News
Accusations that Voice of Wales are ‘racist broadcasters’
THE BBC has been investigating YouTube channel, The Voice of Wales, following accusations of racism.
The channel started broadcasting last summer co-inciting with the opening of the Penally Asylum Centre.
Videos featuring the group have been removed by YouTube, with advertising prevented on others for what YouTube say are ‘violations of policy’.
Voice of Wales said it gave a voice to people who were not represented by the mainstream media.
Fronted by Dan Morgan and Stan Robinson, the channel now has more than 5,000 subscribers and has registered more than 350,000 views – many videos have concerned the Asylum Centre.
Guests on the channel have included members of the Proud Boys, outlawed in Canada as terror group, and Pembrokeshire UKIP councillor Paul Dowson.
Prominent Welsh politicians have participated in discussions on the channel – including UKIP’s only member of the Senedd Neil Hamilton and former Conservative election candidate Felix Aubel.
As we previously reported Pembroke Dock councillor, Josh Beynon, said he was subjected to harassment by Voice of Wales after he opposed its supporters’ presence at protests against housing asylum seekers at a former military training base in Pembrokeshire.
This harassment included an allegation that he shared a sexual video of an underage schoolgirl – he says this is false.
Speaking to the BBC, Tia Roach of Stand up to Racism said the messages on the videos were “putting so many people in danger”.
“They spout a lot of ideology around immigrants and refugees and the Muslim community,” she said.
“I know that a lot of impressionable… frustrated people will take that and target all their anger and frustration at these people.”
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but the three main political parties in Wales have voiced concern about the language and ideas shared by Voice of Wales – but not UKIP.
Speaking to The Herald on Thursday (Feb 18) UKIP Cllr Paul Dowson said that he disagreed with the view that the Voice of Wales was racist. He said: “They are just saying what most people in Wales think, but this clashes with the leftist BBC agenda. They’ve done a stitch up job on the VOW just the same as the did with me. They are right leaning, but not racist at all.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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