Report warns Welsh Government failing to deliver on human rights promises

The findings come from the Cross‑Party Group on Human Rights, chaired by South Wales West MS Sioned Williams, which has published its inquiry into the state of human rights in Wales. The report concludes that despite a decade of recommendations from the UN, Senedd committees and civil society organisations, key international treaties have not been incorporated into Welsh law.

The group is calling for a new Human Rights Wales Act to be introduced “at the earliest opportunity.”

Sioned Williams said the report revealed “a Wales where human rights are too often promises rather than protections — aspirations rather than guarantees.” She added that poverty, barriers to healthcare, housing and education, and ongoing discrimination against disabled people, women, racialised communities and children showed why stronger legal protections were needed.

The report was produced by Professor Simon Hoffman of Swansea University and Glenn Page of Amnesty Cymru. Glenn Page, Director of Amnesty International Cymru, said: “It is not enough to say we support human rights; the Welsh Government must protect human rights in law to ensure that now, and in the future, people’s everyday rights are protected and upheld.”

The report will be launched at the Senedd today (Wednesday 12 November), with a debate scheduled later in the evening on the importance of strengthening human rights for the people of Wales.

#amnesty #amnestyInternationalCymru #crossE28091partyGroupOnHumanRights #glennPage #humanRights #humanRightsLaw #humanRightsWalesAct #professorSimonHoffman #senedd #sionedWilliamsMs #swanseaUniversity #welshGovernment

Minister agrees to visit Godre’r Graig school after six years in portacabins

Pupils at the school have been taught in temporary portacabins miles from their community since the original building was closed and demolished in 2019. Despite a funding application for a replacement school being submitted by Neath Port Talbot Council, no decision has yet been made — and Welsh Government officials are reportedly assessing the proposal as if it were for a brand-new school.

“This isn’t a new school — it already exists”

Raising the issue in the Senedd this week, Sioned Williams MS, who represents South Wales West, urged the Cabinet Secretary to meet with school leaders and “understand the exceptional context” of the application.

“What is of concern to me is the impact on the many learners at Godre’r Graig School who have never been educated in a permanent school building in their own community,” she said. “This isn’t a ‘new school’ — the school already exists.”

Ms Neagle confirmed she was “very happy to visit the school,” and acknowledged the wider impact of the situation on Welsh suppliers and families.

Community frustration grows over delays

The funding application is being considered under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Nine-Year Rolling Programme, but concerns have been raised about the criteria being applied. A letter from Welsh Government officials reportedly referenced the impact a “new school” could have on pupil numbers at neighbouring schools — but not the disruption already affecting Godre’r Graig pupils.

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat Member for the area, has also written to the Cabinet Secretary urging urgent action:

“Five years after its closure, pupils are still being taught in temporary offsite portacabins. These facilities are not suitable for long-term education, and parents continue to raise concerns about uncomfortable temperatures and extended daily travel.”

He called for clarity on the timeline for reviewing the application, the criteria being used, and whether any interim support would be offered to improve current learning conditions.

Rejected super school plan still casts a shadow

The original proposal to merge schools in the Swansea Valley into a single “super school” was overwhelmingly rejected by the local community in 2021. Campaigners argued that the plan would strip three communities of their local primary schools, including Godre’r Graig.

With the demolition of the original building now complete, campaigners say the lack of a permanent replacement risks undermining the future of a successful school — and leaving a generation of learners without a stable, community-based education.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

‘Shameful’ answer from First Minister on replacement for demolished Swansea Valley school
Senedd response sparks anger over lack of progress on permanent school rebuild.

Council to discuss multimillion-pound school building plans
Neath Port Talbot outlines future investment in education infrastructure.

Swansea Valley super school plan rejected
Community campaign succeeds in stopping controversial school merger.

‘Listen to the people’: NPT Council urged to reject plans to close Swansea Valley schools
Parents and campaigners call for protection of local education provision.

#DavidChadwickMP #education #GodreRgraig #GodreRGraigPrimarySchool #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #Pontardawe #portacabin #SionedWilliamsMS #SwanseaValley #WelshGovernment

“Shameful” answer from First Minister on replacement for demolished Swansea Valley school

School closed over landslide risk

Godre’r Graig Primary was shut in July 2019 after a geotechnical report identified a medium risk of landslide from a quarry spoil tip above the playground. Pupils were moved into portable classrooms near Cwmtawe Community School in Pontardawe, more than three miles away. The original building has since been demolished.

Neath Port Talbot Council has submitted an application to Welsh Government for funding to build a replacement school. But uncertainty over the bid, and how it is being assessed, has raised concerns among staff and parents about the school’s long‑term future.

