News

Starmer freezes fuel duty rise amid Middle East tensions

Published

2 months ago

May 20, 2026

Prime Minister accused of ‘U-turn’ at heated PMQs as motorists spared planned 5p increase

PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the planned 5p increase in fuel duty will be postponed until the end of the year, amid growing fears over rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (May 20), Starmer said the government had decided to extend the long-running fuel duty freeze to protect households already struggling with rising living costs.

The decision means motorists across Wales, including rural communities in Pembrokeshire where car travel is often essential, will avoid an increase that had been expected to take effect later this year.

Fuel duty had originally been cut by 5p per litre in March 2022 under the Conservative government as a temporary measure during the cost-of-living crisis. The cut had been due to expire, with prices expected to rise between September and March 2027.

Starmer told MPs the freeze was being extended because of instability in global energy markets following escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“We stopped that and they voted against it,” Starmer said, referring to Conservative opposition, adding that families were “fed up” with bills constantly rising.

The announcement came as average petrol prices reached their highest level since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran earlier this week, with prices reported to have climbed to 158.52p per litre.

However, the move quickly sparked criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused the Prime Minister of performing a political “U-turn”.

Opening her questions at PMQs, Badenoch said: “Thank you for the U-turn, Prime Minister,” before pressing Labour on energy policy and its stance on North Sea oil and gas.

The exchange quickly turned to Labour’s decision to loosen some restrictions on Russian oil products refined in third countries, a move ministers say is necessary to stabilise fuel supplies and prevent further price shocks.

Badenoch challenged Starmer directly, asking: “Why is oil from Russia acceptable, but oil from Aberdeen is not?”

Starmer denied Labour was weakening sanctions on Moscow, insisting the changes formed part of a wider sanctions package and that “none of the existing sanctions are being lifted in any way”.

The Prime Minister said temporary licences had been introduced to help phase in tougher measures while protecting British consumers from supply disruption.

The heated Commons clash comes at a difficult time for Labour following major election setbacks in Wales, Scotland and England earlier this month. Labour lost control of the Senedd for the first time in 27 years, while almost 1,500 Labour councillors reportedly lost their seats across England.

Political pressure on Starmer has intensified in recent days following the resignation of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, one of Labour’s most senior figures, amid growing unrest within the party.

For Welsh motorists — particularly in rural areas where public transport options remain limited — the fuel duty freeze is likely to be welcomed, at least in the short term, as household budgets continue to come under pressure.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle