News
Keir Starmer in West Wales on final day of campaigning before the election
LABOUR Leader Keir Starmer received a warm welcome in West Wales today as he visited the newly formed constituency of Caerfyrddin. The visit, which marks a crucial point in his campaign, saw Starmer engaging with local residents and political figures amidst a backdrop of light drizzle, described humorously by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething as “liquid sunshine.”
Starmer’s visit commenced at a converted barn, now functioning as a wedding venue outside Carmarthen. Despite the weather, the atmosphere was one of optimism and enthusiasm. Starmer was accompanied by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, highlighting the strong collaboration between the national and local branches of the Labour Party.
Martha O’Niel, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Caerfyrddin, expressed her delight at Starmer’s visit. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Keir to Whitland, in the brand new constituency of Caerfyrddin,” she said. “We need a fresh start and a strong voice to work with a potential UK Labour Government for the people of Caerfyrddin. Mae’n bryd am newid (It’s time for change).”
Local Labour councillor Scott Emanuel also shared his optimism. “It was a pleasure to spend the morning listening to Keir Starmer in Carmarthen. Let’s hope he’s Prime Minister come Friday,” Emanuel remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many local supporters.
The visit is seen as a significant move by Starmer, who is making his final campaign efforts in Plaid Cymru territory. Matt Dathan, a journalist from The Times, noted the strategic importance of Starmer’s presence in the region, describing it as a “final day of campaigning in Plaid Cymru territory in Carmarthen.”
The Times’ Political correspondent Chris McKeon, who has been closely following the campaign, captured the essence of the day. “Here we are then, the last day, which Keir Starmer kicks off at a wedding venue outside Carmarthen. It is drizzling, though Starmer says Vaughan Gething has assured him it is really just ‘liquid sunshine’,” he reported on X, formerly Twitter.
As the campaign draws to a close, Starmer’s visit to West Wales underscores Labour’s commitment to engaging with local communities and addressing regional issues. The Labour leader’s focus on areas like Caerfyrddin highlights the party’s strategy to broaden its appeal and strengthen its presence across Wales.
Herald.Wales will continue to provide updates as the campaign progresses and election results come in.
Commenting on Keir Starmer’s visit, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives told Herald.Wales: “Let Keir Starmer’s visit to Wales today act as a stark warning to the whole UK; don’t unleash his blueprint on Britain.
“The only change Labour has offered Wales is the worst outcomes in the UK for every public service metric from waiting times to educational outcomes.
“I hope Keir Starmer has packed a clothes peg to mask the smell of the Withyhedge landfill site, causing untold misery for Pembrokeshire residents, neglected by Vaughan Gething’s Labour Welsh Government.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
-
Business3 days ago
Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow