News
Pembrokeshire protests over ‘inhumane’ refugee proposal
RESIDENTS in Pembrokeshire have taken to the streets of Haverfordwest to protest about the UK Government’s ‘inhumane’ plans to send migrants to Rwanda.
Under the proposal, which has the backing of local MP Simon Hart, those seeking sanctuary in the UK, will be sent more than 4,000 miles to the landlocked East African Country for processing.
The protest, which took place on Castle Square, Haverfordwest, on Easter Monday (Apr 18) was set up by a member of Stand Up To Racism West Wales.
The government has faced backlash to their plans, with many brandishing the decision ‘cruel’ and ‘inhumane’.
Last month, the ‘home for ukranians’ initiative was launched, where UK residents offering to house those fleeing from the war torn country, would receive a £350 a month subsidiary.
Speaking on the reasons behind the protest, Hellana Hetfield, who represents the Stand Up To Racism West Wales group, said: “How can we welcome in Ukrainian refugees and then send other migrants to Rwanda?
“I sympathise with all victims of war.
“No one would risk their lives to come here unless their lives were already in danger, so to risk their lives to come here and then be sent to Rwanda I think is inhumane.
Hellana added: Migrants will be made to go through more torment by this. We could be doing a lot more to help them.
“The world needs more compassion and empathy and it could quite easily happen to us, we could go to war and have to seek refuge in another country.”
The sentiment was echoed by many who attended the protest, calling the decision ‘disgusting’.
Due to an outpouring of criticism throughout the UK, the home office released a statement defending their decision.
A spokesperson said: “This world-leading migration partnership will overhaul our broken asylum system, which is currently costing the UK taxpayer £1.5 billion a year – the highest amount in two decades.”
Rwanda’s president has been accused on more than one occasion of abusing human rights.
Conservative MP Simon Hart responded to the critics by saying: ““I think the first thing is we have to deal with this problem.
“We have a very good relationship with Rwanda: It’s an up-and-coming economy, it has got a very good record with migrants in this particular issue.
“And it’s an arrangement which I think suits both countries very well and provides the best opportunities for economic migrants, for those who have been in the forefront of this particular appalling problem for so long now.
“It has the potential to be a really good step forward and a really humane step forward.”
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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