PRIME Minister Kier Starmer hailed a “new era” during his address to the Welsh Labour conference today (Saturday, November 16).

The Prime Minister said that the Welsh branch had “carried the torch” for the party during 14 years of Conservative rule in Westminster but with both Wales and Westminster now “pulling in the same direction” that there was a "path of change" ahead for the UK.

He said: “For 14 years, this nation here has carried the torch for the entire Labour Party.

“The only great nation on our islands where we could show as a movement the change that we can deliver for working people.”

Sir Keir lauded Welsh Labour members for their work leading to the July general election that showed “this changed Labour Party is fit to govern, not just in Wales but across the whole of Britain, that we are ready for a new era.

“Labour Wales and Labour Britain pulling in the same direction, the full force of our nation once again serving the people of Wales.”

Protest organisers Digon yw Digon – which translates as Enough in Enough – said: “Our Government isn’t working or listening to us.”

However, farmers unhappy with the changes to inheritance tax in the recent Budget gathered with tractors outside the conference venue in Llandudno in protest.

Gareth Wyn Jones, a Welsh farmer and YouTuber, said farmers will deliver a letter to Sir Keir which begins: “Don’t bite the hand that feed you.”

Mr Wyn Jones told Sky News: “They’re destroying an industry that’s already on its knees and struggling, absolutely struggling, mentally, emotionally and physically.

“We need Government support, not more hindrance, so we can produce food to feed the nation.”

The row erupted after uncertainty around the figures that Chancellor Rachel Reeves based the decision on, with farmers challenging the Treasury’s assessment that around three-quarters of farmers will be unaffected by the decision.

Farmers point to data from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, which suggests that 66 percent of farm businesses are worth more than the £1 million threshold at which inheritance tax will now need to be paid.

The Prime Minister did not mention the inheritance tax explicitly in his speech, but said he would defend the “tough decisions” his Government has made.

He said: “I will defend facing up to the harsh light of fiscal reality.

“I will defend the tough decisions that would necessary to stabilise our economy and I will defend protecting the pay slips of working people, fixing the foundations of our economy and investing in the future of Britain and the future of Wales, finally turning the page on austerity once and for all.”

He also hailed the “record figure” of £21 billion allocated to Wales in the Budget.

The Government also announced £13 million of funding to help steelworkers affected by job losses in Port Talbot, including to set up their own businesses.

It will go to workers, families and businesses affected by the closure of the blast furnaces at the giant Tata Steel site.

Welsh First Minster Eluned Morgan, who took over as the leader of Welsh Labour in August, will announce during the party conference £22 million to tackle NHS waiting lists in Wales, in addition to £28 million already pledged.