News
Pembrokeshire First Division: Stunning upsets and tight battles define latest round
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THIS WEEK in the Pembrokeshire First Division, the latest set of matches delivered shocking upsets, crucial victories, and significant ramifications for the title race and relegation battle. The round saw league leaders Neyland suffer a jaw-dropping defeat, while Carew capitalised to keep their title hopes alive. Here’s a closer look at the action.
Tish shock Neyland in a huge win
Tish delivered one of the most astonishing results of the season by thrashing the reigning champions and league leaders, Neyland, by a staggering 70 runs. In a low-scoring affair, Tish were bowled out for just 101, with Tom Williams (15), Phil Llewellin (14), and Andrew Pawlett (15) the only batsmen reaching double figures. Despite their modest total, Tish’s bowlers produced a masterclass, skittling Neyland for a meager 31 runs. Andrew Pawlett had a day to remember as he took 6-14 and was simply unplayable. While Williams took two wickets without conceding a run to ensure a memorable victory for the village.
This result is a significant blow to Neyland, who have appeared invincible for much of the season. With Carew breathing down their necks, the pressure on the champions is beginning to show.
Carew crush Llangwm to maintain title pressure
Carew continued their relentless pursuit of Neyland with a resounding 209-run victory over Llangwm. Carew’s batsmen were in fine form, posting an imposing total of 285 for 7. Rhys Davies led the charge with a superb 57, while Tim Hicks (71) and Adam Chandler (33) provided solid support. Llangwm’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Dom Asson (2-24) the only bowler to emerge with respectable figures.
In response, Llangwm collapsed under the weight of the chase, being bowled out for just 76. George Waters was the star with the ball, claiming remarkable figures of 5 for 6. This dominant victory ensures Carew remains hot on Neyland’s heels as the title race heats up.
Narberth edge Haverfordwest in relegation clash
In a crucial relegation battle, Narberth secured a vital two-wicket win over Haverfordwest, who now find themselves staring down the barrel of relegation. Haverfordwest managed a modest 115 all out, with Paul Tough (39) and Adam James (20) making notable contributions. However, Narberth’s bowlers, particularly Matthew Johns (4-5) and Loui Davies (4-28), kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Narberth’s chase was far from straightforward, as Haverfordwest’s bowlers fought hard, with Clive Tucker (3-29) and Chris Phillips (2-17) causing problems. But a composed 43 from Ben Quartermaine and a steady 17 not out from Johns guided Narberth to 119 for 8, securing a tense victory that significantly boosts their survival chances.
Whitland triumph in high-scoring contest against Lawrenny
Whitland emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair against Lawrenny, winning by 14 runs. Whitland posted a competitive 182 for 8, with Jonathan Thomas (50) and Geraint Jones (43) leading the charge. Lawrenny’s Geraint Jones (4-41) bowled impressively but couldn’t prevent Whitland from reaching a challenging total.
In response, Lawrenny made a spirited effort, with Will Nicholas leading the chase as he made 64. However bowlers Jones, Thomas and Newton shared 8 wickets between them and were instrumental in sealing the win for Whitland, who remain comfortably mid table.
Saundersfoot snatch victory in a Nail-Biter against Cresselly
In a match that went down to the wire, Saundersfoot secured a thrilling two-wicket win over Cresselly. Cresselly were bowled out for 130, with Tom Murphy (30) and Alax Bayley (20) the main contributors. John Mansbridge was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 5 for 19.
Saundersfoot’s chase was a tense affair, with wickets falling regularly. However, vital contributions from Gareth Edwards (31) and Danny Caine (20) saw them scrape home with 131 for 8. Charlie Arthur (4-20) led a valiant bowling effort for Cresselly, but Saundersfoot’s lower order held their nerve to claim the win.
These results have left the league table finely poised. Neyland’s shock defeat opens the door for Carew, who are now within striking distance of the top spot. At the other end, Narberth’s crucial win over Haverfordwest has kept them in with a chance of avoiding the drop. Haverfordwest join Narberth in the drop zone currently, with Tish and Llangwm the two teams who are catchable realistically.
With just a few matches remaining, the Pembrokeshire First Division promises more drama as the battle for the title and the fight for survival continue to intensify.
News
Pembrokeshire’s new MP votes to cut the Winter Fuel Payment
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MPs have voted to drastically reduce the winter fuel payment, restricting it to only the country’s poorest pensioners. A Conservative-led motion to block the measure was defeated in the House of Commons by 348 votes to 228, giving the Labour government a majority of 120 on the issue.
New Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell obeyed the Labour Party whips, and voted against the motion, and therefore in favour of scrapping winter fuel payment for the majority of pensioners.
Despite Labour’s commanding majority of 167 in the Commons, the decision was not without dissent within the party. Labour MP Jon Trickett was the only member of his party to support the Conservative motion, while 52 other Labour MPs were absent from the vote. However, this absence does not necessarily indicate an abstention, as some may have been granted permission to miss the session.
The decision sparked outrage in the chamber, with shouts of “shame” echoing through the House of Commons after the results were announced. The cut to the winter fuel allowance will see payments limited to those pensioners claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits, where previously anyone over 66 was eligible. This change is expected to reduce the number of recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving the government £1.4bn this year.
The decision comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves attempts to address a £22bn shortfall in public finances. The cuts to the winter fuel payment were first announced in July, alongside other measures aimed at filling the budgetary gap. However, the move has attracted criticism from across the political spectrum, with charities, opposition MPs, and even members of the Labour Party calling for a rethink.
