News

Learners congratulated on GCSE results day

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL congratulates all learners who have received GCSE and level 1 and 2 vocational results today, Thursday, August 12.

Learners’ achievements this year are to be celebrated as they are in any other year.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought continuing challenges for learners, families and schools this year with results being calculated by centre determined grades.

Schools have worked effectively to ensure that learners’ skills and achievements have been recognised through following robust assessment processes prior to submitting results to examination boards.

Cllr Guy Woodham the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “The last 18 months have been difficult for all learners, their families and schools. I would like to congratulate all learners on their achievements.

“As a Local Authority, we have been committed to supporting learners in achieving the best possible outcomes. Learners who have received their results today will have acquired a range of skills that enable them to be lifelong learners and hopefully achieve more than they thought possible. I wish all learners every success for the future.”

Director for Education Steven Richards-Downes said: “Every learner who has received their results today should be equally as proud as learners in previous years.

“Learners have shown great resilience in the most uncertain times and every learner will have a range of options available to them to help them continue with education, training or employment.”

Welsh Conservatives have praised students picking up their GCSE results today for their resilience and persistence during an incredibly difficult and challenging year.

Students all across Wales will be finding out if their hard work has paid off when they receive their centre-assessed grades, after exams were cancelled for the second year running because of the pandemic.

Welsh Conservatives have also today called on Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay to give parents, teachers and students clarity by outlining a roadmap for the new academic year.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, Laura Anne Jones MS, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous work of our students across Wales during the last year. Times have been unprecedented, and teachers have had to be more innovative than ever before.

“Parents and carers have been stalwarts and have supported learners every step of the way. Students have worked so hard in what has been an extraordinary year and every single student should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

“We need to celebrate their resilience and true ability to overcome adversity. I want to congratulate all students who are receiving their results today and wish them the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“As we move out of the pandemic, it is important the Welsh Labour Government now outlines the roadmap for the new academic year and provides clarity for teachers, pupils and parents. We believe exams remain the fairest and best form of assessment and hope to see them return as soon as practically possible.”

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.