News

First Minister faces the Herald: Withybush, schools, and farming under the spotlight

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2026

Eluned Morgan sat down in Milford Haven for a wide-ranging interview with The Herald as voters in Ceredigion Penfro prepare to decide who they trust on the NHS, education, rural Wales and the future of west Wales

IN a major pre-election interview with The Herald, First Minister Eluned Morgan defended Labour’s record in Wales while facing direct questioning on the future of Withybush Hospital, job shortages for newly qualified NHS staff, declining school standards, farming anger, rural school closures, youth violence and environmental failures. In a conversation lasting more than half an hour, she made a series of promises — but also stopped short of giving cast-iron guarantees on some of the issues causing greatest concern in Pembrokeshire.

MILFORD HAVEN became the stage for one of the most important political interviews of the Senedd election campaign this week, as First Minister Eluned Morgan sat down with The Herald to answer the questions many west Wales voters are asking.

With just weeks to go before polling day, the interview cut straight to the issues dominating life in Pembrokeshire and beyond: the future of Withybush Hospital, the state of the NHS, school discipline and standards, pressure on family farms, the fallout from youth violence, river pollution, housing delays and whether Labour, after decades in power in Wales, can still credibly promise change.

From the outset, the Herald challenged the First Minister on the central argument now being made by many disillusioned voters — that Labour has had long enough.

Morgan’s answer was clear: she insisted that Labour remains the only party with the experience to govern responsibly, and warned that opposition parties were making promises they could not afford to keep. But while she repeatedly defended her government’s record, she also conceded on at least one key point that standards in Welsh schools today are “not” good enough.

That exchange alone will resonate with many parents.

But it was the future of Withybush that dominated much of the interview.

Morgan rejected repeated warnings that the hospital is under threat, accusing political opponents of raising closure fears at every election. She said Withybush is not going to close and pointed to millions of pounds already spent on fire safety and concrete repairs. She also claimed there would be more same-day emergency care, more cancer care and more orthopaedic surgery at the site.

Yet when pressed on whether she could rule out any further downgrading of services, the answer was notably less firm. Morgan said such decisions ultimately sit with the health board rather than politicians, while arguing that some highly specialist services may need to be centralised if patients are to see the best surgeons available.

That answer is unlikely to settle nerves in Pembrokeshire, where concern over the long-term future of local hospital services remains deeply rooted.

The Herald also put to the First Minister an increasingly difficult contradiction for Welsh Labour: how can ministers talk about recruitment shortages in the NHS while newly qualified nurses, paramedics and midwives are being told there may be no jobs for them in Wales?

Morgan said NHS staffing had increased by 12 per cent in five years and argued that the current situation reflected a mismatch between recruitment, retirements and specialist vacancies. She said she was confident the problem would “shake out”, but for many students and graduates facing uncertainty right now, that may sound more like hope than a plan.

The pressure did not ease when the discussion turned to waiting times. The Herald raised the example of a 10-and-a-half-hour wait in A&E at Withybush, with not enough seats and people reportedly sitting on the floor. Morgan argued Wales had been slower to recover after the pandemic because it had taken a more cautious approach, but said long waits were coming down and promised improved access to primary care and same-day mental health support if Labour is returned to office.

On dentistry, she acknowledged the depth of the problem. Asked about a woman who had waited three years for NHS dental treatment and was then offered a dentist in Carmarthen, Morgan admitted many dentists had left the public sector for more lucrative private work. Her answer was to point to contract changes and plans for a new dental school in Wales, with hopes that more rural trainees could eventually be kept in west Wales.

Education brought one of the interview’s clearest moments. Asked directly whether Welsh schools are good enough today, Morgan answered with a blunt “no”.

She said the pandemic had damaged attendance, resilience and behaviour, and argued that Labour had responded with free school meals, uniform support and more mental health help in schools. But the admission itself was striking, especially when set against Labour’s long period in office.

The Herald then turned the conversation to west Wales specifically, including concern over standards in Pembrokeshire and the shocking recent incident at Milford Haven School in which a teacher was stabbed. Morgan described that incident as “utterly unacceptable” and said behaviour must improve, while also pointing to investment in school buildings and plans for a new school for Milford Haven.