Clash in the Senedd

Raising the issue in the Senedd on Tuesday (30 September), South Wales West MS Sioned Williams said correspondence seen by the school suggested the application was being treated as if it were for a brand‑new school, rather than a replacement forced by “the scars of our industrial legacy.”

In response, the First Minister said:

“Well, my understanding is that the Plaid council blocked the new school proposal, and that is something that you may want to reflect on.”

The remark referred to the previous Labour administration’s controversial “super school” plan, which would have merged Godre’r Graig with Alltwen and Llangiwg primaries on a new site at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe. That proposal was overturned by the council’s new rainbow coalition in 2022 following strong community opposition.

“Children deserved a better response”

Speaking afterwards, Ms Williams said:

“The children, staff and community of Godre’rgraig deserved a better response to their situation than that given by the First Minister today.

This building was closed through no fault of the school, its staff or its pupils but rather the scars of our industrial legacy – that are continuing to impact our children to this day.

It was shameful to see the First Minister play politics with the future of Godre’r Graig Primary School without even trying to answer my question about the need to recognise the exceptional circumstances that led to the school requiring a new building.”

She confirmed she will be writing to the First Minister to demand a “substantive response more befitting of her office.”

Related articles

• Swansea Valley super school plan rejected

  Neath Port Talbot Council scraps controversial proposal to merge three primaries into one new ‘super school’ at Pontardawe.

• Council to discuss multimillion-pound school building plans

  Cabinet members consider major investment in new and replacement schools across the borough.

• Decision day set for controversial Swansea Valley super school plans

  Key vote scheduled on whether to proceed with merging Alltwen, Godre’r Graig and Llangiwg primaries.

• Senedd Member calls for Pontardawe super school plan to be rejected

  Sioned Williams MS warns the proposals would damage community life and Welsh language provision.

• Council to review Swansea Valley super school decision made by previous administration

  New coalition leadership re-examines the controversial education project after local backlash.

• Plan for new super primary school in Swansea Valley recommended for council’s cabinet approval

  Officers recommend approval for a £22m single-site school at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe.

• Three Swansea Valley schools could be replaced with one new one under latest council plans

  Proposals outlined to merge Godre’r Graig, Alltwen and Llangiwg primaries into a single new build.

#coalTipSafety #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #ElunedMorganMS #FirstMinister #GodreRgraig #GodreRGraigPrimarySchool #landslide #landslideRisk #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #PlaidCymru #Pontardawe #quarryTip #SionedWilliamsMS #superSchool #SwanseaValley #WelshGovernment #WelshLabour

Call to scrap VAT on sunscreen as skin cancer rates rise in Wales

The South Wales West politician pressed Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford in the Senedd this week after earlier calls to treat sunscreen as a health essential rather than a cosmetic product.

Mr Drakeford confirmed that Treasury officials had told Welsh Government there were “no plans” to change VAT rules. But he added he was prepared to raise the issue again with new ministers in London, following Ms Williams’ intervention.

“Not a luxury”

Ms Williams said sunscreen should be seen as a life‑saving product, not a luxury item:

“Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable, and yet it currently accounts for almost half of all cancers in Wales. The high cost is stopping some people from practising good skin safety – trying to make it go further by not applying enough, not regularly enough, or not at all.”

She added that removing VAT could encourage more people to use sunscreen properly and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Cancer rates and cost concerns

• Wales has the highest rate of skin cancer of any UK nation, according to Public Health Wales.
• Research by the charity Melanoma Focus found half of people in the UK think sunscreen is too expensive, while one in ten don’t use it at all because of the cost.

What happens next

Mr Drakeford told the Senedd he would be “willing to raise the point” again with the Treasury, given the arguments put forward and recent changes in personnel.

Campaigners say the move could make a practical difference to families struggling with the cost of living, while also helping to cut avoidable cancer cases.

Related sun safety stories

New study says Welsh primary school pupils need to get ‘sunproofed’
Swansea University research found fewer than half of Welsh primary schools have a sun safety policy in place for pupils.

Boots will no longer sell its own-brand sun cream with an SPF lower than 15
High street chemist Boots phases out lower SPF products to encourage safer sun protection, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Popular sunscreens failing to live up to sun protection claims, Which? reveals
Consumer tests found some big-name products did not meet their advertised SPF or UVA protection levels.

Health board issues warning after child sunburn cases at Swansea hospital burns unit
Doctors at Morriston Hospital urged parents to take extra care after several youngsters were admitted with severe sunburn.

