News
Three Bank Holiday shouts for Angle RNLI volunteers
THE Angle All-Weather Lifeboat sprang into action once again, answering its third call over the Bank Holiday weekend. The urgent summons came at 10:34 am on Sunday morning, triggered by a distressing 999 call from a dive vessel. The vessel reported an injured diver on board, who had taken a fall while entering the water, resulting in suspected broken ribs.
Responding promptly, the lifeboat set sail, swiftly navigating to the distressed vessel stationed near the Dakotian buoy in Dale, a popular diving locale. Concurrently, the Milford Haven Harbour Patrol vessel and another dive boat mobilised to aid the operation. Fortunately, before the lifeboat’s arrival, reports confirmed that the injured diver had been safely recovered by another dive vessel.
Upon arrival, two skilled crew members with expertise in casualty care were deployed onto the dive vessel to assess and administer aid to the injured diver. Following a thorough assessment, the casualty was provided with oxygen and wrapped in blankets to stave off the chill.
Once stabilised, the casualty was carefully transferred onto the lifeboat and transported to the Port Authority jetty, where the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and a paramedic awaited their arrival, poised to continue the medical assessment. Subsequently, upon deeming the casualty fit for transfer, the paramedic assumed responsibility and conveyed the individual to the hospital for further treatment.
With the successful completion of the rescue mission, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to base.
However, as the lifeboat was nearing its station, the crew intercepted a distress call, a Mayday, emanating from a vessel in need. Responding swiftly, the lifeboat diverted its course to assist once more.
Upon reaching the designated area near the outer pontoon at Dale, it was confirmed that a local dive vessel had already rendered assistance, preventing the yacht from drifting into peril. Investigation revealed that the yacht had encountered mechanical issues, including an overheating engine and a malfunctioning electric windlass, prompting the distress call to the coastguard.
Efficiently, a tow was arranged, and the troubled yacht was safely escorted to Milford Marina, where it found refuge alongside the lock pits pontoon approximately an hour later. With the situation resolved, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to station, ready to respond to any subsequent emergencies.
Early this morning, at 12:24 am, the crew received a direct page from the Coastguard, summoning their assistance for a person in distress in the waters off Haverfordwest. Both the Dale and Broad Haven Coastguard Rescue Teams were also mobilised to aid in the operation.
However, just as the crew was preparing to launch, the mission was called off as the person in distress was successfully rescued from the water.
News
Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street
FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub. Several fire engines are at the scene, and it is understood that the fire is under control.
Police have cordoned off the area and are urging the public to avoid the vicinity until further notice.
The Bristol Trader, a well-known riverside pub in Haverfordwest, has been a staple in the community for years, drawing locals and visitors alike. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no injuries have been reported at this stage.
(Pic: Matthew Forest/Facebook)
News
Pure West Radio to launch on DAB tomorrow
PURE WEST RADIO says it is thrilled to announce the launch of its DAB broadcasting on both the North Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire multiplexes, set for Thursday, November 7, 2024. This exciting milestone allows the station to deliver its much-loved local programming to an even wider audience, reaching new listeners across Pembrokeshire in high-quality digital audio.Since its inception, Pure West Radio has remained dedicated to serving Pembrokeshire’s communities by broadcasting local news, music, and cultural programming tailored to the region.
With the move to DAB, the station aims to amplify its commitment to providing a voice for Pembrokeshire’s residents, businesses, and events in crystal-clear sound, 24 hours a day.
“Launching on DAB marks an important chapter in Pure West Radio’s journey,” says Toby Ellis, Station Manager. “Our goal has always been to keep Pembrokeshire connected and bring our communities closer together.
Expanding to DAB allows us to reach new listeners across the county and provide them with the local stories, news, and music they love.”
Listeners can tune into Pure West Radio on the North Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire DAB multiplexes starting November 7th. The station will be celebrating the launch day with a special lineup of programs, featuring live interviews, local music, and exclusive content to mark this significant occasion.
Pure West Radio invites everyone across Pembrokeshire to join the celebration, tune in on DAB, and continue supporting local radio. For more information, visit Pure West Radio’s website or follow us on social media.
