News

Badger and the wind of change

Published

11 years ago

February 26, 2015

badger83image BADGER has previously spoken to you about so-called ‘green energy’. Badger is not sceptical of the value of green energy in improving our country’s energy security: far from it. Badger is not sceptical about the threat that humanity’s need to consume more natural resources poses to our planet. Nope. Badger is bang on with that. Badger is similarly, not sceptical about humanity being the prime mover behind recent climate change (either as the cause or the major cause). Badger is, however, rather doubtful that there is any real taste for the implications of adopting green energy, or even that the green energy can get to where it needs to go in the UK market without massive public investment, tax breaks, or subsidies. Let’s start at the beginning, readers, the key issue of price. In the abstract, people will express a willingness to do many things — pay higher taxes to support the NHS; pay a little more for ethically produced food; and accept that the cost of fuel and power will rise. Badger is, however, convinced that – human nature being what it is — when it boils down to pounds shillings and pence, a voter faced with the certainty of price rises and higher taxes on the one hand and the promise of jam today on the other will opt for the preserve of the status quo. The thing about doomsday readers is that it is always tomorrow, while there are bills to be paid and food to be bought today. Badger has similar feelings about France. In the abstract, he is sure France is a beautiful and fine country, rich in culture and heritage. In the particular, however, it is choc-a-block with the French. All the hot air of all Guardian writers, columnists, correspondents and readers combined crying softly

into their polenta while sipping their fairtrade herbal tea is unlikely to change a single mind about green energy; still less in an economy where people at the sharp end are facing the reality of high energy prices and low incomes. Badger believes the problem is more than one of communication and persuasion. there is a massive disconnect between the public and policy. There are several reasons for this.. but Badger wants to draw attention to two in particular. The scientific consensus is that climate change is being either accelerated or caused by humans. Climate change is a fact, even though it is expressed as ‘a theory’. but a scientific theory is not the same as just an idea that is somehow unprovable. Science is built upon the scientific method, a logical process of observation, experiment and analysis subject to peer-review. Scientists arrive at a consensus about the evidence that supports a particular set of principles about the science being researched. Arriving at a scientific consensus is not something that happens overnight. The slow process by which science arrives at a consensus keeps out poorly supported ideas, but gives strength to ideas that have lots of evidence. So, readers, when the media report on climate change and we see — for example — a newspaper columnist being given time to say that there is no such thing as climate change; we should take their assertions with a large pinch of salt. Newspaper columnists are seldom scientists. Politicians do not subject their judgements to the scientific method. if they did, you would have to ask where George Osborne fits into the tree of life. Neither politicians nor columnists even those with public school and

Oxbridge backgrounds understand the important distinction between scientific theory and rabble-musing argumentation. The second part follows closely from the first. The media presents a false equivalence between the scientific consensus and those who do not accept it.

Dr Nedwin Shellwinkle, Professor of Marmalade at the Ohio Institute of Jam-making and Chutney Creation, might be the bees knees on how to get loganberry preserve to the setting point. His qualifications as either “professor” or “doctor” are, however, most unlikely to give him insight into the complex systems of geophysics, chemistry and atmospheric dynamics to enable him to reach a considered and research-validated conclusion about climate change. Similarly, the facts that Lord Lawson has the reputation of being awfully clever and that he was once Chancellor of the Exchequer do not mean that his opinion is of equal weight to a scientific theory. The fact he can find people who believe as he does not mean that he has built a countervailing consensus of similar weight to the scientific one. So, readers, when the public are asked to think about ‘green’ energy and ‘green’ methods of power production, there is an awful lot of bag and baggage to get through. If the public do not believe that climate change is taking place or that it will affect them, they will not be interested in ‘greenness’. The other side of that is self-interest, if it will cost them more, people will cling to any opinion — no matter how facile or misinformed —to justify doing nothing. That is the expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. And so, readers, at the point

we come to superficiality, we come to David Cameron. Funny that. If David Cameron thought there were five hundred votes in every marginal constituency that the Conservatives could get if they were a bit ‘greener’ in word and deed, you can damn well guarantee that the UK would be festooned with wind farms in such density and of such number that it could ride out any increase in sea levels by hovering over the lapping waves. That is die expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. In Pembrokeshire of course, we are no strangers to local politician adopting expedient positions Jolin Allen-Mirehouse said he objected to one wind far development in 0 1 2 on the grounds that it would spoil his view of the peasants working in his fields (or something like that). Funny how old Johnny was rather more on board with being green when there was the chance of having some turbines on his own land. That is the expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. All Johnny’s pompous wind-baggery cannot change that. So, if we are to proceed with a ‘green’ agenda those who favour it have to tap into the basest of human feelings. The ones that matter when folk in marginal constituencies vote Conservative but tell pollsters they voted for one of the other lot. Not abstract carbon swaps or our long-term interests. But greed: the here and the now. Persuade the people that you can satisfy their immediate desires — or sate their fear oi and there change -will be real transformation. That readers, will not take a wind of change that will take a miracle.

