The puffin, a beloved seabird and symbol of Pembrokeshire, is caught in a heated dispute over the UK’s post-Brexit fishing rules. Recently, the UK banned fishing for sandeels in the North Sea, the puffin’s main food source. But the European Union (EU) wants this ban lifted, saying it breaks the terms of the UK’s post-Brexit agreement.

Both the UK and EU need to find a solution by Thursday to avoid further problems, like potential sanctions against Britain. Conservationists argue that this is about the UK’s right to decide how to protect wildlife in its own waters.

This is the first time the EU has used its dispute resolution process in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement since Brexit. Wildlife groups across Europe strongly oppose the EU’s demand. Thirty-eight conservation organisations, including the RSPB, ClientEarth, Oceana UK, Birdlife International, and the Marine Conservation Society, support the UK’s ban.

Brexit supporters also back the ban, saying it would have been hard to achieve while the UK was in the EU due to bureaucracy and opposition from other EU countries. David Davis, a former UK Brexit minister, told the BBC that the policy serves both national and global interests, and Brexit allows the UK to make these decisions independently.

Sandeels are small, silvery fish found in large numbers in the North Sea. They are crucial for endangered seabirds, as well as seals, whales, and dolphins. Danish fishing boats are most affected by the ban, catching around 250,000 tonnes of sandeels in UK waters each year for fish oil and animal feed, especially for pigs and farmed salmon.

The RSPB has been calling for a ban on sandeel fishing for over 25 years, warning that sandeels are under pressure due to climate change. Kirsten Carter, RSPB’s head of marine policy, expressed shock at the EU’s challenge, stressing the importance of sandeels for seabird survival.

On the other side, the EU argues that the UK’s ban doesn’t consider the needs of fishing communities or marine ecosystems enough. They say the ban prevents EU fishing vessels from accessing important fishing grounds and goes against the UK’s commitments under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

A spokesperson for the European fishing industry defended their practices, mentioning existing quotas and protected areas. Espen Sverdrup-Jensen, president of the EU Association of Fish Producers, disputed the UK’s ban, saying there’s no scientific evidence linking it to seabird breeding success.

If the UK and EU don’t settle the issue by Thursday, it will go to an arbitration panel. If the panel rules against the UK and the government refuses to comply, Brussels could respond with tariffs or other actions

FRIENDS of a popular nightclub owner and ‘legend’ of Swansea’s DJ scene have described him as a “one in a million” person who would go out of his way to help others. Father-of-four Kai Liu passed away on Wednesday, May 8, at the age of 45.

Mr Liu first immersed himself in the city’s music scene after purchasing a set of DJ decks, which were kept at his friend Greg Pickin’s flat in Morriston. Their passion for music quickly grew from playing vinyl at parties to DJing at iconic Swansea city centre venues such as Quids Inn, The Palace, Escape, and Bar Seven.

He eventually took over the running of PlanB nightclub in Northampton Lane, Swansea, which had previously been known as Crobar and Club Oxygen. Over the years, Mr Liu, who was from Skewen but brought up in Bonymaen, gave opportunities to generations of young and upcoming DJs and was instrumental in bringing some of the biggest names in dance music to the city.

Mr Pickin, 42, who now runs Heaven in Wind Street, Swansea, shared heartfelt memories of his late friend. “We were the best of mates; he was my daughter’s godfather, and we’d speak every other day. We were so close all the way through. We would talk about everything – business, family, holidays, Ibiza. Kai loved Ibiza. We had so much in common. There has been quite a lot of change in the music scene over the last 25 years, and we’d often discuss where we think it’s going. It ran a lot deeper than just being turntable brothers; we were close, but Kai was best friends to everybody.

“The amount of people who would class Kai as one of their best friends – he was just that kind of person, always happy, always smiling, always had time for people. He was very driven, very motivated, very passionate. He was a great dad, a great husband – just a great man. Kai was always there if I needed him. For the last 25 years, we’ve been through everything together, high times, amazing times, low times, just basically what a friendship is. Friends like that mean everything to you. He was a legend within the scene, and I don’t think anyone could deny him that status. If anyone deserved it, it would have been Kai.

“Kai brought through so many people over the years. A lot of DJs around owe their careers to Kai. He was an all-round good guy who was one in a million. He has probably brought through about two or three generations of DJs through the years. He was constantly evolving his team, and the team that he has left now in PlanB are a good bunch of lads, all in their twenties. His role within the Swansea scene has been pivotal. He has consistently been delivering the biggest acts to Swansea for ten to 12 years. He has pretty much held it together over time. There’s a lot Swansea needs to thank Kai for.”

Another of Mr Liu’s friends, CN Williams, described his talent as a DJ as “unparalleled”. He said, “I’ve been struggling to find the words. Kai was more than a friend; he was a true gentleman, an exemplary husband and father, and a pillar of strength for his family. His passion for music was infectious, and his talent as a DJ was unparalleled. Yet, amidst his professional success, he remained grounded, always ready to embrace life’s joys and celebrate with those around him.

“Together, we shared countless memories of late nights at Escape Nightclub, Bar 7, Eden, Moloko, and his own ventures like Warehouse, Oxygen, PlanB, and many more. I’ll forever cherish the memories we created, especially our last meeting at my stag do in Swansea, where Kai insisted on keeping the drinks flowing, as he always did.”

James ‘Slim’ Davies, former resident DJ at the old Rasputins, Wales’ first vodka bar and Swansea’s ‘smallest nightclub’, added, “I have many fond memories of Kai, starting from the days when he used to DJ in Quids Inn. His love of music, his infectious smile. Kai always had a lot of time for everyone. He will be greatly missed in the clubbing scene and beyond.”

Kai Liu’s legacy in the Swansea music scene will be remembered by the many lives he touched and the vibrant musical community he helped build.

RAJ DOMNU, a 27-year-old resident of Scunthorpe, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for his involvement in the theft of items valued at £1,819.53 from Boots the Chemist in Pembroke Dock. The sentence was handed down at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on May 14

Domnu, residing at Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, appeared in court via live link. The court heard that the theft, which occurred on 13th April 2024, involved a significant degree of planning and was carried out as part of a group. CCTV footage presented during the trial revealed Domnu’s leading role in the offence.

Initially convicted on April 22, Domnu’s case was reopened following an application under section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. The original sentence imposed on May 13 was set aside, leading to the reimposition of the 16-week custodial sentence due to the serious nature of the offence.

In addition to the prison term, Domnu has been ordered to pay compensation to Boots the Chemist in the amount of £1,819.53. He is also required to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. The total financial penalties amount to £2,058.53, which Mr. Domnu must pay by 1st July 2024.

Presiding over the case, Magistrates Mr. Roger James Mathias (Chairman), Mr. David Andrew Fawcett, and Mr. Max Shankland emphasised the severity of the crime, citing the premeditated targeting of high-value items and the organised nature of the theft. The court acknowledged Domnu’s guilty plea in determining the sentence.

Attending solicitor Mike Kelleher of Welch and Co represented Domnu during the proceedings. The court confirmed that the defendant is not currently in custody and no bail remand days were to be counted.

This case underscores the commitment of Dyfed Powys Police and the judiciary to address and penalise organised theft activities severely. The magistrates’ decision reflects the importance of deterring such crimes and ensuring justice for affected businesses.