News
Local MP rejects Bishops’ criticism of Government response to migrant crisis
A PEMBROKESHIRE MP has hit back at bishops criticising the Government’s response to the migrant crisis arguing the UK took action years before church leaders took “a campaigning interest”.
Stephen Crabb, Secretary of State for Wales and Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency said on Sky News that the approach being taken by the Conservative administration was “one of compassion” and dismissed criticism by the Church of England (CofE) as nothing new.
Mr Crabb defended the Government’s policy after more than 80 CofE bishops signed a letter branding the response as “increasingly inadequate” and said the UK should take at least 50,000 refugees.
They urged the Prime Minister to make a “meaningful and substantial response to the scale of human suffering we see daily”.
Amid pressure from public opinion to strengthen the UK’s response to the migrant crisis on Europe’s borders, the Government pledged to take in 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years.
However, the bishops said in the letter: “We believe such is this country’s great tradition of sanctuary and generosity of spirit that we could feasibly resettle at least 10,000 people a year for the next two years, rising to a minimum of 50,000 in total over the five-year period you foresaw in your announcement.”
The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, told Sky News: “I think given the extraordinary crisis there is across Europe and the Middle East at this point, with millions of people displaced from their homes, the question is ‘what is an adequate response?’
“Clearly you do have to have a maximum somewhere. We are a crowded island, I am aware of that.
“But we feel 20,000 is about the centre court at Wimbledon. That sort of amount is just not enough given the scale of the crisis.
“Especially if the war in Syria continues for five years or more, which there is every indication it may well.”
But speaking on Sky News’ Murnaghan programme, Mr Crabb said: “Four years ago, we were out there in Syria as a government, spending taxpayers’ money investing in camps, providing clean water, shelter, security, education for those refugees fleeing war.
“Our response has been one of compassion.
“We have been at the coalface there for the last four years long before the bishops started taking a campaigning interest in this issue.”
And he defended the Government’s position to only take people from the refugee camps and not those who had already arrived in Europe.
Mr Crabb continued: “As a government we do not want to feed that movement, that trafficking of people, which is why we said we will take 20,000, we will resettle them in the UK but we will take them directly from the camps.”
He added: “I do think we hold our heads up high. Our response is one of compassion but it’s also one of actually thinking things through in terms of the long-term interests for those people, those families but also for this country.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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