Ceredigion council doesn't admit to mistakes
For more than a month, the council has refused repeated requests by the Cambrian News for information on the future of Lampeter university campus, following the paper's disclosure that chief executive Eifion Evans, seemingly acting with something close to autocratic zeal, is spearheading an approach to the Welsh government seeking funding to enable the council to buy the campus, perhaps for use as a sixth-form centre, while at the same time initiating moves to sell off five residential properties in Aberystwyth after receiving an 'offer from a third party'.
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Wales Online
33 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Nigel Farage's Reform UK tops Senedd election poll for first time
Nigel Farage's Reform UK tops Senedd election poll for first time Another poll has suggested Labour will be decimated at the Senedd election Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The latest poll of the political picture in Wales has put Nigel Farage's Reform UK top. The poll, which asked more than 2,000 people how they will vote in the Senedd election in May 2026, put Plaid Cymru second and Labour in third. The current political make-up of the Senedd is Labour has the most seats, then the Conservatives, then Plaid Cymru. There are no Reform UK Senedd members in the current Welsh Parliament. While polling can only ever project how people might vote we do know the Senedd will be elected based on new constituencies and a new voting system and will return 96 instead of 60 Senedd members. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. This poll, by Find Out Now, is similar to the most recent YouGov poll which put Plaid Cymru and Reform in the top two positions and Labour in third and on 18%, which is the same figure as this poll. The poll shows Reform UK top with 29%, Plaid Cymru second with 27% and Labour lagging in third. The Conservatives are projected to get 11% with the Lib Dems and Greens tied on 7%. It is the first time Reform UK has topped a Senedd voting intention poll and their support comes from a combination of people who haven't previously voted as well as around a third of voters who voted for the Conservative Party in 2024. Article continues below It includes a stat which will terrify Labour as just 47% of those who voted for Keir Starmer's Labour party in 2024 say they would vote for Labour if the Senedd election were held tomorrow. Plaid Cymru gains from that with 31% saying they would vote for the party. The data also shows 39% of people "would definitely vote" and another 17% are likely to. Turnout has never exceeded 50% at a Senedd election. This is the latest poll to show a poor performance for Eluned Morgan's Labour party. Another poll released on the eve of the anniversary of the Senedd election in May this year for Barn Cymru, conducted by YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales and Cardiff University, put Labour's predicted share at 18% behind Plaid Cymru (30%) and Reform UK (25%). In his analysis of that result polling expert Dr Jac Larner, who calculated that projection, said 10 of those projected seats fall within a very narrow margin of error (less than 2%) meaning even minor shifts in vote intention could produce a much-different Senedd result. Asked about that poll First Minister Mrs Morgan said it was a "serious wake-up call" for her party. She said: "That is a wake-up call if ever we've seen one. It is a serious challenge for us. "It's a serious challenge for UK Labour and I think it means that we all need to think very seriously about delivery on the things that matter to the people of Wales." Mr Farage visited Wales recently to launch the first of his party's policies ahead of the election including saying he wanted some coal mines to be reopened in Wales and for the blast furnaces at the Tata plant in Port Talbot to be reopened. However concerns were voiced from across the spectrum about that plan as being unachievable and too expensive. You can read more on that here. Article continues below
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
What the change in the abortion law actually means for women in Wales
What the change in the abortion law actually means for women in Wales MPs have voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales - here's what the huge change in reproductive rights means for women in Wales MPs have voted to change the criminal laws surrounding abortion (Image: Getty Images ) MPs have voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales in a landmark move which marks the biggest step forward in reproductive rights in almost 60 years. With a majority of 242, MPs voted for an amendment to the government's crime and policing bill which will change the criminal laws that govern abortion. It means that women procuring a termination outside the legal framework cannot be prosecuted. Labour MP for Gower Tonia Antoniazzi brought the amendment in front of Parliament, adding that she had been moved to advocate for a change in the law having seen women investigated by police over suspected illegal abortions. The vote will not change the framework of accessing an abortion. Both the need for two doctors' signatures and the 24-week time limit at which terminations can be carried out remain. Doctors who act outside the law, as well as abusive partners who use violence to end a pregnancy, face the threat of prosecution, as they do now. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here But women who terminate their pregnancy outside the rules, for example after the time limit or by buying pills online, will no longer face arrest or prison. Ms Antoniazzi explained that it would remove the threat of "investigation, arrest, prosecution or imprisonment" of any woman who acts in relation to her own pregnancy. Article continues below The offence of inducing a miscarriage carries a maximum sentence of life. In a free vote, MPs voted 379 to 137 to back the amendment. You can see how Welsh MPs voted here. