Community
Don’t let AI exploit Welsh journalism—its impact could be disastrous
THE UK GOVERNMENT must urgently reconsider proposals allowing tech giants unrestricted use of online content without compensation to its creators.
Today, The Pembrokeshire Herald, alongside newspapers and news organisations across Wales, devotes our leading article to an issue with potentially catastrophic consequences—not only for regional journalism, but for the UK’s entire creative industry.
Under planned changes to copyright legislation, multinational AI companies would have the freedom to train their systems using text, photographs, music, and any online content without paying the creators behind that work. These companies could then summarise, reproduce, or even directly copy the content—profiting substantially while the original creators receive nothing.
This threatens the very foundation of Welsh journalism and undermines our ability to continue producing quality, locally-focused stories. Our journalists tirelessly cover vital issues for Pembrokeshire: from coastal erosion in Tenby and the challenges facing Milford Haven Port to the future of agriculture in rural communities and crucial debates over tourism and second homes.
Quality journalism holds authority to account, from Pembrokeshire County Council to the Hywel Dda Health Board and the Welsh Government. Our investigative journalism gives a voice to communities across Pembrokeshire, shining a light on stories and issues others may overlook.
Editor Tom Sinclair said: “These changes represent nothing less than an existential threat to journalism in Pembrokeshire and beyond. Allowing multinational corporations to exploit our hard-earned work without compensation would severely damage the quality and integrity of local journalism.”
He added: “Our journalists tirelessly cover issues that genuinely matter to our communities. If AI companies are permitted free access to our content, it will stifle our ability to deliver independent, investigative reporting that holds power to account and gives a voice to local people.”

Tom Sinclair concluded: “We stand united with Wales’ journalists, photographers, musicians, writers, and creators. The Government must act decisively to protect our creative sectors, ensuring fair compensation for those whose efforts and ingenuity enrich Welsh life. Pembrokeshire—and Wales—cannot afford to lose its independent voice.”
The creative industry in the UK employs around 2.4 million people and contributes approximately £126 million to the economy. Allowing big tech unrestricted access to this creative output would severely damage the sector, reducing opportunities, stifling innovation, and harming local economies dependent on creative industries.
We stand united with Wales’ journalists, photographers, musicians, writers, and creators. The Government must protect our creative sectors, ensuring fair compensation for those whose efforts and ingenuity enrich Welsh life. Pembrokeshire—and Wales—cannot afford to lose its independent voice.

Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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