News

Polls reveal political opinion divides across Pembrokeshire, and UK

Published

2 years ago

June 20, 2024

A NEW poll has revealed significant regional disparities in political engagement and trust across the UK, with a particular focus on Wales. The survey, conducted by Times Radio, and which sampled over 4,000 adults, highlights a growing disconnect between national politicians and local communities as the nation approaches the 2024 General Election.

Londoners emerged as the most politically informed group, with 67% of respondents feeling well-informed about national politics. The capital also boasts the highest proportion of residents considering a career in politics, with 9% willing to become MPs. This contrasts sharply with the West Midlands, where only 4% share this aspiration.

An overwhelming 73% of UK respondents believe Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party fail to grasp local political issues. Labour leader Keir Starmer fares slightly better, but still, 57% feel he is out of touch with local concerns. In the North East, distrust in Sunak’s understanding of local issues peaks at 86%, while 69% in the East Midlands share this sentiment.

The survey revealed that 61% of the British public feel well-informed about national politics. Londoners (67%) and residents of Yorkshire and the Humber (62%) feel the best informed, contrasting sharply with the East Midlands, where only 53% feel similarly knowledgeable.

A notable 39% of respondents believe they could perform better than current politicians. Men are more likely than women to consider entering politics, with 10% of men versus 3% of women contemplating a run for MP. The survey also found that 10% of respondents would consider running for local office.

The survey identified the top challenges for politicians, with 47% of respondents citing the responsibility of making impactful decisions as the greatest burden. Additionally, 35% mentioned facing abuse, and 28% highlighted the difficulty of making ethical decisions. A small minority (17%) believe there are no real challenges in political leadership.

Focusing on Wales, a significant 38% of respondents believe they could personally do a better job than most current politicians. This sentiment reflects a high level of political discontent and a desire for change. When it comes to understanding Welsh political issues, respondents in Wales have double the confidence in Keir Starmer and the Labour Party (24%) over Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party (12%). The majority of Welsh people feel well-informed about UK politics (61%) and over a third (39%) feel well-informed about Welsh politics. 40% of Welsh people said they often discuss political issues with friends and family.

The upcoming general election for the newly established Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat is expected to be closely contested. Currently, the main candidates are Stephen Crabb for the Conservatives, Henry Tufnell for Labour, and Alistair Cameron for the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Polling data suggests a potential narrow victory for Labour, with YouGov’s model indicating that Labour might secure 42.6% of the vote compared to 33.4% for the Conservatives. This prediction aligns with broader trends and demographic analyses suggesting a shift towards Labour in this new constituency.

The new boundaries combine areas from the former Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire seats, potentially altering traditional voting patterns. Historical voting data from the areas incorporated into this new constituency show mixed support, with some wards previously leaning Conservative but now predicted to favour Labour. Given these factors, Labour appears to have a slight edge, but the race remains competitive and subject to change as the election approaches.

These findings underscore the complexities and demands of political leadership in the current climate, as well as the disconnect with local communities.

The full survey results, conducted by YouGov Plc, involved 4,092 adults between 31st May and 4th June 2024. For more details on the findings, visit Times Radio.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).