Welsh Liberal Democrats
“In this election, only the Welsh Liberal Democrats can be trusted to both protect our NHS and stop independence.”
Pro-UK, pro-services, anti-independence centrists.
- Raise income tax 1p — only to fund a social care rescue
- Spend no Welsh Government money on the independence agenda
- Build the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and a £400m town-centres fund
- Liberal voters in mid-Wales and university towns
- Anyone who wants stronger public services without independence
- Tactical voters in seats where Labour can't win
Polling at 4-5% across most of Wales — they may end up with one or two seats at most, even on a strong night.
From Jane Dodds
Jane Dodds frames the election as a high-stakes moment in which only the Welsh Liberal Democrats can simultaneously protect the NHS from privatisation by a Reform-led government and block the divisive push for independence advanced by Plaid and the Greens. She argues that both Labour and the Conservatives have failed Wales for decades, and that real change means focusing on health, opportunity, and community rather than constitutional arguments. The foreword positions a Lib Dem vote as the only credible route to a healthier, fairer, and more successful Wales.
How they speak
Wales is presented as a nation let down for decades by both Labour and Conservative governments, now facing twin threats of NHS decline and independence that only the Welsh Liberal Democrats are positioned to simultaneously address.
The manifesto frames the vote as a binary choice between trusting the only party that can protect the NHS and stop independence versus risking Wales' future on parties that will either privatise public services or distract with constitutional arguments.
What they say is most important.
- 01
Protect the NHS by investing in social care, supporting unpaid carers, and ending the crisis in our hospitals.
- 02
Stop independence by keeping Wales focused on the issues that matter to people's daily lives.
- 03
Help Wales thrive by reforming business rates and helping people get back into work.
- 04
Give every child the best start with quality, free, universal childcare from nine months, giving every parent real choice.
- 05
Clean up our rivers and seas, protecting public health, wildlife and our tourism economy.
Positions other parties haven't matched.
An explicit pledge to spend no Welsh Government money on the independence agenda, positioning the party as the only credible anti-independence, pro-devolution force distinct from both Labour and Plaid Cymru.
A conditional 1p rise in the Welsh Rate of Income Tax for an emergency period solely to fund social care investment if Westminster fails to act — the only party explicitly naming a specific income tax lever for a specific service.
A guarantee that 100% of cancer patients start treatment within 62 days from urgent referral, framed as a National Cancer Plan target rather than a directional aspiration.
Delivery of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon after years of broken promises, combined with a call for a separate Welsh electricity pricing zone to end Welsh consumers cross-subsidising London and South East England.
A £400 million town centres fund alongside a permanent extension of business rate relief and exploration of a 2% Online Sales Levy — the most detailed and fully costed high street rescue package among the Welsh parties.
Support for a Royal College of Care Workers and a statutory transition planning duty for disabled young people from age 14, representing a distinct professionalisation and rights-based approach to the social care workforce and care leavers.
The full pledge breakdown
Devolution & the Union
The Welsh Liberal Democrats strongly oppose independence, pledge to spend no Welsh Government money on the independence agenda, and instead advocate a federal UK with substantially greater devolved powers for the Senedd across tax, justice, rail, broadcasting, and more.
12 pledges
Spend no Welsh Government money on the independence agenda
The party commits that not a single penny of Welsh Government money will be directed towards pursuing separation from the rest of the UK, keeping focus on service delivery instead.
Give Senedd power to make St David's Day a bank holiday
A specific devolution of the power to designate St David's Day as a bank holiday will be pursued.
Implement remaining Silk proposals and increase Senedd borrowing and tax powers
The next stage of devolution will be completed by implementing the remaining Silk Commission proposals, substantially reducing powers reserved to Westminster, increasing borrowing powers, and conferring full powers to change income tax rates and thresholds in line with Scotland.
Devolve responsibility for rail services and infrastructure to Wales
Rail services and infrastructure will be devolved to Wales with fair funding and shared governance arrangements on cross-border services.
Health & Care
The Welsh Liberal Democrats propose a dual strategy of fixing the front door to the NHS through expanded primary and community care and the back door through reformed social care, backed by a conditional 1p rise in the Welsh Rate of Income Tax if Westminster fails to act on funding and taxation.
17 pledges
End corridor care with up to 5,000 new nursing-care placements
Up to 5,000 new or refurbished nursing-care placements, built to modern standards and designed around independence, dignity, and person-centred care, will be created to free up hospital beds and bring down waiting lists.
