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Tankers carrying Russian oil to Milford Haven are still on the way to Port

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YESTERDAY’S direction by The Department of Transport that ships owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by any person connected with Russia, will not stop oil tankers carrying Russian oil coming to Milford Haven it has emerged.

There have been calls to the government to block ships with oil bought from Russia docking in Milford Haven. The money from the sale of the oil is being used to finance Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine, it has been argued.

Milford Haven Port Authority said it was “keen to ensure that the sanctions… are applied here”.

In a statement to BBC Wales the Port said that it will seek clarification on every vessel to determine whether sanctions apply.

As The Pembrokeshire Herald reported yesterday, another vessel from the Russian port of Primorsk is due on Friday, March 4.

Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven said: “We understand and share the strength of feeling around Russian-connected vessels entering the Port of Milford Haven, particularly as our town has strong links with Ukraine in its twinning with the city of Uman, however, we do not have the power to unilaterally apply sanctions to a vessel bound for our port.”

Harbourmaster Ryan confirmed the port would not be allowing entry to any ship it had reason to believe was owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by any person connected with Russia.

The Russians have destroyed oil terminals in the Ukraine, according to official sources

It will also apply with the new rules to refuse entry to vessels owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by a “designated person” as well as those flying the Russian flag and those registered in Russia.

Mr Ryan added: “The determination of whether a vessel falls within this definition is not simple, but we are keen to ensure that the sanctions from the UK government are applied here in Milford Haven and The Department for Transport (DfT) will be supporting us and other UK ports to identify vessels which they believe should not be serviced.

“In every case we will be seeking clarification from the DfT as to whether sanctions apply to a particular vessel and/or cargo. All of this will be done in collaboration with our terminal customers.”

Milford Haven councillor Stephen Joseph said: “I am 100% against these tankers 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, hoodwinked 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 Kurtz MS said: “Given the horrific images of invasion and war led by Putin’s forces in Ukraine, Grant Shapps and 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.”

Paul Davies MS added: “The message is clear: Russian vessels are not welcome at UK ports.

“The UK transport secretary has been very clear. UK ports should not provide access to Russian vessels and further sanctions are being developed

“I welcome this action as part of the package of measures to restrict Russian trade and hold Putin’s government to account for its disgraceful attack on Ukraine.”

A ship carrying oil from Russia docked at Milford Haven on 26 February, before Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wrote to the ports.

The oil tanker, Pluto, arrived at the port on Saturday evening and appears to have unloaded its consignment at the Valero oil refinery.

A second vessel, Louie, is due to arrive from Russia on Friday. Both sail under the flag of the Marshall Islands but carry cargo from the Russian oil-loading port of Primorsk. 

Charity

Call for Welsh charities to join new volunteering revolution

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New digital platform aims to boost volunteer numbers across Wales

CHARITIES of all sizes across Wales are being urged to sign up to a new digital volunteering platform designed to make it easier for people to give their time and support vital community causes.

Created by the Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the platform will help connect charities with would-be volunteers in their local areas. It is free to use and aims to modernise how volunteering is accessed and managed.

Voluntary organisations across the country have struggled in recent years with declining volunteer numbers. But research by Royal Voluntary Service suggests this trend could be reversed. In Wales, 45% of people said they would be more likely to volunteer if they could do so flexibly via an app or online platform.

Motivation to contribute remains strong, with many citing a desire to support their local community as a key reason to volunteer. The new platform aims to tap into this enthusiasm by making it easier for people to find roles that suit their lifestyles.

Launching to the public this autumn, the platform will allow users to browse, filter and apply for volunteering roles with just a few clicks. In the meantime, charities can sign up and begin uploading roles from June onwards to test the platform.

It is hoped the platform will become a central hub for flexible, accessible and digitally enabled volunteering in Wales. Charities from all sectors—whether in sport, the arts, health, environmental work or animal welfare—are encouraged to register and offer a diverse range of roles.

Making opportunities inclusive and varied—from one-off remote roles to team-based or traditional placements—will help widen access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of community contributors.

As well as improving recruitment, the platform aims to reduce the administrative burden for charities. Volunteers will complete a one-time onboarding and identity check, enabling them to switch between roles and organisations without repeating basic steps. Free criminal record checks will also be introduced in future.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said:

“We’ve developed this platform in partnership with charities large and small to ensure it’s genuinely useful across the board. By breaking down the barriers to volunteering, we’re helping more people fit it into their busy lives. Thanks to the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, we’re on the brink of a volunteer revolution, and we want as many Welsh charities as possible to be part of it.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added:

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities. This platform will help new generations find opportunities that suit their lives—whether locally or online. We’re incredibly proud to support Royal Voluntary Service in delivering this initiative.”

Local charities have also welcomed the platform.
Damian Golden, Accessible Vehicle Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), said:

“Volunteers are the heart of our community transport network. We’re hopeful this platform will help us connect with more passionate individuals and extend our reach across Pembrokeshire.”

