins?”

Leading the Plaid Cymru debate, Mr ap Iorwerth criticised the “contemptuous attitude” of successive governments in Westminster – whether red or blue.

He accused Jo Stevens, the Welsh secretary, of failing to stand up for Wales around the UK cabinet table and “campaigning against” Labour policy on devolving the crown estate.

Mr ap Iorwerth told the Senedd: “And now we learn the UK Government is bypassing devolution altogether with its Pride in Place funding.”

He warned: “It appears as if the much vaunted respect agenda between the Welsh and UK Governments only works one way: Westminster will do as it wants, Wales will do as it’s told.”

James Evans, for the Conservatives, described arguments about the devolution settlement as tiring and distracting from challenges faced by the people of Wales.

He said: “While politicians in this chamber argue over powers, structures and the constitution, hard-working people across Wales are asking a fair and simple question: what has the devolution of powers here actually delivered for me?

“After more than two decades of devolution, the Welsh Government already has extensive powers; the problem is not a lack of powers, the problem is a lack of results.”

Mr Evans warned people are losing faith in devolution due to a “tired” Labour government, “propped up” by Plaid Cymru – “pushing their left-wing, extreme socialist agenda”.

He argued: “There is nothing wrong with money going directly to those who can do the most, local authorities know their communities far better than ministers in Cathays Park.”

Labour’s Mike Hedges described Plaid Cymru policy as one of “salami-slicing” to independence by demanding powers “until there’s nothing left to devolve”.

Mr Hedges, who was among the letter’s signatories, pointed to Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that Wales is a net beneficiary of the union to the tune of £12bn to £15bn a year.

Adam Price, the ex-Plaid Cymru leader, said: “In July 2024, a Labour UK Government came into office promising change but, as far as devolution is concerned, we’ve had the opposite.”

He told the chamber Welsh ministers were unable to point to a single example of new powers having been transferred to the Senedd by the UK Government.

Mr Price pointed out that the Tory UK Government devolved powers over energy, rail, and income tax whereas Labour has delivered “no new powers at all”. He said: “It’s not Pride in Place, it’s ‘know your place’ as far as democracy is concerned.”

Alun Davies, a former minister who put his name to the letter, warned a report on devolution by former PM Gordon Brown has been “gathering dust”. “It’s a tragedy for the Labour party,” he said, adding: “It is not fair that Wales is treated the way it is.”

Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats’ leader in Wales, backed the Labour backbenchers as she criticised the non-devolution of the crown estate, policing and criminal justice.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Responding to the debate on Wednesday December 17, Huw Irranca-Davies pointed to slow and steady progress on devolution over decades – “tortuous as it has sometimes been”.

The Deputy First Minister, whose responsibilities include constitutional affairs, stressed Welsh Labour was taking forward devolution of water regulation, youth justice and probation. “We continue to be the government and the party of devolution,” he said.

In the final voting time before the Christmas break, Senedd Members rejected the Plaid Cymru motion – 37-13 – before passing the Welsh Government’s amended version. Mr ap Iorwerth accused Labour backbenchers of “capitulating” and being whipped into line.

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

Business

Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

News

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

Published

16 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.