News

Keir Starmer unveils six steps to transform Wales

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2024

KEIR STARMER this week (Wed, May 29) launched an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Wales after what he describes as “14 years of failure and decline” under Conservative governments. Joined by Vaughan Gething, First Minister of Wales, and Jo Stevens, Shadow Welsh Secretary, Starmer presented Labour’s six steps for change at a major event in South Wales.

Starmer’s plan promises fundamental changes rather than short-term fixes, with each step fully costed and funded. The Labour leader emphasised that economic stability is the cornerstone of his offer, asserting that this would bring about the most significant transformation after the turbulence of five Prime Ministers in seven years and the economic turmoil attributed to Conservative policies.

Addressing the pressing concern of job security at the Port Talbot steelworks, Starmer reiterated Labour’s commitment to investing in the UK’s steel industry. He also placed Wales at the heart of Labour’s strategy to provide cleaner, cheaper energy, highlighting potential investments in ports like Holyhead, which he visited earlier with Gething and Stevens.

Labour’s six steps for change in Wales include working in collaboration with the Welsh Government to reduce NHS waiting times, recruit new teachers, unlock Wales’s green energy potential, ensure public safety with 13,000 new neighbourhood police, and deliver more teachers to classrooms where they are most needed.

Labour’s Six Steps to Change Wales:

Economic Stability: Implement tough spending rules to grow the economy while keeping taxes, inflation, and mortgages as low as possible.
Reduce NHS Waiting Times: Focus on patients waiting the longest and those in most need, funded by cracking down on tax avoidance and non-dom loopholes.
Border Security Command: Establish a new unit with hundreds of specialist investigators using counter-terror powers to dismantle criminal boat gangs.
Great British Energy: Create a publicly-owned clean power company in partnership with the Welsh Labour Government to reduce bills, enhance energy security, and create jobs, funded by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants.
Combat Antisocial Behaviour: Increase neighbourhood policing, impose tough penalties on offenders, and invest in youth services, funded by ending wasteful contracts.
Recruit New Teachers: Focus on key subjects to prepare children for the future, funded by ending tax breaks for private schools.

Starmer’s Vision for Wales

“This is a chance to vote for a Wales finally free from the impact of Tory chaos and division,” Starmer declared. “These first steps show that a changed UK Labour Party is back in the service of working people in Wales. They show our priorities, what we care about and what the public cares about. Country first, party second.”

Vaughan Gething echoed these sentiments, asserting that July 4th marks a pivotal moment for Wales. “With two Labour governments working in partnership, we can end the churlish Tory war on devolution and back a stronger Welsh economy,” he said. “The UK can once again be led by a Prime Minister and a party that believes in public service and the potential of our communities.”

Starmer and Gething’s joint appearance underscores Labour’s unified approach and commitment to addressing the needs of Wales. The plan aims to rejuvenate the Welsh economy, enhance public services, and create a sustainable future for its citizens.

For continued coverage and updates on this developing story, stay tuned to The Pembrokeshire Herald.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.