News

Badger and the hundred days

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

badger84image BADGER was startled to notice last weekend that it is now under three months until our Caledonian chums and chumettes vote on whether they want to remain a member of the United Kingdom or strike out on their own. Even having followed the story fur a little while, Badger was taken by surprise that the moment of destiny was approaching so soon. Badger has noticed that the arguments have become polarised around two central themes: Those FOR independence respond to questions they don’t like the answers to by accusing their questioner of scare-mongering. For example: “First Minister: what did you have for breakfast?”

Alex SaImond: “People in Scotland are sick and tired of the Westminster establishment talking Scotland down. The issue is not what I had for breakfast but whether it was a Scottish breakfast.” Looking at Alex Salmond we can, however, guess that the origin of food is less a concern of his than its destination. On the other hand the NO campaign have cunningly deployed Chancellor Gideon “George” Osborne, with his persuasive Scottish brogue, ready charm and “man of the people” persona to tell Scottish voters that if they are uncouth enough to vote “YES” to devolution, the four horseman of the apocalypse stand ready at Carlisle to cross the border on September 19 and bring doom, death and calamity to the Highlands and Islands. But not to Glasgow, on the basis that nobody would notice. In the Scottish Devolution campaign, the intellectual quality of debate is only fatally undermined by the intellectual quality of the participants. It’s a bit like the Iran/Iraq War.

In Kissinger’s words, “it’s a pity they can’t both lose.” But this thought of 100 days (now less) to the big vote made Badger think. If small states are really the answer, how small could you go? As it turns out there are a good number of states smaller than Pembrokeshire’s 614 square miles in area. They include financial powerhouses, like Bahrain, Hong Kong and Liechtenstein. Just think of the tax a diligent public servant could save on his pension in a land where money comes with no questions asked and no scrutiny allowed. With the proposed reorganization of the Welsh local government, which will involve the disappearance of such little as there is of local accountability and democracy in Pembrokeshire, is the time now right for Pembrokeshire to make a unilateral declaration of independence from the rest of the UK?

Badger pondered the question. Much buoyed by watching The Mouse that Roared and a few snifters of Olde Hedgehogge (puts hairs inside your chest!), Badger concluded that there were more unlikely things that could happen to Pembrokeshire. Such as IPPG chump-in-chief Jamie Adams exercising humility and apologising for the years of maladministration by his benighted group of saps and frauds. Looking at small nation states, at the bottom of the list – in terms of area – is the Vatican City. Ruled over by a single, infallible head of state, immovable from his post, surrounded by cardinals and lackeys jockeying for favour and position: is perhaps how someone from the Vatican might describe Pembrokeshire. But Badger digresses: picture it readers.

Not Passport to Pimlico, but Passport to Puncheston! As Badger’s eyes panned down the list, he was struck by just how
small some independent countries are. He is just amazed that John Allen-Mirehouse hasn’t looked at the same list and struck out to form the Grand Duchy of Angle, complete with feudal overlord. Although perhaps he has already. To the north and east, Badger can envisage see the border crossing near Llantood and MTBs patrolling the territorial waters between Cemaes Head St Dogmael’s. To the south and east, Badger anticipates a razor wire stretching from Cilgerran to Amroth to exclude desperate refugees from the People’s Democratic Republic of Carmarthenshire and the cruel rule of Comrade Maggs.

Look at it this way, readers, could that be any worse than what the Welsh government is threatening to do to our County? Driven by a be thatcentral isation brings benefits — a dubious economic theory, strongly undermined by the example of the Soviet Union and other command economies based around a large central bureaucracy — the Welsh Government has embarked on a process of stripping away layers of local services and replacing them with remote and unaccountable quangos. The Health Service, education, local government, policing: Badger has heard Carwyn Jones and his drones say —over and over again—words to the effect that “everyone knows that we cannot go on the way we are”, “everyone knows we have to reform the health service”, “everyone knows the current structure is unsustainable.”

To those people Badger has this to say: “The voices in your head are not everyone.” In the 21st century is the Welsh Government really proposing that the 122,500 people living in Pembrokeshire are incapable of running their own affairs and making their own decisions close to where the effects of those decisions will be most felt? With few exceptions the Welsh Cabinet is a combination of single-issue quangocrats, machine politicians, union hacks and erstwhile academics determined to experiment in social policy upon the Welsh people. The Welsh Government lack the imagination, ability, and will to make the current system work.

It would rather look for fault in the tools with which policy is locally delivered than look at the flaws in itself. Everyone is to blame apart from the Government that has been in place for the last FIFTEEN years. The costs of centralisation will be high and the benefits, if any, dubious. Efficiencies, if any, will be eaten up by bureaucratic wrangling and years of untangling complex local arrangements. Getting primary legislation through the Senedd and Parliament before some alphabet soup agency whizz kid comes up with an even brighter wheeze will be impossible. There will not be a democratic deficit. There will be a democratic abyss.

Badger is not suggesting everything is rosy in Pembrokeshire: it ain’t. lb quote Henry Kissinger (again): “It is the corrupt politicians who make the other ten percent look bad.” But Badger would rather have his own rat running the ship than a rat from another county. There is the talent and ability in Pembrokeshire to prove Carwyn wrong. It needs some councillors to take a good look at what they am on the Council to achieve and form working partnerships to force through real improvements and deliver real benefit in return for the public’s investment and faith. And if they can’t or won’t, then they need to make way for those that will try.

