News

MI5 chief warns of ‘fast-rising’ state threats as China plot disrupted

Published

9 months ago

October 16, 2025

THE HEAD of MI5 has revealed that officers disrupted a China-linked operation in the past week, warning that state-sponsored threats from Beijing, Moscow and Tehran are now escalating faster than at any point in his career.

Delivering his annual security briefing at MI5 headquarters in London, Sir Ken McCallum said the number of people in the UK under investigation for state threat activity had risen by more than a third over the past year.

Sir Ken described the situation as the “biggest shift” in the Security Service’s mission since the 9/11 attacks, with agents now contending with “more volume and more variety of threat from terrorists and state actors than I’ve ever seen”.

China, Russia and Iran

The MI5 chief said that hostile operations linked to China, Russia and Iran are “routinely” uncovered, ranging from cyber-espionage and academic infiltration to surveillance and sabotage attempts.

Over the past year, MI5 has identified more than 20 potentially lethal plots backed by Iran, while Russian intelligence services continue to run “a steady stream” of surveillance missions with hostile intent. Chinese state actors, he said, pose “a UK national security threat every day”.

Case collapse controversy

Sir Ken’s remarks come amid political fallout over the collapse of a high-profile espionage trial involving two British citizens, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused of spying for China. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in September, saying there was insufficient evidence that China constituted a national security threat — a decision that has sparked an inquiry by MPs.

Both defendants deny wrongdoing. Conservative MPs have accused the government of political interference, alleging the case was scrapped to avoid damaging trade relations with Beijing.

The Chinese Embassy in London dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and fabricated”, calling on the UK to “stop making an issue out of China”.

“We detect and deal robustly”

Careful not to wade into the political row, Sir Ken said he was “frustrated when opportunities to prosecute national security-threatening activity are not followed through,” but stressed that the underlying operation had been successfully disrupted.

“The UK–China relationship is by its nature complex,” he said. “But MI5’s role is not. We detect and deal robustly with activity threatening national security.”

He confirmed that MI5 had intervened operationally again “just in the last week”, adding: “I will never back off from confronting threats to the UK, wherever they come.”

Rising domestic risks

Alongside the growing state-level danger, MI5 and counter-terror police have foiled 19 late-stage terror plots since 2020, while hundreds of developing threats are under investigation.

A growing number of young people are now being drawn into extremist activity, with one in five of last year’s 232 terrorism-related arrests involving minors under 17.

Sir Ken said these parallel challenges mark “a new era” for national security, where state espionage and terrorism are now equally pressing.

“We are dealing with a fast-rising tide of state threats coupled with a near-record number of terrorism investigations,” he told reporters. “This is the biggest shift in MI5’s work since 9/11.”

News

Carmarthenshire guest house crowned AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year

Llanerchindda Farm Guest House

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2026

James Sinclair

Llanerchindda Farm Guest House, nestled in the spectacular Cambrian Mountains near the famous Cynghordy Viaduct in Carmarthenshire, has been named AA Bed & Breakfast of the Year Wales 2026.

The prestigious award recognises the very highest standards of hospitality, accommodation and guest experience across Wales.

The family-run guest house, which is owned and managed by Lynn and Martin Hadley, together with their twin sons, Andrew and Mark, has built an outstanding reputation for offering guests a peaceful rural retreat in one of Wales’ most beautiful landscapes.

Visitors from across the UK and around the world are drawn to Llanerchindda for its stunning views, tranquil surroundings, exceptional hospitality and easy access to walking, cycling and outdoor adventures throughout the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.

Cynghordy Viaduct

The business has continued to evolve in recent years, investing in a substantially enlarged dining room overlooking the valley towards the Cynghordy Viaduct and the Black Mountain skyline, alongside an expanded online presence through social media and a new website.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Martin. “It’s recognition not only of our family’s commitment but of every member of our fantastic team who works tirelessly to make every guest feel welcome.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the AA for this honour and to our loyal guests who continue to support us.”

Lynn added: “Hospitality has always been about people. Every guest who walks through our door becomes part of the Llanerchindda story. This award belongs to everyone who has helped us along the way.”

A key part of the guest house’s success has been its dedicated staff whose professionalism, warmth and attention to detail help create memorable experiences for every visitor.

Lynn, Martin, Andrew and Mark Hadley with staff members.

Staff member Carol Jones said: “It’s wonderful to see everyone’s hard work recognised. We all love what we do and take great pride in making every guest’s stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.”

Guests have welcomed the news. Sarah, a recent visitor, said: “The hospitality at Llanerchindda is second to none. The scenery is breathtaking and every member of staff goes above and beyond. This award is richly deserved.”

International guest Peter added: “I’ve stayed in many wonderful places, but Llanerchindda offers something truly special. It feels like coming home every time.”

The owners also paid tribute to Bryn, the guest house’s much-loved welcoming dog, who has become a favourite recently with guests.

