News

What UK recognition of Palestine means for hostages in Gaza

Published

6 months ago

September 21, 2025

THE UK GOVERNMENT’S decision to formally recognise the state of Palestine was hailed in Westminster as a move of principle — grounded in fairness, justice and a commitment to a two-state future. But for families of hostages still held in Gaza, the announcement has raised urgent questions: will it help bring their loved ones home, or could it make things harder?

Who are the hostages?

Since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, dozens of people have been held in Gaza. Some were civilians, others soldiers. Over the months, some have been freed through negotiated exchanges, others confirmed dead, while many remain unaccounted for. For their families, the wait is one of painful uncertainty.

Families’ concerns

Relatives of hostages fear that recognising Palestine before their release risks complicating negotiations.

In an open letter to the UK government, families wrote: “Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state … has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones. Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory … We write to you with a simple plea — do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”

Lawyers acting on behalf of British families of hostages, Adam Rose and Adam Wagner KC, warned: “The families are therefore deeply concerned that the UK’s approach risks disincentivising Hamas from releasing the hostages. This risks doing exactly what the prime minister’s statement says the UK will not do: reward Hamas for its heinous and illegal acts.”

Voices of survivors

Some of the sharpest criticism has come from those who know captivity first-hand. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who spent 471 days as a hostage in Gaza, said: “This move does not advance peace — it risks rewarding terror. It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy.”

Her words echo the fears of many relatives that recognition, while symbolic, could be seized upon by Hamas as a political win, pushing hostage release further down the agenda.

The UK government’s position

Ministers insist recognition is not a concession to Hamas. The Foreign Office says freeing hostages remains a top priority and that recognition is a diplomatic position, not a bargaining chip.

“The UK is not giving up leverage,” one official said. “We will continue to work with allies to secure the release of those still held in Gaza.”

Help or hindrance?

Possible positives:

Adds moral weight to calls for peace and justice, increasing international pressure for hostage release.
Signals a desire for a lasting solution, not just short-term deals.
Could empower moderates in both Israel and Palestine who want an end to violence.

Possible risks:

Hamas could claim recognition as a political victory, slowing talks.
Negotiations might become more complex if recognition shifts the balance at the table.
Families fear the plight of hostages may slip down the agenda.

Reactions in Wales and the UK

Across the UK — including in Wales — vigils and campaigns continue for the safe return of hostages. Recognition may intensify public calls for the government to prove it is doing more than issuing statements: families and campaigners want to see evidence of action, diplomatic pressure, and humanitarian engagement.

Bottom line

Recognition of Palestine marks a significant shift in British foreign policy. Many see it as long overdue. But for the hostages in Gaza and their families, symbolism alone offers little comfort. As their open letter put it: “Do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”

The test will be whether the UK and its allies can use this diplomatic step to press more effectively for releases, protect civilians, and build towards meaningful negotiations.

Reality check

Families’ anxieties are understandable — every new diplomatic development feels like it could change the fate of those in captivity. Hamas has already sought to frame recognition as a political gain, so the fear is not misplaced.

But experts point out that hostage negotiations rarely hinge on symbolic recognition. The real leverage lies with mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, the US and Israel, alongside military pressure on Hamas. Recognition may colour the political climate, but it is unlikely by itself to decide whether hostages are freed.

In other words, the families’ worries reflect the depth of their pain rather than a proven shift in negotiating power. The decisive factors will remain the back-channel talks, regional diplomacy, and the will of Hamas itself — not the UK’s recognition statement alone.

Climate

New deal aims to unlock Wales’ renewable energy potential

Published

14 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Sector partnership targets 100% renewable electricity by 2035

A NEW deal has been launched to help Wales meet its renewable energy targets while ensuring greater benefits for local communities.

The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will see the Welsh Government and industry work in strategic partnership to unlock the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future.

The announcement coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of Wales’ electricity consumption.

The Welsh Government has set a target for renewable electricity to meet 70% of demand by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It also aims to deliver at least 1.5 gigawatts of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035.

The Sector Deal is intended to accelerate deployment across onshore and offshore wind, solar, marine and hydro projects. It will also focus on strengthening supply chains, developing skills, and ensuring communities across Wales benefit directly from renewable energy developments.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, is launching the deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project on Anglesey.

The Morlais scheme, owned and managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, is set to become the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe. The Welsh Government holds an £8 million equity stake in the project.

Rebecca Evans said: “Our ambition is to become a world leader in renewable energy, creating jobs and green growth to make families in Wales more prosperous and help with the cost of living.

“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for future delivery, benefiting our economy, environment and energy security.

“The Morlais project shows how sustained partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and turn them into lasting economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“The latest energy report shows we are making progress towards our targets. Combined with the record 20 major renewable projects, totalling 1,400MW, backed in the most recent UK Government Contracts for Difference auction, it is clear we are building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, added: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating growth in Wales and across the UK.

“It recognises the role marine energy schemes like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities such as Anglesey.”

The Sector Deal was co-produced by a task and finish group made up of developers and community organisations.

News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of body in river

Published

18 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town centre sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the nearby pedestrian bridge has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

MORE TO FOLLOW

News

Detectives receive surge of new information in bid to identify man found at Powys reservoir

Published

27 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Public response follows release of facial image as officers pursue fresh lines of enquiry

DETECTIVES investigating the identity of a man found in a Powys reservoir have received a significant influx of new information following the release of a digitised facial image.

Dyfed-Powys Police worked with Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University to create a realistic reconstruction of the man’s face, in the hope that someone might recognise him and help unlock the case.

Since the image was released last week, officers from Powys CID and the force’s Major Crime Team have received between 50 and 70 reports via phone, email, and a dedicated investigation website. Further information continues to come in daily.

Each report is now being assessed and prioritised as part of ongoing enquiries.

Detective Inspector Anthea Ponting, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have received a significant number of reports through our force control centre and the major incident public portal, all of which are being individually assessed.

“The information ranges from specific names of individuals, which we will check, to more general reports that may take longer to explore.

“Regardless of the level of detail, every report will be reviewed to determine what reasonable lines of enquiry can be progressed.

“We are grateful to everyone who has come forward so far, and I would encourage anyone who believes they may be able to help, but has not yet contacted us, to get in touch.”

Officers have established that the man was aged between 30 and 60, approximately 6ft (1.83m) tall, and weighed between 202lbs and 220lbs (91.5kg to 99.5kg). He is believed to have been of white European descent.

He was found wearing an extra-large Zone 3 Agile wetsuit. Despite extensive searches of the reservoir and surrounding area, no personal belongings were recovered.

Investigators believe the man had been in the water for around 12 weeks before his body was discovered in October 2024.

Reflecting on the investigation so far, DI Ponting said: “We have carried out extensive enquiries over the past 16 months. This began with checks across neighbouring police forces for missing or wanted individuals, before extending enquiries to all UK forces.

“We have searched the Police National Database, issued international alerts through Interpol, and examined DNA, fingerprint, and dental records for potential matches. We have also made repeated public appeals.

“While these efforts have generated lines of enquiry, none have yet led to the identification of the man.

“Although this case has attracted considerable public interest, our priority remains identifying him so we can return him to any family or loved ones who may be missing him.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information.

Anyone who visited Claerwen Reservoir between July and October 18, 2024, and saw anything suspicious, or who recognises the description, is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.