News
We need to ‘mobilise for war’ says head of British Army – ‘this is our 1937 moment’
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THE NEW head of the British Army has said it must ‘mobilise’ in response to the threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, invoking memories the Allies’ struggle against Nazi Germany in the 1940’s.
Patrick Sanders, a general who became the army’s top officer this month, said Moscow’s attack on its neighbor represented “a clear and present danger” to Western “principles of sovereignty and democracy.”
In a wide-ranging speech to mark taking over the role, he argued Britain’s armed forces must react by accelerating modernization plans and immediately increasing battle readiness alongside NATO allies.
“This is our 1937 moment,” Sanders told an audience at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) military think-tank, referring to Western allies’’ struggle to subdue Nazi Germany’s aggression in the run-up to World War II.
“We’re not at war. We must act rapidly so that we aren’t drawn into one through a failure to contain territorial expansion.”
Adding it is “dangerous” to assume Russian aggression will end with Ukraine, he predicted Moscow will pose “an even greater threat to European security after Ukraine than it has before.”
“The Russian invasion has reminded us of that time-honored maxim that if you want to avert conflict, you better be prepared to fight,” Sanders said.
His comments come as NATO members begin to meet in Madrid Tuesday for a summit, and follow the military alliance announcing it will boost its high-readiness force from 40,000 to 300,000 troops.
Its chief Jens Stoltenberg has called the move “the biggest overhaul of our collective defense and deterrence since the Cold War.”
Sanders said the gathering in the Spanish capital was an opportunity for Britain to demonstrate its “enduring commitment to our allies” and “lead by example” in mobilizing the army.
He noted mobilisation would now be the army’s “main effort” over the coming years, “to help prevent war in Europe by being ready to fight and win alongside our NATO allies.”
“It will be hard work, a generational effort and I expect all ranks to get ready, train hard and engage,” he added.
The army head also backed the US and UK governments’ stance of aggressively arming Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
“This is the moment to defend the democratic values that define us,” Sanders said.
“This is the moment to help our brave Ukrainian allies in their gallant struggle. This is the moment we stand with our friends and partners to maintain peace throughout the rest of Europe.”
News
Council’s budget postponed as more funding received
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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s efforts to set its budget and determine next year’s Council Tax were thrown into disarray on Thursday, February 20, as councillors voted to adjourn the decision amid uncertainty over funding from the Welsh Government.
Councillors had gathered to scrutinise the proposed budget based on forecast financial settlements. However, before discussions could begin, standing orders were suspended after it emerged that the Welsh Government planned to issue the actual financial settlement for Pembrokeshire later that same day, potentially after the budget and Council Tax had been set.
This development meant councillors were being asked to make critical financial decisions based on incomplete information. Moving for an adjournment, Cllr Jamie Adams highlighted that even a small increase in Welsh Government funding could significantly alter which cuts were necessary and the level of Council Tax required.
Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, acknowledged the point, stating he did not yet know the exact impact of the updated settlement, whether it would be an additional £100,000 or £2 million.
Following debate, councillors voted to adjourn the budget-setting meeting until March 6, by which time the Cabinet is expected to have greater clarity on overall grant funding, including allocations for specific projects outside the core budget settlement.
Scepticism remains over the process. One councillor told The Herald: “Being cynical, they hoped to get 9.85% through and, hey presto, a large chunk from the Welsh Government, for which certain Cabinet members would take credit and utilise as they see fit. One thing’s for sure, if the budget and council tax had been passed before the extra money was announced, we wouldn’t be returning for a ‘let’s lower Council Tax Day’!”
Another councillor added: “They (the Cabinet) knew the money was coming in but didn’t want to tell the public.”
The Conservative Group was even more critical. Cllr Aled Thomas, the Conservative spokesperson for finance, said: “The Cabinet have been caught red-handed playing fast and loose with public finances, asking for extortionate council tax rises today despite knowing they were likely to have additional funding tomorrow.
“As councillors, we owe it to the people of Pembrokeshire to spend their money wisely, focusing on statutory services and not vanity projects. The Cabinet and leader have clearly lost the confidence of the chamber, and they should consider stepping down for the benefit of the people of Pembrokeshire.”
Shortly after the budget meeting was adjourned, the Welsh Government confirmed a funding floor of 3.8% for local authorities, significantly increasing the money available to Pembrokeshire County Council.
In response, the council issued an official statement: Pembrokeshire County Council budget discussion adjourned. Councillors have voted to adjourn the budget decision to a future meeting, following the full announcement of Welsh Government funding for local authorities.
At a meeting of Full Council on February 20, it was agreed to reconvene to set the budget for 2025-26 on March 6. Local authorities have a statutory requirement to agree on a balanced budget before March 11.
Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, Cllr Joshua Beynon, said: “I am committed to ensuring we work across the council chamber to deliver a budget before the legal deadline.”
With tensions running high and accusations of political manoeuvring, the coming weeks will determine how the council moves forward in setting a budget that reflects the updated funding available.
Business
Insolvency figures rise as businesses face growing pressures
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CORPORATE INSOLVENCIES increased in England and Wales by 6.4% in January 2025, reaching 1,971 cases compared to December 2024’s total of 1,852. The figure also marks a 10.7% rise from January 2024’s 1,780 cases and a 13.1% increase from January 2023.
Personal insolvencies, meanwhile, dropped by 3.4% in January 2025 to 9,706, down from 10,045 in December. However, this remains 11.6% higher than January 2024’s figure of 8,698 and 12.5% higher than January 2023’s 8,630.
