#torstenbell — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-26 · 15:54 UTC

SCHOOL PHONES: First Minister rules out Wales-wide ban as Plaid Cymru leaves decision to individual schools — with Swansea parents already debating the issue

There will be no Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools — with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth saying his new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will instead “empower schools” to make their own decisions on whether and how to restrict phone use during the school day.

The position, set out by the First Minister at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey on Tuesday and first reported by BBC Wales, marks a clear divergence from England — where the UK Government is preparing to pass a law requiring schools to be free of smartphones throughout the school day.

Decision rests with individual schools and governing bodies

In Wales, the decision to ban or restrict mobile phones for pupils remains a matter for individual schools and their governing bodies. The Welsh Government will not require schools to act, and there is no suggestion that direction will change.

That means parents in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire may find different phone rules at different schools — with some local schools and headteachers already having moved to restrict or ban phones, and others taking different approaches.

The First Minister told BBC Wales he wanted his government to “facilitate schools to take the decisions that they feel are right to protect children and young people.”

“I don’t think of it in terms of a ban, I think about it as action on a number of different fronts,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

“We will empower schools and school leaders to make decisions that they feel is right for pupils. Many schools and school leaders have already taken those measures.”

Plaid manifesto promise

Plaid Cymru’s manifesto for the May 2026 Senedd election had committed to “empower local authorities to promote students’ safety, learning and wellbeing through restricting the use of smartphones in schools for under-16s” — working with councils and school leaders to deliver this “in a practical and proportionate way, with appropriate exemptions where necessary.”

Tuesday’s comments confirm that the route Plaid will take is empowerment of schools rather than legal compulsion — leaving the decision firmly with local headteachers and governing bodies.

Action on social media “needs to be taken”

The First Minister was speaking as a UK Government consultation on the impact of social media on children under 16 closes — with UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall pledging new measures for under-16s in England by the end of 2026.

While ruling out a phone ban in schools, Mr ap Iorwerth said action on under-16s’ use of social media “needs to be taken” and signalled the Welsh Government would follow the evidence in deciding how to respond.

“The evidence is getting stronger and stronger,” he said. “When you have evidence suggesting to you that the use of social media by children and young people can be as harmful as smoking tobacco, you take that very, very seriously.

“I am clear that action needs to be taken. It’s important though that it’s evidence based.”

Live issue in Swansea

The First Minister’s comments come amid intense local debate over children’s social media use in Swansea, where last month a packed public meeting heard parents, teachers and residents share concerns about technology and children.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who convened the meeting at the city’s Guildhall, told attendees the issue had generated more letters to his office than any other policy issue this year.

Mr Bell himself posted on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon — within an hour of the First Minister’s comments at the Urdd Eisteddfod — urging Swansea constituents to use the final day of the UK Government consultation to “have your say” on protecting children online.

“Children’s use of social media is the top issue constituents in Swansea have written to me about this year so far,” he wrote. “Today is the last opportunity to tell the UK Government what you think should be done to protect kids growing up in the online world.” He included a link to his constituency survey at torstenbell.org/social-media-debate.

The Welsh Government’s position therefore lands in a constituency where parental concern about children, phones and social media has already been articulated publicly — and where there is no single, consistent approach from local schools.

Welsh Conservatives: ‘Plaid must go further’

The First Minister’s position has drawn criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who say Plaid Cymru must commit to stronger action to protect children in Wales.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, Families and Constitution Sam Rowlands MS said experts continue to warn about the harms of social media for children, with some comparing its impact to smoking.

“While the UK Government is acting on the damages that social media causes, the First Minister in Wales is dithering on restricting social media for under-16s and has ruled out a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools,” Mr Rowlands said.

“The Welsh Conservatives say Plaid Cymru must go further and commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.”

What it means for parents in south-west Wales

For families in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire, the practical effect of the First Minister’s position is that nothing changes from a Welsh Government level — with phone policy continuing to vary school by school.

Some local schools have already introduced “no phones during the school day” policies or banned mobile devices from classrooms entirely. Others allow phones to be carried on the basis they remain switched off or out of sight. Parents wanting to know the position at their child’s school will need to ask the school directly.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: ‘Technology has transformed childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand’ — packed public meeting hears parents’ fears about social media
Our May 2026 coverage of the Swansea Guildhall public meeting on social media and children.

SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s
Our April 2026 piece on Torsten Bell convening parents and educators on the social media question.

#PlaidCymru #RhunApIorwerthMS #SamRowlandsMS #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #TorstenBell #under16SocialMediaBan #WelshConservatives #WelshGovernment

#plaidcymru #rhunapiorwerthms #samrowlandsms #socialmedia #socialmediaban #torstenbell

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-16 · 21:06 UTC

SWANSEA: ‘Technology has transformed childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand’ — packed public meeting hears parents’ fears about social media and their kids

It is the issue that has filled Torsten Bell’s postbag more than any other this year — and when he opened up a public meeting on children’s social media use in Swansea this week, it was standing room only.

Parents spoke of children glued to screens for hours on end. Teachers described what they see on the frontline every day. Charity leaders raised the mounting evidence on mental health. And beneath it all ran a question that nobody has yet managed to answer satisfactorily: if the government bans under-16s from social media, can it actually be enforced?

