News

Samuel Kurtz calls on new Environment Secretary to back farmers

Published

9 months ago

September 9, 2025

CARMARTHEN WEST and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz has written to the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging her to rethink government policy on farming and food security.

Emma Reynolds MP was appointed to the role following Sir Keir Starmer’s general election victory in July, and Mr Kurtz said her arrival offered an opportunity for “fresh thinking” and to “put right some of the mistakes this government has made.”

In his letter, the Welsh Conservative MS called for two immediate changes: scrapping the so-called “Family Farms Tax” and reinstating a grant to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).

Farming at the heart of rural Wales

Mr Kurtz, who serves as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs in the Senedd, said farming remains “the backbone of rural Wales and a cornerstone of the wider UK economy.” He stressed that agriculture provides high-quality produce, sustains rural communities and the Welsh language, and underpins the nation’s food security.

“When our farmers are supported, the benefits are felt far beyond the farm gate,” he wrote. “It strengthens both local economies and the UK as a whole.”

Young farmers need support

Drawing on his own background as a former member of the Young Farmers’ movement, Mr Kurtz warned that new taxes and the removal of funding for young farmers would harm the sector at a time when it needs investment.

“The introduction of the Family Farms Tax risks undermining family businesses across Wales and beyond, hitting farmers both young and old,” he said. “At the same time, the withdrawal of the NFYFC grant removes vital support for the farmers of tomorrow.”

The NFYFC, one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK, has more than 20,000 members across England and Wales. It provides training, competitions, and social opportunities for young people in agriculture and rural communities. Its government grant was withdrawn in recent years as part of wider funding cuts.

A call to DEFRA

Mr Kurtz urged the new Secretary of State to act quickly, setting out two specific requests:

Scrap the Family Farms Tax – which he said would have a damaging impact on family farms, the rural economy, and food security.
Reinstate the NFYFC grant – to give young people the encouragement and opportunities they need to remain in the industry.

He concluded by asking Ms Reynolds to “place food security, farming families, and the next generation of farmers at the heart of your work in DEFRA.”

The Herald has approached DEFRA for comment.

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

Published

39 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.

“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

13 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

14 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.