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Pembrokeshire protests over ‘inhumane’ refugee proposal

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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’.

Pembrokeshire residents took to the street to protest against the ‘inhumane’ proposal

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.

The proposal has been backed by local Conservative MP Simon Hart

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.”

Crime

Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.

Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Health

Rising trend of private healthcare use among friends and family in Wales

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MORE than half of UK residents report having close family or friends who have used private healthcare services, according to the latest data from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN). In Wales, this figure is 58%, slightly above the UK-wide average of 55%. Meanwhile, 32% of Britons have used private healthcare themselves, with regions such as the East Midlands (64%) and Northern Ireland (59%) showing even higher familiarity with private healthcare options.

David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Private healthcare is becoming more mainstream, with people increasingly opting for private services to access healthcare more easily and quickly. Our findings highlight that most people in the UK know someone close who has used private healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. This demonstrates a shift toward private healthcare as a convenient and accessible option.”

Claims that private healthcare is becoming more mainstream in Wales

The survey found that 45% of those choosing private healthcare did so because of long NHS waiting times, while 27% preferred the ease of booking private appointments. Around 20% receive private healthcare through work, and 17% believe private services offer higher-quality care. Accessibility is another key factor, with half of respondents agreeing that private healthcare is more accessible than NHS options.

Top Treatments Accessed Privately:

  • Doctor consultation: 45%
  • Diagnostic treatment (e.g., scans): 45%
  • Other healthcare professional consultations: 35%
  • GP appointments: 34%
  • Minor operations (same-day discharge): 25%
  • Major operations (overnight stay): 16%
  • Ongoing serious condition treatment (e.g., cancer): 5%

IHPN’s Five Steps to Choosing Private Healthcare

If you’re considering private healthcare, IHPN suggests these key steps:

  1. Do Your Research: Consult inspection reports from national care regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Scotland and Wales have independent inspectorates, available at hiw.org.uk and healthcareimprovementscotland.scot.
  2. Explore Payment Plans: Many providers offer flexible payment options, making private care more affordable.
  3. Find Local Options: Use resources such as ihpn.org.uk or phin.org.uk to locate private providers nearby.
  4. Take Control: It’s your choice; seek recommendations from friends and family or consult online ratings to find the right clinician or clinic. Your GP can also offer support.
  5. Book a Consultation: Before committing, schedule a consultation with a private provider to discuss treatment options and ask questions. Bring someone you trust if you wish, and take notes.

For more information on private healthcare options in the UK, visit ihpn.org.uk. For additional information, interviews, or case studies, contact Helen Trevorrow at 0794 000 9138 or [email protected].

Source: Statistics are from the “Going Private 2024” report by IHPN and Public First, based on a survey of 2,004 respondents across the UK.

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Health

Smoke-free ambitions clouded by concerns over illicit market

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THE UK government introduced its Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament today, aiming to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting anyone born after 1 January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes for the rest of their lives. The Bill also proposes strict new restrictions on nicotine products, including vapes, heat-not-burn products, and nicotine pouches.

Public health experts in Wales are largely supportive of the new legislation, seeing it as a potential driver in reducing the strain on the NHS in Wales. Smoking-related illnesses are a major contributor to healthcare costs, and advocates argue that curbing smoking among future generations will yield long-term health and economic benefits. This could be especially impactful in Welsh regions where smoking rates are persistently high.

However, there is also concern about how restrictions on safer nicotine alternatives, such as vapes and heat-not-burn products, could impact Welsh individuals trying to quit smoking. The Welsh NHS has invested in smoking cessation programs that promote these alternatives, and some fear that restrictions on these products may reduce access to effective cessation tools, ultimately affecting health outcomes.

Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), reacted to the news: “Whilst it is predictable that the prohibition was going to be introduced, I am extremely concerned and disappointed with how little regard the government has had for consumers’ voices, particularly the young voices.”

The Bill revives an initiative initially proposed by the previous Conservative government before the election, though Labour’s version brings in tougher regulations. The proposal has sparked debates across various groups, with health advocates supporting the measures and others, like the CCC, voicing concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Illicit market worries

The CCC has highlighted fears that prohibitions may fuel an already significant black market for tobacco products in the UK. According to Salem, 2023 saw the highest number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the country, with one in five cigarettes sold illegally. He warns that restrictions risk expanding this underground market.

“It is no surprise that gangs and illegal suppliers are already positioning themselves in this market in anticipation of the prohibition,” Salem said. He cited experiences from other regions, such as the state of Victoria in Australia, where similar prohibitions have led to gang-related violence and exposed children to criminal activities, including arson.

Impact on young people

Critics of the Bill argue that the Labour Party’s approach may negatively impact young people, whom they claim are already disadvantaged by recent policies. “The Labour Party has shown that it is the Party of Boomers, and is letting young people down,” Salem said. He added that recent increases in tuition fees and levies on alcohol and soft drinks, along with tougher employment markets, restrict young people’s lifestyle choices and increase their exposure to illegal markets.

Public health debate

Supporters of the Bill believe these measures are necessary to protect public health. They argue that strict controls on tobacco and nicotine products are crucial steps towards reducing smoking rates, improving long-term health outcomes, and reducing the burden on the NHS. Advocates also believe that limiting youth exposure to nicotine will reduce future smoking rates.

However, Salem argues that the Bill may have the opposite effect. “Not everyone can quit cold turkey,” he said, noting that many people have found success using alternative products like vapes, heat-not-burn devices, and nicotine pouches. “Restricting safer methods of consuming nicotine makes it extremely difficult for those who are trying hard to quit smoking to do so permanently and positively.”

Alternative solutions proposed

The CCC says it is calling on the government to ensure existing laws are enforced first, such as banning nicotine sales to under-18s, before introducing a total prohibition. They argue that failing to do so will lead to worse public health outcomes and put consumers and children in a vulnerable position. The Bill now moves forward for further debate, with both sides urging careful consideration of the potential impacts on public health, youth, and the illicit market.

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