News

Shadow Minister speaks

Published

11 years ago

December 3, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Owen Smith MP: We must try and maintain high quality jobs

AFTER the shock news of the collapse of the Murco takeover deal, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales joined local councillor Paul Miller to meet with Herald Deputy Editor Jon Coles and discuss the buyout’s traumatic failure. With rumour and counter-rumour swirling about the cause for the Klesch Group’s abortive acquisition of the refinery, we asked Owen Smith about what had gone wrong. He told us: “My understanding is that this is a problem that has occurred on behalf of the buyer in this group, Klesch Group. The buyer couldn’t come through with a deal now.

That’s what the unions at the plant told us; that’s what the management at the plant we met today told us at the plant. I will take their word that is the case.” Rejecting ideas that either the UK or Welsh Governments were at fault, Owen Smith pointed out the generous funding arrangements that both governments had made and told us: “Governments at both ends of the M4 have been doing all they could to make sure that the funding that they were going to provide was in place We will want to get to the bottom of what went wrong and I am going to be writing to David Cameron and to Stephen Crabb as to why Klesch didn’t come through.”

Acknowledging the shattering effect on the economy, Owen Smith said: “The deal’s failure is a devastating blow for this community. These are high quality jobs, well-paying jobs and they will not be replaced easily. There are wider implications for the entire Pembrokeshire economy and the West Wales economy.” Owen Smith was hopeful that all parties would strive to put steps in place to soften the impact of the blow: “The Welsh Government – Carwyn Jones, Edwina Hart and others – will absolutely put their shoulder into the wheel.

They will be under no illusions as to how important this closure would be. They know precisely the nature of the economy in Pembrokeshire and I they can be relied on to do or within their power to make sure whatever happens. “We must try and maintain high quality jobs in this area. Westminster has to play its part. The Westminster parliament is a government for Pembrokeshire as well in London, and we need to make sure that they understand their role. A very large amount of money was supposed to come from the government in Westminster to support the takeover bid. We now to make sure that the UK Government plays a full part not only in supporting those workers who may lose their jobs, but also trying to replace those jobs.

Warming to his theme, he continued: “We need to make sure that we pull out all the stops on this because, I say again: these jobs are so important for this community; established jobs; high skilled jobs; high paid jobs. Whether the government is Labour or Tory, we’ve got to do all we can to try and make sure that the bits of Britain at the fringes, a long way from London and the south-east, don’t have to see our children, our sons and daughters leave to find good work when it could be right here, on our doorsteps.” On the broader elements of how to sustain jobs in primary industries, Owen Smith was clear as to where he saw Labour’s priorities lying: “There are key things that governments need to do in order to support industry especially in more peripheral parts of Britain.

“The next Labour government, in my view, will have to have a really solid infrastructure plan, but more importantly a very strong industrial strategy. I think you could argue that successive governments have not had a powerful enough industrial strategy, especially for key industries like refining, steel and chemicals. We need to get back to that. We need to get back to supporting manufacturing jobs – jobs in high skilled, perhaps old, but still vital industries. Those are the jobs that we have got in communities like Milford Haven.

They’re some of the jobs we’ve got in steel producing areas of Britain and they are still going to be hugely important part of our industrial mix for the next twenty years, more hopefully. “We need to be looking into the jobs for the future but we also need to remember what we have got now and what governments can do right now to make sure that we maintain and sustain those industries and those jobs.” Paul Miller put a personal perspective on the collapse of the refinery deal: “My family’s been supported by that particular site for the last few decades. My brother still works there; so I know just how important that site is and just how difficult a period it is for the families working there.

“I want to make absolutely sure that everyone on the Labour front bench being in Cardiff or Westminster are under no illusions of how important this site is, how important those jobs are and how difficult a period this is going to be for the Pembrokeshire economy. No stone must be left unturned in finding the solution for this particular problem. “I’m delighted that Owen accepted the invitation to come to see what was happening on the ground. We needed to hear from management and from staff about what’s going on and if there’s anything at all we can do to help them.”

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.