THE SENEDD has rejected a Reform UK motion calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, after a heated debate which saw several Members walk out of the chamber.

The motion, tabled by Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was defeated by 48 votes to 37 on Wednesday (Jun 17).

An amended motion, backing Wales’ reputation as an “internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation”, was then passed by the same margin.

The debate followed warnings from Hub Cymru Africa and other campaigners that ending international spending would damage Wales’ global reputation and undermine projects linking Welsh communities with partners overseas.

Reform argued that Welsh Government money should be focused on domestic pressures, including the NHS, schools, transport and the cost of living.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar backed the Reform motion, saying foreign relations and international development were matters for the UK Government rather than Cardiff Bay.

But Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government speakers rejected that argument, saying Wales’ international work supported trade, public services, education, health partnerships and the country’s reputation abroad.

The debate became heated after comments by Reform MS Joe Martin, who criticised overseas schemes including beekeeping and tree-planting projects in Uganda.

Several MSs left the Siambr during his contribution, with the Llywydd later urging Members to reflect on the tone of the debate.

Hub Cymru Africa had said before the vote that Wales’ international solidarity budget represented a tiny fraction of overall spending and helped deliver work in public health, climate action, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The organisation said the vote was an opportunity for the Senedd to reaffirm Wales’ place in the world.

Met Office warns of oppressive heat, sleepless nights and potential disruption as rare amber alert extended

A RARE amber weather warning has been issued for large parts of England and Wales as forecasters predict what could become one of the hottest June heatwaves ever recorded in the UK.

The Met Office has extended its Extreme Heat Warning from Monday (June 22) through to Thursday (June 25), with temperatures expected to climb well above 35C and potentially reach 38C by the middle of the week.

Forecasters say the heatwave will intensify rapidly, with temperatures reaching around 32C on Monday before climbing to 35C and beyond on Tuesday and Wednesday. Parts of southeast Wales could see temperatures of around 35C, while southern England is expected to experience the highest values.

The warning covers much of England and Wales and has been described by the Met Office as a potentially significant weather event due to the combination of extreme temperatures and unusually high humidity.

June records under threat

Meteorologists say there is now a strong possibility that the UK’s June temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976, could be broken this week.

The current forecast suggests Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures approaching 38C in some areas.

Tropical nights expected

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of overnight relief.

The Met Office is forecasting widespread “tropical nights” across southern parts of Britain, where temperatures remain above 20C throughout the night. High humidity levels are expected to make conditions feel particularly oppressive and may make sleeping difficult.

Health experts warn that prolonged hot nights can increase the risk of heat-related illness because the body has less opportunity to cool down and recover.

Health and travel concerns

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts, warning of increased pressure on health and care services and elevated risks for older people, young children and those with existing health conditions.

The Met Office has also warned of possible impacts on transport networks, power supplies and water resources, with roads, railways and public infrastructure potentially affected by the prolonged heat.

Advice for Pembrokeshire residents

While coastal areas of west Wales are likely to remain somewhat cooler than inland locations, temperatures are still expected to be significantly above average for June.

Residents are being advised to:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
• Check on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people.
• Keep homes shaded during the day.
• Take extra care around rivers, lakes and the coast, where cold water shock remains a risk despite the hot weather.

The heat is expected to ease later in the week, although forecasters say temperatures will remain above average and there remains some uncertainty over whether thunderstorms could develop as the hot spell breaks down.

A DIAMOND-set Welsh gold necklace donated by Clogau will headline a special fundraising raffle marking 60 years of Cancer Research Wales.

The award-winning jewellery brand has gifted the necklace as the grand prize in the charity’s inaugural 60th Anniversary Diamond Raffle, which will raise funds for research, diagnosis and treatment projects across Wales.

The prize was unveiled at Clogau’s Cardiff store by Cancer Research Wales ambassador and Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams, who received it on behalf of the charity.

Clogau, founded in North Wales, is internationally known for jewellery containing rare Welsh gold. Its heritage is closely linked to the Royal Family, with Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine used in royal wedding rings for more than a century.

Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Cancer Research Wales as it celebrates this remarkable 60-year milestone.

“As a Welsh business with deep roots in our communities, we recognise the impact cancer has on families across the country and the importance of investing in research that can save and improve lives.

“We hope this beautiful Welsh gold necklace will help generate significant support for the raffle and encourage people to get behind the charity’s vital work.”

Millie-Mae, a proud Welsh speaker and doctor in training, is also the founder of Exeter Street Doctors, a charity which equips young people with lifesaving first aid skills.

She said: “As a proud ambassador of the charity, it is my privilege to play my part in Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary and be here today to unveil the first prize in the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – a stunning, diamond-set gold necklace, generously donated by Clogau.

“The gift of life and time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world, so please show your support for Cancer Research Wales’s life-saving and life-prolonging work today by entering the raffle.

“You could win this stunning Clogau gold necklace while helping to fund vital cancer research here in Wales.”

Millie-Mae also advocates for health education through her Medic Millie Mondays social media series and delivered the first Welsh-language Street Doctors session. Her work with Cancer Research Wales is shaped in part by her own family’s experience of cancer.

Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales, said: “I’m very grateful to Clogau and Millie-Mae Adams for supporting us to launch our 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – our first ever raffle, as we celebrate 60 years as the independent Welsh cancer research charity and 60 years of innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Since 1966, we have invested £41.68 million to push the boundaries of cancer research discoveries here in Wales and we couldn’t have done that without the kindness of the Welsh public and our fantastic business community.

“Thank you for your support over the years and together we will unite Wales against cancer.”

Cancer Research Wales says the raffle will help support projects aimed at improving cancer outcomes for people across the country.

To enter the raffle, visit www.cancerresearch.wales.

Prize unveiled:

Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams received the necklace on behalf of Cancer Research Wales at Clogau’s Cardiff store (Pic: Paul Fears).