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General Election 2024: What the west Wales candidates say

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CANDIDATES for July 4’s General Election have responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement.

After constituency boundaries were redrawn, Pembrokeshire was divided between two new seats, Mid & South Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Preseli.

STEPHEN CRABB MP, the Conservative Candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said: “As a local man who lives and was raised in the heart of Pembrokeshire, I’m committed to providing a strong voice for our County. I understand the needs of our community and have a trusted track record of speaking up for Pembrokeshire. 

“I bring experience and a record of delivering on our County’s priorities. I always put the interests of Pembrokeshire first.

“I’ve worked hard to secure the Celtic Freeport, which will bring new investment and jobs to the area. I improved Broadband, delivered new Levelling Up money to improve our town centres, and boosted the number of police officers to keep our communities safer.

Mr Crabb continued: “Defending Withybush Hospital and local health services against Welsh Labour cuts will always remain a top priority.

“I am the only candidate in this election who has fought against Vaughan Gething’s Withyhedge landfill scandal, which has ruined the quality of life of thousands of Pembrokeshire people. This election is an opportunity for local people to send a message to Welsh Labour that Pembrokeshire must not be turned into a dumping ground.

Stephen Crabb concluded: “The new boundaries mean the seat now includes South Pembrokeshire. I’ve worked with many of the businesses there during my time as a Pembrokeshire MP, and I know the community well. But I look forward to speaking to many more people across the new constituency as I get out and about during the campaign.

“I look forward to showing people over the next 6 weeks why they can trust me with their vote and rely on me to work hard for Pembrokeshire. It’s been an honour and privilege to care and campaign for my home county for the past 19 years – I look forward to continuing this work.”

HENRY TUFNELL, the Labour candidate for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, said: “Today presents an opportunity for the people of Mid & South Pembrokeshire to have their say. 

“They can choose between more of the same of the last fourteen years: scandal, sleaze, economic mismanagement and falling living standards, or a changed Labour Party that will deliver for them.

“I want a fresh start for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, to be a strong voice to stand up for residents and to work hard for them. 

“With a UK Labour Government working hand in hand with our Welsh Government, the people of Pembrokeshire will be better off.”

BEN LAKE MP, Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, said: “It is an honour to stand as the representative for the new seat of Ceredigion Preseli. 

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Ceredigion for the past seven years, during which I have done my utmost to fight their cause, striving every day to improve the lives of the people I am honoured to serve. 

“I hope to be re-elected as your Member of Parliament on July 4 and will work tirelessly to champion the issues that matter most to you. Whether that’s investing in our public services, safeguarding our NHS, or boosting our local economy for the benefit of our communities.”

Ben Lake concluded: “I will be your champion at Westminster, and I am confident that together we can build a stronger, more sustainable, and prosperous Ceredigion Preseli to enable future generations to thrive.”

ALED THOMAS, the Conservative candidate for the new seat, said: “It’s an honour of a lifetime to represent residents in North Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as the Welsh Conservative Candidate for Ceredigion Preseli.

“Now that the starting gun has officially been fired, I’m ready to continue spreading positive messages across the constituency about what has been achieved under a Conservative UK government, including getting the economy growing, the furlough scheme, gigabit internet rollout, national insurance tax cuts, legalising same-sex marriage and establishing the Celtic Freeport, just to name a few.

Mr Thomas continued: “Rural communities across our constituency need stability. 

“The uncertainty Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Labour Government have inflicted on Welsh farmers is unforgivable.

“As a young farmer, I feel the same pain our rural communities feel. I will always fight for farmers and wider rural communities. I know that the Welsh Conservatives share that same value.”

Aled Thomas concluded: “Conservatives also have a strong record in education, and now more than ever, I will be the only voice that speaks up for a generation of children in Ceredigion Preseli, where Labour’s current curriculum for Wales and the Plaid Cymru-run County Council are letting a generation of school children down.”

Labour’s candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, JACKIE JONES, said: “Fourteen years of Conservative government in Westminster has left families in Ceredigion Preseli worse off. Plaid Cymru won’t be able to provide solutions to the problems the UK faces.

“I’m campaigning for a fresh start for Ceredigion Preseli with a Labour Government. A thriving local economy, a modernised NHS, and opportunities for all, no matter your background. There is an alternative to Conservative chaos and Plaid powerlessness.” 

Echoing Henry Tufnell’s words, Ms Jones pledged to work with the Labour government in Cardiff Bay: “A UK Labour Government, working with our Welsh Labour Government, will deliver for communities across Wales.”

News

Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby

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POLICE in Narberth are appealing for information after a disturbing incident on Kiln Park Road on November 6.

A mother and her baby were walking along the road when a foam bullet was fired at them from a Nerf gun.

The projectile struck the baby.

According to the mother, a dark blue hatchback car pulled up beside them before the gun was fired. The vehicle then sped off, heading either toward Narberth town or the Pemblewin roundabout.

The incident occurred just before 5:45pm.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the following details:

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News

Pembrokeshire celebrates 60% Gigabit capable connectivity milestone

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GIGABIT Capable broadband is now in place for more than half of the county with aspirations from Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme for the county to be fully connected to better broadband.

Pembrokeshire County Council said it is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey to better broadband. 60% of homes and businesses in the county can now access full fibre broadband compared to 5% in 2019.

This achievement is the culmination of a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including Alternative Network providers (AltNets) Ogi, Voneus, Dragon Wifi as well as Openreach and dedicated local authority’s Digital Champions, who have continuously engaged with communities to ensure they are aware of the benefits of being better connected and the ways in which they can make that happen. 

Funded by Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, the Digital Champions in place at Pembrokeshire County Council are continuing to assess the needs of people locally and advise on the options available to them to help improve their broadband. This paired with the strong relationships being built with infrastructure supplier and mobile network operators, means that Pembrokeshire is well placed to see further increases to this milestone in the very near future.

Cllr Paul Miller: Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Thanks to the hard work of all the stakeholders and this local authority’s Digital Champions, we’re thrilled to see Pembrokeshire reach 60 per cent broadband coverage.

“This is a testament to their dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring all our residents have access to the critical tools they need to succeed in today’s economy. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to supporting this type of innovative programmes, and I look forward to seeing Pembrokeshire reach even greater levels of connectivity.”

Looking at the broader picture, Pembrokeshire’s digital team have been working closely with the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and the Welsh Government on funding streams, helping facilitate a high level of support for digital infrastructure projects, whilst empowering communities to actively advocate for improved connectivity in their areas. 

Much of the behind the scenes work within Pembrokeshire County Council has also been an integral part of reaching this milestone, with close working relationships with supportive community and county councillors, planning, infrastructure, highways departments within Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority all contributing to the successful delivery of projects.

Pembrokeshire’s rural communities and towns, including the county town of Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard, have benefited immensely from these efforts, with the county’s journey towards digital inclusion being far from over. But reaching the 60% gigabit capable milestone marks a significant step forward in realising the vision of a connected and prosperous future for the region.

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Climate

Keir Starmer ‘spotted’ in Cardigan for climate action

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SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.

‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.

Slow progress at COP29

Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:

“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.

“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”

Wales urged to lead the way

Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:

“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”

The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.

‘Strong support’ in Cardigan

The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.

A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:

“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”

The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.

(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)

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