Plaid Cymru leader says government is moving quickly on NHS, farming and economic priorities

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has used a social media video to set out what he says has been achieved during his first 25 days leading the Welsh Government.

In the short update, filmed while travelling by car, the Plaid Cymru leader sought to demonstrate early progress on key manifesto commitments, with particular emphasis on health, the economy and support for rural Wales.

Among the measures highlighted was work to tackle NHS waiting times, with the First Minister saying an NHS steering group is already underway as ministers attempt to address long-standing pressures on healthcare services.

The First Minister also pointed to efforts to improve economic productivity and wages, presenting the new administration as focused on raising prosperity across Wales.

On transport and regional development, Mr ap Iorwerth referenced early work aimed at improving connectivity and giving more attention to western parts of Wales, signalling a desire to spread investment beyond traditional economic centres.

Rural issues also featured prominently, with the First Minister citing action to reduce bureaucracy facing farmers. The Welsh Government recently launched an independent review into the administrative burden on farms, led by former NFU Cymru President John Davies, as part of a manifesto commitment made within the government’s first 100 days.

The video appears designed to reinforce a message that the new Plaid-led administration is moving quickly to implement election promises and deliver visible action.

However, opposition parties are likely to argue that announcements and reviews must now translate into measurable outcomes.

Questions remain over how quickly ministers can reduce NHS waiting times, improve economic performance and deliver practical support for farmers amid continuing budget pressures.

The First Minister’s update comes as the new government seeks to establish its political identity following a dramatic Senedd election result that left Plaid Cymru leading a minority administration.

While supporters may welcome signs of early activity, critics are likely to judge the government less on announcements and more on whether voters begin to see tangible improvements in everyday life over the months ahead.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS, volunteers, musicians, health workers and public servants from across Wales have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours List.

A total of 84 people from Wales have received honours in the 2026 list, which is being published at 10:30pm today, Friday (Jun 12).

They are among 1,182 recipients across the UK, with this year’s honours placing particular emphasis on community change-makers and those who have made a lasting difference through voluntary service, public work, sport, health, culture and charity.

Among those recognised is Julia Jones, from Dyfed, who receives the British Empire Medal for services to music after establishing the Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music.

Karl Lester, from Conwy, has been awarded an MBE for voluntary services to mountain rescue. Since 2008, he has taken part in more than 555 rescue operations with the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.

“Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.

“It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens congratulated those recognised.

She said: “Congratulations to the list of incredible people from right across Wales who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

“They have been commended for their contributions to their communities, to sport, to charity, the arts and to improving the lives of others – often giving their time and effort for free.

“The work of these inspirational individuals has a huge impact across Wales and I thank each and every one of them for their valuable contributions to Welsh society.”

Other Welsh recipients include Christina Roy, from South Glamorgan, who receives a BEM for services to the community in Cardiff. She has worked with families through the Parent Learning Group at Cathays High School, helping more than 50 women gain employment after completing qualifications.

David Cottle, from Swansea, receives a BEM for services to jazz music. He has been a central figure in the Swansea live jazz scene since the 1970s and has organised the weekly programme at Swansea Jazz Club since the 1990s.

Alys Cole-King, from Conwy, has been awarded an MBE for services to suicide prevention, after pioneering compassionate and evidence-informed approaches to supporting people in suicidal crisis.

Gary Davies, from Mid Glamorgan, receives an MBE for services to public safety after nearly five decades of public service, beginning with South Wales Constabulary in 1975 and continuing through youth work, community first response and mentoring young people through boxing.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. Further information is available at gov.uk/honours.

DARREN MILLAR has called on the Secretary of State for Wales to explain how Welsh defence interests will be protected following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey.

The Welsh Conservative leader has written to Jo Stevens MP after Mr Healey quit over concerns about the level of UK defence spending.

The resignation has triggered a wider row at Westminster over whether the UK Government is moving quickly enough to strengthen the Armed Forces at a time of growing global instability.

Mr Healey warned that defence investment was not sufficient to meet the threats facing the country, with pressure also mounting over the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.

The Herald has previously reported on concerns over defence funding, military readiness, and the need to ensure Wales benefits from future defence contracts and investment.

Earlier this year, Mr Healey appeared alongside Ms Stevens in Cardiff to promote a Wales defence growth deal, aimed at helping Welsh businesses secure more defence-related work.

Mr Millar said the Wales Secretary must now explain what that commitment means in practice following the former Defence Secretary’s resignation.

In his letter, he asks whether Ms Stevens agrees with the concerns raised by Mr Healey, what representations she has made to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, and how she will ensure Wales receives its fair share of any future defence investment.

Wales has a long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, with service personnel from across the country serving in the UK military, and defence-related businesses supporting skilled jobs and wider industrial capability.

Mr Millar said: “John Healey’s resignation raises serious questions about whether the UK Government is investing enough in our Armed Forces.

“At a time when the world is becoming more dangerous, it is essential that our military has the resources it needs to keep our country safe.

“Wales has always played a proud role in supporting the nation’s defence, from the service personnel who serve with distinction to the defence businesses that support skilled jobs across the country.

“Jo Stevens must now set out whether she agrees with the concerns raised by the former Defence Secretary, what representations she has made to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, and how she will ensure Wales gets its fair share of any future defence investment.

“Our Armed Forces must be properly supported and Wales must be at the heart of that effort.”

The UK Government has said it remains committed to national security and to increasing defence investment.