News

Historic King’s speech marks the dawn of a new era

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

A Royal Return After Seven Decades

In a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, this year’s state opening of Parliament is set to make history as King Charles delivers the first King’s Speech in over 70 years. The event, which marks the commencement of a new parliamentary session, will unfold on Tuesday, replete with its age-old customs and grandeur at the Palace of Westminster. This significant development follows the passing of Queen Elizabeth last year and heralds a new chapter in British politics.

The Essence of the King’s Speech

The King’s Speech, a pivotal element of the state opening, unveils the legislative agenda for the forthcoming session. Although the King does not have a direct role in shaping these policies, he reads the agenda on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government. This year, the speech promises a diverse array of reforms, ranging from criminal justice and leasehold changes to smoking regulations and football governance.

Key Points in the King’s Speech

Leasehold Reform: One of the headline reforms set to be announced is the phased-out leasehold system. Housing Minister Rachel Maclean confirmed that this long-awaited reform would prohibit new leasehold houses, making all new homes freehold from the outset. For flats, a reformed commonhold system is on the cards, addressing concerns about transparency and exorbitant charges.

Criminal Justice: The proposed reforms in the criminal justice system include compelling convicted criminals to attend their sentencing, a move welcomed by victims’ families. Additionally, the legislation might reduce short-term prison sentences, promoting community orders for low-risk offenders. Severe penalties for heinous crimes will be mandatory, with exceptions under limited circumstances.

Smoking Regulations: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to introduce a law preventing those under the age of 14 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco, a significant step towards creating a smoke-free generation.

Oil and Gas Licences: In a bid to enhance energy security, the government plans to mandate annual oil and gas licensing in the North Sea. This move, while crucial for energy stability, has sparked concerns among climate activists and opposition parties.

Football Governance: Reforms in football governance might see the establishment of an independent regulator with targeted powers to oversee financial flows from the Premier League down to grassroots levels.

Continuity and Exclusions

While several new bills will be introduced, some bills from the previous session, such as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the Renters (Reform) Bill, will continue their passage. Notably, legislation to ban conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing or suppressing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is not expected to be included, causing disappointment among campaigners and some MPs.

Voices in the Parliament

Alongside King Charles, the Parliament will witness lively debates led by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. These discussions are anticipated to shape the trajectory of the country’s legislative landscape in the coming years.

Crime

Pembrokeshire businessman sentenced for £150,000 Covid loan fraud

Published

10 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Director lied on three loan applications after already receiving funds

A PEMBROKESHIRE businessman who fraudulently claimed £150,000 in Bounce Back Loans during the Covid-19 pandemic has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

ZAHID AFZAL, aged 37, of Albert Street, Haverfordwest, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (June 12) to two years in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

Afzal, the director of mobile phone businesses Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, had already received £52,500 in legitimate Covid loans when he applied for a further three loans—one for Phone Bits and two for Phones Onn—between May and November 2020.

The court heard that Afzal lied on each of the second-round applications, claiming they were the first he had made and exaggerating the turnover of the businesses. Each loan was for £50,000—the maximum permitted under the government-backed Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

The Insolvency Service, which investigated the case, found that the majority of the £150,000 Afzal fraudulently secured was transferred to his personal accounts, in breach of the loan scheme’s conditions.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “It is clear from our investigations that Zahid Afzal felt he could continue to apply time and time again for loans he was not entitled to. His sentencing should serve as a reminder to those contemplating fraudulently pocketing taxpayers’ money to think again.”

Afzal’s companies operated phone shops and kiosks in Carmarthen, Shropshire, Andover, and North Devon. The Insolvency Service confirmed that no wrongdoing was found in relation to the original £20,000 and £32,500 loans he obtained for Phones Onn Ltd and Phone Bits Ltd respectively.

The government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic, offering loans of up to £50,000 at low interest, guaranteed by the Government. Loans were strictly intended for business use only.

The Insolvency Service has confirmed it is now seeking to recover the £150,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Crime

Police investigate ‘threats to kill’ at Milford Haven home

Published

14 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Financial dispute believed to be behind incident on Marble Hall Road

POLICE were called to a property in Milford Haven this week after the occupant reported that people were threatening to kill him.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday (June 11), led to a visible police presence at an address on Marble Hall Road. Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that officers are investigating a report of threats to kill.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a report of threats to kill made at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, on Wednesday 11 June. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The Herald understands the incident may be linked to a financial dispute over money owed, although this has not been officially confirmed by police.

No arrests have been announced at this stage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online or by calling 101.

Crime

Two arrested following affray near Milford Marina

Published

22 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWO people were arrested on Friday evening (June 6) following a disturbance reported on Pill Road in Milford Haven.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers responded to a report of an affray at around 7:45pm. A man aged 30 and a woman aged 28 were arrested near Milford Marina shortly afterwards. Both have since been released on police bail.

Police clarified that, contrary to some rumours circulating locally, no drugs raid took place in connection with the incident.

The Herald understands that the arrests followed a confrontation involving multiple individuals, but police have not released further details, including the identities of those arrested.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police attended to a report of an affray on Pill Road, Milford Haven at around 7.45pm on Friday 6 June. One man, aged 30, and one woman, aged 28, were arrested on suspicion of affray and have been released on police bail.”

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.