A NEW alliance bringing together community groups, trade unions, faith leaders and campaigners from across west Wales is set to launch in Haverfordwest next month.

The West Wales branch of the Together Alliance will officially begin with a public meeting at 7:00pm on Wednesday (Mar 18) at Haverfordwest Mosque, Cherry Grove.

Organisers say the event will unite local politicians, farmers, artists, anti-racist organisations and faith groups in response to what they describe as growing “voices of division” in national and local politics.

In a statement, the alliance said: “Those who preach division are becoming more confident. Their false promises seize on very real economic problems and scapegoat migrants, Muslims and refugees.

“But we can change things together. The voices of unity can grow stronger. Strength lies in solidarity and working together for hope, not despair.”

The group aims to build cooperation between communities and challenge racism and extremism through grassroots organising. It says hundreds of organisations and individuals nationwide have already signed up.

The Haverfordwest launch forms part of a wider mobilisation ahead of a major national demonstration planned for London on March 28.

Several high-profile supporters have also backed the campaign, including comedian and campaigner Lenny Henry, who said: “We stand for love over hate, hope over fear and unity over division. We’re coming together against racism.”

Singer Paloma Faith added: “There is no world that I want to live in where discrimination is acceptable for anything.”

Organisers say anyone interested in promoting inclusion, equality and community solidarity is welcome to attend.

Davies attacks ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ policy after asylum seeker jailed for child rape

A SENIOR Welsh Conservative has called for the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” policy to be scrapped after an Afghan asylum seeker was convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said the case highlighted what he described as the “dangers” of the current approach to asylum and migration in Wales.

Ahmad Mulakhil, who arrived in the UK by small boat from France in March 2025, was convicted of the attack just four months later.

The case, reported nationally this week, has prompted renewed political debate over the Welsh Government’s stance on supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

Mr Davies said: “This appalling case demonstrates the dangers of importing violent criminals into Britain.

“Plaid Cymru and Labour’s decision to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers is a pull factor, encouraging more people to enter our country illegally.

“I reiterate my calls for this dangerous policy to be scrapped.”

The comments directly target the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” plan, launched in 2019, which aims to make Wales a welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum, with support for housing, education and integration.

The Welsh Government has previously defended the policy, saying it reflects “Welsh values of compassion and fairness,” and stressing that responsibility for border security lies with the UK Government.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has introduced tougher measures aimed at reducing small-boat crossings and speeding up removals of those with no right to remain.

The latest case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how asylum accommodation and safeguarding are managed across Wales.

For many residents, the debate now centres on how to balance humanitarian support with public safety and confidence in the system.

As Mr Davies’ intervention shows, the political argument over Wales’s role as a “Nation of Sanctuary” is far from over.

Meanwhile the official figures show that asylum seekers commit less crime than the general population.

DECISIONS on the future of nine frontline hospital services across west Wales will be made later this month when Hywel Dda University Health Board holds a special two-day Board meeting.

The Extraordinary Board will meet on Wednesday (Feb 18) and Thursday (Feb 19) to determine the next steps for critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.

Health chiefs say the proposed changes are aimed at tackling staffing shortages, improving clinical standards and cutting waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.

More than 4,000 people responded to a public consultation on the plans. Feedback was gathered through questionnaires, public meetings, staff sessions and discussions with stakeholder groups.

An independent consultation report compiled by Opinion Research Services will form part of the evidence considered by Board members. It will sit alongside updated data on workforce pressures, estate condition, clinical standards and how services link together across hospitals.

All documents to be considered by the Board have now been published online ahead of the meeting.

Alternative ideas assessed

During the consultation, communities also submitted 190 alternative proposals.

Each idea was tested against “hurdle criteria” to check whether it was safe, practical and capable of delivery before being taken forward.

Of those, 22 met the criteria and have been developed into full options. These will be considered alongside the Health Board’s original proposals.

Board members will assess whether each option is clinically sustainable, deliverable, accessible to patients, aligned with the Health Board’s long-term strategy and financially viable. They will also decide whether further engagement or evidence is needed before any final changes are introduced.

Some changes, if approved, could be phased in over time.

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of the Health Board, said: “At our meeting next week, the Board will carefully consider the consultation feedback alongside the latest clinical evidence, workforce insights, updated impact assessments and the alternative options that were put forward during the consultation.

“Our responsibility is to consider the full range of evidence and ensure we make decisions that ensure that our services are sustainable for the future. No decisions have been made ahead of the Board. We are committed to a thorough and transparent process, ensuring each option and alternative options are considered in the round, and focused on improving services for the people who rely on them.”