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.”

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

30 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

40 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

Published

55 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.