News
Demo in Haverfordwest highlights Israeli oppression of the Palestinian people
A FREE Palestine protest took place in Haverfordwest on Sunday (May 30)
It was attended by around 70 Palestine activists, the Pembrokeshire Muslim community and trade unionists, as well as other members of the public.
They say they feel Britain’s arms deals with Israel have contributed to the deaths of Palestinians.
The latest demo, which took place in Castle Square after a short march from Picton Playing Fields follows a number of similar protests held across the world recently, in solidarity with the people of Palestine after renewed violence in the region in the last month.
The event took take place following a cease-fire going into effect on Friday the 21st of May that was brokered by Egypt.
The ceasefire came after an 11-day military offensive in the Gaza Strip considered the worst violence in the region since 2014. The halt to hostilities comes after more than 230 Palestinians — including over 60 children — had been killed in Israeli airstrikes.
One of the organisers told The Herald: “Lets not forget that Gaza is besieged by Israel by land, sea and air on a daily basis. It’s inhabitants the vast majority of whom are refugees are trapped in an area of land just 60 kilometres long and 9.5 kilometres wide, in what many see as an open air prison.
“In a recent report, independent human rights experts have also highlighted the vast asymmetry of of power between Gaza and Israel and called on the International Criminal Court to investigate the attack on civilians and “gross violations of human rights”
“Increasingly people are questioning an occupation by a powerful military state, armed and supported by the West, against an impoverished, stateless and displaced people. For over 70 years, Israel has subjected Palestinians to systematic human rights abuses, severe discrimination, and deadly military force. A fourth generation of Palestinian children are being brought up in refugee camps, in chronic poverty, denied the right to return to their family homes.
“Over a million Palestinians suffer discrimination over access to public services, land and employment. Israel’s siege of Gaza has condemned its 1.9 million inhabitants to poverty and psychological violence.
“The construction of the apartheid wall, the military closure of the Jordan Valley, and the annexation of East Jerusalem are creating an irreversible reality of permanent occupation.”
A spokesperson for the rally on Sunday said: “This was a peaceful socially distanced demonstration to show our solidarity with Palestine and Palestinians.
“Britain is complicit in Israel’s murder of Palestinians.
“Arms deals with Israel are certainly lucrative. Britain has licensed over £400 million in arms sales to Israel since 2015, with the real figure certain to be higher. The equipment includes components for assault rifles, drones and warplanes, all used in attacks on Palestinians.
“Britain doesn’t care. It doesn’t apply any “end use” conditions on the deals, meaning that Israel is free to use the equipment however it likes.
“These weapons of war have been used against Palestinian civilians without mercy.
“The world has risen up in it’s millions to demand an end to Israeli terror.”
The member of the rally went on to describe how statements were made describing the solidarity Jews have with Palestinians.
“A statement was read from the Jewish Voice for Labour that emphasised that millions of Jews stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
“Representatives of the Muslim community in Pembrokeshire called for justice in Palestine and unity between other faiths and those of no faith in that pursuit, with many chants of, ‘free, free Palestine’.”
Police were aware of the event issuing a statement saying: “We were aware of a planned ‘Free Palestine’ protest march in Haverfordwest this Sunday.
“Constructive prior engagement took place between the organisers and the local neighbourhood policing team.”
Six officers attended the protest in a policing capacity, and the protest went ahead without incident.
Matthew Shepherd, Unison Swansea Council Branch said: “I am very moved by all of the speakers who have spoken today. Its very difficult to follow people’s direct experiences of the racism and discrimination and oppression.
“I am very proud that my trade union has a very positive position on Palestine. It opposes the occupation. It has come out in solidarity with the Palestinian movement. The week before last we had a demo in Swansea with 800 to 1000 people attending.
“A very inspiring, militant demonstration. For the last seven years people who have been opposing what is happening in Israel have been called anti-Semitic – we have to reject that.”
“The renewed violence in Gaza has reinvigorated that solidarity movement with Palestine in the UK.”
Mr Shepherd added: “I hope people will go away from this demonstration and think of ways that you can raise the struggle further. We need to think about
The Imam of the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven also spoke at the event, and offered prayers and words of hope and wisdom to the people gathered in Castle Square.
Imam Abdul Haseeb Hussain spoke in Arabic and English, and that people need to stand up to injustice and oppression no matter where it is in the world. He also said that people should stand up against injustice, even if that would not be in their own personal best interests.
He highlighted that there were injustices going on in every corner of the world.
Community
Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.
With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.
John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.
Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.
Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.
Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.
Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.
National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.
“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.
“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.
The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.
News
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.
Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.
The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.
Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:
“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”
Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.
Business
Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite
UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.
The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.
Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.
Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”
For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.
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