News

Welsh political arena reacts to Downing Street re-shuffle

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2023

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED move, former Prime Minister David Cameron has made a dramatic re-entry into UK politics, this time as Foreign Secretary, amid a major Cabinet reshuffle orchestrated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The reshuffle, which has already stirred significant debate, sees the dismissal of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

James Cleverly, previously the Foreign Secretary, will step into Braverman’s role, marking a significant shift in the government’s structure. Cameron’s return is further accentuated by the announcement of his impending peerage, a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.

The Welsh political arena has been abuzz with reactions, predominantly critical of the reshuffle. Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, lambasted Sunak’s decision-making, drawing attention to the lack of democratic accountability and the government’s desperation to maintain power. She highlighted the irony in Cameron’s appointment, considering his historical stance on ‘unelected bureaucrats.’

Rhuna ap Iorwerth, also of Plaid Cymru, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the chaotic nature of the Conservative cabinet and the need for a more stable governance in Wales.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, Member of Senedd for South Wales East, expressed relief at Braverman’s dismissal but criticized the delayed action. He emphasized the harm caused by her rhetoric, expressing hope that she would be permanently excluded from high office.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, succinctly reacted with “About time too!” acknowledging the necessity of the change.

Labour MP Chris Bryant offered a more extensive critique, calling for a general election rather than a reshuffle. He pointed out the inefficiencies and paralyses caused by frequent ministerial changes and strongly opposed Cameron’s appointment, citing the current geopolitical instability.

Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd for Cardiff Central, Jenny Rathbone, welcomed Braverman’s sacking, condemning her recent controversial comments and overall conduct in office.

Rachel Garrick, Labour Councillor for Caldicot Castle County, highlighted the irony in Cameron’s return, given his previous stance on unelected officials. Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West, and Andrew Morgan, Labour Councillor and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, shared similar sentiments, with Morgan even initiating a poll that overwhelmingly supported a general election over another reshuffle.

In contrast to the flurry of responses from Welsh politicians, the Welsh Conservatives have remained notably silent on the issue, neither engaging in social media discussion nor releasing an official statement.

This Cabinet reshuffle, particularly the reappointment of David Cameron, continues to dominate political discourse, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in the current government’s tenure. The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.