Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Trump urges UK to use military to stop illegal immigration during Chequers visit

Published

on

DONALD TRUMP suggested Britain could deploy its military to stop illegal immigration during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday (Sept 18).

The former US president, in London on a state visit, said immigration was the issue that drove him to run for office. He told reporters: “I got illegal immigration down to zero in the United States. I told the prime minister you have to stop it. However you do it, you have to stop it. You could even use the military.”

Starmer countered that Britain was already making progress. He said: “There have been 35,000 returns – the highest number in years. Today a flight left at 6:15am taking the first person back to France under the new returns deal. That is proof of concept that this can work.”

Palestine and Gaza

One of the most striking differences between the two leaders came on recognition of Palestine. Starmer confirmed that his government is pressing ahead with plans to recognise a Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution.

Trump said this was one of the “few disagreements” between them, warning that the move was premature. Asked by ITV’s Robert Peston about the conflict in Gaza, Trump replied that hostages had to be released before peace could be secured. “October 7 was one of the worst days in the history of the world,” he said. “I saw the tapes of the Hamas violence. I wish I had not.”

Starmer said Hamas was responsible for “the worst attack on Jews since the war” and stressed that it remains a terrorist organisation. He insisted recognition of Palestine was not linked to Trump’s visit, but part of a longer-term strategy.

Ukraine and Russia

Both leaders spoke extensively about Ukraine. Trump said his relationship with Vladimir Putin had once convinced him the conflict could be easily resolved, but added: “Putin has really let me down.” He suggested Russian forces were suffering greater casualties than Ukrainians and said the war had been close to sparking “a third world war”.

Starmer urged Trump to toughen his stance. “Putin is either emboldened, or reckless. That is why allies need to ramp up action against him,” he said.

Energy and the economy

Energy policy was another point of divergence. Starmer defended a “mixed approach” that balances renewables with continued oil and gas use. Trump, by contrast, repeated his “drill, baby, drill” slogan and dismissed wind power as ineffective.

The pair also unveiled a new Technology Prosperity Deal between the UK and US, focused on artificial intelligence, civil nuclear power and advanced computing. Starmer said the deal would create 15,000 jobs in Britain and generate record levels of investment. Trump praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator” and claimed the deal might be better for the UK than the US.

Other flashpoints

Reporters raised a string of controversies, from the firing of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, to the sacking of late-night US host Jimmy Kimmel.

Trump distanced himself from Mandelson, despite having met him previously. “I don’t know him, actually. I had heard that. I think maybe the prime minister would be better speaking of that,” he said. Starmer said only that “new information came to light” which made Mandelson’s removal necessary.

Asked if Kimmel’s dismissal conflicted with his support for free speech, Trump replied: “He had very bad ratings. Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. They should have fired him a long time ago.”

Renewed ‘special relationship’

Despite areas of disagreement, both leaders underlined the strength of transatlantic ties. Starmer described the visit as “renewing the special relationship for a new era,” while Trump told reporters: “The United States and the United Kingdom have done more good on this planet than any two nations in human history. We are forever joined.”

The day’s diplomacy, carefully choreographed after a gilded carriage welcome, was seen as an attempt by both leaders to show unity abroad – even as protestors outside voiced opposition to Trump’s presence.

 

Entertainment

Saundersfoot film to premiere where it was made

Published

on

A PEMBROKESHIRE-made feature film is to receive its big-screen premiere next month in the very harbour where much of it was shot.

Near and Distant Things, written and directed by Saundersfoot filmmaker Emily Batty, will be shown outdoors at Saundersfoot Harbour on Saturday, July 18, as part of the Torch Theatre’s Sunset Cinema series.

The drama, filmed in summer 2025, tells the story of a grieving fisherman trying to support his daughter after she returns home, while experiencing dreamlike visions of his late wife.

The film makes strong use of the Saundersfoot landscape, with scenes filmed at the harbour, The Royal Oak pub, Monkstone Point and other familiar local locations.

Emily, 22, who grew up in Saundersfoot and recently graduated from the University of Oxford with a geography degree, has described the project as “a love letter to home”.

She said: “Watching a film set in Saundersfoot, with recognisable faces and locations on screen, in the heart of the harbour itself where we filmed many scenes, feels incredibly full-circle.

The crew pause for a team-photo (Pic: Rachell Lambert Photography)

“I can’t wait to share that experience with people.”

The film was made with the support of a small team and a largely local cast and crew.

Emily said the production had only been possible because of the “incredible amount of local support” received during filming.

She also praised composer and sound designer Zach Worthington, whose work helped shape the atmosphere of the film.

