Has local MP bitten off more than he can chew with visit to Domino’s?

Published

2 years ago

November 25, 2024

Local MP Henry Tufnell may have bitten off more than he can chew after posting pictures of himself serving pizza at the Haverfordwest branch of Domino’s.

The Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire donned the Domino’s baseball cap and apron to dish out the pepperonis in a bid to see how local businesses are thriving.

But what Tufnell may have overlooked is the fact that in November 2024, Domino’s had a market cap of a whopping $15.65 billion USD, which makes it the world’s 1,195th most valuable company by market capitalization.

It trades from over 1,300 outlets in the UK and over 20,500 worldwide.

“I had a fantastic visit to Domino’s in Haverfordwest last week!” the MP enthused in his social media post.

“A big thank you to [the Domino’s staff] for taking the time to show me around and share the incredible work they do.

“It’s inspiring to see local businesses thriving and providing great service to our community’.”

The local community however, believes that Tufnell’s actions may have turned a blind eye to independent businesses – including farmers – who are desperately struggling to keep their heads above water.

“This strikes me as tone deaf,” commented Andy Richardson. “Henry Tufnell has a huge constituency of farmers who are worried sick about the inheritance tax changes which he, as a member of a landowning family, should understand. He also has small, independent, local, non-franchised businesses which are already under the cosh and are now being hit by the Employers’ NIC increases.”

And Donna Humphrey called on the MP to cast his eye across other social sectors instead of multi-international bigwigs like Domino’s.

“If visiting a franchise is a priority for you, rather than local charities, independent businesses, hospitals, education and farming , that says it all,” she said.

“There are so many other pressing issues such as homelessness, food banks, mental health services, accessing GPS, community care, impact of the budget on charities…but sadly you choose pizza.”

Henry Tufnell’s post has also raised the hackles of local, independently-owned pizzeria owners, including world champion chef Giovanni Recchia who runs Gio Recchia Pizzeria in Pembroke with his business partner, Denise Phillips.

“He should have supported all those local businesses which are operating from their communities here in Pembrokeshire,” Denise told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“So many people are trying their hardest to keep their heads above water. Surely it’s these that should be shown the support and recognition from their MP?

“We are doing everything we can to support our community, and all our staff are local. If Henry Tufnell had chosen to walk through our door, we would have been more than happy to welcome him.”

Giovanni Recchia is recognised as one of the world’s finest pizza chefs after clinching the World Champion Chef title in the championships Rimini, Italy, in 2023.

Domino’s Pizza Group plc said: “We are the UK’s leading pizza brand.”

“The Domino’s business is built on the entrepreneurial drive and operational expertise of our franchise partners.

“We choose our franchise partners carefully for their commitment and entrepreneurial approach.

“Franchise partners sign a Standard Franchise Agreement (SFA) for each store. We work closely with them to choose the right locations. We then enter into the head leases, which we sub-let to the franchisee.

“We charge our franchise partners a royalty fee of their sales, some of which we pass on to Domino’s Pizza International Franchising Inc. as a royalty cost.

“We invest in our digital customer facing platforms, which makes ordering easier, drives higher loyalty, frequency of purchase and increased order values.”

Henry Tufnell MP commented on Monday evening.

He said: “Domino’s locally is owned by a franchisee who owns a store in Haverfordwest, Neyland and Tenby.

“Domino’s owns a franchise model where individual franchisees own Domino’s stores under the large Domino’s Pizza Brand.

“This empowers entrepreneurs to manage their own business.

“The owner of these franchises employs local people in all year round employment and any business that supports workers and helps with high street decline is a positive step in the right direction.”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.