Charity publishes eight-point manifesto urging next Welsh Government to protect countryside while delivering clean energy

THE CAMPAIGN for the Protection of Rural Wales has set out an eight-point manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections, calling on political parties to back stronger action to protect the countryside, restore nature and deliver renewable energy in a way that works for rural communities.

The charity, known as CPRW, published its proposals on Monday ahead of the Welsh election on Thursday, May 7.

It says the next Welsh Government must take practical steps to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and growing pressures on rural areas, while also safeguarding landscapes, communities and Wales’ natural heritage.

Among its main demands are a major expansion of rooftop solar on homes and public buildings, a commitment to deliver most of Wales’ renewable energy by 2030 through offshore wind and rooftop solar, and new rules or legislation to favour underground electricity cables over pylons.

CPRW is also calling for greater backing for tidal energy, the creation of a Nature and Climate Change Commissioner, and more support for Natural Resources Wales to help expand protected areas in line with the UK’s 30 by 30 target.

Other proposals include a ring-fenced Welsh Government fund to maintain and improve public footpaths, along with legally binding action to tackle pollution in Wales’ rivers, lakes and seas.

Jonty Colchester, Chair of CPRW, said: “Wales has the opportunity to lead the UK in protecting landscapes while delivering a fair transition to clean energy.

“Our manifesto sets out practical steps to achieve both, supporting communities, safeguarding nature and strengthening the resilience of rural Wales.

“We urge all political parties to recognise that protecting the countryside is not a niche concern. It is fundamental to Wales’ economy, culture and quality of life.”

The charity, which will mark its centenary in 2028, said the next Senedd term will be critical in shaping the long-term future of Wales’ natural environment.

CPRW has published the full manifesto in both English and Welsh. For further information, the organisation has asked media to contact Caroline Conway.

Labour candidate says ‘you can’t fake compassion’ as she accuses US president of disrespecting faith and abandoning the vulnerable

CEREDIGION PENFRO candidate Eluned Morgan has launched a fierce attack on Donald Trump after global backlash over an AI-generated image portraying him as a Christ-like figure.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the First Minister said the image had caused real offence to people of faith and exposed what she described as a deeper hypocrisy at the heart of Trump’s leadership.

Baroness Morgan said: “For millions of people, this isn’t just poor judgement – it’s deeply offensive. Faith is not a costume. It’s not something you can put on for political theatre and then cast aside when it suits.”

She said the row was not simply about one image, but about the values behind it.

Morgan said: “Jesus’ message was clear: stand with the poor, protect the vulnerable, welcome the stranger. Yet this is an administration that has done the opposite – slashing humanitarian aid, turning its back on those most in need and cutting funding to the Red Cross by 17%, the very organisation he tried to hide behind when challenged.

“You cannot pose as a symbol of compassion while practising the politics of cruelty.”

Morgan also sought to draw a direct line between international instability and everyday pressures facing people in Wales.

She said: “This isn’t abstract – it lands on doorsteps here in Wales. When global leadership is reckless, families pay the price: through rising costs, instability, and pressure on already stretched services.

“People want stability, especially at a time like this – not chaos dressed up as leadership.”

She added that the UK should be clearer and more forceful in defending its values on the world stage.

“It’s time to draw a line,” she said. “The UK must be clear about the values it stands for. Leadership that disrespects faith, abandons the vulnerable and makes the world less stable should be called out – plainly and without apology.”

The remarks are likely to attract political attention during the election campaign, with Morgan using the controversy to argue that moral leadership abroad and stability at home are closely linked.

WELSH CONSERVATIVE candidates for Ceredigion Penfro, Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, have called for greater backing for pubs and the wider hospitality sector after visiting The Ship Aground in Dinas Cross.

During the visit, they met staff and customers to hear first-hand about the pressures facing local pubs, including rising costs and the impact of the business rates multiplier following the latest revaluation, which has brought new calculations into force this month.

They said the figures underline the importance of the sector to the local economy. Across Mid and South Pembrokeshire, there are 162 pubs and five breweries, contributing £57 million to the economy and supporting 1,175 jobs. Across Ceredigion Penfro, 161 pubs and five breweries support 1,800 jobs and contribute £59 million.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Davies said: “Pubs are at the heart of communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. They support local jobs, bring people together and play a huge role in our tourism economy.

“These figures show just how important the sector is, but landlords are telling us the pressure is intensifying, with the business rates system hitting them particularly hard at a time when costs are already high.”

Mr Kurtz said his Best Local Pub competition had shown how valued pubs are by local communities.

“I’ve seen that first-hand through my Best Local Pub competition, which I’ve been running for the past few years,” he said. “It has highlighted just how much these businesses mean to their communities and how important they are to local tourism and community life.

“But I’m also hearing real concern from businesses more broadly. At a recent business rates roundtable Paul and I hosted, with around 150 local businesses on the call, there was significant concern about the impact of the revaluation and the extra pressure it could place on already stretched firms.”

Following the meeting, the pair, both former Members of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire respectively, renewed calls for the Welsh Government to review business rates and provide additional support for the sector.

Mr Kurtz said recent action by the Welsh Government was welcome, but did not go far enough.

“The recent confirmation of an additional £8 million to extend relief for hospitality businesses is welcome and will provide eligible ratepayers with 15 per cent relief for 2026-27, subject to a £110,000 cap across Wales,” he said.

“However, for many pubs and hospitality businesses facing rising costs, this will not go far enough.”

The Welsh Conservatives say they would take a different approach, including scrapping business rates for pubs altogether as part of wider support for the hospitality trade.

Mr Kurtz added: “We also want to see targeted support for tourism and hospitality businesses that recognises their importance to rural economies like ours.

“We need a longer-term solution that properly supports the sector and recognises the vital role it plays in our local economy, tourism industry and community life.”

Both candidates warned that without further action, more hospitality businesses could struggle to survive.

Mr Davies said: “If we want to keep our pubs thriving, we need to ease the burden on them now and give them the support they need to grow.

“This is about protecting jobs, supporting tourism and backing local communities. Our pubs are a vital part of what makes this area special, and they deserve our support.”

Photo caption:

Paul Davies, Samuel Kurtz and Brian Murphy with the owner of The Ship Aground in Dinas Cross.