News

Election hustings cancelled after just two candidates able to attend

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PALESTINE support group-organised general elections hustings saw only four of Ceredigion’s seven candidates offering to attend, and just two able to do so on the day.

Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, with Heddwch Ar Waith, had organised the June 25 hustings to take place at Cardigan Guildhall, saying: “This General Election has been called at a moment when Palestinians are confronting the darkest moment in their struggle for liberation. Climate concerns, war in Europe, and the more than 100 armed conflicts across the world further endanger global stability and our economy.

“These are core electoral concerns for many Ceredigion Preseli constituents.

“This hustings is an opportunity for you to put your questions on these core issues to our General Election candidates.”

With a July 4 date set for the general election, candidates for the new Ceredigion Preseli seat are: Ben Lake for Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat Mark Williams, Welsh Labour’s Jackie Jones, Conservative Aled Thomas, Tomos Barlow for the Green Party, Karl Robert Pollard for Reform UK, and Taghrid Al-Mawed for the Workers Party of Britain.

The hustings, saw just four of the seven confirmed candidates agreeing to attend: Taghrid Al-Mawed, Ben Lake, Tomos Barlow, and Mark Williams.

On the eve of the meeting, this was reduced down to Mr Barlow and Mr Lake, with the other two candidates unable to attend, for work and health reasons, leading to it being cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Dinah Mulholland, chair of Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a former Labour general election candidate, said the decision was taken not to hold a hustings after the number of candidates was reduced to two.

“The whole issue of Palestine has been completely wiped off the news during the election; nearly all the candidates are avoiding the issue,” said Dinah, adding: “Local democracy has been undermined over this.”

She added: “I really would’ve liked to have done something, even if it was recorded answers with the candidates.

“There’s such a strong history here [in Ceredigion] of radical movements, they’ve got a really strong radical base; all of these people are the same people who have an innate support for the Palestinians. These voters are not hearing any debate about this issue, and not hearing the candidates’ views.

“When I was candidate in 2017 and 2019 I would attend every hustings, that’s what you do here, you go to all the hustings, it’s a really valuable way for people to get to know you and see you under pressure.

“If you can’t cope with the hustings you can’t cope with Westminster.”

News

Cleddau Bridge closed to all traffic over concerns for man’s welfare

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE was closed to traffic on Saturday (Jun 29) after police were called over concerns for an individual.

An RNLI lifeboat from Angle Lifeboat Station as well as a local coastguard rescue team were also called out to standby.

The bridge remained closed between around 6.30pm and 8.30pm whilst crews dealt with the incident.

The emergency services have been asked for a comment.

News

Labour rallies support in Mid and South Pembrokeshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

LABOUR PARTY activists gathered at Pennar Hall, Pembroke Dock, to rally behind their candidate, Henry Tufnell, for the upcoming general election. The event, marked by cheering and the waving of red placards, highlighted what the party says is Labour’s commitment to change.

A notable attendee was the controversial First Minister, Vaughan Gething, who has recently faced backlash for accepting donations totalling £200,000 from a convicted criminal.

Tufnell has called the persistence of noxious odours from a landfill site owned by the convicted polluter who donated £200,000 to Vaughan Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership campaign “completely unacceptable” and deeply worrying for residents.

Further controversy erupted when he was accused of lying to the UK Covid Inquiry and deleting messages to avoid disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the donor, David Neal, is under scrutiny for potential environmental law violations and tax evasion related to waste disposal at the Withyhedge landfill near Haverfordwest, stirring local discontent due to noxious odours affecting the community.

Vaughan Gething’s presence, especially given the landfill’s proximity, raises questions about whether his involvement will help or hinder Tufnell’s campaign.

Later today (Sunday, Jun 30) Welsh Labour’s Deputy Leader, Carolyn Harris, will bring the Labour Battle Bus to Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

This visit aims to further energise the local base and attract undecided voters, underscoring Labour’s dedication to securing a win in this key constituency.

As the campaign heads into its final days, Tufnell and his team are hopeful, emphasising the need for fresh leadership in the region. However, the controversies surrounding Gething may influence local perceptions, and the overall impact on the election remains to be seen.

Although Labour are leading in the polls in Wales, they are not taking any chances here in Pembrokeshire. The arrival of the battle bus later today shows that the fight is still on between Tufnell and Crabb.

Community

Council issues Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme reminder

Published

9 hours ago

June 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have issued a reminder today that the Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme starts on Monday, July 1st to Friday, September 13th.
The Walled Town is pedestrianised and traffic movements restricted between 11am and 5.30pm each day.
The council said: “Drivers are kindly requested to plan their journeys in advance to keep the Walled Town a traffic free zone during these times.”