The meeting, held on Thursday 14 May, was organised by the Swansea West MP to feed local voices into the UK Government’s Online Safety Act consultation on protecting children online — including proposals to restrict social media use for under-16s. Bell had called the meeting in April after his office was inundated with correspondence from constituents worried about the issue.

The consultation — launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology — is examining a range of potential measures. These include requiring social media platforms to do far more to verify the ages of users, potential restrictions on under-16s accessing platforms entirely, and tougher rules on how AI chatbots and gaming platforms interact with children.

Residents at Thursday’s meeting heard first from a panel of expert speakers — researchers, campaigners and people who deal with the consequences of children’s social media use in their work every day.

The data presented at the meeting made for uncomfortable reading. According to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and Ofcom, one in five children in Wales spends more than seven hours a day on a screen — and most children aged between three and five already have their own social media profile.

A slide presented at the meeting showing that one in five children in Wales spend more than seven hours a day on a screen, and that most children aged three to five already have their own social media profile. (Image: Torsten Bell MP)

The audience then shared their own experiences, and the room was not of one mind. There were parents who want action now, convinced that social media is damaging their children’s wellbeing and mental health. There were others who questioned whether an age limit could be meaningfully policed — and whether it might drive young people further underground online rather than protecting them.

Bell said the quality of the debate had struck him. “This public debate showed just how deeply people in Swansea care about this issue,” he said. “Parents, teachers and young people themselves all recognise that technology has transformed childhood in ways we are only beginning to understand.”

He added that the issue felt personal as well as political. “Many of us do already know how much we’d have missed out on as a teenager if the time and attention sink of social media had got in the way,” he said.

The concerns raised in Swansea are not new — and not unique to the city. A Bridgend school warned last year that pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts. Research published on Safer Internet Day found that half of parents had never spoken to their children about harmful online content. And more than 60 Labour MPs have now backed calls for a ban — among them local MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell.

The political pressure on the government to act is growing. Australia introduced a full ban on social media for under-16s last year, becoming the first country in the world to do so, and the move sparked intense debate in Westminster about whether the UK should follow suit.

But critics of an outright ban — including some who spoke at Thursday’s meeting — argue that determined teenagers will simply find workarounds, and that the real answer lies in better platform regulation and education rather than blanket restrictions that may prove unenforceable.

The panel invites questions from the floor during Torsten Bell MP’s public meeting on children’s social media use at Swansea’s Guildhall. (Image: Torsten Bell MP)

What is not in dispute is the scale of the problem. The Llanelli MP’s office has described parents being shocked to discover their children had secret online identities — building up lives in apps their parents had never heard of, talking to strangers, and consuming content far removed from what they had been allowed to access at home.

Bell urged everyone who could not make Thursday’s meeting to respond to the consultation directly before the deadline. “The experiences and differing views everyone shared will be fed directly into the Government’s consultation,” he said.

“For anyone that couldn’t make it along, there is still time to have your voice heard — please do fill in the survey on my website and ensure the UK Government has heard your views before decisions about further action are taken,” he added.

The consultation closes on 26 May. Responses can be submitted via Torsten Bell’s website at torsten-bell.com.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s
Why Torsten Bell called the meeting — and why the issue tops his postbag.

Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
The real-world consequences of children’s social media use in our schools.

Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back social media ban for under-16s
The growing political pressure on the government to act.

#OnlineSafetyAct #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #TorstenBell #under16SocialMediaBan

#onlinesafetyact #socialmedia #socialmediaban #torstenbell #under16socialmediaban

United Kingdom @[email protected] · 2026-04-29 · 05:38 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/britain/24569/ Pension deadlock: Government and Lords refuse to back down in stalemate #AndrewWestern #Business #consertvatives #HouseOfCommons #HouseOfLords #LabourParty #LiberalDemocats #News #PatMcFadden #PensionSchemesBill #pensions #Politics #TorstenBell #UK #UKEconomy #UkGovernment #UnitedKingdom

#unitedkingdom #ukgovernment #ukeconomy #uk #torstenbell #politics

United Kingdom News Beep @[email protected] · 2026-04-28 · 19:20 UTC

Government and Lords refuse to back down in stalemate

Tuesday 28 April 2026 1:28 pm The lords and government are at a stalemate over the bill The…
#NewsBeep #News #Personalfinance #andrewwestern #Business #consertvatives #Finance #HouseofCommons #HouseofLords #LabourParty #liberaldemocats #PatMcFadden #PensionSchemesBill #Pensions #PersonalFinance #Politics #torstenbell #UK #UKeconomy #UKGovernment #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/555547/

#unitedkingdom #ukgovernment #ukeconomy #uk #torstenbell #politics

UK @[email protected] · 2026-04-28 · 17:18 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/uk/924502/ Pension deadlock: Government and Lords refuse to back down in stalemate #AndrewWestern #Business #consertvatives #Finance #HouseOfCommons #HouseOfLords #LabourParty #LiberalDemocats #News #PatMcFadden #PensionSchemesBill #Pensions #PersonalFinance #Politics #TorstenBell #UK #UKEconomy #UKGovernment #UnitedKingdom

#unitedkingdom #ukgovernment #ukeconomy #uk #torstenbell #politics

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-04-20 · 00:00 UTC

SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s — and says the issue tops his postbag

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has called an emergency public meeting to discuss whether children under 16 should be banned from social media, as the UK Government’s landmark consultation on protecting young people online enters its final weeks.

