During First Minister’s Questions, Darren Millar warned that different policies between schools and local authorities could create confusion, after the UK Government announced new statutory guidance for schools in England.

The guidance means schools in England will be required to ban mobile phone use from 1 September 2026, while the Welsh Government is consulting on the issue, with further work expected in the autumn.

Mr Millar said Wales risked being left with an inconsistent approach, with individual schools deciding their own policies around mobile phone use.

He said: “Mobile phones are a huge distraction in our classrooms. They undermine learning and are contributing to growing concerns about young people’s mental health.

“Pupils, parents and teachers deserve a clear and consistent approach across Wales. Evidence shows 82% of the education workforce support a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools, so the First Minister should stop delaying and get on with it.”

Mr Millar also used the issue to criticise the Welsh Government’s record on education, claiming that years of Labour and Plaid Cymru-led budgets had failed to address concerns around qualifications, behaviour and attendance.

He added: “We need a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools to ensure consistency and empower school staff to focus on teaching and learning.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it is considering the issue as part of wider work to improve behaviour, wellbeing and learning in schools.

Any changes introduced in Wales would apply to schools across the country, including those in North Wales, where headteachers currently have different policies in place around the use of mobile phones during the school day.

The debate comes as schools continue to consider the balance between technology, online safety and maintaining a focused learning environment for pupils.

The Welsh Government’s School Essentials Grant is now open for applications, offering financial support to lower-income families with children from reception through to Year 11.

Eligible families can receive £125 per learner each school year, while children starting Year 7 can receive £200 to help with the additional costs of moving up to secondary school.

The one-off payment can be used for much more than just school uniforms. It can also help pay for classroom essentials such as pens, pencils and school bags, sports kits, musical instruments, specialist equipment for subjects including design and technology, outdoor learning clothing, and uniforms for enrichment activities such as scouts, guides, cadets, dance, martial arts and performing arts.

In some cases, the grant can also be used to buy laptops or tablets where a school is unable to loan equipment to a family.

Parents and carers can make one claim per eligible child each school year through the local authority where their child attends school. The grant is available to families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits.

The Welsh Government says every successful application also benefits schools, helping to ensure they receive the full level of funding available to support pupils from lower-income households.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said: “We know the cost of living is having a real impact on families and a clear commitment of this new Welsh Government is to support families.

“From extending funded childcare, introducing the Cynnal child payment pilot and recently announcing the extension of free school meals for those in receipt of Universal Credit, our ambition is to ensure we give children the best start in life.

“The School Essentials Grant helps with school costs. It is important that those eligible sign up in order to receive the one-off payment and additional funding for their school.”

Families can check whether they qualify and submit an application through their local authority before the start of the new school year.

Yesterday, we reported how firefighters battled a major blaze on the Peulwys estate after flames tore through two neighbouring properties shortly after 12.30pm. Crews from across North Wales spent several hours tackling the fire, while shocked neighbours watched on and a collection was launched at Peulwys Community Centre for those affected.

Now it has emerged that one of the families caught up in the blaze lost virtually everything they owned.

Dave Beman, Jodie Dawe and their son, Alfie, escaped the fire without injury, but their home was completely destroyed. Tragically, the family’s beloved pet cat also died in the blaze.

In response, family friend Helen Lehart has launched a fundraising appeal to help them rebuild their lives.

The online appeal has already attracted over £3,000 in donations from people moved by the family’s plight.

Helen wrote: “On what should have been an ordinary day, our dear friends Jodie, Dave, and their son Alfie lost everything in a devastating house fire.

“Their home was completely destroyed, and tragically, they also lost their beloved cat. In a matter of moments, their entire world was turned upside down, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”

She said the fundraiser will help replace the everyday essentials that were lost in the fire.

“We are raising funds to help this wonderful family begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go towards replacing essential clothing, household items, furniture, and everything else they need to start again.”

Helen added that those unable to donate could still make a difference by sharing the appeal.

“Your kindness, generosity, and support during this heartbreaking time will mean more than words can express. Thank you for helping Jodie, Dave, and Alfie take their first steps towards rebuilding their home and their future.”

The response from the local community has been immediate, with residents donating money and offering practical support following Monday’s fire.

