News
MP backs campaign to reduce VAT

A WEST Wales MP has backed a national campaign that calls for a cut on tourism VAT from the current 20% rate to 5%. The call has been made to Chancellor

Backing Tourism: L ocal
MP calls for VAT cut
George Osborne.
The ‘Cut Tourism VAT’ campaign is being run by a coalition of hotels, self catering caravan sites, bed and breakfast providers and visitor attractions. They cite 25 of the 28 countries in the European Union who already discount VAT on tourism. They claim that reducing VAT on tourism would make the UK more competitive with other destinations in Europe and would also increase the affordability, and therefore attractiveness, of regional tourism hotspots for both businesses and visitors alike.
Graham Wason, Chairman of ‘Cut Tourism VAT’, said: “International competition for tourism is increasing while the UK’s share of the global tourism market is declining, and I am delighted that Simon Hart MP is supporting our call for an urgent cut in tourism VAT which would boost the tourism industry and the wider economy in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.”
Backing the campaign, Simon Hart MP said: “A reduction of VAT on tourism from 20% to 5% would make a huge difference to Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire resulting in extra jobs and an additional £7.6m to the local economy. That’s why I’m backing the campaign and I’m asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give tourism in Wales a well-deserved boost.”
However, Plaid AM for Wales Mid and West, Simon Thomas said: “This recent statement shows the futility of voting Tory in Pembrokeshire when they cannot even get a Conservative Chancellor to agree to this policy. It demonstrates why we need a strong Plaid Cymru team of MPs from Wales after May 7th so Wales cannot be ignored. With a strong Plaid Cymru team of MPs including John Osmond and Councillor Elwyn Williams, Pembrokeshire and Wales cannot be ignored.
“The tourism industry has asked consistently for a cut in VAT in order to secure a boost in Wales, and Britain indeed, in terms of international tourism. I called on the First Minister last year to make representations with the Coalition Government for a VAT cut for tourist businesses.”
Crime
Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.
Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.
The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name
He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.
A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.
The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Crime
Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.
KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.
The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.
He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.
He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.
Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.
Entertainment
Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.
The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.
Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”
Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.
The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.
Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.
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