News
Haverfordwest: Stephen Crabb MP’s office vandalised following controversial vote
Graffiti on the facade of the Conservative Party office in Haverfordwest (Pic S Eastop)
THE CONSTITUENCY OFFICE of the Secretary of State for Wales was vandalised this weekend in an apparent protest at Tory cuts to welfare.
Graffiti saying: “Why do you hate the sick” appeared on the facade of Stephen Crabb MP’s building on Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest sometime on Friday night or Saturday morning, according to a local resident.
The spray painted slogan was noticed by local photographer Simon Eastop who took a snap and sent it into The Herald yesterday (Mar 12).
The Herald contacted Mr Crabb who told our reporter: “I am aware of the graffiti and I am currently dealing with it.”
In a statement released on Monday (Mar 14), Mr Crabb said: “I’m disappointed that some individuals choose to vandalise my office instead of making an appointment to see me to discuss their concerns. Sadly all these individuals achieved on Saturday was to create an inconvenience to my office staff, local residents, and the Police.
“There are lots of ways to communicate to convey concerns but criminal damage just isn’t an option.
“The decision that was taken by MPs was to reduce the level of benefit for those in the Work-related activity group of Employment and Support Allowance. What this actually means is that those individuals who are considered to be able to work in the future will now access the same level of benefit as those on Job Seekers Allowance, but will be given better tailored support to help them into employment. It doesn’t affect those already claiming ESA.
“Of course we are protecting those that are ‘too ill to work’. There is no question about that. Those with the most severe health conditions and disabilities will quite rightly continue to get a higher rate of benefit and support.
“The truth is that not all disabilities prevent people from working, in fact I know many disabled people locally who get a great deal of satisfaction from being in work. They would be extremely offended to not be considered equal in the job market and this benefit change means that more people will be able to take these important steps from being benefit-dependent to the workplace.”
Tory MPs have voted for disabled benefit cuts again despite pleas from their own side, the House of Lords and the government’s human rights watchdog.
A dramatic battle between the House of Commons and House of Lords escalated last week as MPs rejected peers’ protests 309-274 – sending the cuts back to the Lords for a third time.
Most Tories voted for the cuts despite a dramatic rebellion by one of their own backbenchers, Heidi Allen.
George Osborne is reportedly poised to use a reduction of £55 a week in benefit payments to disabled people in order to fund a middle-class tax giveaway at next week’s Budget.
The decision by Ministers to remove the PIP – Personal Independence Payment – benefits from more than 600,000 disabled people over the next five years, saving around £1 billion a year, could give the Chancellor leeway to bring down taxation for the middle-class.
Mr Osborne wants to “accelerate progress” towards the Conservative manifesto pledge of raising the threshold to £50,000 at which people start paying 40p tax – a policy that could see thousands of high-earners pulled out of the higher rate of income tax.
Owen Smith, the shadow work and pensions secretary, posted on his Twitter account: “Already wicked to take another £1.2 billion from disabled, but truly obscene if switched for tax cuts at the Budget.”
On Friday a coalition of 25 disability charities wrote to the Government warning against the plans that would strip some disabled people of a key payment meant to help them live more independent lives.
Stephen Crabb has come under fire in recent days for missing the bulk of a Commons debate about Wales and not turning up to a Welsh Government reception at one of London’s most glittering addresses – but attending a Conservative party women’s lunch.
MPs were told that Mr Crabb was not present for the start of a debate focused on Wales because he was on “parliamentary business”.
Shortly before the debate kicked off, former Wales Office minister Wayne David asked about Mr Crabb’s absence.
He told the Deputy Speaker: “I am concerned about not only the Secretary of State’s absence from this important debate, but the fact that he was absent at a St David’s day reception hosted in Lancaster House earlier today. Perhaps he has died or perhaps he has resigned and not told the House.
“Perhaps you could shed some light on this.”
THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.
When:
- Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.
Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.
Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.
Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”
THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has submitted its formal response to the Welsh Government’s Visitor Levy Bill. The response, delivered to the Finance and the Legislation, Justice, and Constitution Committees, outlines several key concerns about the proposed legislation.
Key issues raised by the WTA
- The Welsh Government’s own Explanatory Memorandum and Economic Impact Assessment suggest the policy’s administrative costs will outweigh the revenue generated.
- The Bill extends beyond tourism visits, encompassing stays of less than 31 days for purposes such as work or education.
- Local authorities will retain sole control over any net revenue, with no obligation to allocate funds to tourism-related initiatives.
- The data underpinning the policy and its assumptions are unreliable and raise significant concerns.
- Industry input, including that from Wales’s own tourism forum chairs, has been inadequately considered.
- The policy fails to account for the pressures already impacting Welsh tourism over the past five years.
Industry reaction
WTA Chair Rowland Rees-Evans voiced disappointment over the proposal, which the Welsh Government’s own Economic Impact Assessment predicts could lead to net job losses.
“The WTA has engaged with the Welsh Government since the Visitor Levy was proposed, and we are disappointed they are pursuing a policy their own analysis suggests will have a negative impact on employment,” Rees-Evans stated.
“The tourism industry in Wales is still recovering from the devastating effects of Covid-19, grappling with the 182-day rule on holiday lets, and facing ongoing challenges from the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, businesses are contending with a 40% rise in the living wage since 2020 and increased national insurance contributions starting this April.
“To impose another burden on a fragile sector, which employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of Wales, is not in the best interest of the country.”
Rees-Evans emphasized the broader implications of the levy, stating:
“We must also dispel the notion that this is solely a Tourist Tax. It is a Visitor Levy that will affect everyone in Wales – from children on overnight school trips to patients requiring overnight stays before early NHS admissions.”
