Welsh Labour demands Senedd recall over “too slow” wildfire response

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Welsh Labour has called for an urgent recall of the Senedd, accusing the Welsh Government of being too slow to respond to ongoing wildfires across south Wales.

Party leader Ken Skates MS has written to the First Minister requesting the emergency recall after major incidents were declared by fire services following blazes in Newbridge, Llandovery, Merthyr Tydfil, and Torfaen.

It follows confirmation from finance minister Elin Jones MS that the Welsh Government has backed a formal fire service request to deploy army resources to help fire crews.

Casnewydd Islwyn MS Jayne Bryant, Welsh Labour’s communities spokesperson, said fire services had been “pushed to the brink” by the ongoing blazes.

“Leadership is lacking whilst Wales burns,” Ms Bryant said. “Why isn’t the First Minister chairing a daily emergency review? Where is the financial support for families, businesses, and councils?

“Why haven’t we had daily updates from government ministers?”

Ms Bryant added: “The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Cymru has described the situation as “carnage”. Fire and rescue services have been pushed to the brink. People have been evacuated, homes and farmland destroyed, and swathes of the country are covered in smoke.

“Plaid Cymru’s Welsh Government must urgently grasp the severity of this national crisis.”

In a written statement, Ms Jones defended the Welsh Government’s response, saying multi-agency emergency structures were actively managing the crisis alongside local services and the Welsh Government.

Ms Jones confirmed the First Minister attended a UK Government COBR meeting earlier this week to coordinate support, including the military deployment. She added that the Welsh Government stands ready to fund the military operations if needed.

She also confirmed support has been offered to residents affected by this week’s fire in Pantside, Newbridge, which destroyed several homes. Gwent Police confirmed on Thursday a 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson following this blaze.

With hot and dry weather expected to continue, Ms Jones warned that the risk of further outbreaks remains very high – and described the “unprecedented” wildfires were “continuing to place immense pressure” on the fire service.

“It is extremely important the public continue to play their part in minimising the risks of further outbreaks of fire by behaving responsibly,” Ms Jones said. “This means avoiding any activity that could cause fire.”

The Welsh Government urged the public to follow emergency service advice, report immediate risks to life or property without delay, and protect vulnerable people from smoke.