News

Crabb says new PM needs to ‘hit the ground running’ to deal with cost-of-living crisis

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2022

ACCORDING to a Pembrokeshire MP, the new prime minister will need to “hit the ground running” to address the cost of living crisis as a priority.

Stephen Crabb’s remarks come a day before Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak find out who will take over as Prime Minister.

Mr Crabb, the former Welsh Secretary, stated that they would have a “very, very narrow window of opportunity to establish credibility on this issue.”

In television interviews on Sunday, both candidates pledged to assist those in need.

Foreign Secretary Ms Truss, who is considered the front-runner, told Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday that she would act within a week.

Mr Sunak, the ex-chancellor, stated that he had laid out a clear plan for direct payments to people in debt.

On Monday, one of them will be named the new Tory leader, a day before becoming the UK’s new prime minister after Boris Johnson resigns.

Mr Crabb said: “The new Prime Minister will need to hit the ground running and, certainly within days, have something very strong, credible, and specific to say about this issue.”

“I believe the plan that needs to be developed is to provide direct assistance to households, particularly those with low incomes, and small businesses.”

Labour’s shadow Welsh secretary, Jo Stevens, said either appointment would result in “more of the same,” and that a general election “can’t come soon enough.”

Another Welsh MP has called for a freeze on the energy price cap, which will cause a typical household bill to rise by 80% to £3,549 per year on October 1st, “so households do not pay a penny more on their energy bill this winter.”

Meanwhile, at the same time, Plaid Cymru treasury spokesman Ben Lake has urged the new premier to adopt a “furlough level of support” for small businesses during the energy crisis, citing the fact that costs are not capped as they are for domestic customers.

The west Wales MP who represents the Ceredigion constituency said: “Our economy will simply collapse without the same level of support for businesses as was made available during the pandemic”.

Crime

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

Published

2 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

16 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

16 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.