The platform is free for charities and includes identity checks for volunteers. Organisations interested in registering or taking part in upcoming workshops and webinars can find out more at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

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Entertainment

Welsh National Theatre sets up home in Swansea

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Michael Sheen’s company to debut first production in the city next January

SWANSEA has been named the official home of the newly founded Welsh National Theatre.

The company, established earlier this year by actor and director MICHAEL SHEEN, will be headquartered at Swansea’s Civic Centre overlooking Swansea Bay — a symbolic location, connecting Welsh storytelling to both its roots and the wider world.

The company’s first production, Our Town, will premiere at the Swansea Grand Theatre from January 16 to 31, 2026, before touring Wales and concluding its run at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames. The production is directed by Swansea-born FRANCESCA GOODRIDGE, with fellow Swansea native RUSSELL T DAVIES serving as creative associate.

Sheen, who serves as artistic director, said: “My theatrical journey began in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to return and establish Welsh National Theatre here. Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration. This isn’t just about securing office space — it’s about building a cultural hub for artists, producers and writers to collaborate and create before the work even reaches the stage.”

He added: “In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first in the world to experience a Welsh National Theatre production live. The countdown is truly on.”

Welsh National Theatre’s founding chief executive SHARON GILBURD praised the city’s support: “There’s a real sense of partnership here. Swansea Council has shown a genuine commitment to fostering a thriving cultural scene — not just for today, but for future generations.”

Following Our Town, Sheen will take to the stage once more in November 2026 to play Owain Glyndŵr in Owain & Henry, a new work by playwright GARY OWEN, produced in collaboration with the Wales Millennium Centre.

The decision to base the company in Swansea was welcomed by Council Leader ROB STEWART, who described it as “a proud moment for the city”.

“Having Welsh National Theatre based in Swansea shows how far we’ve come as a creative city,” he said. “This bold move will help raise the profile of Welsh storytelling globally and strengthen Swansea’s role as a national and international hub for creative talent.”

He added: “This will bring real opportunities for local actors, musicians, artists, writers, and technicians to be part of something world-class — and to create new work that’s rooted in Wales. The impact will be transformative.”

The move follows several months of discussions between the company and Swansea Council.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, ELLIOTT KING, said the theatre’s decision reflects years of sustained investment in the local arts sector.

“Swansea is now home to everything from major venues like the Swansea Arena to community-led theatre projects like Grand Ambition,” he said. “Our creative industries are flourishing, and with Welsh National Theatre joining that ecosystem, Swansea is well-positioned to make a lasting mark on the international stage.”

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Charity

Call for Welsh charities to join new volunteering revolution

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on

New digital platform aims to boost volunteer numbers across Wales

CHARITIES of all sizes across Wales are being urged to sign up to a new digital volunteering platform designed to make it easier for people to give their time and support vital community causes.

Created by the Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the platform will help connect charities with would-be volunteers in their local areas. It is free to use and aims to modernise how volunteering is accessed and managed.

Voluntary organisations across the country have struggled in recent years with declining volunteer numbers. But research by Royal Voluntary Service suggests this trend could be reversed. In Wales, 45% of people said they would be more likely to volunteer if they could do so flexibly via an app or online platform.

Motivation to contribute remains strong, with many citing a desire to support their local community as a key reason to volunteer. The new platform aims to tap into this enthusiasm by making it easier for people to find roles that suit their lifestyles.

Launching to the public this autumn, the platform will allow users to browse, filter and apply for volunteering roles with just a few clicks. In the meantime, charities can sign up and begin uploading roles from June onwards to test the platform.

It is hoped the platform will become a central hub for flexible, accessible and digitally enabled volunteering in Wales. Charities from all sectors—whether in sport, the arts, health, environmental work or animal welfare—are encouraged to register and offer a diverse range of roles.

Making opportunities inclusive and varied—from one-off remote roles to team-based or traditional placements—will help widen access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of community contributors.

As well as improving recruitment, the platform aims to reduce the administrative burden for charities. Volunteers will complete a one-time onboarding and identity check, enabling them to switch between roles and organisations without repeating basic steps. Free criminal record checks will also be introduced in future.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We’ve developed this platform in partnership with charities large and small to ensure it’s genuinely useful across the board. By breaking down the barriers to volunteering, we’re helping more people fit it into their busy lives. Thanks to the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, we’re on the brink of a volunteer revolution, and we want as many Welsh charities as possible to be part of it.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities. This platform will help new generations find opportunities that suit their lives—whether locally or online. We’re incredibly proud to support Royal Voluntary Service in delivering this initiative.”

Local charities have also welcomed the platform.

Damian Golden, Accessible Vehicle Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), said: “Volunteers are the heart of our community transport network. We’re hopeful this platform will help us connect with more passionate individuals and extend our reach across Pembrokeshire.”

The platform is free for charities and includes identity checks for volunteers. Organisations interested in registering or taking part in upcoming workshops and webinars can find out more at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

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