News

Plaid call for devolution of Wales’ natural resources

Published

10 years ago

January 13, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Green power: Parties want energy devolution

PLAID CYMRU have called for full devolution of Wales’ natural resources. The Party has called for responsibility over energy and the Crown Estate to be taken away from Westminster and devolved to the National Assembly so that the Welsh Government could use Wales’ resources in the interests of the people of Wales.

Plaid Shadow Energy Minister, Llyr Gruffydd said: “Wales is an energy rich nation. We already generate almost twice as much electricity as we use while other parts of the UK depend on imports and yet we pay more in Wales than any other nation in the UK. It cannot be right that while wages are lower in Wales than the rest of the UK, we are forbidden from benefiting from our resources which could drastically lower the cost of living. “While the UK Government has agreed to allow the Scottish Government to have full control over its resources, Wales’ resources are still under the full control of the UK Government, for whom the people of Wales did not vote. This is not power for the sake of power.

Over a thousand people died in Wales last winter primarily as a result of high energy costs. We cannot continue to allow this to happen.” Plaid go on to say that they have committed to setting up a publiclyowned energy company, similar to EDF in France and Vattenfall in Sweden, if it forms the Welsh Government in 2016, which could use profits to subsidise bills for consumers in Wales.

Agreeing with Plaid Cymru’s stance, Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader said of the issue: “It is essential that Wales has complete ownership of its vast renewable energy supplies. Energy security, the elimination of fuel poverty, and a future based on the sound economic footing renewables will give us, should be reasons enough for us to hold sovereignty over our own clean energy.

Scotland now produces more electricity from renewables than any other source of energy, and is on target to produce 100% of all electricity from renewables by 2020. It is an outrage that Wales cannot perform on the same footing. “Greens want to see everyone in Wales benefiting from this cheaper, cleaner form of energy, and we would want to see many more local and community energy schemes.

We would like to see people everywhere freed from the shackles of the big dirty energy producers and their relentless price hikes”. She went on to criticise the socalled, UK austerity programme, saying: “Austerity is hurting our most vulnerable people most, and it is unforgivable that high fuel costs continue to force so many into poverty. Yet it need not be this way. Renewable energy is cheaper than dirty fossil energy.

The Welsh Government should make the harvesting of our own energy for home security and export a top priority.” A spokesperson for the Welsh Government told The Herald: “We have consistently called for the further devolution of energy powers to Wales. We are also acutely aware of the impact rising energy costs are having on households and businesses in Wales and have provided support to help reduce the ever-increasing costs of energy consumption.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.