News

Campaign planned to unseat Stephen Crabb MP

Published

7 years ago

October 5, 2017

POLITICAL activists from Pembrokeshire and across Wales are gathering ahead of an event which they say will be unprecedented day of political action against Stephen Crabb MP.

Guardian writer and television personality Owen Jones is currently making preparations to stage the event called Unseat Stephen Crabb.

Organisers have that that the event is a day of mass doorstep canvassing and a major rally demonstration in Haverfordwest’s Castle Square at 3pm on Saturday, October 14.

The event is part of the wider campaign to unseat eight prominent Conservative MPs with narrow majorities, including Boris Johnson, Iain Duncan Smith and Amber Rudd. Former leadership hopeful Stephen Crabb’s 314 vote lead in Preseli Pembrokeshire looks set for a major challenge by a wave of concerted post-election activism this autumn, the campaign has said.

Organised by Labour campaign group Momentum, the day is billed to kick off with a canvassing training session led by Jones in Pembrokeshire College, followed by a wide-ranging door-to-door campaign across Haverfordwest, a headline rally in Castle Square at which attendance from Momentum across Wales and Bristol, the People’s Assembly against Austerity and left activists from several parties is expected, and concludes with a comedy and variety night in the Merlin Theatre organised by the Pembrokeshire People’s Assembly group at 6.30 pm.

Following on from a cross-party meeting of the People’s Assembly last month at which high-level representatives from Labour, the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats and Momentum came to an unprecedented agreement to cooperate directly in campaigning against the Conservative incumbent on the basis of a rejection of the government’s economic austerity program, the day’s events form part of a marked transition from previously passive post-electoral campaign policy to several parties, most notably Labour under Jeremy Corbyn, remaining in ‘permanent campaign mode’ indefinitely.

Speakers at the rally expected to be in attendance include Owen Jones; Stop the War Coalition co-founder Chris Nineham; Wales Green Party Leader Grenville Ham; Sue Pasternak of Women against State Pension Inequality; Karen Passmore of Disabled People against Cuts; Mark Evans of UNISON; local anti-bedroom tax and social justice campaigner Paul Rutherford; Swansea-based performers Poets on the Hill; and more.

Stevie Jones, local Momentum organiser, told The Herald: “A rally in Haverfordwest of this kind of magnitude feels like a new category of event entirely for the town, and the enthusiasm we have been getting on the street from the public has been even more amazing than I anticipated.

“It is capturing imagination at an incredible rate, and the mood on the ground in responses we’ve had to it really seem to point to constituents’ thoughts moving to reflect on how poorly the Tories have represented the concerns, needs and ambitions of Preseli Pembrokeshire versus how so many mainstream media outlets fail to examine their record with much real critical scrutiny at all—as well as how something so substantially better is on offer from Labour this time around.”

Dr Louise Tarbuck, Campaign Coordinator for Labour Party Solva and St Davids Branch, said: “The Momentum-Owen Jones rally in Haverfordwest is a really positive way to connect with the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Pembrokeshire is ready for change. The June 2017 reduction of Stephen Crabb’s large majority to just 314 showed people are ready for Labour to bring jobs, homes, investment and real hope to everyone, not just a few.”

“We came so close to unseating Stephen Crabb in the general election, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Labour Party supporters across the county. October 14 will be a great, historic day.”

Jim Scott, convenor of the local People’s Assembly branch, said: “We have been working towards this moment here in Pembrokeshire for many years; it is fantastic that it is all finally coming together.

“October 14 is going to be the most significant and important political demonstration that Pembrokeshire has ever seen.”

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

10 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

10 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!