Although the family now faces the daunting task of starting over, the generosity shown by friends, neighbours and strangers alike is already helping them begin the long road to recovery.

To assist with this heartfelt appeal please visit Helen's Go Fund Me page.

The Welsh Government has outlined a wide-ranging programme designed to secure the future of the language, with new measures aimed at increasing the number of Welsh speakers and expanding opportunities to learn and use Welsh from early childhood through to adulthood.

Speaking in the Senedd, the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said the Government was now “turning ambition into action” to deliver a stronger future for Cymraeg.

Among the proposals is the full implementation of the Welsh Language and Education Act, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to become an independent and confident Welsh speaker.

An urgent review of Welsh in Education Strategic Plans is already under way, with the findings helping shape a national framework intended to ensure that half of all children in Wales begin their education in Welsh-medium schools by 2050.

The Government also plans to make Welsh a central part of its expanded childcare offer, providing 20 hours of funded childcare each week for children aged between nine months and four years, while increasing Welsh-medium opportunities for students aged 16 and over.

Communities with large numbers of Welsh speakers, many of them in North Wales, will also be considered for special designation to help strengthen everyday use of the language. Ministers say they are working alongside local authorities to identify these areas and develop long-term measures to support them.

At the same time, work will continue to encourage greater use of Welsh in areas where fewer people currently speak the language.

The Government also intends to extend Welsh language standards to additional organisations, including UK Government bodies operating in Wales, while engaging with major technology companies to improve digital support for Welsh. Ministers are also exploring ways to protect traditional Welsh place names through legislation.

Speaking in the Senedd, Ms Brychan said: “People from all parts of Wales are proud of our language and want to see it thrive. Cymraeg belongs to us all, and we should move away from seeing ourselves as ‘Welsh-speaking’ and ‘non-Welsh-speaking’ Welsh people. We are all somewhere on the same journey, and we all belong.

“The existing goodwill and ambition provide us with a strong foundation, but the challenges are real and the coming years will be critical. Our focus now is on turning ambition into action and securing the strongest possible future for the Welsh language in our schools, our communities and our workplaces.

“The future of the Welsh language depends on people as well as policy. I encourage everyone to use whatever Welsh they have, to support one another in learning and using the language, and to play their part in building a Wales where the Welsh language belongs to us all.”

The announcement is likely to be closely watched across North Wales, where Welsh is an integral part of community life, education and culture, and where many schools, businesses and public services already operate bilingually.

The new proposals are intended to build on that strong foundation while encouraging more people of all ages to learn, use and embrace the language in everyday life.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth marked the one-year countdown to the historic Tour de France stage by taking to two wheels in Caerphilly, setting out the Welsh Government’s ambition to create a lasting cycling legacy for communities, businesses and visitors across the country.

The Tour de France will arrive in Wales on Sunday 4 July 2027, when Stage 3 of the race starts from Y Trallwng (Welshpool) in Mid Wales before heading through some of the nation’s most dramatic landscapes, including Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, before finishing in Cardiff.

But the build-up to the world’s biggest cycling race will also see North Wales take centre stage, with Llandudno set to welcome the Tour of Britain Women as part of a growing calendar of major cycling events in the region.

The event will bring some of the world’s best female riders to North Wales, showcasing the area’s coastal roads, challenging climbs and spectacular scenery to an international audience.

The arrival of top-level cycling events is seen as a major opportunity to inspire more people to get on their bikes and highlight North Wales as a destination for riders of all abilities, from elite competitors to families exploring traffic-free routes.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the Tour de France represented a unique chance to showcase Wales globally.

He said: “For the first time in its history, Wales will host a stage of the world’s largest annual free-to-attend sporting event, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our nation.

“With a year to go, cycling fans will be beyond excited ahead of the Tour coming to Wales. This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase Wales as a world-leading destination for cyclists of all abilities, with fantastic cycle routes and world-class hospitality.”

The Welsh Government says it wants to build on the momentum created by major cycling events and encourage more visitors to explore Wales by bike, creating long-term benefits for local communities and businesses.

