News
Asylum backlog falls to lowest level in more than five years
THE NUMBER of people waiting for an initial decision on an asylum claim in the UK has dropped sharply, reaching its lowest level in more than five years, according to new Home Office figures.
There were 64,426 people awaiting an initial decision at the end of December 2025 — down 20% from 80,841 at the end of September and nearly half (48%) the 124,802 recorded a year earlier.
The backlog had previously peaked at 175,457 in June 2023. The latest total is the lowest since September 2020, when 60,548 people were waiting.
The number of applicants waiting more than 12 months for a decision also fell significantly, standing at 22,275 at the end of 2025. This compares with 45,094 a year earlier and a peak of 91,741 in June 2023.
Despite the reduction in the backlog, overall asylum applications remain historically high. There were 100,625 applications in 2025 — a 4% decrease from 104,764 in 2024 — but still the third-highest annual total since records began in 2001, and more than double the 45,537 claims recorded in 2019.
Migrants who arrived after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 41% of all asylum claims last year, equivalent to 41,262 people. A further 11% (11,190) entered via other irregular routes, including concealed entry in lorries, shipping containers, or without valid documentation.
The Home Office said the figures demonstrated “real progress” in efforts to restore control over the asylum system.
A spokesperson said: “We have removed nearly 60,000 illegal migrants, numbers in asylum hotels are down, law enforcement action against people smugglers is at record levels and we are bearing down on the asylum backlog.
“But we must go further. The number of people crossing the Channel is too high, and too many hotels remain in use.
“That is why the Home Secretary is introducing sweeping reforms to tackle the pull factors drawing illegal migrants to Britain, and we are ramping up removals of those with no right to be here.”
Charity
Tenby Golf Club raises more than £50,000 for Welsh charities
Fundraising efforts by members, staff and supporters continue to make a major difference to good causes across Wales
TENBY GOLF CLUB has raised more than £50,000 for Welsh charities in recent seasons, with members, staff, visitors and local sponsors all playing their part in a remarkable community fundraising effort.
The club’s long-standing commitment to supporting good causes has gathered pace in the years since the return to golf after the Covid pandemic, with captains and members continuing to rally behind charities close to their hearts.
Among the organisations to benefit are Kidney Wales, Epilepsy Wales, Alzheimer’s Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association, British Heart Foundation, RNLI, Paul Sartori Foundation and Greenacres Rescue.
Some of the most significant recent donations include £12,500 for Alzheimer’s Society and more than £8,000 for the Paul Sartori Foundation.
The Herald understands the money has been raised through a combination of raffles, donations, fundraising days, prize contributions and sponsorship, as well as the time and effort freely given by club members and supporters.

Community spirit
Each year, the Club Captain, Ladies Captain and Seniors Captain choose charities to support, helping to ensure the club’s fundraising reflects personal causes as well as wider community needs.
This year, Tenby Golf Club is continuing in the same spirit, with fundraising focused on the DPJ Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society and Wales Air Ambulance.
A recent fundraising day alone raised £1,600 for Wales Air Ambulance, underlining the enthusiasm within the club for backing Welsh charities and community organisations.
The club has thanked everyone who has supported the fundraising efforts over the years, from those buying raffle tickets to those donating prizes, volunteering at events or helping to organise activities behind the scenes.

Proud history
Founded in 1888, Tenby Golf Club is the oldest affiliated golf club in Wales. Originally opened as a nine-hole course, it was extended to 18 holes in 1907 after legendary course designer James Braid was commissioned to develop the layout.
In more recent years, the course has been extended from a par 69 to a par 72, with several holes reshaped both to increase length and to respond to the challenges of coastal erosion.
Tenby Golf Club has also earned national recognition within the sport, having been named Welsh Golf Club of the Year in 2014 and ranked among the Rolex World Top 1,000 golf courses.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s must-play courses, it has hosted national, county and PGA tournaments, while Rhys Harry serves as the club’s on-site golf professional and award-winning coach.
But beyond its golfing reputation, the club’s fundraising success is another sign of the important role it continues to play in the local community.

