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MPs back historic move to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales

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MEMBERS of Parliament have voted decisively in favour of changing the law to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.

The amendment, introduced by Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, will remove the threat of criminal prosecution for women undergoing abortions after the current 24-week limit. Antoniazzi argued passionately that women facing late-term abortions are in “desperate situations” and need “compassion, not criminalisation.”

MPs were allowed a free vote on the issue as a matter of personal conscience, and the measure passed comfortably by 379 votes to 137—a majority of 242.

Currently, abortions in England and Wales are legal up to 24 weeks, with exceptions permitted beyond this period if the woman’s life is at risk or under other specific conditions. Antoniazzi’s amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill ensures that women can no longer face arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment for ending a pregnancy at any stage.

Highlighting her argument in Parliament, Antoniazzi pointed out that nearly all abortions—99%—occur before 20 weeks. She emphasised that the small percentage who undergo late-term abortions are often vulnerable and facing complex personal circumstances.

“Each case represents a profound tragedy enabled by an archaic law,” she said. “This outdated Victorian legislation, created by an all-male parliament, has increasingly been weaponised against vulnerable women and girls.”

Labour MP Stella Creasy urged colleagues to consider broader changes to abortion laws, including repealing the 1861 Act entirely and formally recognising abortion access as a fundamental human right. Despite receiving significant initial backing, Creasy’s amendment did not proceed to a vote following concerns from abortion providers such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who suggested it was not the optimal path to long-term reform.

Meanwhile, a Conservative amendment introduced by shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson, proposing to end the practice of allowing abortion medication by post without an in-person consultation, was rejected by MPs, with 379 voting against and 117 in support.

The landmark vote marks a significant step in abortion law reform, removing longstanding criminal penalties and shifting towards a compassionate framework for women’s healthcare.

 

Community

New town map unveiled in Fishguard

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A NEW town map has been installed in the heart of Fishguard to help residents and visitors discover more of what the area has to offer.

The map, created by Visit Fishguard & Goodwick’s in-house graphic designer, has been placed on the Abergwaun Hotel tunnel, near Offshore Surfwear’s new shop.

The group said it was “incredibly proud” of the finished result and thanked the building owner for allowing the map to be installed on the premises.

Visit Fishguard & Goodwick is now hoping to create a similar map for Goodwick and is asking for help from a centrally located building owner who may be willing to host it.

Anyone who can help, or knows of a suitable location, is being asked to get in touch with Visit Fishguard & Goodwick.

 

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Community

Tenby Summer Spectacular cancelled amid council row over harbour access

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Organisers say popular charity events cannot safely go ahead without clear powers to control crowds

TENBY ROUND TABLE has announced that this summer’s Tenby Summer Spectacular events have been cancelled until further notice amid a dispute with Pembrokeshire County Council over crowd control at the harbour.

The events, which were due to take place on Sunday, August 16 and Sunday, August 30, have been a major feature of Tenby’s summer calendar for decades, drawing large crowds to the harbour for entertainment, food, drink and fireworks.

In a statement, Tenby Round Table said the decision had been made “with enormous sadness” and claimed it had been forced on organisers because of unresolved issues over the safe management of pedestrian access.

The organisation said it needed the council’s Public Realm department to use statutory powers to temporarily restrict pedestrian access through the event area when capacity is reached.

Organisers said the matter had first been raised with the council in September 2025 and again formally in writing in May 2026.

They said volunteers had attended meetings, commissioned professional health and safety consultants and worked on Event Management Plans, but claimed the council had still not provided a clear answer.

Tenby Round Table said: “PCC’s Public Realm department has had nine months to answer one question on safe and controlled access to the harbour. It has not done so.”

The group also alleged that recent written responses from the council contained factual inaccuracies and misleading statements about the relevant legislation.

It added that the council’s legal advice was understood to be provisional and still under internal review.

The cancellation is currently described as provisional, with organisers giving the council a final deadline of June 25 to provide what they describe as a clear, accurate and legally grounded answer.

Tenby Round Table said that if this is provided, it will do everything possible to reinstate the events.

The group said the Summer Spectacular had raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, sports teams, community groups and worthy individuals since it began.

It said the cancellation would be a devastating blow to those who benefit from the funds raised.

The statement added that organisers are still working with Dyfed-Powys Police and other relevant authorities ahead of a council licensing committee meeting in July, which is expected to consider whether the event licence should be renewed, amended or withdrawn.

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

 

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Charity

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

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SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.

 

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