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In the last of our series on environmental issues and the Wales election campaign, we look particularly at countryside policies of two parties that are new contenders for seats in the Senedd.

The elections to Wales’s parliament, the Senedd, on May 7 are set to be the most unpredictable since the creation of the devolved government in 1999. With current polling indicating close contests in many constituencies, rural voters could make a critical difference to the final result.

Issues such as farming support, windfarms, pylons and changes to rural healthcare services are contentious, but they form part of a larger question about the future of rural Wales. Interestingly, the two parties projected to win seats in the Senedd through election for the first time – Reform UK and the Green party (Reform UK has two seats in the outgoing Senedd through defections) – represent contrasting visions of the Welsh countryside.

Reform’s rural vision

Reform UK has directly targeted discontented rural voters. With a cover image showing daffodil-covered green hills, Reform’s manifesto says it will “back Welsh farmers”. It promises “agriculture will be treated as a strategic national asset”.

Specific policies include: reforming the new post-Brexit Sustainable Farming Scheme to emphasise food production, funding for young farmers’ clubs, scrapping net zero targets and banning new onshore wind farms and solar arrays, reducing environmental regulations and protecting lawful game bird release. It also plans to “streamline planning regulations” and cut back on “red tape”.

À lire aussi :
Why windfarms and electricity pylons have become a major issue in the Welsh election

Reform is competing with the Conservatives for the voters that this version of rural Wales appeals to. Although the Conservative manifesto is less dramatic in tone, especially on net zero, it also plans to scrap the Sustainable Farming Scheme and introduce a moratorium on industrial scale wind and solar power stations.

A Green vision

The strongest prospects for the Green party are in urban constituencies. However, their platform contains policies that would have significant implications for rural Wales. They include a Land Reform Act, making it easier for communities to buy land, a “Welsh Right to Roam” offering “responsible access to the countryside”, a national rewilding strategy and commitments to a Sustainable Farming Scheme that rewards “nature-friendly farming” and renewable energy targets.

These represent a very different vision for the Welsh countryside to Reform. But they also reflect an alternative, almost counter culture, strand of Welsh rural society that has welcomed people who moved to rural areas in search of a new way of life since the 1960s and pioneered organic farming and low impact development.

There are currently Green councillors in rural Monmouthshire and Powys. Some projections suggest the party could win two or three Senedd seats in significantly rural constituencies.

If the Greens achieve more than 10% of the vote nationally, they are likely to do so by taking votes from Plaid Cymru, including in rural areas.

Plaid Cymru needs both rural and urban seats to become the biggest party. Its manifesto contains a significant section on rural policies, but with less prominence than Reform UK’s. Plaid’s rural policies broadly share the pro-environmental approach of the Greens, but the influence of conservative rural voters in its heartlands is evident in careful positioning on farming, windfarms and pylons, as well as the absence of mentions of rewilding.

On rural and environmental issues the Greens are more aligned with Labour, while Plaid Cymru are closer to the Liberal Democrats.

Politics in rural Wales

Wales is sometimes described as predominantly rural, but while 80% of the land is countryside, most people live in the towns and cities. Nevertheless, around a third of Wales’s population lives close to the countryside, in largely rural local authorities.

Over the last 25 years rural Wales has experienced substantial social and economic restructuring, including declining work in farming and manufacturing, along with many young people leaving to find jobs. These areas face challenges from low wages, sparse infrastructure, precarious public services and competing visions for land use.

Three issues in particular have attracted attention. First, plans for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (the Welsh government plans for agriculture subsidies to replace EU funding) provoked protests by Welsh farmers in 2024, especially over proposed requirements for 10% of farmland to be planted with trees. The later was subsequently withdrawn.

Second, there’s been opposition to new windfarm developments and pylon lines. Rewilding projects have also been controversial. Third, downgrading of services at hospitals serving rural areas and closure of village schools, have sparked local campaigns.

Public anger over these and other issues has often been directed at Welsh Labour, the governing party in Wales since 1999, with other parties trying to cast it as urban focused.

Labour did win rural constituencies in the 2024 UK general election, and current First Minister Eluned Morgan has a long-standing interest in rural affairs, outlining a plan for rural Wales in 2017. The Labour manifesto promises to “increase rural Wales’ skills and productivity” and to promote “food, farming and forestry”.

The traditional stronghold of nationalist Plaid Cymru is in the rural north and west Wales. While the Conservatives’ strongest support is in rural districts close to the English border and in parts of south Wales. The most enduring areas of support for the Welsh Liberal Democrats are in rural mid Wales.