The meeting will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 14 May at Swansea’s Guildhall, and is open to parents, children and community members from across the city. Those wishing to attend have been asked to reserve a seat by emailing [email protected] with their name and postcode, as significant interest is expected.

The event will be one of the last opportunities for people in Swansea to feed into the national debate before the UK Government’s consultation closes on Friday 26 May. Attendees can expect to hear from community leaders, campaigners and teachers, and will have the chance to share their own experiences and concerns about children’s online safety.

The social media ban debate has generated more correspondence to Bell’s office than any other policy issue since the start of 2026, with nearly a quarter of all policy-related letters and emails focusing on the subject — a striking measure of how deeply the issue is resonating with families across Swansea West.

Bell said: “As a father to young children, I am deeply concerned about the impact of social media and delighted that the UK Government is taking the issue so seriously. Many of us know how much we’d have missed out on as a teenager if the time and attention sink of social media had got in the way.”

He added: “No issue is more important than the safety of our children. As the consensus grows that more needs to be done, I’m hosting this meeting to make sure people in Swansea have their voice heard and are at the forefront of shaping what happens next.”

The Government’s consultation — which has dedicated versions for young people and for parents and carers — is exploring a range of potential measures beyond an outright ban. These include whether platforms should be forced to switch off addictive features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, and whether mandatory overnight curfews on social media use could help children get better sleep.

The idea of an Australia-style ban on under-16s using social media has attracted growing cross-party support at Westminster. As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, more than 60 Labour MPs — including Gower’s Tonia Antoniazzi and Mid and South Pembrokeshire’s Henry Tufnell — have already backed calls for such a ban.

In Llanelli, Dame Nia Griffith has urged families to respond to the consultation, saying she would personally support a ban but that any legislation would need to be carefully thought through and enforceable. She described the issue as one of the defining challenges facing parents today.

The concerns are not abstract. In Bridgend, one school warned pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts. And experts have cautioned that many parents remain completely unaware of the hidden meanings behind popular emojis routinely used by young people to discuss drugs, self-harm and other sensitive topics in plain sight.

Research published on Safer Internet Day earlier this year found that half of parents in Britain had never had a single conversation with their child about harmful online content — even though most 11-year-olds now own a smartphone. The findings helped galvanise support for tougher government action.

The consultation is exploring not just whether to ban under-16s from social media entirely, but a broader package of protections. Among the measures under consideration are requirements for platforms to make safety settings more prominent, limits on the data companies can collect from young users, and stronger age verification requirements.

Whether any measures ultimately become law will depend in part on the responses gathered during the consultation period — which is why Bell’s meeting at the Guildhall on 14 May represents a genuine opportunity for Swansea residents to influence the outcome, not just observe it.

For Bell, who has spoken openly about his concerns as a parent, the issue cuts through the usual political divides. The volume of correspondence his office has received suggests many of his constituents feel the same way — and that the question of when, and whether, to hand a child a smartphone has become one of the most contested parenting decisions of the current generation.

The UK Government’s consultation is open to all at gov.uk and closes on 26 May. Those wishing to attend Bell’s Guildhall meeting on 14 May should email [email protected] with their name and postcode to reserve a place.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Should under-16s be banned from social media? Llanelli MP’s urgent plea as parents warned of kids’ secret online lives
Dame Nia Griffith MP urges Llanelli families to have their say on the UK Government’s landmark consultation.

Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back call for banning social media for under-16s
Growing cross-party support at Westminster for an Australia-style social media ban for children.

Half of parents have never spoken to their kids about harmful content as calls grow to ban social media for under-16s
Stark findings published on Safer Internet Day as the debate over children’s online safety intensifies.

Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
One local school’s response to the growing problem of harmful social media content among young people.

#Guildhall #onlineSafety #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #Swansea #SwanseaWest #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #under16SocialMediaBan

#guildhall #onlinesafety #socialmedia #socialmediaban #swansea #swanseawest

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-19 · 00:01 UTC

£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MP’s call for action

In an opinion piece published by Swansea Bay News on Sunday, Mr Bell said reviving the Civic Centre should be the city’s “next big regeneration step” — and urged momentum behind the proposals.

Now, that push appears to have paid off.

The funding follows months of campaigning by the MP and is being described as a key step towards turning recently unveiled plans for the Civic Centre into reality — although it will still need to go through further checks, including due diligence and approval of a final business case, before it is formally released.

Those plans — drawn up with Swansea Council and development partners Urban Splash — would see the site transformed into a mixed-use destination, featuring cafes, bars, shops, workspaces and leisure space, alongside around 140 apartments and 15 commercial units.

Headline attractions include proposals for a saltwater lido and a new aquarium, with the latter designed as a “next generation” visitor experience combining live marine exhibits with cutting-edge digital technology.

The attraction is also expected to work closely with Swansea University’s marine experts, with a strong focus on education and conservation.

Swansea Bay News has charted the rapid progress of the scheme in recent weeks, from the release of the first artist impressions to cabinet backing and strong public interest during consultation.

But until now, a central question has remained: how the transformation would actually be funded.

The £20 million investment from the UK Government begins to answer that — and is expected to help unlock the next phase of the project as it moves beyond consultation, with a planning application anticipated later this year.

An artist’s impression showing how part of the redeveloped Civic Centre site could look, with new cafés, bars, leisure spaces and a busy seafront promenade.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

For decades, the Civic Centre has served as a base for council services, but with departments now relocating — including to the new Y Storfa hub — attention has quickly turned to the future of the prominent seafront complex.

