News

Pembrokeshire’s MP faces key vote on winter fuel payments

Published

3 months ago

September 9, 2024

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.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.