News

Tesco again lets down lamb producers

Published

13 years ago

October 22, 2013

THE farming unions have this week acknowledged the good work of Aldi and Morrisons in getting 100% British lamb on their shelves, but at the same time, have expressed grave disappointment that the proportion on sale in Tesco stores is as low as 55%.
New trade figures also show M&S and Sainsbury’s all ensured at least 85% of lamb in store carried a Welsh or British labels.
Commenting on the findings, NFU President Peter Kendall said more needs to be done, particularly by Tesco.
He said: “In July, I called upon all retailers to celebrate British lamb as ‘best in season’, putting it front and centre of their displays and really getting behind our sheep farmers.
“It’s great that most appear to be taking that message on board, including Tesco, which has invested in national advertising of UK lamb. However, the results of this survey show there is still an enormous amount of work to do within Tesco to increase their British sourcing.
“It is now seven months since Philip Clarke made bold promises to increase their British sourcing at the NFU Conference, and many hard working sheep farmers will be asking serious questions about whether this was a genuine commitment.
“While we are confident that Tesco is working on plans for the future, it is concerning that their promises to UK agriculture don’t seem to be reflected in current commercial buying behaviour. These figures suggest they are clearly buying less UK lamb than last year, showing that between January and August there has been a 10% drop in the amount of British labels in the Tesco lamb chillers.
“We believe that all parts of the supply chain must work together to ensure a stronger British sheep industry and we know there is scope to increase British sourcing and get more British lamb on more British plates.
“We will continue to hold retailers and other parts of the supply chain to account on both their sourcing and their communications.”
“Many sheep farmers are still rebuilding businesses following the difficult market conditions last year and confidence is fragile, reflected in the low prices for breeding stock seen this year.
“Farmers are relying on strong autumn sales to restore balance sheets and the global supply situation is forecast to remain tight. Every ingredient is there for a successful season and it’s now imperative that agriculture’s biggest customers are all fully behind British lamb.”
Whilst the prices being paid to local lamb producers has been at its lowest the Welsh meat promotions agency (Hybu Cig Cymru -HCC) has reported that there has been encouraging Russian interest in Welsh Lamb at the world’s biggest international food fair Anuga.
The Welsh meat body explained that there had been several “serious enquiries” from Russian companies looking to put Welsh Lamb into their shops.
HCC market development manager Laura Dodds explained: “Welsh Lamb is not only a world-class brand, but is seen as a high-quality premium product, which explains the interest from an increasingly wealthy Russia.
“Identifying new markets is important to ensure the continuing viability of the Welsh red meat industry. Exports can bring the wealth back to Wales, securing 50,000 jobs in the farming and processing industries and boosting the Welsh economy.”

Crime

Boy, 15, denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher in ‘horrifying’ attack

Published

22 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Swansea Crown Court hears dramatic opening of trial over February stabbing

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Milford Haven has gone on trial accused of attempting to murder a teacher in what prosecutors described as a “planned and murderous attack” inside a classroom.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have stabbed teacher Vicki Williams in the head with a large kitchen knife during an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (July 6), Christopher Rees KC told the jury the defendant had brought the weapon into school in his bag before targeting the teacher.

“The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack,” he said. “He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

Struggle in the classroom

The court heard the incident unfolded at around 3:10pm when the boy allegedly followed Miss Williams into an empty classroom.

During a struggle, he is said to have pushed her into a chair as she attempted to seize the knife. The court was told she sustained a penetrating wound to the head, along with defensive injuries to her hands and additional scratches and grazes.

When Miss Williams shouted for help, the defendant fled the scene.

Emergency services attended and the teacher was taken to hospital but discharged later the same evening.

Charges denied

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, was sworn in before Judge Paul Thomas KC. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the defence.

Community impact

The incident sent shockwaves through the Milford Haven community and prompted a temporary lockdown at the school on the day.

At the time, parents raised concerns about knife awareness, pupil wellbeing, and staff safety in secondary schools.

Dyfed-Powys Police previously confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident.

Pembrokeshire County Council and school leaders have said the welfare of pupils and staff remains a priority, but fuller details of any internal review have not been disclosed while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

The trial continues.

Local Government

Pembs residents asked for views on second-home and empty-property council tax

Published

38 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents, property owners and stakeholders to have their say on the future level of Council Tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty properties.

The consultation will help shape the council’s approach for the 2027-28 financial year, with any agreed changes due to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Council Tax premiums are additional charges placed on top of standard Council Tax bills, which also include the precepts set by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council says the consultation will gather views on what level the premiums should be set at in future, as well as how any income raised should be used to support local priorities in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Paper copies are also available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the options, including how any funding raised through the premiums will be used, is expected to be made by full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any decision agreed at that meeting will come into effect from April 1, 2027.