News
UK Energy Security Strategy ‘will unlock opportunities for Pembrokeshire’ says MP
IN THE WAKE of rising global energy prices and the war in Ukraine, the UK Government has today published a new Energy Security Strategy. The strategy outlines the steps required to safeguard the nation’s long-term energy independence, security and prosperity.
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has said that the strategy will unlock new economic opportunities for Pembrokeshire.
At the heart of the energy security strategy is major new investment in low carbon nuclear and renewable energy and includes new ambitious targets for achieving this. A drive to produce up to 50 gigawatts by 2030 from offshore wind has been set, of which 5 gigawatts will come from floating offshore wind.
Mr Crabb has been one of the leading voices in Parliament calling for a strategy to deliver a new floating offshore wind industry in the Celtic Sea. He recently urged ministers to raise the target for floating offshore wind deployment to send a signal to developers and investors about the long-term potential of this new industry.
The strategy will also see a significant acceleration of nuclear energy, with a target of up to 24 gigawatts by 2050. A new government body, Great British Nuclear will be set up to help bring forward these plans.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Crabb said:
“I am delighted to see that renewable energy will play a significant role in the strategy, especially floating offshore wind. I want to see Pembrokeshire benefit from the growth of the renewable energy industry”.
“Milford Haven is one of the most important energy ports in Europe. The vision outlined today holds the potential for a new generation of investment in the port as we seek to develop large scale offshore wind power in the Celtic Sea. The Prime Minister is correct to say that Britain can become the Saudi Arabia of this renewable energy industry.”
“I recently met with the Crown Estate which owns the seabed and is responsible for licensing the various applications for new projects to urge a quicker roll-out of new licenses. There is no doubt that floating offshore wind is an industry where Pembrokeshire has a natural advantage, given our coastline, wind speeds, and the transferable expertise of our oil and gas sector. It has significant potential to make a major contribution to achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions whilst boosting our local economy and providing high skilled green jobs here in Pembrokeshire”.
A FAMILY has been left with nothing after a devastating house fire tore through their home in Tregunnor on Monday (Apr 7).
The blaze destroyed everything inside the house, leaving the homeowner, his children, and their family dog with only the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the emotional impact of losing their home and belongings has been described as “immeasurable.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been launched by the homeowner’s nephew, Kian Evans, in an effort to help the family rebuild their lives. The fundraiser, titled “Tregunnor House Fire,” has so far raised £40 from two donors, with hopes that more support will follow.
Mr Evans praised the emergency services for their swift response and thanked the local community for their messages of support and solidarity.
He wrote: “They have lost everything, from furniture to cherished memories. The goal is to help them get back on their feet after such a traumatic experience. Every little helps.”
The family now face the daunting task of starting over, but thanks to the generosity of those around them, they are not facing it alone.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/tregunnor-house-fire
Photo caption:
The fire which destroyed a family home in Tregunnor (Pic: Herald).
A BROAD HAVEN man has pleaded guilty to stalking and to breaching his bail conditions on two occasions. He has denied a separate charge of criminal damage and is due to be sentenced later this month.
Thomas Jones, aged 34, of Croft Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Apr 7), where he was dealt with for multiple offences involving the same female complainant.
Jones admitted stalking Ms Knight between December 5, 2024, and January 22, 2025, in Milford Haven. The court heard that he visited her address several times, sent over 100 calls and messages in a short period in December, and left both a parcel and an envelope containing a spa voucher.
He initially denied the stalking charge, but changed his plea to guilty on March 17. The offence falls under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Jones has denied a charge of criminal damage alleged to have occurred on July 21, 2024, when he is accused of damaging a door, radiator, cat litter tray and scratch post belonging to Ms Knight. He pleaded not guilty to this allegation on January 24.
The court also heard that Jones was arrested twice in March for breaches of bail. On March 22, he missed a curfew condition by returning home five hours late. The following day, on March 23, he allegedly contacted Ms Knight directly, in breach of an order prohibiting contact. He admitted both breaches, though those matters were formally recorded as having been dealt with at an earlier hearing.
The magistrates’ bench was chaired by Mrs C Kendrick, sitting with Mrs A Taylor-Jones and Mrs J Morris. Dennis Davies appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service, and Jones was represented by Fenn Richards.
Jones has been remanded on conditional bail until his next hearing on April 22, 2025, at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions include:
- Not to contact Tessa Knight directly or indirectly, except via an approved device for child contact purposes,
- Not to enter Milford Haven,
- To reside and sleep each night at 38 Croft Road, Broad Haven.
A pre-sentence report is being prepared ahead of the hearing.
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage during a domestic incident last year.
Sam Wilkins, aged 42, of Bethel Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Apr 7), where he admitted charges of assault by beating and causing criminal damage.
The offences took place on November 7, 2024, in Pembrokeshire. Wilkins was accused of assaulting a woman and damaging a coat valued at £60.
He also admitted breaching bail conditions on March 18, 2025, after contacting an individual he had been ordered not to communicate with.
The bench, chaired by Mrs C Kendrick, sitting with Mrs A Taylor-Jones and Mrs J Morris, remanded Wilkins on conditional bail until April 15, 2025, when he is due to return to court for sentencing.
Bail conditions include:
No contact, directly or indirectly, with named individuals involved in the case,
Not to enter a specified address in Kilgetty,
Child contact to be arranged via a third party only,
Full compliance with probation requirements for a pre-sentence report.
Wilkins was represented by Jess Hill, and the prosecution was led by Dennis Davies of CPS Wales (South West).
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