News

Amber weather warning as ‘danger to life’ rain set to hit Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police and council teams prepare as Monday deluge expected

COMMUNITIES across Pembrokeshire are being urged to brace for severe weather after the Met Office issued an amber “danger to life” warning for heavy rain, covering the county from 4:00am to 9:00pm on Monday (Dec 15).

Up to 80mm of rain is expected widely, with 100mm possible on higher ground in north Pembrokeshire and the Preseli foothills. With rivers already running high following weeks of persistent wet weather, Natural Resources Wales says there is a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including parts of Haverfordwest, Remington Bridge, Merlin’s Bridge, Tenby, Neyland and along the Western Cleddau.

Travel disruption likely

The Met Office warns that fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life, with road flooding likely on key Pembrokeshire routes such as the A40, A487 and A478. Bus and rail services may face disruption.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers would be monitoring known flood hotspots throughout Monday and urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel during the worst of the downpours.

A police spokesperson said: “Please plan ahead. Do not risk driving through floodwater. Conditions may change very quickly.”

Yellow warnings already in place

A yellow rain warning is active for southwest Wales from midnight tonight (Sun 14 Dec). A separate yellow warning for mid and north Wales began this afternoon.

Pembrokeshire County Council said its highways and emergency planning teams are on standby, with extra staff monitoring river gauges and drainage across the county. Sandbags are available where required.

Residents urged to prepare

Natural Resources Wales is advising residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions today, including:

Checking local flood alerts
Moving valuables upstairs where possible
Securing outdoor items against strong winds
Checking on vulnerable neighbours

The Herald understands that emergency services expect the heaviest rainfall between 6:00am and 3:00pm on Monday, with further unsettled weather forecast later in the week.

More updates to follow

This is a developing story. The Pembrokeshire Herald will bring live updates as information comes in from the Met Office, NRW, PCC and emergency services.

Health

Major investment confirmed for GP services in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Government unveils £41m boost, but practices warn pressures remain acute

MORE than £41m in extra funding will go into general practice in Wales this year following a new agreement between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GP leaders. Ministers say the deal provides stability at a time of rising demand — but the settlement comes against a backdrop of sustained pressures, recruitment challenges and concerns over patient access.

The package includes a 4% uplift to the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2025-26, in line with independent DDRB pay recommendations, and a guaranteed 5.8% recurrent uplift from 2026-27. The Welsh Government says the multi-year commitment will allow practices to plan ahead, modernise systems and strengthen community-based services.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the investment showed an “unwavering commitment” to general practice, adding: “The 4% pay uplift ensures fair recognition for GPs and practice staff who work tirelessly to deliver care for communities across our country. Multi-year funding gives practices the confidence to invest in the transformation primary care needs.”

However, the announcement comes at a time when many Welsh practices continue to report severe workforce pressures, rising demand, and longstanding challenges in recruiting new partners. GP numbers have fallen over the past decade, with some practices handing back contracts or operating list closures because of unsustainable workloads. Patient satisfaction with access has also declined, according to the latest Welsh GP Patient Survey.

What the deal includes

The settlement for 2025-26 comprises £37.9m of new investment and £4m in re-invested capacity funding, with the key elements including:

A 1.77% uplift in expenses, intended to help practices manage inflationary pressures in energy, staffing and running costs.
A recurrent £20m stabilisation fund to support practices facing immediate operational pressures and to prepare for wider reform under the incoming Sustainable Farming Scheme model for health.
An increased partnership premium, aimed at retaining experienced GPs and encouraging new partners into a model that some say has become less attractive due to financial and regulatory risk.
A full review of the GMS allocation formula — the first in more than 20 years — which determines how funding is distributed between practices. Some rural and deprived communities have long argued the current system does not reflect the complexity of local health needs.

Wider context

General practice remains the foundation of the NHS, accounting for around 90% of patient contacts, yet it receives a proportionally small share of the overall health budget compared with hospital services. Both the Welsh NHS Confederation and GPC Wales have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment, primary care risks being unable to meet increasing demand from ageing populations and rising chronic illness.

The Welsh Government’s own “community-by-design” programme relies on shifting more care closer to home, reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting earlier intervention. For that to be achieved, GP leaders say investment needs to be matched with workforce expansion, improved digital systems, and clear strategies to retain experienced clinicians.

Working groups will now be set up to examine access standards, diabetes prevention and new service models.

Mr Miles said he was pleased that GPs would be “actively contributing to creating innovative care models that enhance access, improve outcomes and deliver care locally.”

GP representatives broadly welcomed the deal but have stressed that it is only one step in addressing the scale of challenge across primary care.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)