FIREFIGHTERS from across west Wales took part in a large-scale training exercise designed to sharpen operational skills and strengthen teamwork.

Crews from the Western Division of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the development day at Earlswood Training Centre on Sunday (March 22).

Personnel travelled from stations including Carmarthen, Tumble, Newcastle Emlyn, Milford Haven, Narberth and Pontyates to take part in the exercise.

Realistic scenarios

Firefighters were put through a series of realistic scenarios designed to reflect incidents they may face on duty.

These included house fires with people reported inside, kitchen fires, and multi-vehicle road traffic collisions. Crews also carried out specialist line rescue exercises as part of the day.

Support staff played the roles of casualties and members of the public, adding to the realism and allowing firefighters to test their responses in lifelike conditions.

Large-scale finale

The training culminated in a complex car fire scenario involving a vehicle inside a garage attached to a property, with reports of people trapped.

Teams worked together as they would at a real incident, tackling the fire while carrying out rescues within the building.

Building capability

The exercise was described as a success, helping to build operational confidence and improve coordination between different stations.

It also provided an opportunity for crews to share knowledge and specialist skills, strengthening the overall capability of the service.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure firefighters remain prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies across the region.

A PEMBROKESHIRE-based mental health charity has expanded its presence with the opening of a second premises in Tenby.

Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), a community-focused organisation aimed at supporting mental wellbeing, has launched its new shop as part of its growing mission to create safe, welcoming spaces for conversation and connection.

The charity, which has built a strong local following, uses its café-style venues as a way to engage with the public and encourage open discussion around mental health — particularly among men.

Community effort

The team behind GTBAL said the new opening reflects a collective effort from staff and supporters alike.

A spokesperson said: “This one feels special. Not just because we’ve opened another space, but because of how we’ve done it. Every single member of our team has played a part — ideas, effort, care, and decisions. This has been a proper collective.”

They added: “To our community, thank you will never quite cover it. The support we receive day in, day out, is what allows this to exist.”

More than just a shop

While serving coffee and refreshments, the charity says its venues are about far more than what’s on offer behind the counter.

“Our baristas are the heartbeat of this,” the spokesperson said. “The smiles, the conversations, the moments they give to people — that’s what makes this more than just a coffee shop.”

New staff joining the Tenby location have also been welcomed as part of what the organisation describes as the “GTBAL family”.

Behind the scenes

The team also highlighted the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the organisation running.

“From the outside, it might look easy going — and we’re proud that it feels that way — but behind it is a lot of hard work, a lot of care, and a lot of belief in what we’re building,” the spokesperson said.

Looking ahead

With its second site now open, GTBAL says it is continuing to grow its reach across Pembrokeshire.

“We’re just getting started,” the spokesperson added.

Concerns raised as terrorism powers set to be used again despite court ruling

THE METROPOLITAN POLICE have been accused of performing a dramatic “U-turn” after confirming they will resume arrests under terrorism legislation linked to protests supporting Palestine Action.

The development follows a ruling by the High Court in February 2026, which found that the proscription of the group was unlawful on human rights grounds. Despite that judgment, officers are now expected to begin making arrests again at upcoming demonstrations.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries claims the move could lead to further mass arrests, including at a planned silent vigil in London’s Trafalgar Square on April 11.

Previous stance reversed

The Met had previously indicated it would pause such arrests following the court ruling, stating in February that focusing on evidence gathering was “the most proportionate approach”.

However, in a revised position issued this week, the force signalled that enforcement action under the Terrorism Act 2000 would resume.

In correspondence seen by campaigners, Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman pointed organisers towards the updated police statement, which effectively confirms the change in approach.

No new legal ruling has been made since February, raising questions from critics about what prompted the shift in policing strategy.

Arrest figures disputed

Defend Our Juries says thousands of people have already been arrested across the UK in recent months for holding placards referencing Palestine Action during protests.

While exact figures remain contested, there have been numerous arrests in London, including Welsh protesters who travelled to attend demonstrations.

Critics argue that the use of terrorism powers against peaceful demonstrators is disproportionate, particularly given the High Court’s earlier findings.

Labour MP Diane Abbott described the situation as “an abuse of power to silence opinions [the police] want to suppress.”

Campaign response

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said the decision to resume arrests showed the force had “lost the plot”, accusing police of attempting to justify earlier actions by changing policy retrospectively.

They added that further arrests would place additional strain on public resources and risk criminalising peaceful protest.

Legal challenge continues

The legal position remains unresolved. The UK Government has already been granted permission to appeal the High Court decision.

That appeal is due to be heard at the Court of Appeal on April 28 and 29.

Until then, the renewed enforcement approach is likely to remain controversial, particularly as further demonstrations are planned in the capital.

Despite the controversy, the Metropolitan Police Service maintains it is enforcing the law as it currently stands while the Government’s appeal is ongoing, insisting officers must act where offences are suspected. However, critics — including Diane Abbott — argue the renewed use of terrorism powers risks criminalising peaceful protest, particularly as demonstrators from across the UK, including Wales, have already been arrested in London in recent months. With the case now heading to the Court of Appeal, the legal uncertainty is set to continue, raising further questions about proportionality, policing tactics, and the balance between public order and civil liberties.

Image:

Police officers arresting a protester at a London demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action (Pic: Chris J Ratcliffe)