News

Thousands join London march marking two years since Gaza war

Published

1 month ago

October 11, 2025

TENS of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gathered in central London today (Oct 11) to mark two years since the war in Gaza began — just one day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect.

Among the crowds on Victoria Embankment were demonstrators from across Wales, including several from Pembrokeshire who travelled up by car and train early this morning to join the march, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC).

The march, which began along the Embankment, saw people carrying banners reading “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “It’s not a crime to act against genocide”. Stalls sold keffiyehs and flags as participants made their way toward Whitehall for a rally outside government buildings.

Police presence and counter-protest

A counter-protest group, Stop The Hate, gathered nearby at Aldwych. Officers imposed restrictions under the Public Order Act to prevent clashes, setting fixed routes and areas for both sides. Police were seen removing individuals carrying pro-Israel placards from the main march, prompting chants of “shame” and “free Palestine” from the crowd.

Scotland Yard confirmed conditions were in place “to prevent serious disruption,” while also stressing that both protests were permitted to go ahead peacefully.

32nd national demonstration

According to the PSC, this was the 32nd national protest held in support of Palestine since October 2023. The group’s director, Ben Jamal, said campaigners would “never stop” supporting Palestinians to “achieve a free Palestine.”

“This movement is supported by millions of people in this country and around the world who want freedom and justice for Palestine,” he said. “We know Israel has broken ceasefires before, and this latest pause does nothing to tackle the root causes of occupation and apartheid.”

Government concerns

The UK Government has warned that repeated large-scale demonstrations have caused “considerable fear” for Britain’s Jewish community. New powers are being considered to allow police to limit protests based on their “cumulative impact.”

Calls for restraint followed a terror attack at a Manchester synagogue earlier this month in which two people were killed. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged protesters to “respect the grief of British Jews.”

The slogan “From the river to the sea” – chanted by many at today’s march – remains controversial, with some interpreting it as a call for the destruction of Israel. Protesters say it is a demand for freedom and equality across all of historic Palestine.

Ceasefire takes effect

The Israeli military confirmed on Friday that a ceasefire came into force at noon local time (10:00am BST), following Hamas’s agreement to release remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

It marks a pause in a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions across Gaza and southern Israel since October 2023.

As one Pembrokeshire demonstrator told The Herald before boarding the early morning train: “We wanted to be here to show that people in West Wales care about what’s happening — peace and justice should matter to all of us.”

Business

Festive fun as Milford Haven Christmas market returns to the waterfront

Published

3 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Traders, lights and family entertainment to kick off Pembrokeshire’s Christmas season

THE FESTIVE spirit is coming to life in Milford Haven with markets, lights and family fun as the town gears up for a packed Christmas programme along the waterfront.

Milford Waterfront is preparing for a busy season of events, starting with an indoor Christmas market in the Link Building from November 21 to 23, featuring handcrafted local gifts and festive treats.

Lucy Wonnacott, head of communications and marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Every year the berth holder community, Milford Waterfront businesses and residents all get involved in making the whole place sparkle, so we encourage people to come and see their efforts and enjoy the lights, soak up the festive cheer, and visit the amazing businesses around Milford Waterfront.

“We’re delighted to host so many activities this festive season to support the independent business community here. There will definitely be something for everyone, and new to Milford Waterfront this year, the indoor Ice Rink at Sybil House will be very special – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone getting their skates on.”

The festive programme includes Santa by the Sea on December 6, when Father Christmas will arrive by RNLI lifeboat before heading to Milford Haven Town Hall for the town’s official Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, running from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, will feature live music, entertainment, face-painting and family activities.

Young artists aged three to twelve can take part in print-your-own Christmas card workshops at the Waterfront Gallery on November 22, 29 and 30. The sessions are free but must be booked in advance by calling 07949 763100.

From December 12 to 14, visitors can enjoy an indoor ice-skating experience at Sybil House, next to Phoenix Bowl. The synthetic rink will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and is suitable for all ages.

The festive fun continues with Pure West Radio’s Purely Magical Christmas Grotto in the Link Building on December 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets must be booked in advance and include a visit with Santa and his elves, professional photography, chocolate gifts and more.

Throughout December, the waterfront will be illuminated by the annual Christmas Lights Competition, organised by Milford Waterfront, Milford Marina and Visit Milford Haven. The contest features decorated shopfronts, balconies and boats, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the area.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the season by staying overnight at the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, overlooking the marina, to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

More information about this year’s programme of events is available on the Milford Waterfront website.

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

5 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Entertainment

Local premiere for S4C documentary on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Cannabis Cove’

Published

7 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.