News

Child poverty warning as Reform and Conservatives oppose Labour plans to scrap two-child limit

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2026

More than 69,000 children in Wales could be affected as parties clash over benefit policy

A sharp political divide has emerged over child poverty, with Reform UK and the Conservatives opposing Labour’s move to scrap the two-child benefit limit – a policy Labour says is pushing working families and children into poverty.

As legislation to remove the two-child limit is introduced to Parliament, Labour has warned that the position taken by Reform UK and the Conservatives risks forcing more than 69,000 children and around 19,000 working families in Wales back into poverty.

The Conservatives have said they would reintroduce the two-child limit in full, while Reform UK has indicated it would restore the policy for more than 99 per cent of households affected, exempting only families where both parents are in full-time work – most of whom are not currently subject to the limit.

The two-child limit prevents families from receiving additional benefits when they have a third or subsequent child. In Wales, just over 19,000 families are affected, many of them in work but struggling on low incomes.

Labour says new analysis shows that scrapping the limit would benefit more than 69,000 children across Wales and forms a central part of its approach to tackling child poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. By contrast, Labour has accused Reform UK and the Conservatives of pursuing policies that would deepen poverty and reverse recent progress.

In Pembrokeshire, hundreds of families are currently affected by the two-child limit, with Labour representatives warning that the policy disproportionately impacts households in rural areas, where wages are often lower and the cost of essentials such as transport, food and energy is higher. Labour argues that removing the limit would provide direct financial support to working families in the county who are already under financial pressure.

Figures show that the majority of families affected by the two-child limit include at least one working parent, a point Labour says undermines claims that the policy targets those who are not in work.

Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, said: “The cruel and unfair two-child limit imposed by the Tories has hit the incomes of people in some of our most vulnerable communities in Wales. We in Welsh Labour have relentlessly called for it to be scrapped. We now see from today’s figures, the real positive impact of the UK Government’s action and also the benefit of two Labour governments working together to help tackle child poverty.

“While your two Labour governments are putting more money in families’ pockets, Reform and the Tories would plunge 450,000 children across the UK back into poverty by reimplementing the policy, punishing parents for working hard.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “This Labour Government came into office pledging to tackle child poverty and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“I’m proud that Labour is scrapping the cruel two-child limit. It’s a policy that has imposed hardship on the children of parents who go out to work to provide as much as they can for their families.

“Because of Labour’s action, 19,000 families in Wales will have more money in their pockets, with 69,000 more children growing up in households with the means to meet their needs.

“The Reform-Tory Child Poverty Pact would wipe out this progress. It is a plan to punish parents who work hard and do the right thing, and it would plunge hundreds of thousands back into poverty.”

Labour says its wider Child Poverty Strategy, which includes expanding free school meals, cutting energy bills, extending childcare provision and increasing the national living wage — is expected to lift 550,000 children out of poverty across the UK by 2030, a figure it says represents the largest reduction in a single parliamentary term.

Community

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

Published

3 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

3 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

4 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.