News
Simon Hart MP tables Brexit amendment backed by Rees Mogg
LOCAL MP, Simon Hart, is among the signatories to a motion proposed for debate by the Commons on the future of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Mr Hart, who backed remain in the Referendum but is co-chair of the backbench Brexit Delivery Group, has signed a motion supported by prominent Conservative remain-supporting MP Nicky Morgan.
Their signatures are joined by those of Jacob Rees Mogg, Iain Duncan Smith, former DExEU Minister Steve Baker (all of the ERG) and the DUP’s Nigel Dodds.
The range of support for the motion, covering almost every side of the Conservative Party, appears to countenance the possibility of a managed ‘no deal Brexit’.
Writing on his Facebook feed, Mr Hart said: “After the vote last night I met with the Nigel Dodds of the DUP, European Research Group (ERG) inc Steve Baker and Jacob Rees Mogg (by phone) and other colleagues including Kit Malthouse, Nicky Morgan, Ian Duncan Smith and Damian Green, to try and find a solution to the Brexit impasse. We have come up with an amendment (below) that we hope will be selected today and voted on. The Gov has confirmed it will be taken on a free vote, so no whipping.
“For the first time, we have all the interest groups on the same page.
“What does it do?
“1) defers our leaving date briefly until May 23rd enabling us to get the legislation we need in place. 2) retains the ability to settle a deal but failing that prepares for a final no-deal cut off in Dec 2021. 3) enables proper planning for that possibility. 4) keeps the door open for a deal in the meantime. 5) demonstrates that there is a solution that we can agree on, honours the referendum outcome and protects the interests of concerned remain voters and businesses.
“My intention is, therefore, to vote against a no-deal exit on March 29th (now just 12 days off and for which we are simply not prepared) because this amendment maintains the no-deal option.”
If the motion is selected for debate by the Speaker, which bearing in mind the range of support is likely, it will face the Commons tonight (Wednesday, March 13)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.
From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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