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The vote came after growing calls for a change in the law as the number of women investigated, arrested or prosecuted has increased in recent years. In 2022, a judge at Oxford crown court said he was 'flabbergasted' that a prosecution had been brought against a then 25-year-old mother, who had been reported to police when a clinician found pills in her body believed to be abortion medication – even though her 4lb 4oz baby had survived. Recorder John Hardy KC described the case as 'sad and tragic' and the intended trial as a 'waste of court time [that] exacerbates the absence of any public interest I can detect in pursuing this prosecution'. In June 2023, Carla Foster was sentenced to 28 months in prison for terminating a pregnancy between 32 and 34 weeks. She had obtained pills supplied in good faith, after a remote consultation during lockdown. Her sentence was later reduced to 14 months and suspended. The court of appeal heart that the case "calls for compassion, not punishment". According to Humanists UK, since 2020 around 100 women have faced police investigations, six have faced court, and one has been sent to prison, on suspicion of illegal abortion offences. Before the vote, Ms Antoniazzi said: "This is the right change at the right time. I implore colleagues who want to protect women and girls and abortion services to vote for new clause one. Let's ensure that not a single desperate woman ever again is subject to traumatic, criminal investigation at the worst moments in their lives." Humanists UK was one of a number of organisations who welcomed the result. Their public affairs manager Karen Wright commented: "Thank you to every MP who voted in support changing the law to end the horror of women facing police investigations when at their most vulnerable. "MPs today have made history in shaping a more humane law that prioritises treating women with compassion instead of suspicion in their hour of need." The step was also welcomed by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). Heidi Stewart, chief executive of the charity, said: "This is a landmark moment for women's rights in this country. Article continues below "There will be no more women investigated after enduring a miscarriage, no more women dragged from their hospital beds to the back of a police van, no more women separated from their children because of our archaic abortion law." The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said it was "horrified" by the vote.
North Wales Live
2 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Plan for market hall where ex-prime minister launched political career refused
Plans to build 14 flats at market hall where Welsh Prime Minister David Lloyd George gave his first political speech have been rejected. The application to convert the Market Hall on Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was turned down by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, on Monday, June 16. The plans were submitted by Paul McCready of Mossley Hill Investments Gwynedd Ltd to develop eight one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom flats. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Plans had first been submitted in February 2019, and deferred in July 2019, after more information was requested by the council's language unit, with some amended details supplied in 2020. However, in June 2021, the building was given Grade-II listing by Cadw. Due to elapsed time, planners had sought updated information, to assess the application against recent planning policy, but no response had been received, planning officer Keira Ann Sweenie said. "Despite officers' efforts there's been no progress," she told the meeting. It was felt the developers had "had enough time" and the recommendation was to refuse, based on lack of recent information and being unable to assess the application against recent policy. Developers had initially wanted to provide supported living accommodation, in partnership with MySpace Housing Association, but had acknowledged in a report this had "raised community concerns". Those concerns had mainly been about the "supported living" aspect attracting "outsiders", which it was feared could "worsen existing anti-social behaviour issues within the community". Having "taken regard to the concerns" the developers had hoped amended plans for 14 self-contained, "open market" apartments, in lieu of managed rentals, would be "received favourably" by the community. "The provision of one and two-bedroom apartments increases choice for smaller families, young couples or households of older people," they had stated, adding they could help meet "an identified demand" for smaller housing units. It would also ensure the empty building would avoid falling into disrepair, "and prevent it from becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour" they had argued. The application had prompted Ffestiniog Town Council objections, with members concerned t it was "not a development for local needs". "If there is no local demand for one-bedroom flats, then this may be a threat to the area's language and community," it said. It was "not in support" due to "no consideration" of the Welsh language and parking issues, including the needs of the Church. It also raised concerns about bats, but had received no response. The report noted the Housing Strategic Unit felt there was "some demand" for one- and two-bedroom affordable flats, but no formal valuation was submitted. The Language Unit said there was a "lack of clarity" in the plans, and could not support the view there was "no likely language impact". A member of the public had objected, saying the site should not be used due to its history, parking, and "pressure on the community and the Welsh language" based on a "danger that more people would move in". The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service felt the building was of "historic interest" having been constructed between 1861-1864, by Owen Roberts, of Dolgareddu and designed by Owen Morris, of Porthmadog. Although of "no exceptional architectural value" it had "historical importance" due to links to the 19th century when the town was flourishing, and as the place where David Lloyd George had spoken. A diary, held by the National Library of Wales, describes how the building was where he gave his first political speech, on February 12, 1886. Local member Cllr Elfed Wyn Ap Elwyn had "concerns," based on local views, and those of the community council, particularly over parking and worries over the impact on the Welsh language. Local people also had "strong feelings" to protect the historic building. Due to a lack of current information, planning officers felt there was "no option" but to recommend refusal.