#HMTreasury #MarkDrakeford #MelanomaFocus #PublicHealthWales #SionedWilliamsMS #skinCancer #sunscreen #suntan #suntanLotion #tax #UKGovernment #VAT #WelshGovernment

Plaid MS challenges LINK over Pontardawe banking hub snub

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for South Wales West, Sioned Williams, has written to LINK — the UK’s cash access coordinator — to dispute its assessment that Pontardawe does not require additional cash services after Lloyds Bank closes its branch this November. LINK is funded by the UK’s banks and building societies to assess community needs and ensure access to cash across the country.

The closure of Lloyds will leave the entire Swansea Valley without a physical bank, prompting widespread concern. LINK’s original review concluded that existing cash access in Pontardawe was sufficient, despite calls from residents and businesses for a dedicated banking hub.

In response, Ms Williams has compiled a detailed evidence pack including letters from local businesses, charities, councillors, residents and Pontardawe Town FC, challenging the practicality of LINK’s verdict. She argues that the assessment fails to reflect the “facts on the ground”, citing the town’s reliance on cash-based trade, limited public transport links to Neath, and the broader impact on surrounding communities such as Rhos, Clydach, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera.

While Lloyds has pledged to provide a Community Banker in Pontardawe, this service will be limited to fortnightly visits and will not handle transactions — a move Ms Williams says falls short of meeting local needs.

Sioned Williams said:

“When LINK assessed Pontardawe in the wake of the news that Lloyds Bank will close – the last bank in the Swansea Valley – they concluded that there were sufficient banking services nearby. This is a decision that I am still disputing after hearing the feelings aired in the public meeting I held, in ongoing conversations with residents and local businesses, and because this is my town and my bank.”

She added that many businesses operate on a cash-only basis and would be forced to close temporarily to travel to Neath for banking — a journey complicated by the infrequent 256 bus service, which runs fewer than ten times daily.

Sioned Williams said:

“While the people of Pontardawe and the wider area are under no illusions that financial services are changing, all they – and I – ask is that their request for a banking hub be given proper and full consideration with appropriate attention paid to the facts on the ground.”

The campaign to retain banking services in Pontardawe has gained momentum in recent months. In July, local MP Christina Rees wrote to the CEO of Lloyds Banking Group urging the bank to reconsider its decision to close the branch, citing the impact on vulnerable residents and small businesses. Ms Williams also previously criticised Lloyds’ response to community concerns as “deeply disappointing” and lacking in meaningful engagement.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

MP calls on Lloyds CEO to halt closure of Pontardawe branch
Christina Rees MP urges Lloyds to reconsider closure plans amid community backlash.

Senedd member speaks out on “deeply disappointing” Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Sioned Williams MS criticises lack of engagement and calls for better consultation.

#ATM #bankClosure #banking #cashpoint #Clydach #Cwmllynfell #GwaunCaeGurwen #Link #LloydsBank #Pontardawe #Rhos #SionedWilliamsMS #SwanseaValley #Ystalyfera

Disability groups say no vote on disability cuts until Wales has full consultation

The open letter has been signed by dozens of politicians, campaign groups and individuals after Wales’ only face-to-face consultation event due to take place in Cardiff on 3 June was cancelled at the last minute.

The letter from campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) Cymru is addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Welsh Government First Minister Eluned Morgan, Rachel Reeves, Liz Kendall, Stephen Timms, Alison McGovern and Jo Stevens and says: “The government are running a consultation on disability cuts called the “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper”.

“The DWP have cancelled the only in-person consultation event for the whole of Wales, and do not plan to run another.

“They did this after announcing an inaccessible venue at the last minute, in what we believe to be a clear example of disability discrimination.

“The consultation was always going to be unfair, given half the proposals – the most important half – were off the table for discussion on day one.

“There must be no vote in the House of Commons on disability cuts until a full and genuine public consultation has been carried out in Wales.

“Given the government’s complete failure to listen to disabled people, and the DWP’s demonstrated inability to arrange a genuine consultation, any consultation must be run independently by Welsh disabled people’s organisations, also inviting the views of carers. The DWP must attend as observers.”

Senedd Member, Sioned Williams MS joined DPAC Cymru at a protest in Cardiff on 3 June – the date of the cancelled consultation.

Ms Williams, who is Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on Social Justice and Equalities, said: “With 190,000 – a staggering 6% of the people of Wales – set to lose out, Welsh communities will be the hardest hit by Labour’s cruel disability cuts, yet the Labour UK Government refuse to even hold a consultation event in Wales. If anybody needed further proof of Labour’s contempt towards Wales, here it is.