Llanerchindda Farm Guest House continues to attract visitors seeking an authentic Welsh countryside experience, combining award-winning accommodation with breathtaking scenery, exceptional food and genuine family hospitality.

Community

Drag icon Dr Bev to perform at Pembrokeshire Pride

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2026

James Sinclair

WORLD RENOWNED drag icon, Dr Bev, has been announced as the closing act for the Pembrokeshire Pride Festival in September.

Dr Bev, whose full stage name is Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, is a well known drag artist from Cardiff. In a career that has lasted for over 30 years, she has become one of the highlights of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene.

In that time, she has toured across mainland Europe. Before coming to Pembrokeshire Pride Festival, Dr Bev will be performing at Sao Paulo Pride Festival, the world’s biggest Pride festival.

Dr Bev has also been a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness. Dr Bev’s performer, Rob Keetch, volunteered at Cardiff Body Positivity to offer advice to those dealing with HIV during the 1990s. Dr Bev began at an event designed to support one of Rob’s associates from this charity, drag queen Connie Condom.

Dr Bev went on to be the founder of Pride Cymru, Wales’ largest LGBTQ+ celebration, holding an annual big weekend in Cardiff. The parade and festival promotes awareness of LGBTQ+ people, part of Pride Cymru’s wider mission to promote acceptance in Wales.

Dr Bev is therefore a figure rooted deeply in Welsh Pride and LGBTQ+ celebration. Having her come to Pembrokeshire Pride Festival is a massive moment for Pride in Pembrokeshire, closing out the festival with one of Wales’ biggest LGBTQ+ icons.

The day will include family friendly entertainment and activities, with food vendors, community areas and performances.

On Dr Bev’s appearance, Rob Keetch said: ‘To go from São Paulo Pride to Dewslake Farm is exactly what Pride should be about: joy, visibility, connection and making sure LGBTQ+ people know they are seen and celebrated wherever they live.‘

Dr Bev will also be wearing her rainbow outfit worn at San Paulo Pride, giving fans an opportunity to see part of the world’s biggest pride festival.

Pembrokeshire Pride Festival will take place on 19th September at Dewslake Farm, near Lamphey. Tickets will be available from the 24th July.

News

Solardo pulls out of Haverfordwest show as organisers offer full refunds

Published

3 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Headline act confirms non-appearance as Park House Series announces major event changes

DANCE music duo Solardo will no longer perform at the Park House Series event at Withybush Showground, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, July 18, organisers have confirmed.

The Manchester-based act had been heavily promoted as the headline name for the event, with tickets sold under the Solardo billing across official event pages, ticketing platforms and promotional material.

Questions over the appearance emerged after The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted Solardo’s booking representative directly.

Jack Clark, of United Talent Agency, confirmed to The Herald: “Solardo are not performing at this show.”

Organisers have since confirmed the withdrawal and announced that all ticket holders will receive a full refund.

The event itself will still go ahead, with Beyond Chicago and Ruby Richards both remaining on the line-up.

Park House Series has also announced that 1,200 free general admission tickets and 100 VIP tickets priced at £10 will be released at 7:00pm.

In a statement issued to ticket holders, organiser Toby Ellis said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Solardo will no longer be performing at our event on Saturday 18 July.

“We are absolutely devastated by this news and understand how disappointing it will be for everyone who purchased a ticket. We explored every available option, but sadly it has not been possible for the performance to go ahead.

“As a result, everyone who purchased a ticket will receive a full refund. Refunds will be processed automatically, with further information sent directly to ticket holders.

“The event itself will still go ahead, and we are determined to make it an incredible night. Beyond Chicago and Ruby Richards will both be performing as planned.

“To thank everyone for their understanding and continued support, we will be releasing:

“1,200 free general admission tickets

“100 VIP tickets for just £10

“Tickets will be released tonight at 7pm.

“We sincerely hope you will join us for what promises to be a huge free party. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support the event.”

The confirmation follows several days of uncertainty over whether Solardo would still appear.

At the time The Herald contacted the act’s representative, the event continued to be promoted publicly under the Solardo name.

The central unanswered question is when organisers first became aware that Solardo would not be performing.

The Herald has asked Park House Series to confirm the date on which it learned of the withdrawal, when Skiddle was informed and whether ticket holders were notified at the earliest opportunity.

The promoter has also been asked why the event remained advertised under Solardo’s name after the act was no longer expected to appear.

Organisers have said the circumstances were beyond their control and that they explored every available option before confirming the change.

The Herald has made clear that its interest is in ensuring ticket holders receive accurate information and that the questions are not intended as a personal attack on the promoter.

The newspaper has also offered to promote the revised event line-up free of charge.

Further details about the automatic refund process are expected to be sent directly to ticket holders.

The free and discounted replacement tickets are due to be released at 7:00pm.