News

Campaign planned to unseat Stephen Crabb MP

Published

8 years ago

October 5, 2017

POLITICAL activists from Pembrokeshire and across Wales are gathering ahead of an event which they say will be unprecedented day of political action against Stephen Crabb MP.

Guardian writer and television personality Owen Jones is currently making preparations to stage the event called Unseat Stephen Crabb.

Organisers have that that the event is a day of mass doorstep canvassing and a major rally demonstration in Haverfordwest’s Castle Square at 3pm on Saturday, October 14.

The event is part of the wider campaign to unseat eight prominent Conservative MPs with narrow majorities, including Boris Johnson, Iain Duncan Smith and Amber Rudd. Former leadership hopeful Stephen Crabb’s 314 vote lead in Preseli Pembrokeshire looks set for a major challenge by a wave of concerted post-election activism this autumn, the campaign has said.

Organised by Labour campaign group Momentum, the day is billed to kick off with a canvassing training session led by Jones in Pembrokeshire College, followed by a wide-ranging door-to-door campaign across Haverfordwest, a headline rally in Castle Square at which attendance from Momentum across Wales and Bristol, the People’s Assembly against Austerity and left activists from several parties is expected, and concludes with a comedy and variety night in the Merlin Theatre organised by the Pembrokeshire People’s Assembly group at 6.30 pm.

Following on from a cross-party meeting of the People’s Assembly last month at which high-level representatives from Labour, the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats and Momentum came to an unprecedented agreement to cooperate directly in campaigning against the Conservative incumbent on the basis of a rejection of the government’s economic austerity program, the day’s events form part of a marked transition from previously passive post-electoral campaign policy to several parties, most notably Labour under Jeremy Corbyn, remaining in ‘permanent campaign mode’ indefinitely.

Speakers at the rally expected to be in attendance include Owen Jones; Stop the War Coalition co-founder Chris Nineham; Wales Green Party Leader Grenville Ham; Sue Pasternak of Women against State Pension Inequality; Karen Passmore of Disabled People against Cuts; Mark Evans of UNISON; local anti-bedroom tax and social justice campaigner Paul Rutherford; Swansea-based performers Poets on the Hill; and more.

Stevie Jones, local Momentum organiser, told The Herald: “A rally in Haverfordwest of this kind of magnitude feels like a new category of event entirely for the town, and the enthusiasm we have been getting on the street from the public has been even more amazing than I anticipated.

“It is capturing imagination at an incredible rate, and the mood on the ground in responses we’ve had to it really seem to point to constituents’ thoughts moving to reflect on how poorly the Tories have represented the concerns, needs and ambitions of Preseli Pembrokeshire versus how so many mainstream media outlets fail to examine their record with much real critical scrutiny at all—as well as how something so substantially better is on offer from Labour this time around.”

Dr Louise Tarbuck, Campaign Coordinator for Labour Party Solva and St Davids Branch, said: “The Momentum-Owen Jones rally in Haverfordwest is a really positive way to connect with the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Pembrokeshire is ready for change. The June 2017 reduction of Stephen Crabb’s large majority to just 314 showed people are ready for Labour to bring jobs, homes, investment and real hope to everyone, not just a few.”

“We came so close to unseating Stephen Crabb in the general election, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Labour Party supporters across the county. October 14 will be a great, historic day.”

Jim Scott, convenor of the local People’s Assembly branch, said: “We have been working towards this moment here in Pembrokeshire for many years; it is fantastic that it is all finally coming together.

“October 14 is going to be the most significant and important political demonstration that Pembrokeshire has ever seen.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.