Train more GPs and Allied Health Professionals to end shortages
Additional training of GPs and Allied Health Professionals will be funded to end current shortages and give everyone quicker access to local health services.
Guarantee 100% of cancer patients start treatment within 62 days
A guarantee will be introduced that 100% of patients start cancer treatment within 62 days from urgent referral, as part of a National Cancer Plan for Wales, to boost survival rates.
Guarantee NHS dentist access for all urgent and emergency care
Everyone needing urgent and emergency dental care will be guaranteed access to an NHS dentist, ending DIY dentistry and dental deserts.
Economy & Jobs
The Welsh Liberal Democrats seek to modernise the Welsh economy through a dedicated Welsh Industrial Strategy, major high street investment, reformed business rates, and a closer trading relationship with Europe, while supporting small businesses, skills, and innovation.
15 pledges
Rebuild Wales' trade with Europe through a new UK-EU Customs Union
Wales' trade with Europe will be rebuilt through a new UK-EU Customs Union with a path back to Single Market membership.
Introduce a dedicated Welsh Industrial Strategy for high-value sectors
A Welsh Industrial Strategy focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and Wales' industrial strengths in high-value manufacturing, creative industries, financial technologies, and cyber will be introduced to deliver real benefits for Welsh workers and communities.
Back small and growing businesses by prioritising access to capital
Access to capital will be prioritised to enable innovative businesses to scale up and create more jobs.
Revise procurement rules to support Welsh SMEs
Procurement rules for government-funded products and services will be revised to better support Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises.
Education & Skills
The Welsh Liberal Democrats prioritise universal free childcare from nine months and investment at every stage of education, from school funding above inflation and bilingual provision through to maintaining the most generous student finance in the UK.
15 pledges
Guarantee free high-quality childcare for every child from nine months
Free, high-quality childcare for every child from nine months to four years old will be guaranteed — 30 hours a week, 48 weeks a year.
Develop a career strategy for early years staff
A career strategy for early years staff will be developed and every setting will be equipped to identify and support children with additional learning needs.
Increase school and college funding per pupil above inflation every year
School and college funding per pupil will be increased above the rate of inflation each year.
Provide free school meals to eligible children throughout school holidays
Free school meals will be provided to eligible children throughout the school holidays, extending the benefit beyond term time.
Climate & Environment
The Welsh Liberal Democrats combine a strong anti-pollution agenda — particularly ending sewage dumping — with binding nature targets, a major renewables programme including Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, and a rooftop solar revolution, while opposing fracking and pressing for a separate Welsh electricity pricing zone.
16 pledges
Legislate to ban raw sewage dumping in Wales' waterways
Raw sewage dumping in Welsh waterways will be banned in law. Bonuses for water bosses will be banned until discharges and leaks end, and Ofwat will be replaced with a tough new Welsh regulator with real powers to prevent sewage dumps.
Introduce a blue corridor programme for rivers, streams and lakes
A blue corridor programme for rivers, streams, and lakes will be introduced to ensure clean and healthy water, setting new blue flag standards.
Set binding targets to double nature by 2050
Meaningful and binding targets will be set to stop the decline of Wales' natural environment and double nature by 2050.
Pass a comprehensive Wildlife Act for Wales
A comprehensive Wildlife Act for Wales will be passed to clarify and strengthen protections for animals.
Farming & Rural
The Welsh Liberal Democrats promise an additional £50 million a year for sustainable farming, a National Food Strategy for Wales, and strong animal welfare standards in trade deals, while supporting the next generation of farmers through cooperatives and mentorship.
8 pledges
Invest an extra £50 million a year to support sustainable and nature-friendly farming
An extra £50 million a year will be invested to support profitable, sustainable, and nature-friendly farming in Wales.
Enable an orderly adoption of the new farming payments scheme with transition grants
An orderly and just adoption of the new farming payments scheme will be enabled through investment in training and advice, and transition grants for those in need.
Introduce a National Food Strategy for Wales
A National Food Strategy for Wales will be introduced to ensure food security, tackle food poverty, and improve the health and nutrition of every family.
Champion formation of young farmers' cooperatives for collective bargaining
The formation of young farmers' cooperatives will be championed to give the next generation collective bargaining power, shared resources, and better access to markets.
Housing
The Welsh Liberal Democrats commit to building 30,000 social homes, delivering a comprehensive plan to end rough sleeping and all forms of homelessness, and ending new leasehold tenure, alongside a major home energy upgrade programme.
