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”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.