On rural schools, however, her response was less interventionist. Asked whether she accepted that the closure of a rural school weakens the whole community, Morgan acknowledged their importance but said such decisions must ultimately be made by local councils.

The interview also tackled a subject that has become impossible to ignore in west Wales: youth violence. In the wake of the Tenby stabbings, Morgan said what had happened was “utterly unacceptable” and argued that visible policing and stronger youth support were needed. But when asked plainly whether youth services in west Wales are strong enough right now, she did not give a straightforward yes. Instead, she said some areas were doing well while others needed strengthening.

Farming was another major flashpoint.

The Herald put to the First Minister the anger and anxiety felt by many family farmers over the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and the widespread belief that Welsh Labour has made rural communities feel attacked rather than supported. Morgan rejected that view, saying farmers are receiving more support than ever from the Welsh Government, with hundreds of millions of pounds going into the sector.

But she also insisted that public money must come with public benefit, arguing that farming support must help tackle climate change and environmental damage as well as food production.

Her most politically charged remarks came when she linked current farming pain to Brexit, saying many farmers had voted for promises that had not been kept and were now paying the price. That argument may appeal to Labour supporters, but it is unlikely to calm resentment in a sector that often feels talked at rather than listened to.

The spread of the new enlarged Senedd and the redrawing of the electoral map also featured in the interview. Morgan argued that having more Senedd members was necessary if Welsh democracy was to function properly, despite public frustration over the cost. She also sought to turn geography into an advantage, telling voters that having a First Minister who lives in west Wales means the region has a direct voice “at the top table”.

That was part of a wider effort to present herself as a leader still in mid-delivery rather than a tired incumbent. Morgan repeatedly stressed that she has only been First Minister for around 18 months and pointed to social housing, women’s health hubs, free school meals and reduced waiting lists as evidence she is already delivering change.

For Pembrokeshire readers, though, the most significant parts of the interview may have been her commitments on local healthcare, transport, jobs and infrastructure.

Morgan spoke of the potential for a new west Wales hospital, better primary care access, a proper transport plan for every health board and the long-term economic opportunity of green energy and Freeport-linked investment. She also backed major infrastructure to unlock those opportunities, including pylons, while acknowledging that communities affected by them should be compensated.

That position sets up a clear dividing line in west Wales politics: economic development versus landscape concerns, urgency versus caution.

The discussion ended where it began — at Withybush.

Asked one final time whether she could rule out further downgrading, Morgan again declined to offer a simple guarantee. Instead, she returned to the language of planning, health board responsibility and the need for safe transport to specialist care.

For readers in Pembrokeshire, that may be the clearest takeaway of all.

The First Minister came to Milford Haven with firm talking points, some big promises and a strong defence of Labour’s record. But under questioning from The Herald, she also made important admissions, particularly on school standards, and left some of the biggest local fears only partly answered.

As the election nears, voters will decide whether that is enough.

Five key takeaways from the Herald interview

Withybush remains the number one concern
Morgan insisted the hospital is not closing and said more services are coming, but stopped short of ruling out all future downgrading.

A blunt admission on schools
Asked if Welsh schools are good enough today, the First Minister said no.

NHS jobs contradiction exposed
The Herald challenged Labour on shortages in the NHS while newly qualified staff face uncertainty over jobs.

Farmers offered money — but not comfort
Morgan said farmers are receiving more support than ever, but defended environmental conditions and blamed Brexit for much of the pressure.

Labour’s pitch is experience over risk
Morgan’s core argument was that Labour may be imperfect, but the alternatives are promising what they cannot deliver.

Promises made in Milford Haven

Withybush Hospital will stay open
More same-day emergency care, cancer care and orthopaedic support at Withybush
A long-term ambition for a new west Wales hospital
Access to a primary care professional within 48 hours for urgent cases
Same-day mental health support under Labour’s plans
Continued pursuit of major green energy and infrastructure investment in west Wales

Community

Fire service leads Wales in dignity campaign for men with incontinence

Published

3 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has become the first fire service in Wales to install specially designed sanitary bins for men with incontinence.

The service has installed 26 male incontinence bins across 22 sites as part of the Dispose with Dignity initiative, led by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK.

The scheme supports men who experience bladder leaks, including those who have undergone life-saving treatment for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight men expected to develop the disease. The risk doubles to one in four for Black men. Urinary incontinence can be a side effect of treatment, including radical prostatectomy surgery.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service employs 1,420 people, 81 per cent of whom are men.