In North Wales, areas such as Conwy, Gwynedd and Denbighshire have already developed strong reputations among cyclists, with challenging road climbs, mountain bike trails and scenic routes attracting riders from across the UK and beyond.

The region’s combination of mountains, coastline and historic towns makes it a natural fit for Wales’ ambition to become a leading cycling destination.

Welsh cycling legend Geraint Thomas, who has been appointed Wales’ Cycling Ambassador ahead of the 2027 Tour de France, said the country’s landscapes and roads had helped shape his own career.

Speaking from the Tour de France Fan Zone in Barcelona, he said: “Wales is made for bikes. It’s a place that often surprises people when they experience it for themselves.

“These roads and landscapes shaped me as a rider and played a huge part in making me who I am today. With world-class road climbs, incredible mountain biking and traffic-free family trails taking you through some stunning scenery and welcoming towns and villages, Wales offers something for every rider.”

The Tour de France route itself will pass through Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair-ym-Muallt (Builth Wells) and Aberhonddu (Brecon), before tackling eight categorised climbs, including the Côte de Rhigos and the Côte de Caerphilly, on the way to Cardiff.

The Welsh stage is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators and will form part of one of the largest free-to-attend sporting events ever staged in Wales.

The Welsh Government is also looking to maximise the wider tourism and economic benefits of cycling, including attracting more visitors, supporting hospitality businesses and encouraging more people to take up cycling.

Businesses across Wales are being encouraged to join the Cyclist Welcome scheme, helping visitors identify accommodation and services designed with cyclists in mind.

The ambition is that events such as the Tour de France and Tour of Britain Women will leave a legacy long after the riders have crossed the finish line — creating more opportunities for communities, clubs, businesses and the next generation of cyclists.

With major races heading to both South and North Wales, the coming years are set to put Welsh cycling firmly in the spotlight.

The zoo confirmed that Mango passed away on Sunday, only a short time after arriving at the attraction and becoming a firm favourite with visitors and staff.

Mango had quickly captured the hearts of the Welsh Mountain Zoo community, with many people following his journey from the opening of his new Cabana Capybara habitat to helping choose his name.

The zoo’s animal care team said they were “heartbroken” by the loss of Mango, adding that he had already become a much-loved member of the Welsh Mountain Zoo family despite only recently joining them.

In a statement, the zoo said: “We know so many of you had been following Mango’s journey, from the opening of his new habitat to helping choose his name. Your excitement and support meant so much, and we are deeply sorry to be sharing such sad news.”

The cause of Mango’s death is not yet known, with the zoo now awaiting further veterinary findings to help understand what happened.

The Cabana Capybara habitat will remain temporarily closed while investigations continue.

The zoo said the welfare of every animal in its care remains its highest priority and thanked visitors for the kindness and understanding shown towards staff during what it described as an incredibly difficult time.

Mango’s arrival had been welcomed with excitement earlier this year, with the new habitat becoming one of the latest attractions at the zoo and drawing attention from visitors keen to meet one of the world’s largest rodents.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo said further updates would be shared once more information is available.

Officers were called to reports of disturbances at several shops on Mostyn Street in the early hours of this morning (6 July).

Following a police response, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

North Wales Police is now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity on Mostyn Street overnight, or who has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact police via the force’s website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000540702.

Jason Thomas, 36, of Talwrn Road, Pentraeth, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Friday, July 3, after previously admitting assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and harassment causing fear of violence.

The court heard that throughout their four-year relationship, Thomas exerted control over his partner in a number of ways. He secretly placed a tracking device in her car, repeatedly accused her of having an affair without evidence, searched through her mobile phone without permission and subjected her to degrading verbal abuse, calling her names including “slag” and “whore”.

Although the relationship ended in June 2025, Thomas continued to harass the victim. Despite blocking his phone number, she continued to receive unwanted contact from him.

In August 2025, Thomas attacked her, punching her several times to the face and body, leaving her with painful bruising. He later sent her a photograph of a petrol can and threatened to burn her, causing her to fear for her life.

Thomas was jailed for three years and four months. He has also been made subject to a 10-year Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO), preventing him from contacting the victim.

Detective Inspector Chris Burrow said Thomas’s actions had had a devastating impact on the victim’s mental health and wellbeing.