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West said securing “major investment” in what he describes as an “iconic Swansea landmark” has been a “personal priority”.

Mr Bell said: “With £20m funding from the UK Labour Government, this is another big step forward for the city.

“With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.

“Great progress has been made with the opening of Y Storfa and regeneration of the Palace Theatre. Works to improve Castle Gardens and open new offices from the Kingsway to St David’s are also underway. The momentum is real – it’s vital we harness it.”

He added that the Civic Centre funding is part of a wider package of UK Government investment in Swansea, including a further £20 million through the Pride in Place scheme, as well as commitments to rail improvements and the proposed Swansea Bay Metro.

A visual of the proposed Civic Centre plaza, featuring new public spaces, landscaping and a landmark aquarium building.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the funding represented a major vote of confidence in the city’s wider regeneration plans.

He said: “We want to see the Civic Centre transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying, with new homes, independent businesses and leisure spaces that benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”

He added that the waterfront site offered “one of the most spectacular locations in the UK” and said the investment would help the project move forward more quickly.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the site.

She said: “This investment will help deliver ambitious plans for the Civic Centre and transform this part of the city, making the most of its spectacular location and strengthening Swansea as a destination for visitors.”

The redevelopment also forms part of a broader wave of regeneration across the city, linking the waterfront site with ongoing changes in the city centre and beyond.

If delivered, the scheme could provide a significant boost to the local economy, with estimates suggesting it could generate around £17 million a year and support more than 300 jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure and building management, alongside additional roles linked to the proposed aquarium.

While key details — including timelines for construction and how the scheme will be delivered — are still to be confirmed, a planning application is expected later this year as proposals continue to be developed.

The funding itself remains subject to final approvals, but the announcement marks the clearest sign yet that the recently revealed plans are now moving from ambition towards delivery.

And coming just days after the issue was put firmly back in the spotlight, it suggests momentum around Swansea’s Civic Centre is building fast.

#cityDevelopment #CivicCentre #CivicCentrePlans #civicCentreRedevelopment #CllrRobStewart #featured #JoStevens #PrideInPlace #PrideInPlaceFund #RobStewart #SwanseaBay #SwanseaBayMetro #SwanseaCivicCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaNews #SwanseaRegeneration #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #UKGovernment #UKGovernmentFunding #UrbanSplash #waterfrontRegeneration

#citydevelopment #civiccentre #civiccentreplans #civiccentreredevelopment #cllrrobstewart #featured

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-15 · 15:28 UTC

Opinion | Torsten Bell MP: Reviving Swansea’s Civic Centre must be the city’s next big regeneration step

Torsten Bell is the Labour MP for Swansea West. The views expressed in this article are his own.

As progress revitalising Swansea gathers pace, the exciting plans to give the Civic Centre a new lease of life must now be turned into action. The key to doing so is unlocking the cash required – and it’s a personal priority for me as Swansea West MP that we secure it.

Swansea has been capturing imaginations long before the descriptions of Dylan Thomas made us famous for our ugly-lovely sprawl. And over the past few years, major progress has been made breathing new life a city steeped in industrial and cultural heritage.

Historic landmarks like the Palace Theatre and Albert Hall have been restored, and new landmarks like the Arena and Y Storfa have joined them. Work on Castle Gardens is underway, and a £20 million investment by the UK Government will see communities north of the train station – home to ten thousand and passed through by thousands more each day – revitalised.

Redeveloping the Civic Centre is clearly the next major task, now that services like the library have been moved to Y Storfa. With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life.

That’s more than just wishful thinking. I’ve been working with Swansea Council and its development partner Urban Splash on the vision for the Civic Centre’s renewal. Exciting new artist impressions illustrate the potential if plans for 600 new homes – along with new cafes, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities – are realised.

One key barrier remains: securing the funding to turn these plans into action. As Swansea West’s MP, this challenge is a personal priority for me. Doubling down on efforts to regenerate Swansea, that the Labour council has done a great job of driving, has never been more important.

If we want things to keep moving in the right direction, now is the time to act. Giving the Civic Centre a new lease of life would not just protect an important part of our past. It would help build the Swansea of the future. That is a prize worth fighting for and I’ll be doing more than my share of the fighting.

Artist’s impression of the proposed City Waterfront district, showing the repurposed Civic Centre building and new seafront public spaces.
(Image: Urban Splash)

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Crowds flock for first look at dramatic Civic Centre makeover plans
Hundreds turn out as Swansea gets its first glimpse of the seafront vision.

New artist’s impression reveals dramatic Civic Centre transformation
Fresh images show how the landmark site could be reshaped for the future.

Y Storfa opens as council services move from Civic Centre
A major shift in how residents access services as the old building winds down.

Public invited to give views on new Civic Centre plans
Residents asked to help shape the next stage of the waterfront redevelopment.

Flats, aquarium and lido: Civic Centre plans move closer
A bold mix of homes and attractions edges forward after cabinet approval.

More Civic Centre stories
All the latest updates on Swansea’s biggest waterfront redevelopment.

