Matt Drake

Pupils from across Monmouthshire participated in a hands‑on LEGO STEM competition at Caldicot School, organised by Monmouthshire County Council to promote practical learning in science, technology, engineering and maths. The event featured coding and sensory challenges along with a final Hopper Race, with all participants receiving certificates and badges. Cross Ash Primary School’s recent success at the First Lego League UK Finals was highlighted, including their 3D‑printed exoskeleton project funded by the Welsh Government. The council thanked schools for their involvement and emphasised its growing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities.

Lindsay Whittle urged the Welsh Government to progress long‑discussed rail links for communities in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, highlighting local campaigns to reconnect areas such as Nelson and extend services toward Abertillery. Rhun ap Iorwerth said the government intends to expand and improve rail services in partnership with Transport for Wales but stressed that progress depends on fairer UK Government funding and the resolution of money reportedly owed to Wales from HS2.

The Welsh Government outlined new measures to strengthen the Welsh language, aiming for half of Welsh children to begin education through the medium of Welsh by 2050. Education minister Anna Brychan detailed plans including a fully integrated Welsh‑medium pathway, expanded childcare provision with a focus on Cymraeg, and a review of Welsh language strategic plans. Additional actions involve support for Welsh‑speaking communities, expanding language standards to new sectors including UK Government bodies, urging technology companies to enhance Welsh‑language support, and exploring legislative protection for Welsh place‑names.