Business
Why experts think Trump’s win will be blow to UK economy and your wallet
DONALD TRUMP’S return to the US presidency casts an uncertain shadow over the UK, potentially leading to economic shocks that could burden British households with higher costs, lower growth, and less job security. His policy unpredictability and “America First” doctrine spell challenges for UK businesses, while his strong-willed approach to trade and foreign policy could drive a wedge between the two countries.
TRADE TENSIONS COULD COST UK EXPORTERS
Trump’s protectionist stance has reignited concerns about tariffs, which could cut deep into the UK economy. The US is Britain’s largest export market, receiving around 25% of all UK-manufactured exports. Proposed tariffs of up to 10% on imports to the US would affect major British exporters such as Rolls Royce and BAE Systems, impacting an estimated £56 billion in trade. If enacted, such tariffs could push costs higher, threatening thousands of jobs in sectors dependent on American demand.
A STRAINED UK-US RELATIONSHIP
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have made diplomatic overtures to Trump, attending dinners and working closely with Trump’s allies, challenges in the relationship remain evident. Starmer’s reserved style contrasts with Trump’s brash manner, raising questions about how compatible their leadership styles are. This uncertainty, highlighted by one diplomat’s remark that Trump “doesn’t give a stuff” about UK relations, suggests a bumpy road ahead.
Diplomats have tirelessly built relationships with Trump’s inner circle, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump’s likely national security adviser, Elbridge Colby. However, Trump’s mercurial nature, marked by unpredictable social media outbursts and contentious negotiations, may test these connections. As Lammy put it, relations with Trump are likely to be “bumpy, noisy, and transactional.”
ECONOMIC FALLOUT AND SLOWER GROWTH
The potential for UK economic slowdown under Trump’s policies is profound. Economists from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) predict UK growth will be halved if Trump enforces his proposed tariffs. Without tariffs, the UK could expect moderate growth of around 1.2% next year; however, this figure could drop as low as 0.4% should the trade restrictions come into force. Coupled with rising inflation, this could lead to diminished purchasing power for households already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.
CURRENCY VOLATILITY AND JOB THREATS
Trump’s victory has already weakened the pound, with the GBP/USD exchange rate falling sharply as results came in. Investors are wary of increased tariffs and Trump’s isolationist policies, both of which could stoke currency volatility and strain the UK economy. A weakened pound also drives up the cost of imports, which affects consumers directly through higher prices for everyday goods.
The potential loss of thousands of jobs in sectors heavily reliant on US trade adds to the bleak outlook. Automotive manufacturing, for instance, could be heavily impacted by Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on imported cars. Companies like Jaguar Land Rover, whose Land Rover Defender was one of the UK’s top exports to the US, may face cutbacks if tariffs make exports uncompetitive.
UNCERTAIN INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT
The UK’s global-facing stock market may also suffer. Companies in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250, which derive significant profits from international operations, could experience volatility as Trump’s policies introduce uncertainty into transatlantic trade. Such uncertainty could lead investors to shy away from the UK market, diminishing capital inflows and further affecting economic growth.
SHIFTS IN GLOBAL PRIORITIES
Beyond economic pressures, Trump’s foreign policy outlook could exacerbate the UK’s security challenges. Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and emphasis on Asia over Europe may leave European allies, including the UK, less confident about US support for initiatives like defending Ukraine. While the UK has publicly aligned with Trump’s view that Europe should shoulder more of its defense costs, there are fears that a US pivot to Asia could weaken the cohesion of NATO and reduce military backing for Europe.
Lammy has attempted to foster an understanding of Trump’s instincts, acknowledging his focus on American interests and recognition of Asia’s growing influence. However, as the UK looks toward cooperation on issues like Ukraine, this alignment may prove insufficient in securing the support needed to address shared security concerns.
BRITISH FAMILIES TO SHOULDER THE COST
For British families, the impact of a Trump presidency could hit close to home. With increased tariffs potentially driving up inflation by 3-4%, the Bank of England may feel compelled to raise interest rates by as much as 2-3% in response. For households already feeling the pinch from rising prices, this could lead to higher mortgage costs, increased borrowing rates, and a tougher job market, further squeezing living standards.
Though the UK government has prepared for Trump’s return, the effectiveness of these plans remains to be seen. As Britain braces for another unpredictable chapter with Trump at the helm, citizens may face a “bumpy, noisy, and transactional” relationship that could reshape the economy, impacting everything from job security to the prices at the supermarket.
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