“While the Labour UK Government treats Wales as an unimportant consequence to their decisions, Labour in Wales simply watch on in disinterest, instead of calling out the UK Government’s austerity-driven agenda. Labour has no interest in doing what is right for our communities, only what is deemed suitable in their attempt to reverse their plummeting polling numbers.

“Welsh communities deserve a government that will put them first, they deserve a government that puts Wales and Welsh communities first. Labour have shown that their priorities lie with their party, not with our country. That is why Wales needs a Plaid Cymru Government in 2026 that will always fight for what is fair to Wales.”

Swansea Bay News asked the Department for Work and Pensions for their response to DPAC Cymru’s letter and to confirm if a consultation will be held in Wales.

UK Government Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms responded: “It is crucial that the views and voices of sick or disabled people across Wales are at the heart of our reforms, which is why we’ve rescheduled a consultation event in Cardiff after it was cancelled by the venue.

“Having listened to people’s calls for more consultation opportunities in Wales we have also arranged an additional virtual event, so even more people can take part.

“We will continue to look at the specific impacts for those living in Wales as we seek to support people back into work if they are able, while also protecting those who rely on our social security system.”

Swansea Bay News has asked the DWP for the details of the rescheduled Cardiff consultation, but the department has yet to confirm the date.

#benefits #DWP #SionedWilliamsMS #SirStephenTimms #SwanseaDPAC #UKGovernment

‘Deep disappointment’ over NatWest’s Neath branch closure

The Neath NatWest branch is known to be a hub for local banking services and is sometimes used for events like the NatWest Ospreys Cup semi-final draw. 

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, whose office is 500 feet from the NatWest Neath branch in the town centre, has expressed her “deep disappointment” in the closure decision.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “I have today written to NatWest to express my concern at the impact of their decision to close the Neath branch, and ask them to rethink their decision. 

“This is the latest in the ongoing trend of high-street banks closing their physical premises, cutting many individuals and businesses off from in-person banking services.

“High Street Banks are quick to advertise themselves as the heart of community, and happy to profit from that, but are quick to forget the responsibility that should lie with that position. I think it’s a scandal that banks which make huge profits are not obliged to provide services to the communities that have been their faithful customers for decades.

“The gap left behind by these high street banks are more than just the empty shop fronts. Ensuring that we retain the ability to transact with cash in our communities is a matter of fairness and inclusion, and it will be a blow to local businesses in Neath who use NatWest and are trying so hard to keep the town centre vibrant and flourishing and to the customers who want and need local in-person banking services.”

#bankClosure #Natwest #Neath #PlaidCymru #SionedWilliamsMS

Hope for backing for Neath Market new vision

The visit was organised by Sioned Williams MS off the back of Ms Williams’ survey into the future of Neath town centre, which gained nearly 400 responses, and revealed how much locals value their historic market, albeit with concerns over its future.

Ms Williams had also been in correspondence with Neath Port Talbot council over their plans for the future of the market. 

On Thursday 3 April, Ms Williams and Mandy Gunter, the Chair of the Traders Association took Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant, her officials together with the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, and council officers on a tour of the market to meet traders, hear their concerns and gain their views about what improvements were needed.

During the visit the Council confirmed its commitment to continue working with traders and other town centre businesses to develop a plan for the market, and Ms Williams pressed the Cabinet Secretary for financial support from Welsh Government to help deliver that plan. 

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “Neath Market is not only historically significant, but plays such an important role in attracting footfall to the town centre. I know how much it’s valued by the community, and how many feel that, with more support, it could have an even bigger contribution in ensuring the prosperity of Neath and its local businesses.

“That’s why I felt it so important to get Welsh Government, Neath Port Talbot Council, and traders all together so that all are aware of what needs to be done, what can be done, and – crucially – how we get it done.

“I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for coming to Neath following my invitation and I was pleased to hear that Neath Port Talbot Council are in the process of working with traders, neighbouring business owners, and people who shop in the market to develop a plan.

“However, intentions require investment, and with local authorities under significant financial pressure, we need to make sure that Welsh Government understands the importance of the market and why its future must be secured and its potential developed. The market is a central part of the town’s identity, and I have been calling for years for the funding to be made available to realise its full potential. 

“I will keep campaigning to ensure everything is done by the Council and Welsh Government to support and celebrate the ongoing contribution Neath Market makes to the local economy and to the vitality of the town centre.”

#Business #Neath #NeathMarket #retail #SionedWilliamsMS

Senedd Member speaks out on ‘deeply disappointing’ Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure

Following her campaign to challenge the closure of Lloyds Bank in Pontardawe, which has gained hundreds of responses, all of whom are in favour of keeping the branch open, Lloyds Bank agreed to meet with Sioned Williams to discuss their decision.

