News

Welsh Parliament lights up in Ukrainian colours as Wales shows support

Published

3 years ago

February 26, 2022

THE SENEDD was lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag last night in a show of support for the people of Ukraine.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin shocked the world yesterday when he launched an invasion of Ukraine in the early hours.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was a “deeply sad day for people in Ukraine, and a deeply dangerous day for the whole of the world.”

He said: “The whole of the world needs to act in solidarity and to take action to make clear to the leaders of Russia that you cannot act in this way.”

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 130 people have been killed as the military actions enter day two.

The Welsh Conservatives had called for the Senedd to be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to “demonstrate Wales’ solidarity and unity with Ukraine.”

They said: “An unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation cannot be tolerated, and, while Wales cannot act directly, it is vital that democratic institutions across the world show support for partners in Ukraine.”

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price called Russia’s attack on Ukraine “horrific and illegal” and added that the UK Government should block Russian companies from profiting from listing on the London stock exchange – with companies like BP and Shell forced to divest from Russia.

Mr Price said that Wales stood in solidarity with Ukraine and that the nation had a “duty” to welcome and offer support to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price visited Ukraine over the weekend in a personal capacity as part of a delegation that included Welsh Government Counsel General Mick Antoniw.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said, “Putin’s attacks on Ukraine overnight are horrific and illegal. What became clear by speaking directly to Ukrainian families, organisations and trade unions during my visit to Kyiv was that they are an incredibly resilient people. They will fight to protect their nation’s independence.”

“Wales stands in solidarity with Ukraine and her people. As a nation of sanctuary, we have a duty to be prepared to welcome and offer support to fleeing Ukrainians at this horrific time.

The UK Government has said it will impose comprehensive sanctions covering “Russian elites, companies and financial institutions.”

Russian bank assets in UK are to be frozen, “totally shutting off its banking system from UK finance markets.”

The UK is banning Russian state-owned and key strategic private companies from raising finance on the UK financial markets

More than 100 companies and oligarchs at the heart of Putin’s regime will be “hit with sanctions today worth 100s of billions of pounds, asset freezes and travel bans.”

There will bepunitive new restrictions on trade and export controls against Russia’s hi-tech and strategic industries

Russia’s national airline Aeroflot has also been banned from UK airspace

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.