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News

UK’s new border target operating model welcomed by Welsh Government

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IN A RECENT statement issued by Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for the Economy, the Welsh Government expressed its contentment over the publication of the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) by the UK Government.

The BTOM, which delineates the UK’s upcoming approach to safety, security controls for all imports, and notably the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls for particular imports such as live animals, plants, and animal products, has garnered the support of the Welsh authorities.

This model has been formulated over several months and signifies a joint effort of the Welsh, Scottish, and UK Governments. “The framework has been developed over many months of collaboration between the Welsh, Scottish and UK Governments,” said Gething, who also added that a summary of expert advice is available with the statement.

A significant highlight of the BTOM is the emphasis on maintaining a coherent regime across Great Britain. This is not only vital for safeguarding our collective biosecurity but is crucial to avert unnecessary complications for traders. Minister Gething remarked, “As a result of our involvement, we have secured a model which works for Wales.”

Interestingly, while the draft BTOM slated the first of the SPS controls to commence in October 2023, the new controls are now scheduled to begin in January 2024. Addressing this shift, Gething stated, “We have reluctantly accepted this delay, but it is essential that there are no further delays.”

In addition to existing regulations, starting from January 2024, there will be a new requirement to pre-notify certain categories of SPS goods imported from the Republic of Ireland. This aligns with the norms that have been operational for similar EU imports elsewhere in GB since the start of 2022.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the BTOM was the timeline for the introduction of physical checks on imports for goods from Ireland. The latest update confirms that these checks will not commence any earlier than 31st October 2024. Gething reassured that he will provide a subsequent announcement about the exact date once all the governments arrive at a consensus.

A significant stress was laid on providing ample notice for businesses that would be impacted, ensuring that key agencies and local authorities, especially in the regions of Holyhead, Fishguard, and Pembroke Dock, have adequate time for planning and recruitment.

Minister Gething concluded his statement by acknowledging its release during recess and assured members that he would be available to offer further insights or address any queries when the Senedd reconvenes.

Farming

Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

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DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.

Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.

Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”

During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.

Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.

Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.

Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.

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News

Casualty airlifted after fall on rocks at Manorbier

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A PERSON was flown to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Manorbier on Sunday afternoon (April 13).

Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30pm, with Tenby RNLI, the Wales Air Ambulance, land paramedics, and coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans attending.

Tenby’s inshore lifeboat launched first, with two crew members going ashore just as the air ambulance arrived to land nearby. They were soon joined by a land ambulance and coastguard rescue officers.

A stretcher was brought ashore from the all-weather lifeboat, and RNLI crew assisted in stabilising the casualty and carrying them up the beach for transfer into the waiting helicopter.

Once the airlift was complete, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.

It was the third call-out of the weekend for Tenby RNLI volunteers.

The first incident took place at 2:20pm on Friday (April 11), when the all-weather lifeboat was diverted from a training exercise following a report of paddleboarders possibly in difficulty near Manorbier. As the lifeboat arrived, the paddleboarders were confirmed safe ashore and the crew resumed their exercise.

Later that evening, at 9:15pm, the lifeboat launched again to assist the operator of a seven-metre rigid inflatable boat that had broken down around a mile south of Old Castle Head. The boat was towed safely back to Freshwater East, from where it had launched earlier in the day.

(Photo: File image)

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Community

New sighting of missing teens in Aberystwyth prompts urgent update

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POLICE have issued an urgent update in the search for two missing teenagers from Ceredigion, following a confirmed sighting in Aberystwyth.

Isabelle and Daniel, both 16, were reported missing on Monday (April 7) and are believed to have been travelling together across Wales. The latest confirmed sighting was on Alexandra Road, Aberystwyth, at 12:30pm on Friday (April 11).

It is believed they boarded the T1 bus, which departed the town at 12:36pm.

Isabelle is described as 5ft 3in tall and usually has blonde hair, though she may have dyed it a darker colour. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-lined hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is 6ft 1in tall with short dark brown hair and shaved sides. In the latest sighting, he was wearing a black baseball cap with white markings, dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large black, red, and grey camping backpack.

Both teenagers are believed to have taken spare clothes and camping equipment with them. Police say they may now be wearing different clothing.

Isabelle and Daniel have known connections to Gloucestershire, Merseyside, and North Wales, and their families are growing increasingly concerned for their welfare.

Officers are urging anyone who has seen the pair or has information about their whereabouts to get in touch immediately.

Information can be submitted via the following methods:

🖥️ | Dyfed-Powys Police website
📧 | Email: 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
💬 | Direct message Dyfed-Powys Police on social media
📞 | Call 101 and quote reference 141 of April 7

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