The organisation has now achieved the Gold level of The BOG STANDARD Charter, which recognises employers and organisations that install suitable disposal facilities, provide support, and help raise awareness of prostate cancer and incontinence.

Kelsey Tiffin, from the service’s estates department, said: “Like many employers, we didn’t know this was an issue that affected so many men, but as soon as we became aware, we wanted to take action to support our team.

“We want to ensure that all the men at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue can feel confident to come to work, knowing they will have the facilities they need to dispose of their incontinence pads.

“Talking about bladder leaks is never easy, but it’s so important for us to do this and reduce the stigma associated with it, because prostate cancer is so prevalent.

“We really hope having the bins will raise awareness of prostate cancer, as well as being a good reminder for men on our team to get their PSA checked at the GP sooner rather than later.”

More than 2,170 businesses and organisations across the UK have signed up to The BOG STANDARD, with more than 21,700 specially designed bins installed since the campaign launched in February 2023.

Matthew Brabin, chief executive of phs Group, said too many men were avoiding work, social events and everyday activities because suitable facilities were not available.

He said: “Whether it’s going to work, a conference, to their local sports club or even to the local for a pint, when there are no sanitary bins, men with incontinence are staying at home, when they should be with us.

“This is what our Dispose with Dignity initiative is trying to change, and we’re so pleased to see Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue join the fight by signing up to The BOG STANDARD Charter.”

Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically — but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos.

“It’s causing men stress and shame, and keeping them from going to work and doing the things they love.

“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue is making the organisation more welcoming and accessible for every employee, and we hope other organisations will follow.”

Anyone concerned about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org.

Community

Grant funding secured to restore Pembrokeshire’s last surviving tŷ unnos

Published

3 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S last surviving tŷ unnos is set to undergo essential repairs after the county council’s Museum Service secured a £20,000 grant.

Penrhos Cottage, near Llanycefn, Maenclochog, is a rare surviving example of an overnight cottage — a type of building deeply rooted in Welsh cultural history.

Tŷ unnos were traditionally said to have been built on common land between sunset and sunrise, often with the support of the local community, to provide shelter for those in need.

The grant from the Pilgrim Trust will fund specialist conservation work on the exterior of the historic cottage, including repairs to the traditional thatched roof, restoration of lime mortar walls, limewashing, and improvements to the immediate surroundings.

The first phase of work is expected to begin in June.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “This is great news for Penrhos Cottage and the wider county, adding to the historical and cultural offer provided by the Museum Service of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“This is an important project and hopefully an important step towards opening the cottage in the future.”

Cllr Simon Wright, who represents the Maenclochog ward, said: “The grant from the Pilgrim Trust is a fantastic amount to receive for the much-needed improvements to Penrhos Cottage.

“The Maenclochog Community Council has fought long and hard to access funds along with the Friends of Penrhos. They will be extremely happy to hear the good news and eager to see the works start.

“It is just a start also, as more grant aid will be needed, and I look forward to working with Maenclochog Community Council and the county council to secure those funds.”

Built in the early 1800s on the edge of moorland in the Maenclochog area, Penrhos Cottage was first intended as a modest dwelling and was later rebuilt in more durable materials.

It remained a family home until 1968 before being acquired by the local authority and opened as a museum in the early 1970s.

In recent years, financial pressures have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the building and operate it as a museum. In response, the Museum Service began working with the local community in 2023 to explore new ways of managing and sustaining the site.

The restoration project, called Hidden Gem: Penrhos Cottage: restoring Pembrokeshire’s last surviving tŷ unnos, aims to secure the future of the building while developing it as a valued museum and community asset.

The Museum Service is working with Maenclochog Community Council and the Friends of Penrhos Cottage group to support the long-term care, presentation and reopening of the site.

Peter Nicholas, of Friends of Penrhos, said: “I am delighted that funding has finally been secured to allow these essential repairs to be carried out at Penrhos Cottage.

“This crucial work will help safeguard the future of this iconic, traditionally built thatched cottage, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations.”

Maenclochog Community Council said Bwthyn Penrhos was one of north Pembrokeshire’s hidden gems, offering an irreplaceable window into the past.