Pictured: Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance
A PETITION demanding the immediate resignation of Neyland Town Councillor Mike Harry has taken centre stage ahead of an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 16. The petition, started by Nicholas Wilson, accuses Cllr Harry of breaching the council’s code of conduct by making derogatory remarks about constituents in an email circulated to all town councillors.
In the email, Cllr Harry referred to some constituents as “degenerates” and “cronies from the Foresters bar,” remarks that have been labelled offensive and unbecoming of a public representative. The petition has gathered momentum in Neyland, with supporters calling for accountability and demanding higher standards from their councillors. “This kind of language and attitude has no place in our town council,” one petitioner commented.
First meeting since october 2024
The extraordinary meeting marks the first official gathering of Neyland Town Council since October 2024, after months of internal conflict and public disputes among councillors. It will take place at 6:00pm in the Viewing Gallery of Neyland Community Hub, a change from the usual venue due to a Labour Party quiz occupying the main meeting rooms. However, the relocation means there will be no audio-visual support for the meeting.
The agenda for the meeting is notably sparse, with a single item for discussion: council finance, specifically the budget and precept for 2025/26. Despite the narrow focus of the agenda, the meeting is expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Cllr Harry and the fallout from his remarks.
Escalating internal tensions
The controversy stems from an email in which Cllr Harry expressed frustration over disputes with colleagues and constituents. In the email, he dismissed critics as an “irrelevant minority” and accused them of spreading “garbage.” He also took aim at a former councillor, claiming they had resigned over a prejudicial interest relating to the construction of the Neyland Community Hub.
These comments have ignited outrage among residents, some of whom are now questioning the culture within the council. The petition has called for Cllr Harry’s removal, arguing that his remarks damage public trust in the council’s ability to serve the community.
Public divisions and Ombudsman’s investigation
Cllr Harry has defended his actions, stating that he is awaiting a decision from the Ombudsman regarding ongoing disputes. He maintains that the allegations against him are unfounded and insists that his comments have been taken out of context.
While his supporters argue that the email reflects frustration amid a difficult period for the council, critics believe the remarks highlight deeper issues within Neyland Town Council. The council has been mired in internal disputes for months, resulting in delays and cancellations of meetings, further fuelling dissatisfaction among residents.
Neyland watches closely
With tensions running high, the upcoming meeting is expected to draw significant public interest. Whether the petition will prompt immediate action or further divide the council remains to be seen. For now, the focus of the meeting is set to be council finances, but the controversy surrounding Cllr Harry is unlikely to be ignored.
The Herald will provide updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
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Tom
March 15, 2016 at 12:50 am
These Tories are a greedy bunch…not satisfied with making the very sick work but now taken away their means of support is not acceptable!!
Mr Crabb who voted for these cuts should be ashamed…maybe he should try living on £70 a week?
Pete K
March 15, 2016 at 8:16 am
Shame on Crabb and shame on the Tory party as a whole. Their justification for reducing this benefit is tenuous to say the least, and if tax relief is announced for higher earners it will categorically demonstrate that they’re pandering to the middle classes for votes at the expense of more vulnerable members of society. Pah!
Maria Miller Still Serving MP is innocent Group statement
March 15, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Maria Miller Still Serving MP is innocent Group statement.
As Maria was one of the true catalysts for welfare reform and the introduction of PIP was 100 percent fully supported by Maria, we feel that we must express solidarity with Mr Crabb.
Maria also helped to change Remploy, into Remploy LTD and thus it was free to work in partnership with Maximus U.S corporation (who have taken over Atos as Work Capability Assessors) in a truly profitable enterprise by possibly supplying potential labour through each of its channels to work for the benefit of shareholders, who are the true wealth creators.
We are sure that the Conservative women will have been delighted to have caught Crabb’s at the very special luncheon as we all would be. It’s just a great shame that this senseless act of vandilism has occurred, causing real distress to any disabled people who may have witnessed it.
Maria Miller Still Serving MP is innocent Group statement
March 15, 2016 at 4:26 pm
* should have read Crabb’s presence
Rob
March 15, 2016 at 6:11 pm
I’m sure a bit of paint on a selfservatives office wall will cause far less distress to disabled people than having extremely necessary money taken away from them. As is evident across the country, many sick and disabled people have already died, if not from cuts to their support networks then from being forced to work when they are actually unable (thank ATOS for that), and some cases, suicide. There’s blood on Stephen Crabb’s hands already. Good on the disabled people who can work, but its not them I’m worried about. It’s the people that can’t.
If you are sympathetic with the Conservative cause, then you are either a) heavily influenced by the propaganda in the right wing press (who all benefit from conservative ideology, let’s not forget) b) have vested self interests that can only be realised by a conservative government (this means you are holding yourself in higher importance than other people (which means you are selfish, callous and possibly sociopathic)) or c) You’re brain doesn’t work properly, in which case, I do feel for you. It must be rubbish being that disiilusioned.
chizy
March 17, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Well done you Steven for knowing many disabled people locally.
I will lay a wager that you once happened upon a person who you believed came from the continent of Africa and heard tittle tattle at your club of a gentleman who prefers the company of other gentlemen.
How can you make it look so very easy to miss the point?
Mr Crabb, you are so 19th Century and a prime example of a Selfservative career politician.
chizy
March 17, 2016 at 1:08 pm
Forgot to mention that as I stated on the Western Telegraph site, I in no way condone the daubing of the building belonging to the local Conservative Association.
Junius
March 19, 2016 at 5:22 pm
@ Maria Miller Still Serving MP is innocent Group statement:
I do enjoy grammatically correct satire.