Results to watch for

A few key results will provide an indication of the political temperature in rural Wales:

• Whether Plaid Cymru or Reform UK get most votes in Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Gwynedd Maldwyn and Sir Gaerfyrddin

• Whether the Greens win a seat in Ceredigion Penfro, Gwynedd Maldwyn, or Sir Fynwy Torfaen

• Whether the Conservatives get seats in Bangor Conwy Môn, Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd and Ceredigion Penfro, and the Liberal Democrats retain their seat in Brychceiniog Tawe

• Whether Labour’s Eluned Morgan can hold on to her seat in Ceredigion Penfro.

If, as seems likely, no party has a majority, rural issues will play an important role in coalition discussions. A shared rural vision could assist agreement between Reform UK and the Conservatives; while negotiations between Plaid Cymru, Labour or the Greens will need to resolve differences in rural and environmental policies. This may have profound consequences for the future of rural Wales.

Footage captures the scale of the fire that could be seen as far away as Swansea

Shocking video footage shows the enormous scale of a fire in Port Talbot. The incident unfolded at around 3.30pm on Wednesday at Dock Road, with thick black smoke visible as far away as Mumbles.

The footage was recorded by Frankie Johnston who was travelling in the area on Wednesday afternoon as the blaze broke out. The sky appears almost entirely black due to the huge size of the plumes.

Emergency services were alerted earlier today to the incident, with police confirming they received multiple reports of a significant blaze in the area. Fire crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently responding and working to bring the situation under control. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here

In an official update, the service confirmed that at 3.36pm on Wednesday, April 29, crews from Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Ammanford, Tumble, Carmarthen, Pontarddulais and Glynneath fire stations were called to the scene.

Firefighters, supported by crews from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, are tackling the blaze involving approximately 200 tonnes of commercial waste. The incident is ongoing as of 6pm on Wednesday and you can follow our live updates here.

As a precaution, residents living nearby have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke.

Authorities have also urged the public to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible to allow emergency services clear access. Drivers are being asked for their patience while the incident is dealt with.

Officials have further reminded the public to only call 999 if lives or property are in immediate danger, to ensure control room operators can manage resources effectively.

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Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London in an attack that police declared as a terrorist incident.

The two victims – one man in his 70s, and another in his 30s – were in a “stable condition” and being treated in hospital, police said.

CCTV footage showed the moment the suspect was seen running along a street before approaching a passerby.

Another video showed the suspect approaching the officers. One officer Tasers him, sending the suspect to the floor, while shouting at him to drop the knife.

Northumbria Police said it came as a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues green spaces and park areas around Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole and Easington Lane.

Four bikes, two Sur-Rons and two motorbikes, were seized after being identified as possibly stolen or having no insurance.

a bike seized by police during a crime and anti-social behaviour crackdown in Herrington Country Park and in nearby Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole (Image: Northumbria Police)

Four people were stopped and searched with two people arrested for possession of cannabis, and arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunderland Street, in Houghton.

Joint visits by the trading standards team, the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and immigration officers, resulted in the seizure of over 300 illegal cigarettes.

A closure order is being progressed for the business involved on North View Terrace in Chilton Moor, Northumbria Police said.

Superintendent Scott Cowie from Northumbria Police said: “Policing is much more than just putting in front doors and making arrests, as this week of activity demonstrated.

“It’s also about strengthening our communities by listening to your concerns and acting upon them in a strategic way so that we reduce crime and ASB over time.

A motorbike seized by police during the asb prevention week in Herrington, Houghton and Hetton areas of Wearside (Image: Northumbria Police)

“Officers from a host of different teams were involved in the timetable of events as we made arrests for a variety of offences and boosted community engagement by speaking to people.

“We also targeted those using vehicles to carry out anti-social behaviour, which is something nobody should have to put up with on their doorstep at any time.

“Alongside that, by working together with our local authority partners, we’re making sure that retailers in the area are abiding by the law, providing reassurance to the general public in the process.

“Our sincere hope is that we’ve been able to further build the local community’s trust in us.

“Rest assured, we will continue to be a visible presence in our communities and ensure we are here when the public need us the most, delivering on our priorities to keep people safe and fight crime with an enhanced focus on prevention.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, added: “The range of activity which took place is more than just tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“It’s about preventing it from happening in the first place and making a real difference in our communities.

“Visible policing and enforcement will always play an important role, but they cannot deliver long-term change on their own.

