News

Pembrokeshire protests over ‘inhumane’ refugee proposal

Published

3 years ago

April 20, 2022

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

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

23 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

23 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!