News

UKIP win ‘an extraordinary result’

Published

12 years ago

June 4, 2014

PEMBROKESHIRE VOTERS sent a clear message to the main parties this week that they are not satisfied with business as usual, as UKIP came within 285 votes of the Conservatives, who again topped the poll in our County.

Overall, Wales voted for Labour who gained 28.2% of the vote in the region, however, UKIP was closely behind in second place with 27.6% of the vote, only just over half a percentage point from Labour. The Conservatives were third with 17.4% of the vote and Plaid Cymru came fourth with 15.3%. As a result, Wales have elected Nathan Gill (UKIP), Dr Kay Swinburne (Conservative), Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru) and Derek Vaughan (Labour) to represent us as MEPs on the European Parliament. The picture, nationally in the UK, was even more alarming for the main parties as UKIP actually won the popular vote with 27.5% of all votes polled. Labour came second with 25.4% and the Conservatives were a short distance off in third with 23.9% of the votes. The Liberal Democrats had a catastrophic result, coming fifth behind the Green Party with a mere 6.9% of the vote. The Herald spoke with the four elected Welsh MEP’s who gave us their reaction to this week’s results. A very upbeat Nathan Gill of UKIP said: “I’m over the moon with the result. We really wanted to come first, we were 5,000 votes short of that, but we have more than doubled our vote from the last election. The people of Wales really have spoken. We want out of this European Union and we will raise the profile of what is going on in Brussels as people need to be aware of what’s happening with their money. “We came either first or second in every constituency in Wales. That is amazing. We now have to win seats in Westminster.” He went on to confirm for The Herald that he would be standing to become an MP in the next General Election. Conservative MEP Dr Kay Swinburne, whose party topped the European poll in Wales five years ago and finished third this time, said: “We are very pleased, overall, with the vote we have maintained. We are just 3% down on 2009. It’s looking good for 2015 for the Conservative vote and our Welsh MPs.” Jill Evans of Plaid Cymru told the Herald: “Based on the issues, and the real facts, people do understand how important it is for Wales to be represented in Europe. I wouldn’t change the way I work, but I do think we have to create much more of a real debate about our future in Europe.” Labour MEP, Derek Vaughan, responding to the question as to whether he was disappointed to have only won one seat, said: “Welsh Labour is delighted to have topped the poll. We would have liked two seats but we knew this would be very difficult. This is the best campaign ever for European elections (by Labour). We will be making sure every constituency is acting and campaigning to get the message out. “We will build on this result and it is vital for Wales and the UK that we have a Labour Government next year. There was a protest vote against the main parties. We will campaign to explain the importance of EU membership. Hopefully those that have supported UKIP will come back to Labour.” The results show a significant shift towards UKIP from all the main parties, leaving pollsters in uncertain as to what might happen in next year’s General Election. There is mounting pressure on the Liberal Democrat’s leader and deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to stand down as leader after his party’s disastrous results. Speaking about the result he acknowledged that they were a huge ‘setback’ but has vowed to go on as leader stating he would, ‘finish the job’. The Liberal Democrats lost all but one of their seats in the election and were pushed into fifth place in the UK by The Green Party. UKIP’s controversial leader Nigel Farage said that his party intends to build on what he described as ‘the most extraordinary result’ in British politics in the past century, and he went on to say that his party now appealed to all social classes and had made significant inroads in Wales and Scotland as well as winning the most votes in England. Mr Farage said: “It is over 100 years since a national election has been won by a party other than the Conservatives and Labour. Our game is to get this right, to find the right candidates, and focus our resources on getting a good number of seats in Westminster next year. “If UKIP do hold the balance of power, then indeed there will be a (EU) referendum.” He also claimed that Labour would come under enormous pressure to offer the voters a referendum on Europe, and he said he did not believe Nick Clegg would still be Liberal Democrat leader at the General Election. He finished by saying: “The three party leaders are like goldfish that have been tipped out of their bowl onto the floor and are gasping for air.” Labour leader, Ed Milliband, claimed that Labour’s second place in these elections showed the party was making progress, though he acknowledged that they had further to go. He went on to say that there was deep discontent in the UK and that the Labour Party must show it could answer the call for change. However, Mr Milliband was unwavering on his party’s position on not offering a referendum on EU membership. On a relatively disappointing night for the Conservatives, who were pushed into third place, leader and Prime Minister, David Cameron said: “I think the results give a clear message that people are deeply disillusioned with the European Union and in the way it is working for Britain, and they want change. The challenge is now for my party to demonstrate that we have the plan to deliver that change; to renegotiate Britain’s place in Europe, to get a better deal to change Europe and then put the choice to the British people in an ‘in out referendum’ before the end of 2017. “That is what we will do and the real test for that plan will come at the next General Election. People use elections like this to send messages to Government. I see this as a demand for us to deliver. They want to see us complete our long term economic plan. Tackling immigration, reforming Welfare and getting Britain’s place right in Europe are all part of our economic plan. I believe we can win the next election outright. We are going to have to convince more people.” To put matters in perspective, however, the low turnout in the Euro-poll means that UKIP’s victory in the popular vote amounts to fewer than 10% of the overall electorate. With the two largest parties bound to concentrate their resources on mobilising their core vote and targeting undecided voters on issues such as the economy, welfare and health for next year’s general election, UKIP’s ability to maintain momentum when having to campaign on more than one issue has to be called into question.

Entertainment

Blodwen Rocks the Boat sets sail for Torch Theatre

Published

11 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

One-woman musical comedy from Newport performer Emily Davis heads to Milford Haven after Fringe success

FOLLOWING a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Newport performer Emily Davis is setting sail on a UK tour with her uplifting one-woman musical comedy, Blodwen Rocks the Boat.

