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Local climate activists join massive London protest calling for ‘urgent action’

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PROTESTERS from across Pembrokeshire joined climate activist groups taking part in several days of protests in central London, demanding more action to tackle the climate crisis. The West Wales Climate Coalition, Friends of the Earth, and local Extinction Rebellion groups were busy last week, getting the word out and arranging transport and accommodation, and were ‘overwhelmed’ by the response.

“The numbers just kept growing,” said Sian Vaughan, a retired head teacher from Fishguard. “As soon as the first bus filled up we needed to arrange a second one. We’ve had to print more leaflets to distribute.”

The protesters gathered in London to call for more action to tackle the climate crisis, with groups of activists chanting and dancing outside government departments on Friday. More than 30,000 people had said they would attend the protests, branded ‘The Big One,’ between April 21 and April 24.

While Extinction Rebellion has previously adopted methods of direct action, with activists blocking roads and glueing themselves to objects to prevent police from moving them on, climate activists have promised protests this weekend will not disrupt the London Marathon, which took place on Sunday.

Supporters of the protest group Just Stop Oil attended Friday’s demonstration, attempting to recruit participants for slow marches, which it plans to carry out next week. Protesters held signs calling for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to scrap plans to develop the Rosebank oil and gas field that lies west of Shetland.

Doctors in their scrubs protested outside the Department of Health and Social Care, including Dr. Daniel Roberts, an accident and emergency registrar, who attended the protest wearing a large mosquito costume. He said he came to London for the weekend because “the effects of pollution and climate change will cause a massive health crisis.”

“We’re standing on a very busy street now, these health pollutants will cause dementia, asthma, lots of respiratory diseases, and stunt growth,” he said. “I’ve worked in refugee camps, I’m carrying a huge mosquito because there is more malaria, more dengue (fever), there are so many more problems than people realize.”

Jen Newall, a former university scientist, said she left her career due to the reality of climate change, which she described as “absolutely terrifying to the point it paralyzed me.” “I’ve come down to London really to speak truth to power ultimately,” she said.

“Any new oil and gas is a death sentence to the majority, they (the Government) are handing out death sentences. There cannot be any new oil and gas for a livable future.”

Ms. Newall said the campaign group started this year with a “very clear” change to their protest “tactics and strategy,” moving away from more infamous disruptive protests it has carried out in recent years.

“We are listening to the public attitude, and we understand that disruption doesn’t bring everybody on board,” she said. “We don’t really want to be alienating anybody because, ultimately, we need everybody in this fight for our future. We will ensure that we can still have our voice without having to disrupt the marathon.”

Despite concerns of disrupting the London Marathon, the protests were peaceful and did not cause any significant disruptions to the event. Protesters gathered in Westminster to call for immediate action to address the climate crisis, and they vow to continue their efforts until meaningful action is taken.

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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