He said: “Thomas’s behaviour towards his ex-partner has had a devastating impact on her mental health and wellbeing.

“No one should ever feel unsafe in their home, especially at the hands of someone who chooses to use violence and fear.

“I commend the victim for her courage in coming forward and hope that she no longer lives in fear that he will harm her or her family.

“In line with our force priorities, we remain fully committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned for the welfare of someone else, is urged to contact us – we will listen, we will support you and we will act.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse can also seek confidential support from specialist organisations in North Wales, and in an emergency should always call 999.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident on Peulwys Lane at 12.41pm following reports of a property fire.

Five fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) were sent to the scene, where firefighters continue to tackle the blaze.

The fire service confirmed that the fire involves two neighbouring homes and that all occupants have been safely accounted for. Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area.

As the emergency response continued, the local community quickly came together to support those affected. A collection has been organised at Peulwys Community Centre for the resident who lost everything in the fire, as well as for the neighbouring household affected by the blaze.

There has been no confirmation of the cause of the fire. Fire crews and fire officers are expected to remain at the scene until the incident, and subsequent investigations, have been fully dealt with.

Over eight nights, the Live at Llangollen Pavilion series attracted audiences from across the UK to see an impressive line-up of artists including Rick Astley, Pete Tong and his Ibiza Classics show, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Super Furry Animals, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner with The Sleeping Souls, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan.

The concert series is delivered through a partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and live entertainment promoters Cuffe and Taylor, bringing world-class performers to one of Wales’ most iconic venues.

Attention now turns to the 79th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which gets underway this week. The six-day festival will welcome more than 4,000 competitors from 36 countries, alongside headline performances from Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Michael Ball, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Karl Jenkins, Global Rhythms: Made In Wales, the Orchestral Qawwali Project, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition.

Alongside the evening concerts, visitors can enjoy the festival’s traditional programme of international competitions, cultural performances and family entertainment, continuing a tradition that has united performers from around the globe since 1947.

Artistic Director Dave Danford said another hugely successful run of Live at Llangollen Pavilion had once again showcased Llangollen as one of the UK’s leading destinations for live music.

He praised the partnership with Cuffe and Taylor, the work of staff and volunteers, and said the focus now shifts to welcoming competitors and audiences from across the world for another celebration of music, dance and international friendship.

Peter Taylor, co-founder of Cuffe and Taylor, said the company was proud of its third year working alongside the Eisteddfod team.

He said bringing world-class artists to the historic town had been an honour, adding that the unique setting, the Pavilion and the atmosphere created by audiences make Llangollen “magic”.

Since its first festival in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has welcomed more than 400,000 competitors representing over 140 nationalities and cultures. Today it remains one of the world’s best-known celebrations of international peace, friendship and cultural exchange through music and dance, with organisers promising an even bigger festival following the record-breaking success of last year.

At the meeting, the Commissioner met with senior officers, including Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, to review overall Force performance against priorities in the Police and Crime Plan. The discussion covered finance, resourcing, risk management, estates, and national policing requirements, including counter-terrorism, serious organised crime, cyber threats and public disorder preparedness.

Two key “deep dive” areas formed the focus of scrutiny. The first was rural and wildlife crime, where members were updated on how specialist teams work with regional and national partners to tackle offences affecting farming and rural communities. The meeting also reviewed prevention work, investigative resourcing and efforts to improve public confidence in reporting crime across remote areas.

The second focus was police responsiveness, with attention on the Force Control Centre and how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled. Performance around 999 and 101 call response times was examined, alongside how officers manage risk and prioritise incidents. The Force also outlined how it supports callers with specific communication needs, including Welsh language speakers and those with hearing difficulties.

Updates were also provided on the Strategic Policing Requirement and the “Right Care, Right Person” approach, which ensures vulnerable people receive support from the most appropriate agency, particularly in mental health-related incidents.

Following the meeting, PCC Andy Dunbobbin said he continues to use the board to hold the Chief Constable to account and scrutinise performance. He highlighted the importance of rural policing in North Wales and said engagement with farming communities remains a key priority, alongside ongoing improvements in call handling and response times.

Members of the public can view further details and minutes of the Strategic Executive Board here.