“That’s why, through Northumbria Police, the Violence Reduction Unit and our partners, we are focused on a preventative approach that tackles the root causes of offending and reduces harm before it escalates. 

“Earlier intervention is key to that approach, ensuring we identify vulnerability early and put the right support in place at the earliest opportunity, through joined-up working with communities and local services.”

Michelle Coates, Community Safety Manager at Sunderland City Council, said: “This week of activity is a strong example of how effective partnership working helps keep our communities safe.

“By working closely with Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and other partners, we are able to tackle anti-social behaviour, support compliance among local businesses and address the issues that matter most to residents.”

Neil Moore from Unite the Union, said: “I’m an officer who represents both workers in Queens, but also workers across the hospitality sector.

“I want to thank everybody for coming down to this emergency protest on quite short notice. I think from talking to people here, the outrage from customers, from Clement’s staff, from staff and students at Queens is quite palpable that a situation like this can be allowed to happen, that a rogue employer such as John Elliott from Clements can simply say so long, say anara to his workers and expect the taxpayer to pick up the bill.

“In the letters that workers got, and workers, obviously nothing turns without workers. They understood where the business was at, seemingly a dispute between their employer and Queens, and their employer has decided to throw the baby out with the bathwater, and workers are collateral damage for that.

“That is a shame.

“I think, We really want to hear from Clement’s workers, so I’m gonna invite Sophie from Clement’s up to speak first, just about Clement’s workers’ experience and of course anybody else from Clements who wants to speak as well.”

While Atletico are well off the pace in LaLiga and lost the Copa del Rey final on penalties 11 days ago, they did overcome Barcelona in the quarter-final to keep their trophy hopes alive and, perhaps crucially, have previously knocked Arsenal out of a European competition at the semi-final stage. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri.

Jane McCarry, best known for playing Isa in the hit BBC comedy, will bring Whit’s Yer Chat? to the venue on Friday, May 8.

Still Game star Jane McCarry will appear at Rutherglen Town Hall next month with a new live show.

McCarry, best known for playing Isa in the hit BBC comedy, will bring Whit’s Yer Chat? to the venue on Friday, May 8.

She will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent stars Edward Reid and Vinnie McKee, radio presenter Ali Wright and TV Presenter Liam Dolan.

The show will feature a mix of humour, stories, and audience interaction in an informal setting.

Jane McCarry said: “We’re really looking forward to coming to Rutherglen. It’s bound to be a great night of laughs and chat, and the audience are a big part of it.

“Whit’s Yer Chat? is the ultimate night out with pals – an exuberant mix of laughs, stories, and chat, brimming with madness, music, and mayhem.”

Tickets are available now from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture’s online box office, at SLLC cultural venues, or by calling 0141 613 5700.

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Rutherglen youngsters climb Tinto Hill to fundraise for St Anthony’s Primary

Twelve months ago a slight miscalculation left John McGuinness confused about the precise number of North West 200 races he had competed in as he planned to celebrate his 100th race start at the north coast event.

“It was embarrassing when we got it wrong.’ McGuinness smiles. “I had a helmet and all painted for the occasion and we had to leave it at home on the shelf.”

According to the official records, McGuinness has now made 96 race starts at the north coast event. With the special anniversary helmet in tow, he now hopes to celebrate the landmark centenary during this year’s Briggs Equipment NW200 race week on May 4-9.

The 54 year old Honda Racing star reminisced about his long and checkered North West career during the official opening of the revamped Ballymena Honda showroom last week.

“I rolled up to Portrush with Becky-his then girlfriend, now wife- in 1994 in an old Iveco van,” the Morecambe man recalled.

“It was a different track back then with no Mill Road roundabout and no chicanes at Mathers or Magherabouy. I’ve ridden different variations of the track and millions of variations of bikes over the last three decades – two strokes, four strokes, carburretors, fuel injection, fly by wire, traction control- you name it!’”

“It is an event that keeps on giving for me, one I still look forward to coming to, bang on top of the calendar.’ the six time North West winner smiled.

“The teammates I’ve had, the laughs we’ve had, the tears and the pain too. I’ve been in tons of ding dong races where I could have won but I’ve ended up sixth. I’ve won a few and arguably been in the hunt to win a few more that we didn’t. But to win six around here is hard work.

“And then there are the people and manufacturers I’ve ridden for. A lot with Honda and a bit with Yamaha. Paul Bird played a big part in my journey and I wish he was here to see the 100 th start.’

“I always get asked what makes the North West so special and why have I come back each year?” McGuinness smiled as he launched into a eulogy that would gladden the hearts of the Tourism Ireland people.

