News

More than eight in ten want Truss to win – new poll reveals

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2022

LIZ Truss is the overwhelming choice to become the next Prime Minister, a new poll reveals.

In what will be regarded as a blow to Rishi Sunak, 83 per cent of those polled said they’d rather see Ms Truss in Number 10.

The survey of 2,625 voters was carried out by GB News and is the latest boost to Ms Truss’ campaign which has been gaining momentum ever since her ill-tempered TV debate with the former Chancellor.

Of those polled by the channel just 17 per cent – less than ome in five opted for the former Chancellor.

Many of those polled said it was Ms Truss’ pledges on tax and the fact she hadn’t walked out of her Cabinet post that were among the reasons they wanted her to become leader.

Sunak, meanwhile, was described by many as having “betrayed” the PM.

Earlier today Ms Truss told GB News how she had no intention of wasting her time on wallpaper if she got to Number 10.

The Foreign Secretary said there was work to do while also admitting she enjoys winding down by listening to 80’s music and singing karaoke.

She said yesterday: “We’re now going to campaign in the country, I’m very much looking forward to that and putting my case across that we need a bold new economic policy, we need to take full advantage of all the opportunities of Brexit.

“We need to cut taxes and we need to deliver for all the people right across the United Kingdom.”

She added: “What people rise across Britain care about is how we are going to help them with the cost of living, how we’re going to unleash opportunity and I’m somebody who can get things done in government.

“I’ve shown that I’m willing to push things through Whitehall and that’s why we need to cut taxes.

“We shouldn’t raise national insurance in the first place. We need to cut it now, we need a moratorium on the green energy levy to cut people’s fuel bills.

“And we need to power recovery by attracting investment, getting new businesses to set up so if we carry on with our current economic policy that is currently projected to lead to a recession that will not put us in a good place to win the election.

“I’m somebody who can get things done, get the economy growing, put us on a positive footing, but I can also relate to people right across the country.

“I grew up in Paisley, Leeds. I went to a comprehensive school. I understand the struggles people are facing now and I’m the candidate who can really communicate how we are going to change things and turn things around in Britain.”

Asked why she has supported 15 tax rises in the past, she said: “I opposed that in Cabinet at the time.

“I said it was a bad idea at the time but I’m a loyal person. I respect cabinet collective responsibility.

“Once the decision had been made, I was obliged to respect that decision but I’ve always been clear. It was a mistake, breaking our manifesto commitment and putting up taxes. And I would never have done that…”

Ms Truss was asked how she could reconcile cutting taxes with improving public service and she said: “I’m very committed to building the 40 new hospitals we promised and continuing to fund the NHS and education to get economic growth up.

“The fact is we’ve had low economic growth for two decades. And what that means is a lack of opportunities, lack of new jobs or lack of new businesses.

“By reducing taxes and by taking the full advantage of all the opportunities of Brexit, we can get economic growth going and for me economic growth isn’t just numbers on a page, it is about a new job, a new business, making sure the towns and cities across the country that we promised levelling up to get those spades in the ground, they get those new projects going.

“That is what we can deliver. If we unleash economic growth, if we get rid of a lot of the bureaucracy and the red tape that’s still on our statute books from the EU.

“So as well as doing those tax cuts, I would have a programme of massive reforms to our economy to get our growth rate up, that will fund our public services in the future.”

She was asked about the wallpaper in Number 10 and a fact that people would not know about her.

She said: “Believe me, I’m not going to have time to be thinking about the wallpaper in Number 10 because we’ve only got two years until a general election.

“We need to hit the ground running. We need to get on with changing our economy to really deliver for people right across the country. I’m not going to be thinking about wallpaper.

“I think maybe the one thing people don’t know about me is I do love 1980’s music and I do love karaoke.

“I like to enjoy music as well. My favourite song is I Want To Dance by Whitney Houston.”

Crime

Woman, 70, admits causing death of baby in by dangerous driving

Published

10 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has pleaded guilty to causing the tragic death of an eight-month-old baby in a pram by dangerous driving outside a hospital in West Wales.

Bridget Carole Curtis admitted the charge at Swansea Crown Court, where she faced allegations of causing the death of baby Mabli Cariad Hall on 21 June last year. The incident occurred outside Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire, where Mabli was being pushed in her pram when a white BMW, driven by Curtis, struck the child near the hospital’s entrance.

