THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has provided an update on its response to recommendations made by the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) on improving flood resilience by 2050.

Deputy First Minister and Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies said flooding and coastal erosion remain among the most immediate threats facing communities across Wales due to climate change.

He said the Government’s approach is guided by its national flood strategy, climate adaptation plans, and the Well-being of Future Generations Act, with a focus on reducing risk and strengthening long-term resilience.

The update outlines progress since commitments were made in April 2025, with ministers confirming that much of the work will continue into the next Senedd term due to the scale of the challenge.

Investment and long-term planning

The Welsh Government says it is maintaining record levels of investment in flood and coastal erosion management, alongside expanding natural flood management schemes and working more closely with Natural Resources Wales, councils and local communities.

Plans for wider reform of water governance are also under consideration, with a public consultation currently open until April 7. Any major structural changes are expected to be decided by the next Senedd.

Ministers also confirmed they are working towards a longer-term flood resilience strategy beyond 2030, aimed at creating a more integrated national approach.

Catchment approach and community support

A key focus is the development of catchment-based strategies, with pilot work underway on the River Taff. Similar collaborative schemes in areas such as the Wye and Usk are already being used to reduce flood risk while delivering environmental benefits.

The Government says improving community resilience remains a priority, with work ongoing alongside the National Flood Forum to better support communities before, during and after flooding.

Officials are also exploring new roles, including so-called “agents of change”, to strengthen engagement with vulnerable groups.

Funding challenges remain

More than £5 million has been committed to natural flood management projects in 2026–27, but ministers acknowledge public funding alone will not be enough.

Work is underway to attract private and partnership investment, including from infrastructure providers and insurers, alongside the development of a new sustainable finance framework.

While multi-year funding is seen as beneficial, the Government said annual budget cycles remain a barrier, though more flexible funding arrangements are being explored.

Skills, education and property protection

Efforts are also being made to strengthen the workforce, including new placements for students in local authorities, with further expansion planned.

Property-level flood protection will continue to be delivered by councils and Natural Resources Wales, with additional support for high-risk households under review.

The Welsh Government said the update demonstrates “clear progress” but acknowledged that long-term adaptation will require continued partnership working and sustained investment.

Fiery PMQs clash descends into chaos as Labour jeers and Reform exits chamber

REFORM UK MPs dramatically walked out of the House of Commons on Wednesday (Mar 25) following a heated Prime Minister’s Questions exchange that saw Sir Keir Starmer launch a scathing attack on Nigel Farage.

The confrontation erupted after Farage challenged the Prime Minister on small boat crossings, prompting a blistering response from Starmer.

Addressing the Commons, the Prime Minister said: “This is from the man and the party that voted against giving law enforcement counter-terrorism style powers to tackle it.

“So he wants the grievance, he doesn’t want it sorted and he has absolutely no judgment.”

Starmer went further, accusing the Reform leader of inconsistency on foreign policy and opportunism in politics.

“He again said, ‘let’s join the war, let’s all go to war’… A week later, a screeching U-turn. We don’t want to go to war. And he says trust his judgment. It’s hard to take anything he says seriously.”

The Labour leader concluded with a stinging remark: “Reform don’t want to solve problems, they only want to exploit them… it’s an absolute disgrace.”

Within moments of the comments, Reform MPs began leaving the chamber in protest. Farage was followed out by fellow MPs including Robert Jenrick and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Labour MPs responded with loud jeers, with some shouting “bye” as the group exited.

The walkout quickly drew criticism from Labour figures. Cabinet minister Jo Stevens later posted on social media: “What a bunch of snowflakes.”

The dramatic scenes underline the increasingly volatile atmosphere in Westminster, as Reform UK continues to position itself as a disruptive force in British politics ahead of upcoming elections.

The Herald understands tensions between Labour and Reform MPs have intensified in recent weeks, particularly over immigration and national security policy.

THE SDEC unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen will reopen to patients and staff on Monday (Mar 30) following a major £2m refurbishment.

The upgrade, funded by the Welsh Government, has delivered additional consultation rooms, a redesigned reception area, and improved facilities aimed at enhancing the experience for both patients and staff.

Health board chiefs say the revamped unit is expected to ease pressure on the hospital’s Emergency Department and forms part of wider efforts to improve urgent care services across Hywel Dda University Health Board sites, including the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Keith Jones, Director of Operational Planning and Performance at Hywel Dda, said: “We are very grateful to the Welsh Government for the £2.096 million investment, which has allowed us to increase capacity within the SDEC unit at Glangwili.

“We expect these improvements will help reduce pressure on the Emergency Department and enable our teams to deliver a smoother, faster experience for patients.”

During the works, several services were temporarily relocated to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward. These will now return to the SDEC building, including the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit and the Primary Care Out of Hours Service.

Cancer support services, including the Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) and Cancer Psychological Support Service (CaPS), will also move back to the unit.

Access routes for services that remained at the Priory Day Hospital during the refurbishment – including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy – will return to normal.

Patients are advised to follow on-site signage or ask staff for directions. The health board said appointment letters will include updated information, but urged patients to double-check details and contact departments directly if unsure.

Mr Jones added: “I would like to thank staff, patients and visitors for their patience during these works.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the investment would deliver “real improvements” for patients and staff.

He added: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to improving hospital facilities across Wales, ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, as quickly as possible.”