#cityRegeneration #CivicCentre #guestColumn #housingDevelopment #Opinion #OystermouthRoad #SouthWalesPolitics #Swansea #SwanseaBay #SwanseaCivicCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaDevelopment #SwanseaPolitics #SwanseaRegeneration #SwanseaSeafront #SwanseaWest #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #UrbanSplash

#cityregeneration #civiccentre #guestcolumn #housingdevelopment #opinion #oystermouthroad

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-13 · 20:08 UTC

‘BE STRAIGHT WITH FANS’: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks over Ospreys future

The row over the future of Welsh rugby has intensified after Swansea West MP Torsten Bell held crisis talks with bosses from the Welsh Rugby Union amid growing anger among supporters.

The meeting took place in Swansea on Friday, just hours after new evidence emerged suggesting the WRU expected plans involving the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to the Ospreys’ owners Y11 Sports & Media would ultimately bring about the end of the Ospreys as a professional team.

Bell criticised the WRU leadership for what he described as misleading fans about the consequences of the controversial deal.

The dispute centres on the future structure of the professional game in Wales, with the governing body exploring changes that could reduce the number of men’s professional clubs.

Earlier this week, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said that the potential purchase of Cardiff Rugby by Y11 did not automatically mean the end of the Ospreys.

However, notes from a January meeting with Swansea Council, recently published by the authority, suggested the governing body expected the deal to leave no future for the Ospreys as a professional region.

The publication of those minutes has sparked a political and sporting storm across Wales.

Bell said he had challenged WRU officials directly during the meeting.

He also warned the governing body not to repeat claims that the Cardiff takeover would not pre-empt the legally required open competition for future professional club licences.

The MP further questioned the WRU’s insistence that its plans had been shaped by widespread consultation with supporters.

Supporters’ groups linked to three of Wales’ four professional teams have already launched a petition opposing the proposals, while critics say the governing body has moved rapidly towards structural change despite backing a four-team model less than a year ago.

With an Extraordinary General Meeting of WRU members approaching, Bell urged rugby chiefs to rethink their approach.

“Today I met the WRU’s leadership. I urged them to do two things: reset their plans and be straight with fans,” he said.

“You can’t say in public that no decision has been made about the Ospreys’ future, when the truth is their plans would see the club disappear in 2027.

“Almost nobody supports what they’re doing, and absolutely no-one supports how they are doing it.”

Swansea Bay News previously revealed “smoking gun” minutes from a meeting between the WRU and Swansea Council which suggested the future of the Ospreys could be at risk.

The escalating confrontation between politicians, supporters and rugby authorities has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and the wider structure of professional rugby in Wales.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

“Be straight with fans”: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks
A tense showdown as MPs demand clarity over the Ospreys’ future.

WRU hits back as row over Swansea Council notes explodes
Rugby chiefs push back hard after claims about behind‑closed‑doors talks.

“Resign now”: Council leader calls for WRU boss to quit
A political firestorm erupts as accusations of a “duplicitous plot” surface.

“Smoking gun” minutes reveal explosive new details in Ospreys saga
Secret notes land — and they raise even bigger questions about what really happened.

More WRU coverage
All the latest twists, rows and revelations from inside Welsh rugby.

#AbiTierney #CardiffRugby #Ospreys #StHelensSwansea #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaWestMP #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #WelshRegionalRugby #WelshRugby #WelshRugbyCrisis #WelshRugbyUnion #WRU #Y11SportsMedia

#abitierney #cardiffrugby #ospreys #sthelensswansea #swansea #swanseacouncil

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-02-23 · 10:53 UTC

Rugby clubs formally call WRU Emergency General Meeting as MPs and council leader back vote of no confidence in chair

The requisition notice was submitted to the WRU on Sunday morning, marking a dramatic escalation in the battle over plans to reduce the number of professional Welsh regions from four to three – a move that could see the Ospreys forced out of professional rugby.

The EGM, which will be held after the conclusion of the men’s Six Nations next month, is expected to centre on a motion of no confidence in Collier-Keywood, who was appointed chair in 2023. The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge and schedule the meeting.

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, said the EGM was “totally right” and urged all clubs to attend and vote for a change of leadership.

“The WRU are trying to shrink Welsh rugby and end professional rugby in Wales’s second city,” he said. “If this isn’t an emergency, I don’t know what is.”

Political pressure mounts

The move has won backing from across Swansea’s political establishment, with Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, saying grassroots clubs “are the foundation of Welsh rugby” and their voices “matter”.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart revealed the main business of the EGM will be the removal of the WRU chair via a vote of no confidence, and urged clubs to “stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby”.

Stewart, who hit out at the WRU with a “shame on you” message after thousands of seats lay empty for Wales’ defeat, said: “For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. The WRU have arrogantly continued, ignoring pleas to change course.”

Last week, Swansea Council moved to seek an injunction to prevent the WRU agreeing a deal with Y11 – the current Ospreys owners – to purchase Cardiff Rugby. The council has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to intervene.

Threshold met after Central Glamorgan letter

The EGM was triggered after the threshold of 10% of the WRU’s 283 community clubs putting in a request was met. This followed a letter from Central Glamorgan urging all clubs to express a desire in calling an EGM, amid widespread dismay over the WRU’s plans.

The move marks the latest sign of widespread anger towards the WRU, following their chaotic attempts to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales and to force the Ospreys out of the professional game without due process. Earlier this week, a business revolt saw former Principality COO mobilize an independent group to challenge WRU leadership.