Education

Ysgol Henry Tudor reassures parents over Sikh ceremonial kirpan

Published

11 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

School says religious item worn by pupil is secured, symbolic and non-functional

YSGOL HENRY TUDOR has moved to reassure parents after confirming that a pupil is wearing a ceremonial kirpan as part of their Sikh faith.

The development comes after around a dozen parents with children at the school contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation. The Herald has contacted the local authority for comment.

In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday (Mar 25), the school explained that a Sikh family had recently joined the school community, and that the pupil is an Amritdhari Sikh — meaning they are required to wear certain articles of faith.

One of these is the kirpan, a small ceremonial blade which holds deep religious significance within Sikhism.

The school stressed that in this case the kirpan is “small, sheathed and secured,” and cannot be unsheathed. It added that the item is worn purely as a symbol of faith and “not as a functional item.”

Reassurance over safety

The letter made clear that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure the situation is managed safely and in line with safeguarding responsibilities and UK law.

School leaders said they remain committed to respecting the religious beliefs of all pupils while maintaining a safe environment, adding that the matter will continue to be monitored “sensitively and appropriately.”

In some settings, schools may agree adjustments to how a kirpan is worn — such as ensuring it is very small, secured, or sealed — so that religious requirements are respected while maintaining safety.

Understanding the kirpan

The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith — known as the Five Ks — observed by initiated Sikhs. It symbolises a duty to stand up against injustice and to protect others.

Under UK law, Sikhs are permitted to carry a kirpan for religious reasons. In schools, these are typically very small, kept in a sheath, and often secured so they cannot be drawn.

Across the UK, many schools have policies in place to accommodate the wearing of the kirpan while ensuring appropriate safeguards are followed.

Promoting inclusion

The school’s letter reflects a wider approach across education settings in Wales and the UK, where inclusivity and respect for different faiths are balanced with clear safety measures.

No incidents relating to the matter have been reported.

Crime

Teen jailed after starting fire while others slept

Published

16 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage

A TEENAGER who started a fire in his bedroom while other residents slept has been jailed for four years.

Jack Gornall, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences including arson, threats with a knife, assault, and sending malicious communications.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday (Nov 17), Gornall deliberately started a fire inside his room at a shared property on Mansel Street, Carmarthen.

He then barricaded the door before climbing out of a first-floor window, leaving others inside the building at risk.

One resident was asleep at the time and had to be rescued by police. Two officers were later treated for smoke inhalation after tackling the incident before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property, estimated at around £130,000.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court that Gornall had earlier gone out to buy cigarettes and a lighter, and had carried out internet searches relating to accelerants in the days leading up to the fire.

The court also heard details of other offences.

In October 2024, Gornall repeatedly contacted his sister after being blocked, including calling her child’s phone. When she answered, he became abusive and threatened to report her to social services.

On another occasion in January 2025, he approached a car in Llandysul and produced a kitchen knife, waving it at occupants through an open window. The driver sped away and alerted police.

He also admitted stealing alcohol from a supermarket in Carmarthen, during which he became aggressive and assaulted a member of staff.

Gornall pleaded guilty to all offences at an early stage.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to four years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution.

Climate

Port Talbot confirmed as ‘cornerstone’ of wind industry — questions remain for Milford Haven

Published

17 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New government-backed deal with ABP reinforces Port Talbot’s central role in Celtic Sea wind plans

PORT TALBOT has been firmly established as the “cornerstone” of the UK’s floating offshore wind ambitions in the Celtic Sea, following a major agreement between the UK Government and Associated British Ports.

The deal confirms government support for the development of large-scale port infrastructure at Port Talbot, enabling manufacturing, assembly and deployment of floating wind turbines for gigawatt-scale projects.

The announcement strengthens Port Talbot’s position as the primary industrial hub for the emerging sector.

Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports, said the development would “establish the port as a cornerstone of the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind industry.”

Clear role for Port Talbot

The agreement, subject to final regulatory approval, will support the delivery of major offshore wind projects awarded through the latest Celtic Sea leasing round.

Government ministers visiting the site described the development as a key step in building the UK’s clean energy future.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the project would help Wales “storm ahead in floating offshore wind,” supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added that the investment would “further cement Port Talbot as a hub of the industries of the future.”

Milford Haven still waiting for detail

The latest announcement comes just days after questions were raised about Milford Haven’s role within the wider Celtic Freeport.

While Port Talbot’s position as a manufacturing and assembly hub is now clearly defined, there has still been no detailed breakdown of what activity will be based in Pembrokeshire.

Industry figures continue to point to Milford Haven’s strengths in operations, maintenance, logistics and servicing of offshore wind projects.

However, no formal commitments have yet been made.

Industry backing grows

Developers involved in Celtic Sea wind projects welcomed the progress at Port Talbot, describing it as essential infrastructure for delivering future schemes.

Ocean Winds said strengthening port infrastructure was “essential” to ensuring regional ports can support the rollout of offshore wind.

The Crown Estate also described the move as a key step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Celtic Sea, which could create thousands of jobs across Wales and beyond.

Growing pressure for answers

With Port Talbot now firmly positioned at the centre of construction and deployment, attention is likely to turn to how other ports—including Milford Haven—fit into the wider strategy.

For Pembrokeshire, the question remains unchanged:

As billions of pounds flow into the Celtic Sea over the coming decade, will Milford Haven secure a defined share of that investment—or continue to wait for clarity?

Pictured above:

From left to right: Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans; David Rees MS for Aberavon; Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey; Secretary of State Jo Stevens; Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager (ABP); Julian Walker, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director (ABP), Mike Goddard, Head of Programme, Future Port Talbot (ABP)