News

Milford Haven: Fishermen protest for a fair post-Brexit deal

Published

8 years ago

April 8, 2018

FISHERMEN in Milford Haven have been part of a UK-wide day of action to support their industry amidst uncertainty now that Brexit is less than one year away.

The protest took place between on Sunday morning (Apr 8) on Milford Marina in support of fishermen who are worried about the impact of potential a bad Brexit deal on their industry.

Around fifty protestors peacefully demonstrated with banners and placards, as fishing vessels steamed up and down the haven releasing red smoke flares.

Members of the media, including local news photographers and an ITV camera crew were invited to board one of the vessels to film the protest from the sea.

Posing for the cameras, the protest culminated with demonstrators burning a European Flag on the Mackerel Stage.

Organised by 14-year-old Rhys Wonnacott, who wants to be a fisherman when he leaves school, the protest involved a flotilla of fishing boast of all shapes and sizes. The teenager told the press: “I am organising this protest at Milford Haven, alongside protests taking place up and down the country, to show the anger and disappointment of the UK commercial fishing industry,”

Rhys says that he has concerns about potential changes to the industry post-Brexit and that Government policy in general is not working to support the industry.

Also at the protest was UKIP’s Howard Lillyman. He stood against Stephen Crabb MP in the last general election, coming third place with 4,257 votes. He told the Herald that he was attending the protest to support the fisherman but said he had “no confidence that the current government could deliver the best deal.”

He added: “The point of today’s protest is to support the Pembrokeshire fishermen and the fishermen in Wales so they can come out of the Common Fisheries Policy.

“Our fishermen are being constrained by rules from Europe which are not allowing them to catch enough fish.

“They are constrained by quotas, and it is totally wrong. Once we leave the EU, I want us to come out of that. I am hopeful it can be sorted by I can see it being ‘signed away by the present government.”

A Fishing for Leave spokesperson said: “Brexit creates a golden opportunity to regain 70% of the UK’s fisheries resources and rejuvenate a multi-billion pound industry for the nation – becoming as sustainable and successful as Norway, Iceland and Faroe.

“Although June the 23^rd was a great and historic day it was merely a signal of intent – Brexit must now mean Brexit.

“As our purpose remains, we will continue to pursue our objectives undaunted and fight to ensure this golden opportunity of a brighter future is realised.”

UKIP’s Howard Lillyman: Does not trust the Government with fishing policy (Pic: Herald)

Burning the EU flag: Brexit must mean Brexit said protesters

Part of a nation-wide day of action: One of the vessels in Milford Haven on Sunday (Apr 8) (Pic: Herald)

Fishing vessels in protest: They want a fair post-Brexit deal for the industry (Pic: Herald)

Placards out: A young protester in Milford Haven on Sunday (Apr 8) (Pic: Herald)

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.