FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

AS GLOBAL demand for sustainable textiles continues to grow, wool is presenting farmers with a renewed opportunity to increase revenue by improving flock quality.

Competition shearer and sheep farmer Matt Smith has been working for several years to enhance the value of wool from his Romney flock. However, he believes it could take another decade before he achieves the level of fleece quality needed to deliver a significant uplift in returns.

“We have invested heavily in genetics, particularly to improve micron density within the flock,” he said. “High-quality wool is in demand for premium, sustainable clothing, and better micron density combined with a higher comfort factor will always attract stronger prices.”

While his flock already produces wool that commands a good return, Smith believes there is further potential—particularly with the introduction of new technology that allows more precise measurement of wool quality.

“I have been fortunate to trial a new handheld device from Woven Optics, which measures micron and comfort factor in real time,” he explained. “It has allowed me to clearly see how breeding decisions are influencing wool quality.”

Developed in Australia, the Woven Optics device is designed for use in a range of conditions and has proven to be an accurate on-farm testing tool. In the UK, the company has partnered with Heiniger to bring the technology to farmers.

“I have been working with Hefin Rowlands from Heiniger to monitor our Romneys using the device,” Smith added. “While it represents a significant investment, it is small compared to what we already spend on genetics.”

He believes the technology offers farmers a practical way to track improvements and better understand how breeding choices impact wool value.

“It is an enabler,” he said. “Having the ability to test wool on farm in seconds could help shift the industry back towards prioritising wool as a key genetic trait.”

Smith argues that this shift is not just about profitability, but also about animal health and long-term sustainability.

“In recent years, breeding has focused heavily on carcass weight to meet market demand for larger cuts of meat, and wool quality has been overlooked,” he said. “That has had unintended consequences.”

Drawing on his experience as a contract shearer across the UK, Smith has observed a decline in fleece quality in many flocks.

“I am seeing more yellowing in fleeces and a stronger odour, which can increase susceptibility to fly problems,” he said.

He warns that neglecting wool quality may also be contributing to a growing reliance on chemicals, antibiotics and anthelmintics—raising concerns about resistance and animal welfare.

“As a sheep breeding nation, we risk forgetting how important wool quality is to overall sheep health,” he added. “Changes in fleece condition, combined with warmer temperatures, can increase flystrike risk. By breeding for better wool, we can reduce these issues and cut reliance on pharmaceuticals.”

Smith believes that embracing technology such as the Woven Optics device could help reverse current trends.

“Breeding in the wrong direction is not sustainable,” he said. “By improving wool quality, farmers can produce healthier, more valuable sheep. The tools are now available, and the opportunity is there to restore wool as a priority within UK sheep farming.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has renewed calls for stronger action to tackle water pollution in Pembrokeshire after joining local open water swimmers in Saundersfoot.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member attended a morning sea swim with groups including the Numb Nuts and the Blue Tits on Friday (Mar 13), where concerns were raised about sewage discharges into Welsh waterways.

He said public frustration over water quality was continuing to grow.

“Pembrokeshire is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastline and waterways in the UK, and they should be protected for everyone who lives here and enjoys them,” said Mr Kurtz.

“However, I regularly hear from residents, swimmers, surfers and local businesses who are deeply frustrated by repeated reports of sewage discharges into our rivers and seas, while water company executives continue to receive large bonuses or hide behind a not-for-profit status.”

Mr Kurtz welcomed enforcement action taken against Welsh Water following pollution incidents, but warned that fines alone were not enough.

“Penalties must lead to meaningful improvements,” he said. “The money should be reinvested directly into upgrading sewage infrastructure so these incidents become far less frequent.

“Customers should not be left paying higher water bills to fix failures that should have been addressed years ago.”

He also stressed that responsibility for water quality lies with the Welsh Government.

“Water quality in Wales is fully devolved, meaning decisions about regulation, environmental standards and oversight are made here in Wales, not in Westminster,” he said.

Mr Kurtz has repeatedly raised concerns in the Senedd about pollution affecting Pembrokeshire’s rivers and coastline, including the River Cleddau and designated bathing waters.

In a previous debate, he called for a statutory duty on water companies to take all reasonable steps to prevent sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and the sea—similar to measures introduced in England. The proposal was rejected by Welsh Labour ministers.

He said the response reflected a wider reluctance to adopt stronger measures.

“Time and again I have raised concerns about sewage discharges and their impact on our environment, only to see sensible proposals dismissed,” he said.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our environment and restoring public confidence in the safety of our waterways.”

Mr Kurtz also highlighted the role of community groups and local initiatives, including the Cleddau Project, which aims to improve the ecological health of the river catchment.

“There is some excellent work happening locally,” he said. “But we need a joined-up, Wales-wide approach rather than piecemeal action.

“That means tackling sewage infrastructure, agricultural run-off, environmental monitoring and enforcement together. I will continue to press this issue in the Senedd.”