“It has some sort of grip that gets a hold of you and won’t let go. You are treated like a hero for a week. I’ve seen people coming here in pushchairs and now they’ve grown up and are in the sport. They are on the tools or racing themselves now. Families and friends who have come right through it and still love coming here.

‘”That is a very rare thing but then you are riding along the sea front. It is like riding down the prom at Morecambe or Blackpool. The location is off the charts, the craic is great and the food is mega.

“There are still a few things that need sorting like the water supply in the paddock – you need about 10 hoses and you could pee faster than the water that comes out! But it’s an organisation of volunteers isn’t it? So it has its own character.”

McGuinness laments the reduction in both time and fun the current, tighter qualifying and race schedule imposes.

“The whole paddock used to be in the Anchor Bar or Kelly’s night club back in the day,” he says.

“It was fantastic, but obviously it is a shorter event now. Even though things have changed in many ways, walking through the tunnel from the paddock, pulling on the helmet and going out on to the coast road is exactly the same as it has always been.”

The Honda star enjoys the peculiarities that persist around the event.

“The corporate side of the North West is epic now and we need all the sponsors onboard but when you go to sign on you still get a shop mug, a bag of apples, a programme and a Bible,” he smiles.

“It is still the same craic, same old-fashioned rituals, and that is nice in a way.”

Road racing can also be a bittersweet sport and McGuinness felt the full weight of its downside when he crashed at Primrose corner during practice for the 2017 North West after the ECU on his Honda Racing Fireblade developed a fault.

“I thought I was going to meet my maker that day,” the Morecambe racer, who suffered a compound fracture to his right tibia and fibula plus four broken vertebrae and three smashed ribs, says.

“I’d never been in that position before but the whole lead up in 2017 wasn’t great,” he recalls.

“Guy (Guy Martin, his Honda teammate) and me were worried about a lot of things that year and in hindsight we should not have been on the grid. But you go there, you have all that pressure on your shoulders, and you feel that you are cheating people out of something if you’re not riding.”

McGuinness was fired through the fence in the crash at Primrose, ending up on a golf course.

“I’m not a golf fan.’ he says with a rueful grin. “It took a long time to recover, not just physically but mentally too. I’m a bit old school in thinking you have to grow a set of balls and toughen up but I wasn’t in a good place. Addicted to Tramadol and morphine, I was driving around at 2am, thinking. ‘What am I doing? I want all this to end’.”

After splitting with Honda following the crash, McGuinness rejoined the team in 2022.

Two years later the Morecambe veteran enjoyed a fairytale comeback in his North West 200 story as he is finished third in the CP Hire Superstock race behind race winner, Davey Todd and runner-up, Peter Hickman.

“I rolled up my sleeves and got stuck back in and in 2024 I was back on the North West podium,” McGuinness smiles.

“That was the sweetest podium and now, looking back, I wish I had milked it more! I should have done a Glenn Irwin and gone up on to the grandstand to do some crowd surfing! To be honest I rode straight into the winner’s enclosure with a bit of disbelief, thinking, have I done this? I didn’t really know what to do because it had been a long time since I had been on the podium.’

“It was a hot day with great racing and there is nothing better than being up there on that podium when the sun is shining.’ he smiles, recalling the moment.

“The North West is a big event and in that atmosphere, and when everyone is back safe in the paddock, it is very hard to replicate that feeling.”

During over three decades of North West 200 racing, the Morecambe veteran has been in the mix at the north coast meeting with so many of road racing’s greats.

“I’ve been Joey Dunlop’s teammate there and Michael Dunlop’s teammate too. I’ve been on track with Robert Dunlop and all the greats of the Nineties. Riders like Ryan Farquhar, Phelim Owens and Woolsey Coulter.

“There have been endless amounts of talented Irish road racers, just so many good hands everywhere. The grids were stacked full. We would come across and the Irish boys would just want to beat us and we wanted to beat them. It always got real competitive on the 250s.

“I’ve been on the North West grid on a 125cc, 250cc, 400cc, 600cc and on Superbike machinery. I’ve been through all the classes and every single emotion that racing can put you through. And I am still coming back.”

Has he any thoughts of retirement?

“I sort of think I should stop but then I think, why?” he smiles. “I’m riding a factory Honda with Dean Harrison and sometimes I think that maybe that bike should go to someone else. In last year’s Superbike race at the North West I finished sixth and was holding my own in the field. I think I was warranting the ride and then I thought, come and get it from me.”

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