News
Syria vote: Simon Hart MP takes on online opponents
LOCAL MP Simon Hart has taken a stand against hostile correspondents following his vote in favour of airstrikes on terrorists in Syria.
On Wednesday night, after engaging in a running discussion on his Facebook feed in which he expressed his wish to listen the debate in Parliament before making up his mind, the Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire MP supported the Government’s motion that the RAF should participate in attacks on Daesh positions in Syria.
In common with other MPs who supported the motion, Mr Hart has subsequently come under fire on his Facebook page from those who, sometimes vehemently, disagree with his action.
Mr Hart has taken the unusual step of publicising the words of two correspondents, both of whom expressed the hope that Mr Hart’s home would be bombed.
Mr Hart attempted to face down any attempt to intimidate him by pointing out that those correspondents who have written aggressively have done nothing to sway his view and have undermined the efforts of those who have written in a less belligerent way.
Referring to the trolling messages and comments, a woman opposed to airstrikes in Syria, wrote: “We who feel this way should be free to voice our opinion in a civil and respectful way; we may be passionate about this and some people may have personal links to the people of Syria….however there is NO excuse for this abusive, despicable behaviour.”
Rejecting suggestions that the threatening comments should be reported to the Police, Simon Hart wrote: “I think the police have enough on their plates probably. Also these people are invariably cowards so are unlikely (I hope!) to follow it up. But the mindset troubles me.”
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb has also received abuse on his Facebook page, with a string of contributors suggesting that he will have ‘blood on his hands’.
The level of abuse thus far levelled at local MPs is far below that being targeted at Labour MPs who voted with the Government on Wednesday.
Health
Phone calls to reduce GP visits for 42% of patients this winter
NEW research from the Royal Voluntary Service has shown that a simple phone call could significantly impact well-being, reducing GP visits by 42% among patients who receive regular telephone support.
The charity urges those feeling isolated this winter, particularly the elderly, to use telephone support services as a way to improve health and free up GP appointments, potentially reducing waiting times. It is estimated that if people experiencing loneliness in later life reduced their GP visits by just one appointment a year, this could free up 588,000 appointments annually.
As winter approaches, the Royal Voluntary Service reports that isolation can sharply increase, especially for adults over 75, with nearly half (47%) of people in this age group feeling lonelier in the colder months. Among those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% report having no one to turn to for emotional support.
In addition to loneliness, older generations face several winter worries, including increased heating costs, cited by 55% of respondents, and reduced ability to go out, which 29% said they dreaded as winter sets in.
To address these challenges, Royal Voluntary Service has launched the Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult. The campaign provides a guide for practical and emotional winter preparation, encouraging sign-ups for telephone support services and offering access to the Virtual Village Hall online community for events and activities. Practical advice on money-saving and energy-saving tips is also available through the guide.
Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, who has herself made support calls for the charity, described the positive impact these calls can have. “A warm, friendly phone call can transform someone’s day. Some conversations leave you smiling long after the call ends—something we could all use, especially in winter. For those facing the season alone, there are amazing people ready to remind you that you’re not alone,” she said.
The charity’s support services match volunteers with individuals across the UK for friendly chats, reducing isolation and boosting mental health. Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection.”
Yakult Marketing Manager Reshma Patel added: “Our research with Royal Voluntary Service shows that one in four adults over 75 feel they’d benefit from practical and emotional support over winter. We are committed to helping people access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide to support their overall well-being.”
Crime
Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union
A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.
Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:
- 69% experienced verbal abuse.
- 45% were threatened by customers.
- 17% were assaulted.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”
Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.
Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:
- One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
- Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
- Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.
New measures on the horizon
Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:
- End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
- Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
- Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.
“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”
As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.
Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.
Charity
Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir
MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.
The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.
The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.
Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.
“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”
The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.
-
Business6 days ago
Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December
-
News7 days ago
Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected
-
News3 days ago
Milford Haven RNLI Fundraisers celebrate successful fun run
-
News3 days ago
‘Chariots of Fire’ Olympic pianist heads west for recital in local church
-
News3 days ago
Lifeboat launched to assist injured climber at St Govans
-
Top News1 day ago
Pembrokeshire cottage industry receives UK’s most prestigious business accolade
-
News3 days ago
Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea
-
Top News3 days ago
“The sense of power and the great surge of energy that this earth provides is all I want my paintings to share”
Batoot
December 5, 2015 at 3:38 pm
What manipulative and poor journalism! Actually Mr Hart’s ‘mindset troubles me’! He is a public servant and should listen to the views of the electorate. There is a deliberate attempt here to marginalise anyone with a different view than his own. As reported, why do the more vociferous and aggressive correspondents undermine the less belligerent Mr Hart? Surely all views including the aggressive deserve your consideration on their own merits, you are here to listen to your constituents!
Pembssparks
December 5, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Mr No Hart thinks nothing of sending bombs over Syrian children but is ever so worried at thought of his own home being bombed, yes think about it Simon is it sinking in yet, how would you and your family feel when your going to bed tonight the thought that some foreign country far away is going to bomb your country, maybe your house, not nice is it.
You voted for this, now grow some balls, stop crying and complaining and put up with the flack of a bad decision you made.
Brian Hayes
December 5, 2015 at 8:25 pm
In the past the people were unable to get at the liars, thieves and hypocrites and their dreadful attitude towards the people they are meant to serve. ……but modern technology has changed all that……and from now on you lot are going to be subjected to howling scrutiny….and if you can’t cope without whining or running to the police then I suggest you clear off home. We have had enough of silly little boys pretending. to he men.
Tomos
December 7, 2015 at 1:54 pm
@ Batoot:
Surely it’s pretty clear?
If you’re against violence you don’t threaten violence as it makes your case look pretty stupid
Tomos
December 7, 2015 at 1:58 pm
@ Pembssparks:
His wife and family are not MPs or public servants or maybe you think his family are fair game too ?
There are a lot of nutters out there aren’t there sparks?
Mark James
January 3, 2016 at 8:12 pm
You guys voted in these clowns.