Blending sharp satire, original songs and heartfelt storytelling, the show takes an affectionate look at modern ideas of work, ambition and success — and what happens when we dare to question the path we’re on.

Blodwen believes she’s finally got it all figured out. The job, the city lifestyle, the reassuring sense that she’s “made it.” But when a corporate away day takes her unexpectedly out to sea, something begins to shift. As the tide turns, so too does Blodwen’s understanding of what success really means.

Directed by Paulus the Cabaret Geek and accompanied by musician and composer Andy Campbell Smith, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a witty and life-affirming reminder that success isn’t always about climbing higher — sometimes it’s about choosing your own direction.

Emily Davis is a Welsh cabaret performer, singer and writer who has built a loyal following for her character-led solo shows. Previous Blodwen productions have enjoyed acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and venues including the Wales Millennium Centre. This latest show marks her most ambitious project yet — a fully original musical developed through Fringe performances, previews and professional collaboration.

Emily said: “My Blodwen has blossomed! This is my biggest show yet and I can’t wait to see how audiences respond. I invite you to spend an evening with me — a Welsh woman who can sing and doesn’t mind making a fool of herself on stage! I promise you’ll also leave feeling very excited about stationery!”

The London Theatre Review described the show as “stunning”, adding: “Emily’s striking and powerful singing contrasts beautifully with the Welsh-accented simplicity of Blodwen’s stories. What an engaging performer.” Cabaret Scenes praised her vocal talent, calling it “her secret weapon.”

Blodwen Rocks the Boat tours the UK this spring and comes to the Torch Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £15 and the show is suitable for ages twelve and over.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Let the cat out of the bag with the Torch Theatre

Published

11 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

IT MAY feel like Christmas is a long way off, but tickets for the Torch Theatre’s 2026 school pantomime are already selling fast.

This year’s production promises hiss-terical humour, plenty of local references and a whisker of Western adventure as Puss in Boots rides into town. With over 2,000 tickets already booked and some performances sold out, schools are being urged to secure their seats now.

For a limited time, tickets are available at a special early bird price, and schools pay nothing until December. Booking early not only guarantees the best seats in the house but locks in this year’s prices too.

Last year’s Rapunzel welcomed more than 3,000 schoolchildren from across Pembrokeshire. Six schools also received financial support through the Arts Council of Wales ‘Go and See Fund’ to attend. The theatre is hoping to build on that success in 2026.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “For many young people, pantomime is their first experience of live theatre — that first spark of theatrical magic. Our commitment goes beyond the curtain call, with every school receiving a dedicated resource pack to bring the themes of the show into the classroom.

“Regardless of where they live, young people need the arts. We’re proud to support our community’s wellbeing through live performance. Studies suggest that the social connection found at the theatre can even reduce GP visits and hospital stays. Our panto isn’t just a show — it’s part of building a healthier Pembrokeshire. And they do say laughter is the best medicine.”

The Torch is preparing to welcome audiences this December as Puss helps our heroes chase fame and fur-tune in Wild West Wales. Pull on your cowboy boots and join the meow-sical extravaganza — it promises to be the cat’s pyjamas.

A Relaxed Environment performance will take place on Saturday 19 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday 22 December at 6:00pm.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Education

Pembrokeshire respiratory project praised at the Senedd

Published

11 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE Pembrokeshire scheme improving asthma care for primary school children has been recognised at an event held at the Senedd on Monday (Jan 27).

The Pembrokeshire Schools Respiratory Project, which has been running since 2023 across North and South Pembrokeshire school clusters, delivers in-school respiratory reviews and education sessions for pupils, parents and teaching staff. It is believed to be the first programme of its kind in Wales.

Samuel Kurtz met with project lead, Narberth-based pharmacist Dave Edwards, along with representatives from Asthma + Lung UK to mark the project’s success.

Mr Edwards said respiratory conditions place a significant burden on children and their families, as well as on the wider healthcare system.

“Our aim is to confirm diagnoses, educate pupils and parents about their condition, emphasise adherence and inhaler technique, and ensure every child has a personalised treatment plan that gives them good control,” he said. “This project demonstrates how local health initiatives can make a real difference.”

As part of the scheme, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils received sessions on the dangers of smoking and vaping, highlighting the impact of these habits on respiratory health. Parents and school staff were offered training aligned with the National Review of Asthma Deaths recommendations and delivered through the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme.

The sessions covered common childhood respiratory illnesses, recognising asthma symptoms, correct inhaler technique, the features of good asthma control, and the importance of having clear action plans for worsening symptoms.

Schools participating in the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme have introduced strengthened asthma policies, including appointing a designated asthma lead, maintaining an up-to-date inhaler register, implementing individual asthma action plans, and ensuring staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to attacks.

The project also aligns with national guidance, including the RCP’s National Review of Asthma Deaths report, NHS England’s National Bundle of Care for Children and Young People with Asthma, and the All Wales Paediatric Asthma Guidelines.

To date, 583 children have been reviewed, with more than 65% showing improved asthma control scores. Treatment has been optimised for 65% of pupils, contributing to fewer hospital and out-of-hours visits. The project has also delivered environmental benefits, with carbon savings estimated to be equivalent to more than 70,000 car miles.

In the Autumn Term 2025 alone, 75 pupils received reviews, personalised action plans and inhaler education.

Mr Kurtz said: “I am delighted to celebrate the success of this Pembrokeshire project in the Senedd. It has helped children, parents and schools manage asthma better, easing the burden on GPs and emergency care. Behind every statistic is a real child seeing real improvement.

“I am extremely proud that a Pembrokeshire-based project is leading the way in asthma management and acting as a flagship for other areas across the UK. I am also pleased to hear that plans are already in place to expand the initiative to more schools over the next two years — it thoroughly deserves continued support.”