News
Pembrokeshire’s MP faces key vote on winter fuel payments

Pembrokeshire’s newly elected Labour MP is expected vote on Tuesday, 10 September, as the government pushes through controversial cuts to Winter Fuel Payments.
The proposal has sparked widespread concern, particularly among the elderly, with approximately 18,000 pensioners in Pembrokeshire expected to be affected, and over 10 million across the UK facing potential financial hardship this winter.
But will Henry Tufnell toe the line? Its likely he will.
The Labour government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, limiting it to pensioners on benefits like pension credit. This shift, designed to address a £22 billion budget shortfall inherited from the previous government, is expected to save £1.4 billion, but critics argue it could leave many elderly citizens choosing between “heating or eating” during the colder months.
Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his opposition to the cuts. “These measures weren’t in Labour’s manifesto, yet they are moving ahead with policies that will hurt vulnerable pensioners. Pembrokeshire’s pensioners deserve better,” he said, urging the county’s Labour MP to vote against the cuts.
While Labour holds a strong majority in Parliament, the vote has triggered internal dissent. Up to 50 Labour MPs are reportedly considering rebelling against the measure, citing concerns about its impact on the elderly. However, despite this opposition, the Labour government is still expected to pass the cuts, given its overwhelming parliamentary numbers.
The vote is expected to proceed, but the backlash from both inside and outside the party reflects the depth of concern about the policy, especially as energy bills rise again ahead of winter. The government has promised mitigating measures, such as extending the Warm Home Discount and boosting Pension Credit uptake, but critics remain sceptical as to whether these will adequately replace the direct support of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Crime
Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

A LONG-STANDING Pembrokeshire domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.
Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.
A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and sexually assault her.
“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.
“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”
Webber, of Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.
He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.
“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.
“You showed a complete disregard for it.”
Crime
Arrest warrant issued for charity box theft suspect

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Milford Haven man accused of stealing a charity box from the Castle Hotel in Haverfordwest.
Daniel Fairlie, 29, of Observatory Avenue, Milford Haven, was listed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, March 18. However, after failing to attend, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.
Fairlie is accused of stealing the charity box on November 23, 2024, along with multiple shoplifting offences and drug possession.
Crime
Bail breacher remanded in custody after ferry trip with victim

A BAIL breacher has been remanded in custody after traveling to and from Ireland on the Pembroke Dock ferry with a victim he was prohibited from seeing.
Robson Franca, 38, was arrested by port officers after being seen in the presence of the complainant when the Rosslare ferry recently docked in Pembroke Dock.
This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were told that a domestic violence court order imposed by Avon and Somerset magistrates prohibited Franca from having any contact with the complainant pending his trial on May 16.
Franca’s solicitor, Peter Tarr, told the court that the complainant frequently contacts Franca and makes threats if he refuses to see her.
Despite the defense’s arguments, magistrates refused to grant bail, citing concerns that Franca might commit further offences, fail to surrender, or interfere with prosecution witnesses. He was remanded in custody.
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