News
Starmer announces UK now recognises Palestinian state in historic shift
Move divides opinion at home and abroad, with Wales watching closely
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom now formally recognises the state of Palestine – a landmark foreign policy decision that places Britain alongside Canada and Australia in backing a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.
The announcement, made in a video address on Sunday afternoon, comes just hours after Canada became the first G7 nation to extend recognition, swiftly followed by Australia. Together, the three allies have moved in a co-ordinated effort to “keep alive the possibility of peace”, in Starmer’s words.
The UK’s decision is historic. Britain ruled the territory under the Mandate until 1948, when its withdrawal helped shape the conflict that has continued for generations. For decades, successive UK governments kept recognition in reserve as a bargaining chip for future peace talks. That card has now been played.
Global shockwaves – and anger from Israel
The reaction has been immediate and polarised.
Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the move as “nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas”, warning it would embolden extremists. Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza said in an open letter that recognition “complicates efforts” to bring loved ones home.
In Gaza and the West Bank, however, news was met with cautious optimism. Residents told reporters they hoped international recognition would put pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign, though many admitted it may change little on the ground.
Domestic politics and Welsh implications
At home, the decision has ignited fierce debate. Conservatives, led by Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel, branded it “reckless” and a “capitulation to the hard left”. The Liberal Democrats applauded it, saying it was “long overdue”.
Labour insiders admit domestic politics played a part. For months, Sir Keir faced intense pressure from Labour MPs, activists and Muslim voters – including in Wales – who felt his early stance on Gaza was too sympathetic to Israel. In constituencies with large Muslim communities, such as Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, today’s announcement may be seen as an attempt to rebuild bridges.
Why this matters for Wales

Wales has one of the UK’s most active pro-Palestine movements, with regular demonstrations in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Bangor since the war erupted last year. Welsh Labour has long supported a two-state solution, and Senedd Members will now face questions on how the UK decision affects devolved policies, such as trade links, aid and community relations.

Community leaders warn the decision could heighten tensions. Wales has seen both pro-Palestinian marches and vigils for Israeli hostages. Police have increased monitoring of hate crime as rhetoric has hardened on both sides. The recognition announcement may further polarise opinion.

What recognition really means
Recognition does not create borders, armies or sovereignty overnight. Palestine remains a “quasi-state” under occupation, with no agreed capital and divided leadership between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. But the symbolism is powerful: Britain, once the colonial power, now says Palestine has the right to statehood.
Starmer insists this is “not a reward for Hamas” but a rejection of extremism. Instead, he argued, it is a pledge to Israelis and Palestinians alike that “there can be a better future” – and that Britain will play its part in trying to make that future possible.
What happens next?
Portugal and New Zealand are expected to follow with recognition in the coming days. More than 150 UN member states already recognise Palestine, but Britain’s move – given its historic role in the region – is one of the most significant to date.
For Wales, the announcement will be debated not just in the Senedd but in mosques, chapels, universities and homes across the country. It raises difficult questions: can recognition revive the peace process, or does it risk deepening division while war still rages?
What is clear is that today marks a turning point. Britain has taken a side in history – and Wales, like the rest of the UK, must now grapple with what that means.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.
The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.
A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.
Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.
“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”
The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.
The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.
Photo: Martin Cavaney
Crime
Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.
SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST
Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.
The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.
COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.
Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.
The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.
Local Government
Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works
Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure
SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.
County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.
“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.
Urgent works underway
Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.
Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.
Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.
Further updates are expected later this week.
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