News

‘Confusion in Wales’ and a ‘reckless move’ – reactions to Johnson’s speech

Published

5 years ago

May 10, 2020

THERE have been outcries of confusion from the people of Wales, following Boris Johnson’s television broadcast tonight (Sun, May 10).

The stay-at-home message in Wales has not changed, the First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.

This is despite Boris Johnson having announced a change to the UK government’s advice in England – calling on people to “stay alert, control the virus” and “save lives”.

But the slogan has been rejected by Welsh ministers.

Mr Drakeford said people should stay home “wherever you can”, The Herald can confirm.

“Our advice has not changed in Wales,” he said.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price says Boris Johnson has made a “reckless move”.

Boris Johnson has relaxed the exercise rules in England saying can people “drive to other destinations” for a walk.

But the Welsh Government’s Counsel General Jeremy Miles has said this is not the case in Wales.

Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty has said Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement begs “many more questions than it answers.”

“What a mess!” he said on Twitter

Speaking to the BBC earlier this evening he said: “Our regulations do not permit people to get in their car and drive to destinations in Wales,” said Mr Miles.

“And that also means people getting in their cars in England.”

Mr Miles says the police in Wales “absolutely have the power to fine” people for making non-essential journeys and not exercising near their homes.

UK labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, told the press that the prime minister’s statement lacked “clarity and consensus”.

He told reporters: “This statement raises as many questions as it answers. We see the prospect of England, Scotland and Wales pulling in different directions, so there’s a big gap here for the government to make up.”

He says that if he were PM, he would have “tried to build a consensus” and would have made sure – if possible – that the devolved administrations, trade unions, and community groups were “on board” and knew “exactly what was required of them.”

Sir Keir later added: “I accept a plan had to be set out, but to lack that basic clarity and consensus is a real problem.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.