News
Government moves to ban Russian ships from UK waters following online outcry
HOURS after hundreds of people from Milford Haven and the surrounding area clearly opposed ships from Russia berthing at a Milford Haven oil terminal the government has acted to turn all ships around which are owned, controlled, chartered or operated by any person connected with Russia.
A row erupted on Facebook when it became public knowledge that an oil tanker was headed from Primorsk, via the Baltic Sea. The next vessel, The Louie, currently sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands, is due to arrive as soon as March 4.
( More on Russian tankers in Milford Haven from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/feb/28/russia-oil-tanker-docked-in-wales-even-as-uk-moves-to-restrict-access-ukraine-sanctions )
The Pembokeshire Herald published an article online, which has been commented on by hundreds of people against The Louie entering Milford Haven port.
Milford Haven Port Authority said it is awaiting direction from the UK Government regards ships from Russia heading for Milford Haven.
On his Twitter feed, The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, posted “Today I’ve written to all UK ports asking them not to provide access to any Russian flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated vessels. Given Putin’s action in #Ukraine I’ve made clear these vessels are NOT welcome here with prohibiting legislation to follow.”
Is is currently unclear if the new direction will mean that The Louie would need to turn around. That would depend if the ship was chartered or controlled by any person connected with Russia.
The government said that it would “seek to support UK ports identyifying Russian ships within the scope of the above, and will communicate directly with the relevant ports when we identify ships bound for UK ports who fall within scope [of the new rules].”
Speaking of the ship, Milford Haven councillor Stephen Joseph said: “I am 100% against this tanker coming to Milford Haven. And I am 100% behind the people of Ukraine. I also have sympathy for the Russian soldiers who have been, in my view, hookwinked into this attack. The poor buggers thought they were on an exercise, from what I understand.
“I don’t think that Putin’s actioned have been justified, but I am worried that he is mad enough to do something really stupid to save face or to prevent being overthrown. He rants and raves and changes focus, he is not a rational man.”
Cllr Joseph added: “If the ship is not turned around I hope that a protest can be organised. I certainly would be attending.”
Sam Kursz MS said: “Given the horrific images of invasion and war led by Putin’s forces in Ukraine, Grant Shapps & the UK Government have my full support in refusing Russian entry to UK Ports – including those in Pembrokeshire.
“The maritime sector is a fundamental part of international trade; this ban will hit hard on Russia’s economic interests and prohibit their ability to profit from our economic output.It is not appropriate, nor welcome, to continue granting Russian vessels access to our country.
“I welcome this move and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
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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