News

Stephen Crabb’s comments on Prime Minister’s resignation

Published

6 years ago

May 24, 2019

STEPHEN CRABB MP has commented tollowing the news of the Prime Minister’s resignation today (Friday, 24 May). Theresa May will stand down on June 7.

Mr Crabb said: “I’ve supported the Prime Minister over the last three years, both in public and in private, and I believe she has done her very best against almost impossible odds and I thank her for that.

“However, since Easter it has been increasingly clear that there will be no progress on Brexit under this Prime Minister and now is the time to turn the page to get a new leader in place.

“However, changing leader is no quick fix for our deeply divided country and I have said to a number of potential candidates that they should not pretend that the complexities of Brexit have gone away.

“Compromises will still need to be made, whoever takes over, but hopefully a new Prime Minister, bringing a fresh pair of eyes and ears, can find a way forward for the sake of the whole country.“

The Former Cabinet minister and Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb had called for the PM to be replaced within weeks yesterday.

The former Welsh Secretary and one-time contender for his Party’s leadership made his call in an interview with BBC Wales.

Speaking to The Herald Stephen Crabb said: “I’ve supported the PM over the last three years, both in public and in private, and I believe she has done her very best against almost impossible odds.
“However, since Easter, it has been increasingly clear that there will be no progress on Brexit under this Prime Minister and we need to turn the page to get a new leader in place – sooner rather than later.
“I absolutely don’t think changing leader is a quick fix and I have said to Boris Johnson and a number of other potential candidates that they should not pretend that the complexities of Brexit have gone away.
“Compromises will still need to be made, whoever takes over, but hopefully a new Prime Minister, bringing a fresh pair of eyes and ears, can find a way forward for the sake of the whole country. “

The stench of decay surrounding Theresa May’s premiership has finally become so intolerable that even MPs who have remained loyal to the PM’s pursuit of a Withdrawal Agreement now say it is time for the PM to go and go soon.
Mr Crabb and Mrs May are not natural political allies. Mr Crabb stood against the PM for the leadership of the Conservative Party and, despite his status as a former Cabinet minister, has remained a backbencher at a time when Conservative front bench talent has been notably thin.

Regardless of whether Mr Crabb’s exclusion from the government is by his choice or the PM’s, he has remained a vocal supporter of the Prime Minister’s efforts to secure a negotiated Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU.
However, although he has backed her efforts to get it through Parliament in the teeth of opposition from all sides, he says the PM’s approach no longer has his support.

Mr Crabb told BBC Wales on Wednesday that his party has “come to the end of the road with this prime minister”.
“We are at a moment where we do need to turn a page and look at a new prime minister coming in the next few weeks,” he said.
“It is clear talking to colleagues from all parts of the parliamentary party, even the more moderate centrists, that for all her efforts Theresa May hasn’t been able to deliver this pragmatic Brexit.
“We need to turn the page as quickly as possible and get into the leadership contest, which has already started in all but name.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.