It emerged that the WRU had lined up Y11 as the preferred bidders to purchase Cardiff Rugby, a move that would effectively end professional rugby in Swansea and consolidate ownership in the hands of the Ospreys’ current owners.

8,000 signatures and packed Brangwyn Hall

A joint petition from the Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons supporters’ clubs has garnered more than 8,000 signatures to date, and recently over 500 fans packed into Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall to stand up for the Ospreys.

Torsten Bell said:

“For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. But there are no signs they are listening. Grassroot clubs have now concluded that the only way to ensure the WRU changes course is to change the leadership. I agree.”

He added:

“I urge all clubs to attend the EGM, vote for a change of leadership and bring this chaos to an end.”

‘Transparency and clarity essential’

Carolyn Harris said the EGM “reflects the depth of feeling across our region about the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and professional regional rugby in Neath and Swansea”.

She added:

“Grassroots clubs are the foundation of Welsh rugby. Their voices matter, and it is right that they are heard. At a time like this, transparency, clarity and proper engagement are essential. Our players, supporters and communities deserve nothing less.”

Rob Stewart said:

“While an injunction will prevent a deal being signed, an EGM gives the clubs the chance to make real and immediate change in the leadership and direction of the WRU.”

He added:

“The clubs can stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby. They have my 100% support for this action.”

What happens next?

The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge the requisition notice and schedule the EGM. The meeting is expected to take place after the conclusion of the Six Nations, which ends on March 15.

The vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood is likely to have huge ramifications for the WRU’s proposals to cut the number of Welsh regions to three. If successful, it could force a complete rethink of the union’s strategy and potentially save professional rugby in Swansea.

The crisis has seen interventions from Ospreys legends, actor Michael Sheen, former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, and MPs who accused the WRU of a “stitch-up”.

The EGM will give member clubs across Wales the opportunity to debate and vote on motions to change the WRU’s leadership and direction.

#CardiffRugby #CentralGlamorganRugbyUnion #EGM #Ospreys #RichardCollierKeywood #Rugby #TorstenBell #WalesRugby #WelshRugby #WelshRugbyUnion #WRU #Y11

#cardiffrugby #centralglamorganrugbyunion #egm #ospreys #richardcollierkeywood #rugby

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-01-23 · 11:51 UTC

MPs accuse WRU of “stitch‑up” as political pressure intensifies over Ospreys’ future

The row has deepened over the past fortnight as the WRU presses ahead with plans linked to the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 — a move that has left the Ospreys facing uncertainty beyond next season and triggered a wave of criticism from players, supporters and local leaders.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell said he had held fresh meetings with both the WRU and Y11 in the past 48 hours and claimed it was now “clear” that the union was attempting to use Cardiff’s financial collapse to sideline the Ospreys from any future regional structure.

Torsten Bell said:

“It’s now clear that the WRU are trying to use Cardiff going bust to try to force the Ospreys out of professional rugby. They promised an open transparent process to decide which clubs would continue – but are trying to deliver a behind‑closed‑doors stitch‑up to prevent the Ospreys even being able to compete in that process.”

He said support was growing for an Extraordinary General Meeting of the WRU, warning that confidence in the union’s leadership was collapsing.

Torsten Bell said:

“Demand for an EGM is building as people see the chaos being driven by those who are meant to be stewarding our national game. It’s hard to see a way forward now that doesn’t involve a change in leadership at the WRU.”

His intervention follows weeks of mounting frustration across Welsh rugby. Ospreys players have already issued an ultimatum demanding clarity, while Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has said legal options are being examined if the region is forced out.

Now Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris has added further pressure, calling the situation “deeply troubling” and urging the WRU to halt the process immediately.

Carolyn Harris said:

“It is deeply troubling that proposals are being advanced which would put the future of the Ospreys at risk, particularly when so much work has been done locally to support their move to St Helen’s and secure a sustainable future for top‑flight rugby in Swansea.”

She said supporters and players deserved transparency, not decisions “imposed without proper justification”.

Carolyn Harris said:

“The WRU should pause this process now. Decisions of this scale must be fair, transparent and clearly in the best interests of Welsh rugby as a whole. Supporters, players and communities deserve clarity and reassurance.”

The WRU has faced repeated criticism in recent weeks after senior executives were grilled by MPs in a stop‑start committee hearing that offered little detail on the Ospreys’ future. Ospreys coaches and players have also described meetings with union bosses as confusing and uninformative.

With political pressure now intensifying from both of Swansea’s MPs, the WRU is facing renewed calls to explain how the regional game will operate beyond next season — and whether the Ospreys will be allowed to remain part of it.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Council blasts WRU over Ospreys threat
The council warns the region faces being wiped out under proposed changes.

Ospreys chief breaks silence on WRU plans
Senior figures respond after confirmation of Cardiff Rugby’s proposed sale.

Players issue ultimatum as crisis deepens
Squad members demand clarity on the region’s future or will consider their options.

WRU bosses grilled by MPs
A tense committee hearing offers little detail on the Ospreys’ long‑term position.

Legal options examined as uncertainty grows
Swansea Council says all avenues are being explored to protect regional rugby.

#CarolynHarrisMP #Ospreys #Rugby #Swansea #TorstenBell #WelshLabour #WRU

#carolynharrismp #ospreys #rugby #swansea #torstenbell #welshlabour

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-01-20 · 13:22 UTC

Swansea Council leader says legal options being examined as uncertainty over Ospreys intensifies

Council leader responds to WRU’s exclusivity deal

Cllr Stewart issued the statement after the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed it had entered a “period of exclusivity” with an unnamed preferred bidder to explore a potential takeover of the Cardiff region.

