News

MP backs local independent beer with ‘Make it 20% pledge’

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2024

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has backed a campaign to support independent brewers and community pubs in Pembrokeshire in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.

Stephen Crabb MP supported a Parliamentary event this week calling for the Chancellor to Make it 20% and increase the Draught Relief to 20% in his Budget on 6 March.

Introduced last year, the Draught Relief allows a lower rate of alcohol duty to apply to beer that’s sold in pubs rather than in supermarkets. Currently the Draught Relief is set at 9.2%, but a more substantial 20% rate could encourage more people to support their local community pubs by making sure tax on draught beer is 20% lower than the general rate of duty on the likes of supermarket alcohol.

This campaign comes as the sector continues to face intense pressure from energy prices and cost increases with hundreds of pubs being forced to close last year.

The event was organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB) and enabled Members of Parliament to engage with the views of local brewers and industry specialists to discuss the way that the government taxes beer.

At the Autumn Statement last year the Chancellor decided to freeze beer duty until 1 August. This means he’s due to make a decision on beer duty from the summer in his Spring Budget.

Stephen Crabb MP commented:

“Our independent Pembrokeshire breweries like Bluestone Brewing Company, Old Farm House Brewery and Harbwr Brewery, and local pubs are a key part of the community. I’m proud of the contribution they make to the local economy in Pembrokeshire. At a time when the brewing and pub sector is under enormous pressure it is right that the Government considers what it can do to help and increasing Draught Relief to 20% would give it the boost it needs. This is why I’m supporting the Make It 20% campaign and calling on the Chancellor to consider increasing the Draught Relief in his Budget in March.”

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA commented:

“I’m grateful to MPs for supporting local independent brewers and giving their backing to the Make It 20% campaign. The Draught Relief has been a gamechanger for the brewing and pubs sector allowing draught beer destined for the pub to have a lower rate of duty than beer sold elsewhere and there is already tentative evidence that it is working to revive draught beer in pubs. We hope that the Chancellor will look at increasing this to 20% in his Budget next month.”

Tom Stainer, Chief Executive of CAMRA, added:

“We know that pubs are at the heart of communities across Preseli Pembrokeshire, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. CAMRA members will be delighted that Stephen Crabb is working to make sure that consumers, pubs and local breweries get the support they need to survive and thrive.”

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

22 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.