Julie Fallon and the council’s Chief Executive will host the public session at Llanfairfechan Community Hall on Tuesday, July 21, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

The event will begin with a short presentation from Cllr Fallon, followed by a question-and-answer session, giving residents the opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and suggest ideas about local issues and council services.

Cllr Fallon said the sessions are designed to give people the chance to speak directly with council leaders.

“These sessions are about giving people in the community an opportunity to speak directly with me and the Chief Executive. To hear a bit about what the Council’s doing, but more importantly it’s an opportunity to ask questions or maybe put forward suggestions,” she said.

She also thanked everyone who attended the previous session in Colwyn Bay, describing it as a valuable opportunity to share ideas, and said she was looking forward to meeting residents in Llanfairfechan.

People can reserve a place in advance or simply attend on the evening.

Further Here to Listen sessions are also planned for Kinmel Bay, Llanrwst and Llandudno in the coming months.

The tasking was coordinated by Holyhead Coastguard Rescue Team and Rhosneigr Coastguard Rescue Team following an alert from Holyhead Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Both teams were deployed to assist paramedics from Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.

Rescue teams arrived quickly on scene and supported medical crews in the dunes area of Traeth Llydan. The casualty was treated by paramedics at the scene before being safely transferred into an ambulance for further care.

Coastguard personnel remained on standby until the handover was complete, before being stood down and returning to station to prepare for further callouts.

A spokesperson said they wished the casualty a full and speedy recovery.

In the event of a coastal emergency, the public are reminded to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The inshore lifeboat launched on Friday, July 3, after HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a concerned member of the public who feared the overturned canoe could indicate someone was in difficulty in the water.

Working alongside Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, whose members directed the lifeboat crew from the shore, volunteers quickly located the drifting canoe while Coastguard officers traced its owners.

The family confirmed the inflatable canoe had accidentally drifted away and that everyone was safely ashore and fully accounted for.

With no one missing, the RNLI recovered the canoe and brought it back to shore to prevent further emergency call-outs. It was later collected by its owner.

Paul Moreton, Llandudno RNLI Launch Authority, praised the member of the public for raising the alarm.

He said: “An unattended or overturned craft can easily appear to be an emergency, so it was absolutely the right thing for the member of the public to report what they had seen.

“We’d always rather launch and find everyone safe than risk someone in genuine difficulty going unnoticed. Recovering the canoe also helped prevent further reports and unnecessary call-outs.”

The incident highlights how quickly a drifting or overturned boat can trigger a major emergency response, with rescue services treating every report seriously until they can establish that nobody is at risk.

The RNLI is urging anyone taking to the water this summer to secure paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and other small craft when they are not being used, helping to prevent them drifting away and sparking unnecessary rescue operations.

Anyone who spots an unattended vessel or believes someone may be in trouble at sea should call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. Acting quickly could save a life.

Speaking in the Senedd last week, Ms Finch-Saunders said the Freeports programme is expected to support offshore renewable energy projects while strengthening supply chains and helping regenerate coastal communities across Wales.

The programme is forecast to attract around £5 billion of investment and create up to 20,000 high-skilled jobs, which supporters say would provide a significant boost to the Welsh economy.

Freeports were introduced by the former Conservative UK Government to encourage regional growth, attract private investment and support long-term employment in coastal and industrial areas through a range of tax and customs incentives.

Ms Finch-Saunders also argued that post-Brexit freedoms had enabled the UK to develop its own economic policies, including initiatives such as Freeports.

She said: “Welsh Freeports represent a huge opportunity for Wales, both in terms of jobs and inward investment, but also in helping to deliver our offshore renewable energy ambitions.

“This programme has the potential to attract billions in investment and create thousands of skilled jobs across Wales, strengthening supply chains and supporting regeneration in coastal communities.

“It is also another example of how the freedoms gained through Brexit allow the UK to design policies that directly benefit our economy and respond to our own priorities. If delivered properly, Freeports can be a real driver of long-term growth and opportunity for Wales.”

The comments come as work continues on developing Wales’ Freeports, with supporters arguing they could help attract investment, expand renewable energy infrastructure and create new employment opportunities across the country.