News

‘Bitter disappointment’: Wales left out of UK steel rescue

Published

1 year ago

April 12, 2025

Emergency bill to save Scunthorpe reignites anger over Port Talbot closure

WELSH politicians from across the political spectrum have accused the UK government of double standards, after emergency legislation was passed to protect a steelworks in England—while similar calls for support in Port Talbot were ignored.

The backlash follows the passing of a bill in Westminster aimed at saving the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe, where the UK’s last remaining blast furnaces are under threat. In contrast, Port Talbot’s blast furnaces were shut down in September 2024 with the loss of 2,800 jobs—without any such intervention.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts told Parliament: “Scunthorpe gets security. Port Talbot gets a pittance.”

She said the same emergency powers now being used to protect jobs in England could have been used to save blast furnace steelmaking in Wales, calling the lack of action for Port Talbot a “bitter, bitter disappointment.”

‘Wales treated as second-class’

The Port Talbot site is now transitioning to electric arc furnace technology, with a new plant expected by 2027. While this is seen as a move toward greener steel production, the method requires fewer workers—leading to widespread concern about long-term job losses and economic decline.

Plaid MS Luke Fletcher said Welsh steelworkers were promised support if Labour won power at both Westminster and the Senedd—but the final outcome looked very similar to what the Conservative government had already put forward.

***Darren Millar MS: Fuming at government response to UK steel crisis***

Welsh Conservative MS Darren Millar said the UK Parliament should have recalled the Senedd during the Port Talbot crisis, just as it acted swiftly for Scunthorpe. “When crisis hits Wales, it’s tolerated. When it hits elsewhere, it becomes a national emergency,” he said.

Liberal Democrats: ‘Salt in the wound’

David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said the decision to step in now for Scunthorpe while Port Talbot was left to suffer had enraged his constituents.

“It’s rubbing salt in the wound to now hear the government call primary steelmaking a strategic national asset—months after letting our own furnaces go cold,” he said.

“My grandfather worked the blast furnaces at Port Talbot. He would be heartbroken to see this level of inaction for Welsh workers.”

UK government defends its stance

Ministers have defended the difference in approach, arguing that the two sites face different circumstances.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones said the Labour government inherited a deal with Tata Steel that it could not reopen but improved upon. “There was a private investor willing to move forward in Port Talbot. That’s not the case in Scunthorpe,” she said.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds added that Scunthorpe is the last site in the UK still producing virgin steel, making it strategically vital. “This is about national resilience. The world is changing, and we need the capability to produce primary steel for defence and key infrastructure.”

Still, for many in Wales, the damage is done.

One Port Talbot resident told The Herald: “It’s clear now. If this was happening in the South East of England, it would have been called a national crisis. But because it’s happening in Wales, it’s business as usual.”

**Blast furnaces at Port Talbot were shut down in 2024 with the loss of 2,800 jobs (Pic: Herald)**

Community

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

News

150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.