News

Brexit: MP’s fears for Valero over ‘No Deal’ petroleum tariffs

Published

6 years ago

March 27, 2019

PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has warned that the Government’s planned approach on petroleum tariffs in a No Deal Brexit scenario would undermine British oil refining and give foreign refineries an unfair advantage.

Following a meeting with United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), a No Deal planning meeting at the Cabinet Office and concerns raised by Valero, Stephen Crabb has written to the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox to ask that the proposed zero import tariffs on gasoline in the event of a No Deal Brexit are looked at again.

In the event that the UK leaves the EU without agreeing a deal, petroleum products from UK refineries exported to the EU will immediately face additional costs from import tariffs. However the UK Government has said that it will not charge tariffs for product coming from the EU into the UK. This means that there will no longer be a level playing field and UK refineries, including the Pembroke Valero refinery, would be at a serious disadvantage.

Six refineries operate in the UK and the industry contributes £8.6 billion directly to UK GDP, while supporting a further £12.6 billion elsewhere in the economy; it also provides more than 120,000 jobs and supports a further 180,000.

Commenting on the concerns, Stephen Crabb said: “Zero import tariffs on gasoline would see UK gasoline producers unable to compete with the EU and Russian suppliers who will have tariff-free access to the UK. This would seriously jeopardise the competitiveness of refineries such as Pembroke, unnecessarily putting jobs and livelihoods on the line.”

“I have tabled questions in Parliament about the potential effect of a No Deal on the petrochemical industry and I have written to the International Trade Secretary urging the Government to look again at these zero import tariffs. I understand why Ministers would want to stop price increases at the pump in a No Deal scenario but the economic damage to British refineries would far outweigh any potential impact on consumers. This point is of huge importance and the UK Government must be looking to protect our key industries at such an uncertain time.”

“Since the referendum I have been entirely consistent in arguing for a negotiated deal that lays the foundation for a close ongoing partnership with the EU including trade, security and education after we leave the EU. I believe in honouring the referendum vote but in a responsible way. I have spent the last three years in close discussions with local businesses and employers about what kind of approach is best for Pembrokeshire. That is why I have opposed No Deal outcome and continue to support the deal that is on the table.”

Stephen Crabb MP: Risk to UK oil refineries highlighted

News

Man remanded in custody after trespassing with intention to commit sexual act

Published

7 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FISHGUARD man who has admitted the attempted strangulation of a woman and of trespassing at an unidentified address with the intention of committing a sexual act has appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

Benjamin Guiver, 34, was listed for sentence this afternoon (Monday, October 7) however his sentencing was adjourned after barristers went into counsel following the request of the defence.

Guiver, of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard also stands to be sentenced for the grievous bodily harm of a victim described by Dyfed-Powys Police officers as having sustained ‘serious facial injuries’ in ‘a reportedly sustained attack’ and the sexual assault of a woman by penetration. He has pleaded guilty to all four offences.

Guiver’s sentencing will now proceed on October 18 and the defendant was remanded in custody.

News

Communities Taking the Lead to get Better Broadband

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Luke Sinclair

Locals in Dale, Pembrokeshire successfully use UK Government’s Project Gigabit voucher scheme to connect the village with high-speed internet

Dale, a small rural community on the coast of Pembrokeshire has long endured poor internet connectivity that has plagued its residents with little to no ability to use the internet for work, communication or entertainment. With the movement of most services and day-to-day tasks to online, having limited internet access was having a detrimental effect on residents who were experiencing firsthand the digital divide.

However, after being told about a UK Government funded project by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Digital Champions, this has now thankfully changed and much of Dale is now connected to gigabit-capable broadband that serves the whole village.

Project Gigabit aims to provide lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband (1,000 Mbps) to homes and businesses across the UK. With £5 billion UK Government investment, it targets areas that currently have poor internet connectivity, enabling them to have access to the same high-speed internet as urban areas.

With the voucher scheme, residents and businesses in eligible areas have been able to apply for financial help to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Connecting our rural communities is a significant step in the digital infrastructure of Pembrokeshire.

“Along with our partners, this extensive programme of work has transformed full fibre connectivity and will futureproof the network in our county.

“The commitment from this authority will ensure our communities won’t be left without connection.

“There is more to do, but thanks to a proactive approach by the County Council, full fibre will be offered to more and more communities all the time.”

The benefits of being better connected rurally are uncontested with the results already being seen in Dale. From helping local businesses to improving access to digital services, having reliable, fast internet access has been the core of the connectivity solution for the Pembrokeshire village.

Going forward, the UK Government ‘Project Gigabit’ is about making sure everyone in the UK, no matter where they live, has access to fast and reliable internet, bridging the digital divide and providing the opportunity for every harder to reach community to stay connected.

Crime

Pembrokeshire chef admits causing taxi driver’s death

Published

12 hours ago

October 7, 2024

Court Reporter

A CHEF from Pembrokeshire has admitted causing the death local taxi driver, Christopher Boyle.

Mateusz Sikorski, 30, formerly of Manorbier and now residing in the Narberth area, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today, Monday, 7 October. Sikorski pleaded guilty to causing the death of 57-year-old Mr Boyle on 2 September 2024 while driving a BMW Series 1 car on the A4139 in Penally.

Sikorski was initially arrested and charged shortly after the incident and first appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court on 5 September, where he was remanded in custody. However, on 12 September, Sikorski was granted bail with several strict conditions: he must reside in the Narberth area, adhere to an 8 pm-8 am curfew, and report to a police station weekly. He was also issued an interim driving ban.

The fatal crash, which involved Sikorski’s car and Mr Boyle’s silver Volkswagen taxi, occurred on the Penally by-pass near Tenby. Mr Boyle, affectionately known as “Mucker,” was a father-of-five and a well-known figure in the community. Sadly, he died at the scene of the collision.

During today’s hearing, Judge Catherine Richards renewed Sikorski’s bail conditions and adjourned the case for sentencing until Friday, 8 November.