5 pledges
Build 30,000 social homes prioritising brownfield land
The homes that Wales needs will be built, including 30,000 social homes, prioritising brownfield land and ensuring new developments strengthen local communities.
Make homes warmer and cheaper to heat with a ten-year emergency upgrade programme
A ten-year emergency home upgrade programme will be delivered to reduce heating costs.
Publish a cross-government plan to end rough sleeping and all forms of homelessness
A cross-government plan will be urgently published to end rough sleeping and all forms of homelessness, ensuring access to prevention and advice services and supporting multi-year funding for Housing First.
Ensure gigabit broadband is available to every home and business including in rural areas
Gigabit broadband will be made available to every home and business, including in rural and remote communities, with support for local bespoke solutions so that no property is left out.
Transport
The Welsh Liberal Democrats will extend affordable bus fares for young people up to age 25, invest in cycling and walking networks, deliver major rail upgrades including electrification of both mainlines, and press for rural fuel duty relief.
8 pledges
Continue to fight for rural Wales to be included in Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme
The UK Government will be continually pressed to add rural Wales to its Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme, cutting the cost of driving for rural communities.
Extend £1 single and £3 day youth bus fares to all under-25s
The existing £1 single and £3 day youth bus fares will be strengthened and extended to ensure affordable, nationwide access for everyone aged under 25 as part of a wider programme to grow public transport use.
Tackle the backlog of road repairs and prioritise transport links to jobs and study
The backlog of road repairs will be tackled, and the Welsh Government will be ensured to prioritise road and public transport improvements that help link people to jobs and study.
Create new cycling and walking networks with a new Active Travel Strategy
People's travel will be transformed by creating new cycling and walking networks through a new Active Travel Strategy.
Crime & Justice
The Welsh Liberal Democrats prioritise restoration of visible community policing, full devolution of justice powers to Wales, strong support for survivors of violence against women and girls, and opposition to both centralising Welsh police forces and the use of facial recognition surveillance.
7 pledges
Restore proper community policing focused on preventing and solving crimes
Proper community policing will be restored, with officers visible, trusted, and focused on preventing and solving crimes — especially rape and other violent crime.
Devolve policing, prisons, youth justice and probation powers to Wales
Powers over policing, prisons, youth justice, and probation will be devolved to allow Wales to create an effective, community-based approach to tackling crime.
Oppose plans to centralise Wales' four police forces into a single national force
Any plans to centralise Wales' four police forces into a single national force that is less accountable and less responsive to local needs will be opposed.
Ensure survivors of VAWG are properly supported with mandatory trauma-informed training
Survivors of violence against women and girls will be properly supported throughout the criminal justice process, with mandatory trauma-informed training introduced for police and prosecutors.
Cymraeg & Culture
The Welsh Liberal Democrats will legislate for a Welsh Language Education for All Act, support growth of rural Welsh-speaking communities, invest in grassroots sport, arts and culture, and introduce cultural transport subsidies to widen access to museums and cultural experiences.
8 pledges
Pass a Welsh Language Education for All Act
A Welsh Language Education for All Act will be passed, normalising the Welsh language in education including for lifelong learning and in post-16 education.
Support and enable growth of rural Welsh-speaking communities
Rural, Welsh-speaking communities will be supported and enabled to grow through a dedicated package of policies and funding.
Ensure public and health services are available through the medium of Welsh
Public services and health and care services will be made available to all users through the medium of Welsh, supported by improved workforce planning, access to training, and funding.
Protect and invest in grassroots sports facilities, arts and culture
Grassroots sports facilities, arts, and culture will be protected and invested in, recognising their vital role in prevention, community connection, mental health, and social well-being.
Equality & Communities
The Welsh Liberal Democrats champion a federal, rights-based vision of Wales, committing to proportional representation, defence of the Human Rights Act and ECHR, enshrining children's rights, incorporating the UN disability convention, and pursuing race equality and trans rights reform.
9 pledges
Introduce proportional representation by Single Transferable Vote for all Welsh elections
Every person's vote will be made to count equally through proportional representation by the Single Transferable Vote for all elections in Wales.
Champion the Human Rights Act and resist any attempts to weaken or repeal it
The Human Rights Act will be championed and any attempts to weaken or repeal it will be resisted.
Uphold the UK's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights
The UK's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights will be upheld and any attempts to withdraw from it opposed.
Enshrine the rights of children and young people in Wales through Bil Pob Plentyn
The rights of children and young people in Wales will be enshrined in law through Bil Pob Plentyn.