News

Business forum weighs up Covid-19 impact

Published

6 years ago

May 6, 2020

AN ONLINE meeting of Pembrokeshire businesses has shone a spotlight on the impact that Covid-19 is having on the local economy.

Using video conferencing, local MP Stephen Crabb assembled a forum of 17 key businesses, along with Welsh Parliament Member Paul Davies and representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on local firms. Businesses included building merchants and contractors, manufacturers, food producers, software developers, tourism and transport firms.

The conference call was organised by the Preseli MP as a way for the County’s key employers to meet together whilst adhering to the government guidance. It gave businesses the opportunity to speak directly to their MP, raising their experiences of running businesses during these unprecedented times.

Following the meeting, Stephen Crabb said:“Coronavirus has sent shockwaves through our local economy with many businesses closing overnight as the country ground to a halt under lockdown. Numerous support packages have been announced by UK and Welsh government. But while some businesses have been able to get support quickly, others have run into a brick wall. Hearing first-hand feedback on the way these schemes are working is vital if we are going to work out which businesses are falling through the gaps.”

“Pembrokeshire’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic and the future is far from clear. We need our local firms to come through this crisis and help rebuild the economy on the other side. It has never been more important for all tiers of government to be listening to those who work incredibly hard to create and sustain jobs in our community.”

Paul Davies MS added: “The Forum was a great opportunity to hear first-hand some of the challenges that businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and that feedback is invaluable in making representations to the Welsh Government. I’ll continue to raise the issues faced by local businesses with the First Minister at every opportunity as it’s clear that more work needs to be done to address the gaps in the Government’s business support packages.”

“The economic impact of Covid-19 is huge and if significant changes aren’t made, then many local businesses will simply not be able to weather this storm. These are unprecedented times and we’ve all got to work together to mitigate the impact that coronavirus is having on our local economy and our communities. I’ll certainly be doing everything in my power to raise the concerns of local businesses and I’ll continue to encourage the Welsh Government to provide further support, where it can, to those sectors that are most vulnerable.”

The Welsh Affairs Select committee, chaired by Stephen Crabb, is seeking evidence from Welsh businesses who have been impacted by coronavirus. If your business would like to submit evidence, please visit https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nt3mHDeziEC-Xo277ASzSsdf6aRbb_hHi61kcnJ3-KJUNEpKUVQ3ODkxU0tTQUdVV05ZMFhYRFozRy4u before the survey closes at 5pm on May 15th.

UK-wide, 6.3 million workers have been furloughed since the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme opened on April 20, with 800,000 companies making use of the scheme. The Bounce Back Loan scheme which opened Monday (May 4) saw more than 100,000 applications in its first day. Further conference calls with the tourism hospitality sector and the charity sector will be held in the coming weeks.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.