A spokesperson added: “We are thrilled that urgent expert repairs are now underway. Its preservation is not only vital for historical integrity, but also for the education and inspiration of future generations.

“Bwthyn Penrhos has the potential to become a vital community resource, creating opportunities for volunteering, partnership and shared learning.”

The work marks the first stage of a wider vision for Penrhos Cottage. Future phases, subject to funding, could include restoring the interior to reflect early 20th century life and reinstating the original cottage garden.

The long-term aim is for the cottage to open more regularly to visitors, supported by local volunteers, while remaining under the overall management of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Museum Service.

Local historian and author Hefin Wyn also welcomed the work.

He said: “Penrhos Cottage is very much an iconic part of the area’s heritage. Its presence, with its whitewashed walls, its thatched roof, its furniture and hearth, have been kept as they were when the last occupants lived there, thus reminding us of our history.

“It all reminds us of a way of life familiar to our forefathers.

“Indeed, some of the older generation still remember John Williams, Penrhos, and his family and will gladly relate the stories. As a result, Penrhos represents a visible link with our past.

“Poets and authors such as E. Llwyd Williams and Derfel Rees have heralded its distinctiveness.

“From the point of view of heritage, we are keen to preserve the cottage as it was, to be handed on to future generations, as testimony of what once was.”

Community

RNLI lifeguards rescue beachgoers during busy heatwave weekend

Published

3 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR PEOPLE RESCUED AS RIP CURRENTS AND OFFSHORE WINDS HIT PEMBROKESHIRE BEACHES

RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire rescued four people and assisted six others in the water during a busy bank holiday weekend, as hot weather and May half-term crowds brought large numbers of visitors to the coast.

The charity said lifeguards had been kept busy at Whitesands and Newgale, where rip currents, offshore winds and swell caused several incidents involving children, bodyboarders and surfers.

On Saturday, lifeguards at Whitesands, St Davids, assisted three children who were swept out to sea in a flash rip current. They responded quickly on a rescue board and advised the children to swim parallel to the shore to escape the pull of the current, allowing them to return safely to the beach.

On Monday afternoon, two further rescues took place at Whitesands. At 2:25pm, lifeguard Tom Rogers entered the water with a rescue tube to help a child on a bodyboard who had been caught in a powerful rip current at the north end of the beach.

Around an hour later, lifeguard Jake Rogers entered the water on a rescue board after a woman became trapped in the same rip current. She was also brought safely back to shore.

At Newgale Beach, lifeguards rescued two surfers at around 2:00pm on Monday after they were spotted more than 400 metres out to sea and drifting rapidly towards the south end of the beach.

Lifeguard Harry Nichols saw from the tower that the surfers were fatigued and struggling against the wind. Lifeguards Dafydd and Arthur paddled out on rescue boards, reached the exhausted pair, and helped them return safely to shore.

Later in the afternoon, at around 4:00pm, lifeguards dealt with several incidents involving children on bodyboards who had found themselves out of their depth due to strong offshore winds and swell. They were assisted back to shore by lifeguards on rescue boards.

Senior Beach Lifeguard Dafydd Ridgeway said: “With it being a bank holiday weekend, the May half-term and very hot weather, beach numbers have risen a great deal, with lots of visitors coming to the coast.

“We would like to remind everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags and be aware of offshore winds that can blow you out to sea.

“Our orange windsock marks when there are strong offshore winds and we advise against the use of inflatables, as you can easily be blown out to sea.

“We would also like to remind people to keep an eye on their children due to the numerous incidents over the weekend where children became quickly out of their depth.”

The RNLI said that, despite the warm weather, sea temperatures remain cold and cold water shock is still a real risk.

Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is advised to Float to Live by tilting their head back with their ears submerged, relaxing, trying to breathe normally, and using their hands and legs to stay afloat. Once breathing is under control, they should call for help or swim to safety.

Anyone who sees someone in trouble at the coast should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard, tell the person to float, and throw them something that floats if it is safe to do so.

RNLI lifeguards in Pembrokeshire are currently operating at Tenby South, Newgale Central and Whitesands from 10:00am to 6:00pm every day for the remainder of half-term.

After Sunday (May 31), Newgale Central will return to weekend-only lifeguard cover, while Tenby South and Whitesands will continue to be lifeguarded every day until September.