News

Tariff concerns for Valero Oil Refinery

Published

5 years ago

October 14, 2019

VALERO OIL REFINERY would be “massively undermined” by plans not to introduce new tariff rates if there is a no-deal Brexit, a Welsh minister has said this week.

Government officials have said they will not tax 88% of imports if the UK leaves the EU without agreeing a departure deal.

Labour’s Eluned Morgan said she was “hugely disappointed” as the Pembroke refinery provides 14% of Welsh exports – as well as employing 500 people.

Last month, the Welsh secretary said was safe and would not close under no deal.

Alun Cairns had been pressed on the warning, in the original version of UK ministers’ no-deal Brexit assessment, that major oil refineries could be forced to close under the new trade terms planned.

Ms Morgan, the Welsh Government’s Minister for International Relations, tweeted on Tuesday: “I am hugely disappointed @GOVUK has failed to introduce new tariff rates to protect our oil refining sector, which is responsible for 14% of Welsh exports.”

The UK government had “massively undermined the competitive position of the sector by sticking to zero tariffs in the event of a no deal”, she said.

Earlier this year, the UK government said it would introduce tariffs on some meat and dairy products shipped into the UK following a no-deal Brexit.

However, its latest plans indicate 88% of UK imports will be tariff-free if the country leaves the EU without a deal, up from 87% announced in March.

UK Trade Policy Minister Conor Burns, has said: “Our temporary tariff regime will support the UK economy as a whole, helping British businesses to trade and opening up opportunities for business to import the best goods from around the world at the best prices for British consumers.”

HERE FOR ‘LONG TERM’

Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, told reporters: “Valero have been very clear with me, firstly they are here in Pembrokeshire for the long-term.

“They’ve got a successful track record of investing heavily to maintain Valero as one of the UK’s largest and most competitive oil refineries.

“They’ve also been very clear with me and to government directly about the negative implications of a no-deal Brexit.”

BREXIT ‘PREPARATIONS CONTINUE ‘

Ed Tomp, general manager of the refinery, said it had been making preparations to ensure it continued to “operate safely and reliably regardless of whether the UK leaves the European Union on October 31”.

“However we are concerned that 0% import tariffs on petrol could create an unfair advantage for importers, resulting in a negative impact on all UK refineries,” he said.

“As such we have been working with the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association to ensure our concerns – and the potential impact of zero tariffs – are clearly communicated to the UK government.”

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

***What a pleasant surprise: The fantastic news is delivered (Pic: Lord Nelson Hotel)***

***The Lord Nelson Hotel in Milford Haven on carnival day***

Crime

Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

6 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).

The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.

The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.

“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.

“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.

“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”

The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

News

Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans

Published

17 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.

The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.

An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.

Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”

Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.

Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.

Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

All responses must be submitted by January 5.