News

Protesters risk arrest at Labour conference over Palestine ban

Published

3 months ago

September 28, 2025

AROUND one hundred protesters are sitting outside the Labour Party conference today, holding signs that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The silent demonstration is aimed at challenging Labour’s decision to support the government’s ban on Palestine Action – the first time a domestic protest group has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

Since July 5, more than 1,500 people have been arrested for taking part in similar actions, many of them older campaigners including priests, teachers, healthcare workers and former magistrates. Amnesty International has raised concerns, issuing an urgent appeal to its members and sending observers to today’s protest.

Embarrassment for Labour

Campaigners warn that any mass arrests by Merseyside Police would be highly embarrassing for the government on the opening day of conference, as Cabinet ministers, MPs and delegates walk past the demonstration.

Critics say Labour has stifled internal debate, with party officials blocking all 30 motions on Palestine put forward by local branches. Polling reported by LabourList and The Telegraph suggests more than 70% of Labour members oppose the ban, while the TUC, representing 48 trade unions and 5.6 million workers, unanimously passed a motion calling for it to be lifted.

Even former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock, usually supportive of Keir Starmer, has spoken against the move, warning the government had “blunted” terror laws by designating the group terrorists.

Voices from the protest

Among those risking arrest today is Keith Hackett, a 71-year-old former Labour councillor from Liverpool. He said:
“I’m deeply ashamed of how Labour are acting. If the party want to win back the support they’ve lost, they must end their complicity in this genocide and lift the ban on Palestine Action.”

Actor and writer Tayo Aluko, 63, also taking part, added:
“This government, like authoritarian regimes before it, wants to plant fear in citizens so it can let its friends and paymasters get away with genocide. This is a time for bravery.”

Wider criticism

Lawyers have accused former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper of running “a cynical media campaign” around the ban. FOI requests suggest the move followed lobbying from Israeli officials and defence contractor Elbit Systems. The government’s own intelligence assessment, later reported by The New York Times, stated Palestine Action did not advocate violence and was banned primarily for property damage caused during direct actions.

Campaigners argue that Labour has reneged on Jack Straw’s promise when the Terrorism Act was passed in 2000 that it would never be used against domestic protest groups.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, who helped organise today’s action, said:
“Instead of shutting down protest, the Labour Party should take its duty to prevent genocide seriously and impose blanket sanctions on Israel, including ending the flow of arms from UK factories.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

9 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Local Government

Call for Return of Salt Tip in North Pembrokeshire to Improve Winter Road Safety

Published

16 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PROPOSAL for the reinstatement of a salt tip in North Pembrokeshire to improve road safety during snowy and icy conditions has been put forward by local councillor Huw Murphy.

At the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Murphy called for a review of the council’s current weather strategy, highlighting the need for an auxiliary salt tip in the north of the county. His motion, which was supported by senior councillors, aims to address the challenges faced by motorists during severe winter weather.

Cllr Murphy’s motion emphasized the importance of having a reserve salt tip available to ensure primary routes remain clear and accessible during snow and ice conditions. This would allow emergency services to respond to calls, key workers to reach their workplaces, and essential vehicles like HGVs to access farms for activities such as milk collection.

Historically, a salt tip was located near Crymych, which proved invaluable for gritting roads, particularly the A478 between Crymych and Cardigan, and between Crymych and Clunderwen. These roads, often treacherous during snowy weather, have caused difficulties for HGVs, coaches, and school buses in the past.

The proposal stresses that a new salt tip in Pembrokeshire would allow for quicker and more regular gritting, making roads safer for all users, especially during the harshest winter conditions. Cllr Murphy also highlighted that recent heavy snowfall exposed weaknesses in the current gritting strategy, particularly in the northeast of Pembrokeshire and the Preseli Mountains, which are most prone to severe weather.

The motion also called for prompt gritting and the deployment of snow ploughs on key routes, including the A478, A487, B4332, and B4329, which are vital for the local communities in the northeast and Preseli areas.

The county council’s Cabinet will now consider Cllr Murphy’s motion for further review.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

37 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)