Rising costs drive business closures
Bethan Evans, Wales Chair of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, said the rise in corporate insolvencies is largely due to an increase in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Administrations.
She said: “This suggests that many directors are opting to close their businesses after years of tough trading conditions, particularly ahead of the upcoming rise in the National Minimum Wage and Employers’ National Insurance Contributions in April. As a result, corporate insolvencies have hit their highest January level in over five years.
“There is some positive news in the form of increased Administration numbers, which suggests that more companies may be rescued through sales out of Administration.”
Evans added that creditor pressures and ongoing costs remain key factors driving insolvencies, as rising expenses and reduced consumer spending continue to take a toll.
“Creditors have largely abandoned the more lenient approach they took post-pandemic, with HMRC now returning to pre-COVID levels of debt collection,” she said.
Sectors including retail, construction, and hospitality have struggled. While retailers saw an increase in sales during the festive season, Evans noted that much of this was driven by discounts rather than sustained consumer demand. The construction sector has been hit by rising costs and client caution, while hospitality businesses failed to see the Christmas revenue boost they had hoped for.
Looking ahead, she said: “The projected cut in economic growth has affected business confidence, with many firms hesitant to invest in expansion or hiring ahead of April’s wage and tax changes. However, the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base interest rate could help improve access to rescue finance.”
Household debt remains a concern
On personal insolvencies, Evans pointed to a rise in Debt Relief Orders (DROs), attributing this to changes in debt thresholds and the removal of administration fees last year.
“Breathing Space numbers are at their highest in a year, reinforcing the fact that household debt remains a serious issue in England and Wales,” she said.
“With winter costs for heating and food still high, financial worries are mounting. Many people are keeping a close watch on their outgoings and remain uncertain about their financial future.”
She urged those struggling with debt to seek help early.
“Discussing financial problems—whether personal or business-related—can be difficult, but seeking advice early often provides more options. Most R3 members in Wales offer free initial consultations to help people understand their financial situation and explore potential solutions.”
News
Huge £100m boost for public services in new budget agreement
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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has unveiled a budget agreement securing over £100 million in additional funding for public services, with key investments directed at childcare, social care, local councils, transport, and the environment. The deal, reached with Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, aims to bolster essential services, particularly in rural areas, and address pressing social and infrastructure concerns.
Key investments in the Final Budget 2025-26
The budget agreement, published on February 20 in the Senedd, details major funding allocations, including:
Support for early years education and childcare
- An additional £30 million has been allocated to expand the Flying Start programme, providing free childcare for two-year-olds across Wales.
- The hourly funding rate for childcare providers will rise from the previously proposed £6 per hour to £6.40 per hour, helping to support sustainability in the sector.
- The move follows concerns raised by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru, which found that 89% of nurseries surveyed believed the previous rate was insufficient to cover rising operational costs.
NDNA Cymru Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku CBE welcomed the increase, saying: “This new deal is a step in the right direction and shows that the Welsh Government is committed to supporting providers who deliver vital early years places.”
Social care and hospital discharges
- £30 million will be allocated to social care services, aiming to reduce delayed hospital discharges and provide greater support within local communities. The funding is expected to alleviate pressures on the NHS by preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving community care services.
Local government and community investment
- A guaranteed 3.8% funding floor for all local authorities, costing £8.24 million, will benefit nine councils: Monmouthshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Vale of Glamorgan, Flintshire, Pembrokeshire, Ynys Môn, Ceredigion, and Conwy.
- £5 million has been set aside to enhance playgrounds and play facilities for children across Wales.
- £5 million will support leisure centres in becoming more energy efficient, addressing rising energy costs and sustainability concerns.
Transport and infrastructure upgrades
- A £15 million pilot scheme will allow young people aged 21 and under to pay just £1 per single bus fare to encourage greater public transport use and affordability.
- Extra funding will contribute to a £120 million local authority road and pavement repair scheme, tackling maintenance issues on Wales’ road network.
- Funding has also been secured to restore the fifth train service on the Heart of Wales line.
- £500,000 in capital funding will be allocated to improve toilet facilities along major roads across Wales.
Environmental and rural development measures
- £5 million will be used to combat water pollution in rivers and coastal areas.
- An extra £10 million has been allocated to support rural investment schemes, benefitting agricultural and environmental projects across Wales.
- A commitment has also been made to move towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales, addressing concerns over animal welfare.
Additional community and cultural investments
The budget agreement also includes funding for feasibility studies to support several community projects, including:
- The development of the Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells.
- The North Powys Wellbeing Campus in Newtown.
- Safety measures at the Pont y Bat junction on the A470.
- The refurbishment of Brynamman Lido.
Government and opposition responses
Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford praised the agreement, saying: “This demonstrates what can be achieved when the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd work together constructively on areas where we have common ground. The additional investment will make a real difference to communities across Wales, particularly in rural areas.”
Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the benefits for families and local services. She stated: “I’m delighted we have secured the funds needed to deliver my party’s key priorities, including improving social care, increasing quality childcare, tackling water pollution, improving roads and public transport, and protecting vital council-run services.”
While the additional funding has been widely welcomed, some sectors argue that the increases may still fall short of covering rising costs. Early years providers stress that while the increase to £6.40 per hour is a positive move, further long-term investment is needed to ensure sustainability.
Similarly, concerns remain regarding ongoing pressures on the NHS and social care, as well as the state of Welsh roads, which have been in need of substantial repairs for years.
The Welsh Government maintains that this budget provides a strong foundation to address these challenges while working within financial constraints. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to meet the growing demands of public services across Wales.
The Final Budget 2025-26 will now be debated in the Senedd before being officially passed into law.
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