Ms Williams has described the response from the multi-national bank as “deeply disappointing” and their planned departure as a “betrayal” although has welcomed their offer of support to help locals with other banking options, including their commitment to run a Lloyds Community Banker Service in the town.

A Community Banker, while not able to handle transactions, will provide face to face support for people who have questions about accounts and services. However, Lloyds indicated that this would only be available once a fortnight in Pontardawe, and their plan was to encourage people to use their online or telephone banking services.

Lloyds do not currently have an Welsh language version of their online banking, although there are options to speak to people in Welsh on the telephone.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “The decision by Lloyds Bank to close the branch in Pontardawe has left a sense of betrayal for residents and businesses alike. I was keen to impart in my meeting with Lloyds the fact that this decision doesn’t just impact the people of Pontardawe – because this is the last bank in the entire Swansea Valley, it impacts up to 25,000 people.

“While Lloyds insisted that they wrote to everyone lives near and who uses the branch, even if their account sort code is elsewhere, I received no such letter and I both live in Pontardawe, and frequent the branch! I was able to secure a commitment from them to look again at their list of customers in scope.

“I also made clear that the closure of the branch will impact our most vulnerable people. Travelling to Swansea or Neath is not an option for everyone, and many people who signed my petition have told me that they’re not able to or want to use online banking services – not everyone owns a computer, and not everyone has good internet connection in Wales!

“What particularly stings is that Lloyds closed their Ystradgynlais Branch on the basis they had a branch in Pontardawe. People from across the Swansea Valley come to Pontardawe for the bank, and this is rightly causing great concern for local businesses. While Lloyds reviewed transaction data for local businesses, they did not survey those businesses before making their decision, and the concern is that the removal of the bank will force those businesses to go cashless. This will impact people who do not have access to a bank card, such as those with a learning disability, and those who prefer to transact in cash.

“Lloyds Bank have promised me that no customer will be ‘left behind’ and they will look at the resource which will be allocated to the Pontardawe Branch to ensure customers have the time to learn about other options, but the fact remains that it won’t be the same. While Lloyds reassured me that 77% of Pontardawe Branch customers are interacting with banking in different ways too, I’m fighting for the quarter of customers who only interact in branch, and for our local businesses.

“Here we have a multi-national bank that’s forcing change on customers who are telling them loud and clear they want and need a physical branch. This is not a customer-first approach, it’s a corporation-first approach and their initial response is deeply disappointing.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken time to tell me how the branch closure will specifically impact them – please keep your examples coming, as the fight isn’t over yet.”

(Lead image: Plaid Cymru)

#bankClosure #LloydsBank #Pontardawe #SionedWilliamsMS #SwanseaValley #Ystradgynlais

The valleys village without a welcome… (sign)

Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, has started campaigning for the village with no dedicated welcome sign. 

Gwaun-cae-gurwen is a village in Neath Port Talbot, and birthplace of rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards, and noted actress Dame Siân Phillips. 

Whereas other towns and villages often display their famous sons and daughters on the signs marking the boundary, Gwaun-cae-gurwen doesn’t even have dedicated signage for the village. 

This fact was raised by residents with regional Member of Senedd Sioned Williams, when she was holding a community advice surgery in nearby Tairgwaith: “Gwaun-cae-gurwen is home to Welsh legends Sir Gareth Edwards and Dame Siân Phillips but you wouldn’t even know you’d arrived there.”

Ms Williams said that on arrival, one constituent remarked, “you could drive out of the village without ever realising you’d entered it” while another simply said, “welcome to the forgotten part of Neath Port Talbot.”

Ms Williams went on to say: “I recently attended the launch event commemorating the centenary of Richard Burton’s birth. Part of the celebrations included a wonderful sign welcoming visitors to Pontrhydyfen, showcasing that this was the birthplace of Richard Burton, Ivor Emmanuel and Rebecca Evans.

“To think that Gwaun-cae-gurwen gave us Siân Phillips and Gareth Edwards – this should be something to celebrate, and that’s why I’ve written to the council to see what can be done about it.

“Simple additions and signage can showcase the unique identity of our communities and the notable people born within and bring visitors in. A sign for Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, similar to the one in Pontrhydyfen, would perhaps make this important part of the county borough feel more valued.”

Neath Port Talbot council has written back to Ms Williams with reassurance that this is “high on the agenda” of the newly appointed Visitor Economy Manager, who will be raising with ward councillors when they next meet.

(Lead image: Geraint Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0,)

#GwaunCaeGurwen #NeathPortTalbot #SionedWilliamsMS