News

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

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2023

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.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

46 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.