News
Warship crest honour for veteran

A TENBY man – the last surviving crew member of a cruiser sunk during the wartime Arctic Convoys – has been presented with a specially commissioned replica of the ship’s plaque.
The presentation to John Farrow, 92, in County Hall, Haverfordwest, last Monday evening was made by Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, the Royal Navy’s Regional Commander for Wales and Western England. Earlier this year, Mr Farrow featured on television and national newspapers when he was a guest of honour at the Last Night of the Proms when a special march dedicated to HMS Trinidad was played.
He was just 20 and a gunner on the ship when, in 1942, it was crippled by one of its own torpedoes while escorting a convoy to Russia through the deadly northern waters – known to those involved as ‘suicide missions’.
Thirty-two crewmen were killed in the blast but John and his shipmate, George Lloyd survived.George, a Royal Marine bandsman, had been responsible for writing the warship’s official march before they sailed.
HMS Trinidad limped to Murmansk for repairs and two months later set off for home only to be attacked by German bombers. This time it was the end of the 8,000 ton vessel.
Sixty-three men were lost but John Farrow again cheated death.In the audience at the Last Night of the Proms in September and wearing his Arctic Convoy white beret and medal, the great grandfather saluted his fallen comrades while George Lloyd’s HMS Trinidad March was played by an orchestra for the first time in the UK.
The occasion also marked the centenary of the prolific composer’s birth. He died in 1998.Monday’s presentation to Mr Farrow was hosted by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Arwyn Williams, and also attended by the Authority’s Vice Chairman and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Tom Richards.
News
Councils pay over £100,000 to Crown Estate annually

CALLS FOR DEVOLUTION
NEW data has revealed that councils in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire pay a combined £105,589.29 each year to the Crown Estate for public access to land.
The figure was obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the office of Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales (pictured). Mr. Campbell argues the findings strengthen his party’s call for the devolution of the Crown Estate’s responsibilities to Wales.
Currently, profits from the Crown Estate are received and managed by the UK Treasury on behalf of the royal family.
PLAID CYMRU PRESSURE
In the Senedd today (Wednesday, February 19), Mr. Campbell questioned Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing. He raised concerns about the financial strain on local councils and the impact of rising costs.
“Local authorities, facing the cost-of-living crisis and increased national insurance contributions, are having to consider cuts to public services to balance their budgets,” he said. “Ceredigion Council, for instance, is facing a £5 million deficit and considering a council tax rise of up to 14%.”
He added: “Do you agree with me and my Plaid Cymru colleagues that it is impossible to justify councils in south-west Wales sending over £100,000 to the UK Treasury and royal family each year? Shouldn’t the process of transferring responsibility for the Crown Estate to Wales begin as soon as possible?”
News
Welsh Conservatives vote against £7m support for Welsh businesses

A POLITICAL row has erupted after the Welsh Conservatives voted against a Welsh Government plan to provide £7 million in financial support to businesses struggling with their bills. The decision, made in the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 18), has drawn sharp criticism from Welsh Labour, who accused the Tories of failing to help businesses recover from economic pressures exacerbated by UK Government policies.
Labour slams Tory opposition
A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “You couldn’t make it up. The party that gave us the disastrous Liz Truss budget that sent bills soaring has now voted against providing a package of support for Welsh businesses worth £7 million.”
The funding was part of a broader £335 million package within the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses. The proposed support included targeted relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, which have been struggling amid high operating costs and economic uncertainty.
Tories defend their stance
The Welsh Conservatives have defended their decision, arguing that their own economic growth plan, which included reinstating business rates relief to 75% for key sectors, would have been a more effective solution. Their proposal was rejected by Labour members, leading to their opposition to the alternative package.

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, said: “Labour has consistently failed Welsh businesses. Instead of implementing real, long-term solutions to drive economic growth, they are offering piecemeal support that does not address the deeper challenges facing our economy.”
Economic challenges in Wales
The debate over business support comes against the backdrop of concerning economic statistics in Wales. The nation continues to grapple with higher unemployment rates and lower employment figures compared to other parts of the UK. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have been vocal about the need for more substantial government intervention to cope with rising costs.
The Welsh Labour Government insists that its package is necessary to provide immediate relief, while the Welsh Conservatives argue that broader tax and economic reforms are needed to create a more sustainable business environment.
Divided reactions
Business leaders and organisations have expressed mixed reactions to the political fallout. While some have welcomed the Welsh Government’s funding plan, others believe it does not go far enough to address long-term financial pressures.
A spokesperson for Business Wales said: “Any support for businesses is welcome, but we urge all parties to work together on long-term solutions that provide certainty and stability for Welsh enterprises.”
Political fallout
The vote has intensified the ongoing political battle between Labour and the Conservatives in Wales, with both parties accusing each other of failing to support the economy effectively. With the Welsh economy facing ongoing challenges, businesses will be watching closely to see if further financial relief or policy changes emerge in the coming months.
The Herald will continue to follow developments on this issue.
News
Government to consider report on Welsh-speaking communities

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT says it has welcomed a new report examining how town and country planning impacts Welsh-speaking communities, with recommendations for strengthening policies to protect the language.
The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has published its findings on the challenges faced by the Welsh language. Evidence presented to the commission highlighted concerns from planning authorities and professional bodies, many of whom believe existing policies and guidelines need revision to better support Welsh-speaking areas.
The report outlines 14 recommendations, including the need to strengthen planning guidance and assess the impact of policies on the language. One key proposal calls for a framework to evaluate how planning applications affect the Welsh language in high-density Welsh-speaking areas, similar to assessments used for Special Areas of Conservation. The commission also recommends reinforcing Technical Advice Note 20 to provide clearer guidance on planning matters relevant to the Welsh language.
The Welsh Government will now review the report and respond to its findings in the coming months.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I would like to thank the members of the commission for presenting this report, and the contributors who have shared their time and expertise. We will consider its findings and recommendations carefully.”
Dr Simon Brooks, Chair of the Commission, added: “Following thorough research, we have concluded that planning policies related to the Welsh language should be revised. Strengthening the role of the language within the planning system is crucial to securing its future as both a national and community language.”
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