News

Call for Welsh public to help shape next chapter of Future Generations Act

Published

3 months ago

March 16, 2026

PEOPLE across Wales should be involved in shaping the next phase of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, according to a new Senedd committee report examining how the landmark law is working in practice.

The report, published by the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee, follows a post-legislative review of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The legislation requires public bodies to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on the environment, society, culture and the economy.

The cross-party committee – including members from Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives and the Welsh Liberal Democrats – assessed how the Act is being implemented and where improvements may be needed.

The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker, welcomed the report and its recommendation that communities across the country should help shape how the law develops in the years ahead.

The Act itself was originally developed following a national conversation in 2014 known as “The Wales We Want”, in which more than 5,000 people contributed ideas about the country’s long-term priorities.

The committee’s review comes shortly after the publication of the Future Generations Report 2025, a five-year assessment by the Commissioner examining progress towards Wales’ national well-being goals. The report highlighted areas where further work is needed, including environmental protection, economic resilience, tackling health inequalities and supporting Welsh culture.

Mr Walker said the Senedd committee’s findings reinforced the need for the legislation to evolve.

“Today’s cross-party report from the Senedd’s Social Justice Committee is an important moment for the future of the Well-being of Future Generations Act,” he said.

“It is encouraging to see politicians from across parties recognising both the progress the Act has helped to drive and the need to strengthen it for the years ahead.”

He said the committee had echoed several recommendations from his own report, including the need for a formal review of the law and renewed public engagement.

“If the Act is to remain relevant and capable of meeting the challenges Wales faces, it must continue to evolve and be backed by the legal strength required to deliver real change,” he added.

The Commissioner also highlighted the role his office plays in helping public bodies apply the Act in practice, promoting long-term planning, prevention and collaboration when decisions are made.

The legislation has influenced decisions across a range of sectors, including transport planning, education policy and community-led projects.

However, Mr Walker said further progress will depend on continued public involvement.

“Just as thousands helped shape the Act more than a decade ago, it will be crucial for people across Wales to help inform how it develops in the future,” he said.

The Commissioner has also proposed that the Senedd establish a “Committee for the Future” to ensure long-term thinking is embedded in Welsh policymaking.

His Future Generations Report 2025 set out 50 recommendations aimed at strengthening how the Act is implemented across Wales.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

5 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

5 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

6 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).