News

Scunthorpe saved, Port Talbot shafted: Morgan flounders under pressure

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2025

THE UK GOVERNMENT’S decision to step in and rescue virgin steel production at Scunthorpe has sparked renewed political pressure on the Welsh Government, with critics accusing Labour of abandoning Port Talbot while protecting jobs in marginal English seats.

Morgan forgets who’s in charge

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth led the criticism, pointing to the stark contrast between Labour’s rhetoric on Port Talbot before the last election and its inaction afterwards. The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, was grilled during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (April 29), where she made a notable slip—appearing to confuse the UK Government’s party allegiance.

Responding to Mr ap Iorwerth’s challenge on whether she had pressed for UK support for Port Talbot, the First Minister said: “I have been making representations to the Conservative Government to make sure they understand that—the Labour Government—to make sure they understand that there is an opportunity here to stand with the Welsh workforce…”

Mr ap Iorwerth seized on the gaffe: “That was quite a slip of the tongue, wasn’t it? Betraying the fact that we have such a conservative Labour UK Government. And it simply isn’t true there wasn’t time to save Port Talbot—Scunthorpe was rescued in days, while Port Talbot’s blast furnaces were shut down after three months of silence.”

Steel fund questions dodge real answers

The pressure intensified as Plaid’s Luke Fletcher asked whether the £2.5bn steel fund had been ringfenced to support Welsh jobs. Baroness Morgan offered little more than the assurance that the Welsh Economy Minister had written to the Secretary of State.

That prompted Sam Kurtz MS, the Conservative Shadow Economy Minister, to demand publication of the letter and a guarantee that the electric arc furnace plan at Port Talbot would support the Celtic Freeport.

Instead, the First Minister spoke about a visit to a Danish wind project and reiterated her government’s green energy credentials.

Later that day, Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar asked if the Welsh Government had been consulted on the Scunthorpe rescue plan or informed about the divergence in approach. Morgan did not answer, reverting again to the themes of decarbonisation and net-zero.

Where’s the money going?

Rhun ap Iorwerth returned to the attack, accusing Labour of double standards and failing Welsh workers.

“There is no data on how many Port Talbot workers are re-skilling, no clear support plans, and no clarity on where the money is going,” he said. “Why is a worker in Port Talbot worth less than one in Scunthorpe?”

Sam Kurtz added: “You can’t have it both ways. This government mourns the furnace closures, then boasts about carbon savings. Meanwhile, the jobs go to India and the carbon is released anyway. That’s not an economic strategy—it’s economic surrender.”

Morgan cited a global steel oversupply but did not address how importing blast furnace steel from India or China made Britain greener—or more secure.

Welsh workers treated as ‘second-class citizens’

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds was blunt: “The Scunthorpe rescue confirmed what many in Wales feared—that our workers are second-class citizens. When 2,800 jobs were on the line in Port Talbot, there was no recall of Parliament and no urgent action. For Scunthorpe’s 2,700, the UK Government moved heaven and earth.”

The First Minister’s best defence was to suggest that the Scunthorpe deal might fall through—hardly a reassuring message for Labour backbenchers or Welsh workers.

Meanwhile, the letter to Westminster—long promised—turned out to be little more than a polite request for funding and a reiteration of the Welsh Government’s green strategy.

Trade unions join the backlash

Adding to Morgan’s woes, trade unions issued scathing statements that undermined both the UK and Welsh Governments’ approach.

GMB labelled the energy policy “bonkers”, while Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, warned: “Unite is not against net zero, but it will not be achieved without serious investment in jobs. Working-class people are losing their jobs, and this government has absolutely no plan to replace them. What is Labour waiting for?”

The pressure is now mounting on both Cardiff and Westminster to explain why one community was rescued—and the other left to rust.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

4 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

14 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

14 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.