16/04/2016 BBC Wales Today

Good evening.

As the EU referendum draws nearer, the Vote Leave group

launched its Welsh campaign in Cardiff, urging people to back

a European Union exit so millions more pounds can be spent

on public services here.

But Wales Stronger in Europe says Wales benefit hugely

from European investment.

Rhiannon Wilkins reports.

Kicking off in Cardiff, a crystal clear message as the Welsh

campaign for Britain to leave the EU launches.

Among the campaigners were familiar faces, including former UK

Defence Secretary Liam Fox.

I would like to seem more money spent on health care,

I would like to see more money spent on defence and security but that

could be our decision.

And at the moment, we have no choice at all over that.

And I would much rather be having an active discussion inside the UK

about how we spend the money and in what areas than not

being able to have it at all, which is what we would get

unless we leave the EU.

With ten weeks until polling day, today's launch highlights some

of the issues that will help people decide whether to put a cross next

to remain or leave on their ballot papers.

The campaign group backing EU membership here, Wales

stronger in Europe, launched their campaign last month,

saying the 28 country union brings prosperity.

Their message today is just as strong.

It is quite incredible that Liam Fox is making this claim.

This is the man who two years ago was arguing that the NHS did not

need an extra penny, so I don't think anybody

is going to fall for this one.

I think the whole of the people of Wales,

whether they are steelworkers, students, farmers, they know

how much Wales actually benefits from Europe.

Opinion polls suggest the race between both campaigns is too close

to call but one thing is for certain, the issues

surrounding the EU will be hotly debated until the 23rd of June.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with rape,

assault and threats to kill.

It follows an incident in Neath Road in Hafod in Swansea

on Thursday morning.

A number of illegal workers have been found to be working

on the construction site of Britain's newest

prison in Wrexham.

Flintshire magistrates heard that immigration enforcement

officers raided the site of the new Berwyn Prison on Friday.

One Ukrainian man said to have been in the UK illegally for ten years

was remanded in custody by magistrates this morning.

Around 200 people protested outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay today

about health services at Withybush Hospital

in Haverfordwest.

They are campaigning for a return of the 24-hour children's care

and a special care baby unit.

The hospital was downgraded two years ago, with some services

being transferred to Carmarthen.

The Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives

all say they are committed to maintaining key services locally.

Plans to ditch the National Eisteddfod's traditional Maes

or field and hold some of the festival in permanent

buildings have been supported by the event's ruling body.

The Eisteddfod Council this morning backed recommendations to bring

the festival to Cardiff Bay in 2018.

BBC Wales understands that buildings such as the Wales Millennium Centre

in Cardiff Bay are among the shortlisted sites.

If the plan goes ahead, there would be no perimeter fence

or entrance fee.

Football and Swansea City were in action against Newcastle

in the Premier League today.

It was a disappointing day for the Swans.

They lost 3-0.

In the Championship, the Bluebirds drew 0-0 with QPR.

In rugby, the Scarlets were in action in the Pro 12 this afternoon.

Up to 20 of the squad had been struck down by a stomach complaint

in the run-up to today's game.

The final score was 46-10 to the visiting team, Glasgow.

Welsh swimmer Jazz Carlin is hoping to keep her Olympic dream alive

tonight by qualifying in the 400 metres freestyle.

This morning she qualified fastest in the 400 metres heats

at the British Olympics swimming trials in Glasgow.

She is aiming for a place in the real Olympics.

The squad is due to be announced on Thursday.

Trying to sort of keep as calm as possible the last few days

and not get stressed out.

Yes, it is just about sort of enjoying racing again and I think

I kind of forgot it this week that I do actually love racing

and I love what I do.

It is when you put so much pressure on yourself, it is sometimes a bit

hard to actually enjoy what you do, but I love swimming and I love

racing and I cannot wait for the final tonight.

A look at the weather now.

The cloud will break as we go through this evening,