A Day in Bat SHIT Crazy Wales
- Richie & Rogue
- Feb 20
- 6 min read
Bore da! On February 20, 2026, Welsh politics and technology collided in a way that felt straight out of a sci-fi thriller. From drones buzzing over misty valleys to fiery debates in the Senedd, Wales showed it’s ready to embrace the future while wrestling with some very real challenges. Grab a brew and maybe a Welsh cake, because this day’s news is as unpredictable as the weather in the Valleys.
Drones Over the Drws: Wales Takes Flight into Autonomous Tech
Fly-Tipping Higher fines and more cameras are coming. If you're going to dump a sofa, maybe do it via a £50m defence drone?
The biggest headline today came from Cardiff Castle, where First Minister Eluned Morgan and UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a £50 million Defence Growth Deal. The goal is clear: transform Wales into the UK’s launchpad for autonomous technology and uncrewed systems, better known as drones.
This deal marks a shift from Wales’ industrial past of coal mining to a future driven by code and innovation. Central Wales will see expanded “air corridors” dedicated to drone testing. The vision is ambitious: Wales could become a hub for developing drones that serve defence, agriculture, and logistics.
Yet, the reality might be a bit more grounded. Imagine a drone trying to navigate the thick mist that often blankets mid-Wales or dodging an annoyed Border Collie on a farm track. Still, this investment signals a serious commitment to high-tech growth and job creation in the region.
What This Means for Wales
Job creation: The deal is expected to support hundreds of new jobs in tech and manufacturing.
Innovation boost: Local businesses and universities will get a chance to collaborate on cutting-edge drone technology.
Infrastructure upgrades: Expanding air corridors means better regulation and safety for drone operations.
This move could position Wales as a leader in autonomous systems, attracting further investment and talent.
Mind the Gap: Rail Promises and Commuter Realities
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced seven new railway stations for Wales, and today they doubled down on long-term rail commitments. The plan aims to support 12,000 jobs and finally tackle decades of delays and indecision.
The government promises a “generational commitment” to rail infrastructure, but many commuters remain sceptical. For those who regularly travel through Bridgend, a rainy Tuesday often means trains turning into buses due to disruptions. The promise is welcome, but the proof will be in the punctuality and reliability of services.
Key Points on Rail Development
New stations: Seven new stops will improve connectivity in underserved areas.
Job support: Thousands of jobs tied to construction, maintenance, and operations.
Long-term vision: A commitment to modernising rail over the next decades.
For everyday travellers, the hope is simple: fewer delays and a smoother journey.
Netflix vs. The Local: The First Minister’s Pub Plea
In a move that sparked debate, First Minister Eluned Morgan urged people to “stop watching Netflix” and head to the pub to support the hospitality industry. This call comes as pubs face rising costs and competition from home entertainment.
The reaction was mixed. Many in the “staying in is the new going out” crowd pushed back, citing the rising price of a pint and the comfort of their sofas. The irony? The government is also cracking down on fly-tipping with new cameras, presumably to catch those who might dump their Netflix subscriptions in a hedge on the way home.
What’s at Stake for Welsh Hospitality
Economic support: Pubs and restaurants are vital for local economies and community life.
Cultural importance: Pubs remain social hubs, especially in rural Wales.
Challenges: Rising costs and changing habits threaten the sector’s survival.
Encouraging people to support local venues is a reminder that community spaces still matter in a digital age.
The Moral Maze: Assisted Dying Bill Sparks Debate
A group of Welsh faith leaders has urged the Senedd to reject the Assisted Dying Bill, voicing concerns about vulnerable people feeling like a burden. This issue is shaping up to be one of the most sensitive and divisive debates in Welsh politics.
The bill aims to give terminally ill adults the right to choose assisted dying under strict conditions. Supporters argue it offers dignity and control at the end of life. Opponents worry about the potential for pressure on vulnerable individuals and the moral implications.
What to Watch in This Debate
Ethical concerns: Balancing individual choice with protection for the vulnerable.
Public opinion: Mixed views across Wales, with strong feelings on both sides.
Legislative process: The Senedd will face tough decisions in the coming months.
This debate highlights the complex intersection of law, ethics, and personal rights.
Wales on February 20, 2026, showed a mix of ambition, challenge, and community spirit. From drones navigating misty valleys to calls for pub nights over Netflix binges, the country is balancing tradition with innovation. The rail promises offer hope for better connectivity, while the Assisted Dying Bill reminds us that some issues require deep reflection.
NHS Pay A 3.3% award was called an "insult" by nursing unions. Not exactly the "thank you" they were hoping for.
As the mad dash to the May 7th Elections kicks off, it's like watching a herd of caffeinated squirrels racing for the last acorn!
If the latest polling is anything to go by, Welsh politics is currently undergoing a bigger transformation than a terraced house on Homes under the Hammer.
With less than 100 days to go until the May 7th election, the status quo hasn't just been shaken, it's been put through a high-speed spin cycle. Here is the state of the play:
The Big Picture: A Three-Horse Race (with a donkey in the lead)
The latest YouGov/ITV Wales polling (Jan/Feb 2026) shows a landscape that would have seemed like science fiction five years ago.
Plaid Cymru 37% Rhun ap Iorwerth is currently the "Golden Boy." They’ve opened a massive 14-point lead.
Reform UK 23% Slipping slightly but still the main challenger. Their new leader, Dan Thomas, is busy trying to prove he doesn't live in Bath.
Green Party 13% The surprise surge. They’re currently beating the traditional "Big Two."
Labour 10% A historic collapse. They’re level with the Tories, which in Wales is the political equivalent of wearing an England rugby shirt to a pub in Pontypridd.
Conservatives 10% Holding steady at rock bottom. At least they have company now.
Plaid’s Power Grab
Plaid Cymru is currently the runaway leader, riding high after a massive by-election win in Caerphilly.
They aren't just winning over nationalists; they’re picking up "tactical" Labour voters who would rather vote for independence than let Reform UK near the Senedd. It’s the political version of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend (who speaks Welsh)."
The Labour "Lurgy"
For the first time in 26 years of devolution, Labour is facing a total wipeout.
The Reality: Only 24% of people who voted Labour in the 2024 General Election plan to stick with them for the Senedd.
Eluned Morgan’s "stop watching Netflix" strategy doesn't seem to be working. It turns out people are stopping Netflix, but only to watch the Labour party’s poll numbers drop in real-time.
Reform’s "Dan-ger"
Despite falling back to second place, Reform UK is still a massive threat, especially in the north and the valleys.
They’ve just installed Dan Thomas as leader. He’s facing "carpetbagger" accusations, but if he manages to secure 30+ seats, he won't care if people think he lives on the moon, let alone Somerset.
Advance uk / Wales" That’s Going Backwards
Advance is doing a lot of heavy lifting. In Wales, they’ve managed to "advance" about as far as a car with its handbrake on in a Sainsbury’s car park.
While other parties are arguing about the NHS and the £50m drone deal, Advance UK is busy trying to merge with a party called "Restore Britain."
Nothing says "we’re a serious contender for the Senedd" like admitting you might just disappear into a different party before the first ballot paper is even printed. It’s not a political strategy; it’s a vanishing act. They’re not just non-runners; they’re the ones currently being used for donkey rides at Barry Island while the actual race happens in Cardiff.
The "Super" Senedd
Don't forget, this election is the debut of the 96-member Senedd (up from 60).
The Catch: We’re moving to 16 "Super Constituencies" with a closed-list system.
There are no "safe seats" anymore. Every MS is currently sweating more than a tourist trying to pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyll... you know the one.
Check back often for updates on your daily slice of madness!
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