News

GDP contraction ‘casts doubt’ on Labour’s economic claims, say Tories

Published

6 months ago

June 13, 2025

Welsh Conservatives accuse Chancellor of political spin, while Labour defends benefits pledge, amid Winter Fuel Payment U-turn

THE UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics—news that has reignited political debate over Labour’s recent U-turn on Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, had earlier this week claimed that the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments was made possible due to an improving economic outlook. But the announcement of a contraction has prompted criticism from opposition parties, who say the justification no longer holds.

South Wales Central MS and former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, accused Labour of making politically motivated decisions rather than ones rooted in economic reality.

Mr Davies said: “Earlier this week, Rachel Reeves ludicrously tried to claim she would reinstate Winter Fuel Payments thanks to an improving economy – just days later, our economy shrank.

“This proves what we all knew – scrapping Winter Fuel Payments was not motivated by economics – it was a foolish move to attempt to look tough, targeting vulnerable pensioners in the process.

“Following a backlash, Labour has u-turned – but they don’t even have the decency to admit they got it wrong. Pensioners will not forgive and forget this betrayal.”

The payments, worth up to £300 per household, provide support to older people during the winter months to help with heating costs. Labour had initially proposed to restrict access to the scheme as part of a broader review of universal benefits, but reversed the position following widespread criticism from charities, pensioner groups, and political opponents.

Labour has defended the decision to reinstate the payments, arguing that the policy was under review and that the commitment reflects their continued support for older people.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said: “The Chancellor has made clear that our priority is protecting the most vulnerable while maintaining economic stability. The decision to maintain Winter Fuel Payments aligns with that objective.”

The latest GDP figures reflect broader volatility in the UK economy, with some sectors experiencing downturns due to high interest rates and ongoing global uncertainty. Economists cautioned against reading too much into a single month’s figures, though the data will add pressure on the new government to demonstrate steady economic leadership.

The row highlights the difficult balancing act Labour faces as it seeks to restore fiscal credibility while protecting welfare spending—a challenge that is likely to remain a central feature of the political debate in the months ahead.

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

10 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.