Cover image:
Lifeboat backing: Tenby Golf Club members support the RNLI through the club’s ongoing charitable efforts
News
CPRW calls for action on pylons, pollution and rural Wales ahead of Senedd vote
Charity publishes eight-point manifesto urging next Welsh Government to protect countryside while delivering clean energy
THE CAMPAIGN for the Protection of Rural Wales has set out an eight-point manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections, calling on political parties to back stronger action to protect the countryside, restore nature and deliver renewable energy in a way that works for rural communities.
The charity, known as CPRW, published its proposals on Monday ahead of the Welsh election on Thursday, May 7.
It says the next Welsh Government must take practical steps to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and growing pressures on rural areas, while also safeguarding landscapes, communities and Wales’ natural heritage.
Among its main demands are a major expansion of rooftop solar on homes and public buildings, a commitment to deliver most of Wales’ renewable energy by 2030 through offshore wind and rooftop solar, and new rules or legislation to favour underground electricity cables over pylons.
CPRW is also calling for greater backing for tidal energy, the creation of a Nature and Climate Change Commissioner, and more support for Natural Resources Wales to help expand protected areas in line with the UK’s 30 by 30 target.
Other proposals include a ring-fenced Welsh Government fund to maintain and improve public footpaths, along with legally binding action to tackle pollution in Wales’ rivers, lakes and seas.
Jonty Colchester, Chair of CPRW, said: “Wales has the opportunity to lead the UK in protecting landscapes while delivering a fair transition to clean energy.
“Our manifesto sets out practical steps to achieve both, supporting communities, safeguarding nature and strengthening the resilience of rural Wales.
“We urge all political parties to recognise that protecting the countryside is not a niche concern. It is fundamental to Wales’ economy, culture and quality of life.”
The charity, which will mark its centenary in 2028, said the next Senedd term will be critical in shaping the long-term future of Wales’ natural environment.
CPRW has published the full manifesto in both English and Welsh. For further information, the organisation has asked media to contact Caroline Conway.
Community
Bloomfield Nursery gets Rotary boost with new dishwasher
Donation helps save staff hours of washing up at Narberth childcare setting
BLOOMFIELD NURSERY in Narberth has received a welcome helping hand from Narberth & Whitland Rotary, after the club donated a new dishwasher to the childcare setting.
The nursery, which looks after up to 31 children under the age of five each day, has recently moved into new premises. Staff say the donation has already made a real difference to the day-to-day running of the nursery.
The dishwasher was purchased from Vaughans in Haverfordwest and presented to nursery manager Cheryl Crowdy.
Cheryl thanked the Rotary club for its support and said the appliance was already proving invaluable.
She said: “Having this dishwasher has made a huge positive impact by saving many hours of washing up by hand.”
Narberth & Whitland Rotary said it was delighted to be able to support the nursery in such a practical way as it continues to care for young children in the community.
Pictured with Cheryl Crowdy are Rotarian Kenna Crawford, Rotary President Robin Bradbury, and Rotarians Charles Clewett and Phil Thompson MBE.
-
Crime7 days agoFour youths stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested
-
Entertainment6 days agoLittle Pigs at Home offers a peaceful sanctuary escape in Pembrokeshire
-
Crime6 days agoHenry Tufnell responds after four youths stabbed in Tenby
-
Sport6 days agoCastrol MEM Rally Team targets title push as BRC season begins
-
Community5 days agoPolice intervene after post raises fears of planned Pembroke Dock fight
-
News5 days agoParty leaders on the spot in BBC programme live from Pembrokeshire College
-
Crime7 days agoPembroke woman denies assault charge
-
Crime5 days agoMan arrested after alleged child sexual assault in Haverfordwest








