News

PSC Cymru calls for end to ‘genocide in Gaza’

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners urge Welsh Government and UK to act as death toll surpasses 65,000

PSC CYMRU has renewed its call for an end to what it describes as two years of genocide in Gaza by the Israeli state.

The organisation has condemned both Israel’s actions and what it calls the UK Government’s “complicity” in the ongoing conflict, which it says has left more than 65,000 people dead, including 20,000 children, and 157,000 wounded.

In a statement issued on Monday (Oct 6), PSC Cymru said its message remained clear: “End the genocide, end the occupation and land theft, stop arming Israel, stop starving Gaza, and impose sanctions on Israel now.”

***A protest last year in Haverfordwest (Pic: Herald)***

The group said it was echoing conclusions reached by the UN Commission of Inquiry, genocide scholars, human rights lawyers and international organisations, all of whom, it claims, have found that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

“Two years of genocide in Gaza must end, and the perpetrators brought to justice,” the statement read. “Those who campaign, march and protest demand an end to genocide, occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people. Our message is one of solidarity, love and justice.”

Criticism of UK position

The group also criticised comments made by then–Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who wrote on 9 September that the UK “has not concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” nor that any British-made parts for F-35 jets supplied to Israel had directly led to breaches of international humanitarian law.

Lammy said the government was still considering the implications of a provisional ruling by the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ), which in June 2024 ordered Israel to refrain from acts under the Genocide Convention and prevent and punish public incitement to genocide.

PSC Cymru said anyone who had seen the destruction in Gaza could recognise it as genocide, adding: “What does David Lammy know that genocide scholars, human rights experts, UN experts and Palestinians don’t?”

Support for South Africa’s ICJ case

The group said it supports South Africa’s case at the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide, and pledged to continue working with campaigners across Wales until the violence ends. It also urged the Welsh Government to “uphold the rights of Palestinians” and end Welsh companies’ involvement in the arms trade with Israel.

PSC Cymru recently led a campaign calling for the Senedd to fly the Palestinian flag in solidarity, with its open letter to the Llywydd attracting the backing of more than 60 organisations within 24 hours.

Co-chair Bethan Sayed said: “The Welsh Senedd was the first nation in the UK to vote for a ceasefire, and we continue to call on its members to go further than words and take tangible actions to help end the slaughter of innocent Palestinian men, women and children.”

Divestment and boycott campaigns

Over the last two years, PSC Cymru has been active in supporting pension fund divestment campaigns, with four councils in Wales — Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire and Newport — passing motions to withdraw investments from companies it says are complicit in the oppression of Palestinians.

Local campaigners continue to lobby other councils to follow suit, and PSC Cymru says it expects more to do so.

The group also continues to promote a boycott of Israeli goods, saying this is not “anti-Israel” but a response to a call from Palestinian civil society to apply economic pressure until Israel complies with international law.

PSC Cymru Co-chair David McKnight said: “As we look at the practical actions and campaigns taking place in Wales, we do not lose sight of what our campaign really is — to oppose the continuation of 77 years of Apartheid Israel’s campaign to erase Palestine and its people, with the backing of US imperialism and support from the UK and other Western countries.”

Israeli response

Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide, saying its military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages taken during the group’s October 2023 attacks. The Israeli government argues it has the right to defend itself against terrorism and says civilian casualties are a tragic consequence of Hamas operating within densely populated areas.

The UK Government has also said it keeps its arms-export policy “under continual review” and requires assurances that weapons are used in compliance with international humanitarian law.

Business

Festive fun as Milford Haven Christmas market returns to the waterfront

Published

3 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Traders, lights and family entertainment to kick off Pembrokeshire’s Christmas season

THE FESTIVE spirit is coming to life in Milford Haven with markets, lights and family fun as the town gears up for a packed Christmas programme along the waterfront.

Milford Waterfront is preparing for a busy season of events, starting with an indoor Christmas market in the Link Building from November 21 to 23, featuring handcrafted local gifts and festive treats.

Lucy Wonnacott, head of communications and marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Every year the berth holder community, Milford Waterfront businesses and residents all get involved in making the whole place sparkle, so we encourage people to come and see their efforts and enjoy the lights, soak up the festive cheer, and visit the amazing businesses around Milford Waterfront.

“We’re delighted to host so many activities this festive season to support the independent business community here. There will definitely be something for everyone, and new to Milford Waterfront this year, the indoor Ice Rink at Sybil House will be very special – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone getting their skates on.”

The festive programme includes Santa by the Sea on December 6, when Father Christmas will arrive by RNLI lifeboat before heading to Milford Haven Town Hall for the town’s official Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, running from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, will feature live music, entertainment, face-painting and family activities.

Young artists aged three to twelve can take part in print-your-own Christmas card workshops at the Waterfront Gallery on November 22, 29 and 30. The sessions are free but must be booked in advance by calling 07949 763100.

From December 12 to 14, visitors can enjoy an indoor ice-skating experience at Sybil House, next to Phoenix Bowl. The synthetic rink will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and is suitable for all ages.

The festive fun continues with Pure West Radio’s Purely Magical Christmas Grotto in the Link Building on December 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets must be booked in advance and include a visit with Santa and his elves, professional photography, chocolate gifts and more.

Throughout December, the waterfront will be illuminated by the annual Christmas Lights Competition, organised by Milford Waterfront, Milford Marina and Visit Milford Haven. The contest features decorated shopfronts, balconies and boats, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the area.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the season by staying overnight at the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, overlooking the marina, to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

More information about this year’s programme of events is available on the Milford Waterfront website.

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

5 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Entertainment

Local premiere for S4C documentary on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Cannabis Cove’

Published

6 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.