Mabli was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died four days later as a result of severe traumatic brain injuries.

During the court proceedings, Judge Geraint Walters disqualified Curtis from driving and ordered psychiatric and pre-sentence reports to be conducted ahead of her sentencing. Curtis, who had held a full, clean driving licence and had no prior convictions, voluntarily surrendered her licence following the incident.

John Dye, representing Curtis, informed the court of her deep remorse, stating: “She is absolutely devastated to be here.”

Mabli’s family, speaking through a statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, expressed the profound grief they continue to endure since the loss of their daughter. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. Every day is a day of pain for us, even now, but as parents, we still have to give the love and support our other children need as they are still trying to come to terms with losing their baby sister.”

The family also extended their gratitude to the police and the 2Wish charity, which has provided them with vital support during this tragic period.

Curtis is set to appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on November 22.

Crime

Police make arrest following allegation of sexual assault in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCENES of crime officers were at The Water Gardens in Milford Haven on Friday (Sept 20) following reports of a sexual assault.

Police said that they have the alleged assailant in custody.

A spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire herald in a statement: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a sexual assault which occurred at around 9pm on Thursday, September 19, in the vicinity of the Rath, Milford Haven.

“One person has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and remains in police custody. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

“Residents will see an increased police presence in the area whilst the investigation continues.”

News

Storms brewing: Pembrokeshire braces for weekend washout

Published

11 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Luke Sinclair

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for Pembrokeshire this weekend, as thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to cause significant disruptions across the county.

The first warning is in effect on Saturday, 21st September, from 1am until 11.59pm. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are forecast, bringing the potential for flooding, power cuts, and, in some cases, a risk to life.

A second warning has been issued for Sunday, 22nd September, also running from midnight until 11.59pm. This time, heavy rain is expected to impact the region, again causing potential disruptions.

What to Expect on Saturday, 21st September

The Met Office has warned that the thunderstorms and heavy showers could lead to several issues:

• Difficult driving conditions and road closures due to spray and sudden flooding
• Potential for some communities to become cut off by flooded roads
• Delays or cancellations to bus and train services
• Power cuts and disruptions to other services
• Homes and businesses may experience rapid flooding, with potential damage from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds
• Fast-flowing or deep floodwater may pose a danger to life

A Met Office spokesperson added: “While there is some uncertainty in the details, scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop and spread northwestwards at times later on Friday night and throughout Saturday. Although much of the time will remain dry, where storms do occur, 20-40mm of rain could fall in under an hour, with the possibility of 50-70mm over a few hours. Hail and frequent lightning may also accompany the most intense storms, particularly during Saturday afternoon and evening.”

What to Expect on Sunday, 22nd September

On Sunday, the primary concern will be heavy rain, with the Met Office warning of similar risks to those on Saturday, including:

• Difficult driving conditions and temporary road closures due to spray and flooding
• Rural communities could become temporarily cut off
• Significant delays or cancellations to public transport services
• Homes and businesses may experience flooding, with potential structural damage
• Power cuts and loss of other essential services

The Met Office spokesperson noted: “Showers and thunderstorms are expected to merge into broader areas of heavy rain across parts of Wales, central, and southern England on Sunday. There is the potential for rainfall totals of 30-50mm in less than six hours, with some areas seeing 60-80mm over 12-24 hours.”

Southwest England is also expected to be affected by heavy rain early on Sunday morning, which may develop into slow-moving, heavy downpours during the day.

How to Prepare for the Weather Warnings

The Met Office has provided advice to help residents prepare for the incoming weather and reduce risks. A spokesperson said:

“Consider whether your location is at risk of flash flooding and, if so, prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.”
“Secure any loose outdoor items, such as bins, garden furniture, and trampolines, before strong winds arrive.”
“Check road conditions and public transport timetables before travelling to avoid delays.”
“Prepare for power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, and other essentials, such as a mobile phone power pack.”
“If you find yourself outside during a storm, seek shelter in an enclosed space such as a car, and avoid trees or structures that could be struck by lightning.”
“In elevated areas, move to lower ground for safety.”

The yellow weather warnings are expected to remain in place from 1am on Saturday, 21st September, until 11.59pm on Sunday, 22nd September. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and to be prepared for any changes to the warnings.