The WRU has not named the bidder, but the move has prompted questions about whether Y11 — the owners of the Ospreys — are involved. Swansea Bay News reported earlier that Y11 were believed by multiple sources to be the WRU’s preferred bidder, raising concerns about the Ospreys’ long‑term future in Swansea.

Cllr Stewart said the council was now seeking “urgent clarification” from Y11 about their intentions.

“We remain 100% committed to the Ospreys returning to St Helen’s”

In his statement, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the authority “remains 100% committed to supporting the Ospreys returning to St Helen’s as Swansea’s regional rugby base”.

He said Swansea, as Wales’ second‑largest city with “the most successful region and a long‑established grassroots rugby base”, must retain regional rugby.

Cllr Stewart said the council was “actively exploring every option, including legal avenues” to safeguard the Ospreys’ future in Swansea. He did not specify what legal steps were being considered.

Criticism of WRU handling

Cllr Stewart said the WRU’s “ongoing lack of clarity” and “failure to provide meaningful detail” had “unsettled and alienated rugby supporters across Wales”.

He said the union’s approach had created uncertainty that was “damaging the game”, adding that players were already leaving Wales because they “cannot rely on a stable future here”.

He said the council was seeking answers from Y11 about “any involvement in the bid process” and their intentions for the Ospreys.

MP: WRU behaviour “disgraceful”

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell also issued a strongly worded statement, saying the Ospreys “have the strongest track record of any region in the game” and that supporters “should never be treated by the WRU in the way we have seen in recent days”.

He described the WRU’s actions as “disgraceful from start to finish” and said the union would need to justify its decision‑making when facing questions in Parliament.

Mr Bell said legal advice was being taken on “next steps” and confirmed he was writing to Y11 to request a meeting to clarify their intentions.

He said rugby “matters in Swansea” not only for supporters but also for the redevelopment of St Helen’s and the wider grassroots game.

Sports park plans continue

Cllr Stewart said the council’s wider ambition to create a state‑of‑the‑art sports park — incorporating the Wales National Pool, rugby and cricket — was “unaffected” by the WRU’s regional rugby plans.

He said the council would continue working with sports bodies, academic partners and investors to progress the project.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Future of Ospreys under threat as club owner believed to be WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff
Background to the growing uncertainty surrounding the region’s ownership and long‑term future.

Future Ospreys stars to play home games at The Gnoll
A recent shift in the region’s development pathway as academy fixtures move to Neath.

Ospreys to run Swansea University men’s rugby programme in new partnership
A major collaboration strengthening the region’s ties with university‑level rugby.

Swansea councillors vow to fight for Ospreys as WRU cuts loom
Previous political pressure on the WRU as concerns over regional funding and stability grew.

#CllrRobStewart #Ospreys #Rugby #rugbyRegions #StHelensStadium #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TorstenBell #WelshRugby #WRU

#cllrrobstewart #ospreys #rugby #rugbyregions #sthelensstadium #swansea

Ireland @[email protected] · 2026-01-09 · 11:18 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/ie/275812/ Pension schemes to go under the spotlight in a bid to end poor value #Business #DepartmentOfWorkAndPensions #Éire #FinancialConductAuthority #IE #Ireland #LabourParty #News #Pensions #PersonalFinance #PersonalFinanceArchive #PersonalFinance #ThePensionsRegulator #TorstenBell #UkEconomy

#ukeconomy #torstenbell #thepensionsregulator #personalfinancearchive #personalfinance #pensions

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-01-09 · 10:35 UTC

£2 bus fare cap ‘would slash Swansea commuting costs by a third’

Single bus fares in Swansea could be capped at £2 from 2027 under a new Welsh Labour pledge, in a move the party claims would cut commuting costs by around a third for many regular bus users.

The cap would apply across Wales from April 2027 if Welsh Labour leads the next Welsh Government, and would cover everyone aged 22 to 59. Under‑21s already benefit from a £1 cap on single fares, while over‑60s get free bus travel across Wales under existing schemes.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who says he has long campaigned on cost‑of‑living issues, said the plan would make a “big difference” to people who rely on buses every day.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell said:

“Bus travel is too expensive for too many people. Capping fares at £2 would make a big difference to thousands of Swansea residents who rely on buses every day. It builds on wider work to bring down bills and tackle the cost of living.”

100 new bus routes across Wales

Welsh Labour says it would also introduce more than 100 new bus routes across Wales between 2027 and 2030. The routes would prioritise links to jobs, hospitals, train stations and key services, but the public would also be asked to suggest where new services should run.

The party says the plans are made possible by the current Welsh Labour Government’s Bus Services Bill, which will bring buses back into public control and allow local communities more say over routes and timetables.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:

“We’re ending the fragmented bus system Wales has been stuck with for decades. Buses should be run for people, not profit. Cheaper fares and more routes will mean passengers get services that actually go where they need them to go — to jobs, hospitals, town centres and key services.”

Cost‑of‑living backdrop

The pledge comes after the UK Labour Government announced a package of measures at the Autumn Budget, including £150 off the average energy bill and more support for almost 70,000 children across Wales.

Torsten Bell said the £2 cap would sit alongside those measures as part of a wider push to reduce everyday costs.