Trickett, a former shadow cabinet minister under Jeremy Corbyn, expressed concern over the policy, stating that it could drive more pensioners into poverty. “This winter will be extremely difficult for my constituents of all ages,” Trickett said on social media. “Pensioner poverty can be a matter of life and death.” He added that after years of profiteering by energy companies, higher bills would leave pensioners with “a heart-breaking choice between heating and eating this winter.”
Other Labour MPs have also voiced their concerns. Rachel Maskell warned that pensioners would be “frightened” to turn on their lights, fearing they would not be able to afford their bills. Debbie Abrahams criticised the policy, though ultimately voted with the government.
Despite Trickett’s rebellion, which may see him suspended for defying a three-line whip, Labour’s leadership remains firm on the decision. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the cut at the TUC conference in Brighton, stating that economic stability was essential for working people and that the government owed them “respect.”
Conservative criticism of the policy has been equally fierce. Mel Stride, the Tory shadow pensions secretary, called the decision “absurd” and warned it would cause “untold hardship to millions.” He accused the Labour government of rushing the measure through without proper scrutiny or an impact assessment, suggesting it was politically motivated.
Labour ministers have pointed to their commitment to the triple lock on state pensions, which guarantees an annual rise by inflation, wage increases, or 2.5%, as evidence of their ongoing support for pensioners. Chancellor Reeves wrote earlier this week that maintaining the triple lock would increase state pensions by £1,700 by 2029.
As the winter approaches, the effects of the cut will be keenly felt by millions of pensioners who were previously eligible for the fuel payment. The debate over how best to support those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis is likely to continue, with both sides of the political aisle weighing the costs and benefits of the government’s approach.
Crime
BBC in talks to reclaim £200,000 from disgraced presenter Huw Edwards
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THE BBC’s Director-General, Tim Davie, has confirmed that discussions are under way regarding the potential recovery of £200,000 from disgraced former news presenter Huw Edwards. Despite the request, Edwards, from Carmarthenshire has yet to return the money. The BBC is seeking to claw back the salary Edwards continued to receive after being arrested last November on charges related to indecent images of children.
Speaking before the House of Lords communications and digital committee on Tuesday, Mr Davie stated: “We’ve made the formal request, and I can’t go into too much detail, but discussions are under way. The money should be returned, and we have made the request.”
When pressed by the committee’s chair, Baroness Stowell, on whether a deadline had been set for Edwards, Mr Davie confirmed no formal timeline had been imposed. “But we do expect to make progress and get an answer,” he added.
The BBC first made the request for repayment in August, following Edwards’ suspension in July 2023 and subsequent arrest in November on three counts of making indecent images of children. The corporation has indicated that legal avenues may be explored to recover the money, though Mr Davie acknowledged the difficulty of such an approach.
Edwards, once one of the BBC’s most prominent newsreaders, continued to draw his salary for five months after his arrest. He did not resign from his role at the BBC until April 2024, following his guilty plea to the charges.
In a letter to staff, BBC Chair Samir Shah condemned Edwards’ actions, stating that the former presenter had “behaved in bad faith” by continuing to accept his salary despite his criminal activities. “What Huw Edwards did damaged the reputation of the BBC,” Mr Shah remarked during the committee session. “It was a shock to find he was charged and had lived this double life. The person who betrayed the trust of the nation was Huw Edwards.”
The committee session also touched upon broader concerns regarding the BBC’s independence from government influence. Mr Shah expressed his belief that the government’s leverage over the corporation had damaged its global reputation in recent years. He argued that the BBC should aim to reduce this influence and instead focus its accountability on the public and licence fee payers.
“The BBC’s 14-strong board includes five non-executive directors appointed by the government. I’m not sure that’s the right balance, and I think we should think again about it,” said Mr Shah, reflecting on the influence exerted by government-appointed members.
Mr Shah’s comments come in the wake of previous controversies surrounding the BBC’s leadership. Richard Sharp, Mr Shah’s predecessor as chair, resigned in 2023 after a report criticised his failure to fully disclose his involvement in Boris Johnson’s personal financial dealings. Although Mr Sharp defended his actions, he ultimately stepped down to avoid being a distraction.
Additionally, former Downing Street head of communications, Sir Robbie Gibb, faced accusations of editorial interference after joining the BBC board in 2021.
Mr Shah also raised concerns about the BBC’s funding structure, particularly the impact of government-imposed duties. He highlighted the corporation’s responsibility for funding the World Service, which was transferred from the government to the BBC a decade ago. “We suddenly had to find £300m,” Mr Shah noted, adding that such financial burdens detract from the corporation’s ability to produce content.
“What matters most of all is the independence of the BBC,” he asserted. “We need to have a future funding model that ensures we are independent of that kind of action.”
News
New election law modernises Welsh democracy, says First Minister
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A NEW Senedd law which will help modernise the electoral administration and remove barriers to democratic engagement has become the first act to be sealed by new First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, since she took office.
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill was first introduced to the Senedd in October 2023 and was passed by the Welsh Parliament in July this year.
The new law means that Wales is set to be the first part of the UK to have automatic enrolment to the voting register, following countries like France, Germany and Italy who have a similar system already in place.
It is estimated up to 400,000 people not already registered to vote could be added to the register.
Alongside automatic registration of voters for Senedd and local government elections in Wales, the new act will:
- establish a new all-Wales body responsible for co-ordinating the effective administration of Welsh elections.
- create a new online voter information platform.
- introduce measures to increase diversity in the membership of the Senedd and local government.
The act is also committed to expanding the role and remit of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru.
The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “Every person living in Wales should have the opportunity to cast their vote in elections that directly impact their lives. Whilst everyone has the right to decide if they vote, automatic enrolment will help break down potential barriers to voting.
“The introduction of this law is a huge step forward in making a system of electoral administration fit for the 21st century.”
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