News

Historic King’s speech marks the dawn of a new era

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

A Royal Return After Seven Decades

In a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, this year’s state opening of Parliament is set to make history as King Charles delivers the first King’s Speech in over 70 years. The event, which marks the commencement of a new parliamentary session, will unfold on Tuesday, replete with its age-old customs and grandeur at the Palace of Westminster. This significant development follows the passing of Queen Elizabeth last year and heralds a new chapter in British politics.

The Essence of the King’s Speech

The King’s Speech, a pivotal element of the state opening, unveils the legislative agenda for the forthcoming session. Although the King does not have a direct role in shaping these policies, he reads the agenda on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government. This year, the speech promises a diverse array of reforms, ranging from criminal justice and leasehold changes to smoking regulations and football governance.

Key Points in the King’s Speech

Leasehold Reform: One of the headline reforms set to be announced is the phased-out leasehold system. Housing Minister Rachel Maclean confirmed that this long-awaited reform would prohibit new leasehold houses, making all new homes freehold from the outset. For flats, a reformed commonhold system is on the cards, addressing concerns about transparency and exorbitant charges.

Criminal Justice: The proposed reforms in the criminal justice system include compelling convicted criminals to attend their sentencing, a move welcomed by victims’ families. Additionally, the legislation might reduce short-term prison sentences, promoting community orders for low-risk offenders. Severe penalties for heinous crimes will be mandatory, with exceptions under limited circumstances.

Smoking Regulations: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to introduce a law preventing those under the age of 14 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco, a significant step towards creating a smoke-free generation.

Oil and Gas Licences: In a bid to enhance energy security, the government plans to mandate annual oil and gas licensing in the North Sea. This move, while crucial for energy stability, has sparked concerns among climate activists and opposition parties.

Football Governance: Reforms in football governance might see the establishment of an independent regulator with targeted powers to oversee financial flows from the Premier League down to grassroots levels.

Continuity and Exclusions

While several new bills will be introduced, some bills from the previous session, such as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the Renters (Reform) Bill, will continue their passage. Notably, legislation to ban conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing or suppressing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is not expected to be included, causing disappointment among campaigners and some MPs.

Voices in the Parliament

Alongside King Charles, the Parliament will witness lively debates led by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. These discussions are anticipated to shape the trajectory of the country’s legislative landscape in the coming years.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.