News

Plaid leader says election win would be used to map ‘road to independence’

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2026

Conservatives accuse party of trying to “tear Britain apart” as parties gear up for Senedd poll

PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has said his party would use time in government after the 2026 Senedd election to set out what he described as a “road to independence” for Wales.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 13), Mr ap Iorwerth said Plaid’s next manifesto would explain how the party would use office to “make the case” for Wales taking “more levers of power” into its own hands.

“Of course, the manifesto will spell out how we will want to use our time in government to make the case for how we can do things differently in Wales, how we can set a different trajectory for us by taking more levers of power into our hands,” he said.

“You can call that independence now, you can call it the road to independence, whatever.”

The comments come as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next Senedd election, due to take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

What Plaid is proposing

Plaid Cymru has long supported Welsh independence in principle, but the pace and mechanism of any constitutional change has been a recurring point of political contention.

In previous policy documents, Plaid has proposed producing a “Green Paper on the path to independence” and establishing a national commission to examine options for Wales’ political and economic future and involve citizens in that debate.

Mr ap Iorwerth’s latest remarks suggest the party intends to foreground that agenda in the run-up to 2026, framing independence as part of a broader argument for greater Welsh decision-making powers.

A Plaid Cymru news release issued the same day described the election as an opportunity to elect a Plaid-led government and referenced “bold plans” for Wales, delivered alongside the press conference.

Conservatives and Lib Dems hit back

The Welsh Conservatives responded by accusing Plaid of seeking to break up the United Kingdom.

Darren Millar MS, the party’s leader in the Senedd, said: “Plaid Cymru want to tear Britain apart. The people of Wales won’t let them.”

He added: “Plaid pretends to put Wales first, but in reality, they would bankrupt us to pay for their independence pipe dream.”

Mr Millar also criticised further devolution, describing it as a “salami slice strategy” towards independence.

Responding to Plaid Cymru’s press conference, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Plaid Cymru’s plans for independence would do catastrophic damage to the Welsh economy and be thousands of times more damaging than Brexit, risking jobs, investment and public services across Wales.

Plaid may be trying to hide its support for independence, but it is the very reason the party exists. We have seen in Scotland with the SNP that once nationalists get into power, they waste money, time and political resources obsessing over independence instead of focusing on the day-to-day issues that actually affect people’s lives.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are clear: we will not support any government, formally or informally, that spends a single pound on independence. Our priority is fixing the real issues people face: fixing the NHS and social care, growing the economy and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.”

The political backdrop

The exchange lands in an already volatile pre-election landscape, with polls and analysis over the past year suggesting a more fragmented contest than Wales has traditionally seen, and growing competition for voters across parties.

It also comes against the backdrop of Senedd reforms that will change how voters choose their representatives at the next election, including an expanded chamber.

What comes next

Plaid Cymru has not yet published its 2026 manifesto. The party says the document will set out how it would use government to advance its case for greater powers, which Mr ap Iorwerth described as a “road to independence”.

The Welsh Conservatives say they will campaign against any further constitutional drift and will argue that independence would weaken Wales economically.

With the election less than 16 months away, both parties are expected to sharpen their pitch to voters on the constitutional question—alongside the more immediate concerns of public services, living costs, and jobs—issues likely to dominate campaigning across Wales in the months ahead.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

10 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.