She said: “The score and soundtrack feel so entangled with the landscape of home.

“It’s a little bit folk, a little bit Celtic, and rather emotional.”

Emily, who has written and directed the film under the name Emily Florence, said some of the ideas behind the film had been with her for several years.

Saundersfoot Harbour was used as a filming location and will now host the premiere (Pic: Rachell Lambert Photography)

She said: “Some of the images within the film have been in my head since I was 18.”

She added that Pembrokeshire remains a major source of inspiration for her future work.

“I have a couple of screenplays in the works – I never stop writing – and I’m looking to get agented,” she said.

“I’m excited to continue to tell stories, in whatever capacity that may be.

“I can say that Pembrokeshire is still my muse, and I don’t think I’m done telling stories about home.”

The outdoor screening will take place on the harbour decking, with gates opening at 6:00pm and the film beginning at 7:00pm.

The film is rated PG, but includes themes of bereavement, mental health, domestic abuse and references to suicide which some viewers may find upsetting.

Emily said she hoped the premiere would be a moment of shared pride for the village.

She said: “So many people helped bring this film to life.

“There’s something very special about sharing a story set in Saundersfoot, surrounded by the landscape that inspired it.”

Tickets are available through the Torch Theatre website, with advance booking recommended.

 

Continue Reading

News

Welsh Government consults on new protections for leaseholders

Published

on

LEASEHOLDERS in Wales could be protected from unfair building safety costs under new Welsh Government proposals.

A consultation has been launched on the first steps to implement the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026, which was passed unanimously by the Senedd.

The proposals are aimed at residents living in multi-occupied buildings and focus on who should pay when safety defects need to be put right.

The consultation covers three main areas: limiting the costs that can be passed on to leaseholders for remediation work, creating a tribunal-based system for remediation orders and remediation contribution orders, and setting out how the height of regulated buildings should be calculated.

The Welsh Government says the aim is to ensure residents are not left paying for building safety failures they did not cause.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian said: “No leaseholder in Wales should pay for building safety failures they did not cause, and those failures should be rectified as soon as possible.

“This consultation is a crucial step in making sure the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 delivers real protection for the people it was designed to serve.

“As we mark the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, we have a duty to turn this legislation into lasting change — and this Welsh Government is determined to work with partners to make that happen as quickly as possible.”

The consultation is open to residents, leaseholders, building owners and other interested parties.

It closes on September 7, 2026.

 

Continue Reading

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

on

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

 

Continue Reading

News2 hours ago

Brexit at 10: How Britain was sold a dream that cost us dearly

A decade after the referendum, the promised benefits remain hard to find while the economic costs are increasingly difficult to...

Crime4 hours ago

Worcestershire man jailed after violent attack on woman in Tenby

Defendant was already serving a suspended sentence when serious assault took place A WORCESTERSHIRE man has been jailed for more...

Climate6 hours ago

Offshore wind ‘could bring new generation of jobs to Milford Haven’

Pembrokeshire ports and Celtic Sea projects placed at centre of Wales’ green energy ambitions MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock could...

Community1 day ago

Police officer hailed hero after midnight sea rescue in Milford Haven

PC swam 100 metres offshore to save distressed woman heard calling for help in darkness A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has...

Local Government1 day ago

Security privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that security personnel seen at this year’s Beating of the Bounds were privately arranged and...

Business2 days ago

Celtic Freeport five-year plan puts Milford Haven at centre of green energy future

Strategy promises investment, skilled jobs and new supply chains, but major barriers remain over grid connections, planning and delivery THE...

Education2 days ago

Closure of Ysgol Clydau approved after emotional council debate

COUNCILLORS WARNED RURAL COMMUNITIES WILL REMEMBER DECISION PEMBROKESHIRE councillors have voted to close Ysgol Clydau following an emotional debate over...

Education2 days ago

Manorbier school closure process to continue after narrow council vote

Questions remain over insurance, rebuilding costs and possible legal action by Diocese PEMBROKESHIRE councillors have voted to press ahead with...

Community3 days ago

The father, son and daughter lifeguard trio saving lives in Pembrokeshire

A FATHER, son and daughter are preparing to help keep beachgoers safe on the Pembrokeshire coast this summer as part...

Community3 days ago

Beating of the Bounds brings music, boats and tradition to Haverfordwest

CENTURIES-OLD CEREMONY DRAWS FAMILIES TO THE RIVERSIDE HAVERFORDWEST’S historic Beating of the Bounds returned on Sunday (Jun 14), with boats,...

Popular This Week