Swansea angle: ‘Saving money on every journey’

Locally, Swansea already funds free bus travel at certain times of the year, particularly during holiday periods and key events, to encourage people into the city centre and support households with rising costs.

Council leader Rob Stewart, who is also standing as a Senedd candidate, said the proposed £2 cap would build on that approach and deliver year‑round savings.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said:

“A £2 cap would mean affordable, reliable and more frequent bus services for Swansea. We already fund free bus travel at certain times of the year, and a fixed low‑cost fare all year round would save residents money on every journey.”

He said the combination of cheaper fares and new routes could help more people access work, education and services without needing a car.

More stories on buses and transport

New free ‘Shopper Hopper’ shuttle bus launches in Swansea city centre
A new city centre shuttle aims to make it easier — and cheaper — for people to get around Swansea.

First Cymru bus drivers’ pay win hailed as union victory
Bus services were hit by strikes before drivers secured a new pay deal following union action.

Swansea MS meets First Bus to discuss future of city’s transport network
Concerns over routes, reliability and the future of Swansea’s buses were raised with operators.

Security fears over Carmarthenshire’s Yutong buses as UK launches probe
Questions have been raised over Chinese-built buses used on routes across West Wales.

Tower Transit acquires South Wales Transport ahead of Welsh bus franchising
A long-standing local operator has been bought as Wales prepares for major bus reforms.

£1 bus fares for young people confirmed across Wales
Cheaper fares for under‑21s are now in place, though not all operators have signed up.

Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Draft plans outline how routes could change before franchising is introduced.

#2BusFare #Bus #busFare #busFranchising #costOfLiving #KenSkatesMS #RobStewart #Swansea #TorstenBell

#2busfare #bus #busfare #busfranchising #costofliving #kenskatesms

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-12-05 · 17:35 UTC

Big tech boost as Amazon‑owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ at 71/72 Kingsway

Landmark opening in the city centre

The new HQ was officially opened on Friday 5 December, with Pension Minister and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell cutting the ribbon alongside civic leaders and Veeqo staff.

Bell described Veeqo as “a true Welsh success story” and said the company’s commitment to apprentices and interns showed how global investment could deliver for local communities.

The building, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is designed to attract tech, digital and creative companies. Veeqo is now one of its anchor tenants.

Matt Warren (Veeqo CEO), Torsten Bell MP, Rob Stewart (Swansea Council Leader), and Cherrie Bija (Faith in Families) at the official opening of Veeqo’s new HQ in Swansea.

From start‑up to global player

Founded in Swansea in 2013 by Matt Warren, Veeqo provides free shipping and inventory management software used by more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.

Since being acquired by Amazon in 2021, the company has trebled its workforce to more than 200, with half now based at the new Kingsway site.

Warren told Swansea Bay News the expanded office “enables us to continue building services which make it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to sell around the world,” adding that he was proud to see highly skilled tech jobs created in Wales.

Matt Warren (Veeqo CEO) and Torsten Bell MP in conversation at the launch of Veeqo’s new Swansea headquarters.

Amazon’s investment

Amazon has already invested £60 million in Swansea since 2022 and says it will commit a further £100 million through to 2032, taking total investment past £150 million.

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said the new HQ represented “our long‑term commitment to Wales” and pointed to Veeqo’s growth from 60 to over 200 staff as evidence of Welsh talent and ambition.

Civic and government reaction

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans MS said the expansion “creates high‑quality jobs and opportunities for our young people, whilst supporting businesses across Wales and beyond.”

Swansea Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart called the HQ “tremendous news for Swansea,” describing Veeqo as “a business born here, grown here, and now thriving internationally under Amazon.” He said the Kingsway development could eventually house up to 600 workers, boosting footfall and supporting city centre traders.

Inside Veeqo’s new Swansea headquarters at 71/72 Kingsway — a modern workspace designed for collaboration and focus.

Wider impact

The Kingsway scheme is part of a wider push to attract tech and creative industries to Swansea. Beyond jobs and investment, Veeqo and Amazon also support local initiatives including coding workshops, women’s tech meetups, and the Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea, which has provided more than 800,000 products to families in need.

https://youtu.be/VkfCyQgb6HA

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Amazon invests £60m in Swansea Development Centre
Earlier investment laid the groundwork for Veeqo’s new headquarters at Kingsway.

Swansea Council unveils Kingsway tech hub
The 71/72 Kingsway scheme aims to attract digital and creative industries to the city centre.

The future of tech in Swansea City Deal
How regional investment is reshaping Swansea’s role in the UK’s digital economy.

#7172Kingsway #Amazon #Business #CherrieBija #CllrRobStewart #FaithInFamilies #Kingsway #MattWarren #Swansea #Technology #TorstenBell #Veeqo

#7172kingsway #amazon #business #cherriebija #cllrrobstewart #faithinfamilies

DegrowthUK @[email protected] · 2023-12-04 · 08:55 UTC

Maybe we in the #degrowth community are getting somewhere.
On @BBCRadio4 'Today' programme #TorstenBell of the #ResolutionFoundation, unprompted said something like "we need to put calls for no growth to bed". Argument was the need for public investment. He didn't elaborate but assumption was growth of whole economy is needed so the good bits can grow.
See the flaw?
A year ago there wouldn't have been a mention of degrowth thinking.
Keep plugging away folks!