News

West Wales activists join international march to Gaza border

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

Campaigners walk 30 miles through the Sinai desert to demand humanitarian access to Gaza

ACTIVISTS from West Wales are among thousands of international campaigners marching through Egypt this week in a daring bid to reach the Rafah border crossing and demand humanitarian access to the besieged Gaza Strip.

**Pembrokeshire campaigner: Jim Scott (Image: Facebook)**

At least eight to ten people from Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, including a CND Cymru delegation, are taking part in the Global March to Gaza, a growing international mobilisation involving more than 4,000 participants from 54 countries.

The group includes Jim Scott of Mathry, a longtime Pembrokeshire campaigner and member of CND Cymru, along with other residents from across Wales. They arrived in Cairo earlier this week and are due to depart for Al Arish in North Sinai on Thursday morning (June 13) via coach, before beginning a 30-mile walk on foot through the desert.

The marchers plan to reach the Rafah crossing on Saturday (June 15), camping en route in tents as they navigate the harsh terrain of the Sinai Peninsula, where daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C. The crossing itself remains under tight Egyptian and Israeli military control.

Organisers say the march is a symbolic act of solidarity and an urgent call for Israel to lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 60,000 people have been killed and thousands more displaced, according to activists and aid agencies.

West Wales voices on the frontline

In an open letter sent to Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell, Eluned Morgan MS, and other Welsh and UK representatives, Jim Scott wrote:

“I feel I must act where you have not acted. The UK Government has failed to stop a genocide and has, in fact, been complicit by continuing to authorise arms sales and military cooperation with Israel.”

Scott warned of the dangers marchers face: “We may face arrest, detention, deportation—or worse—military aggression. But we are prepared. History will judge whether we stood with the victims or remained silent.”

Tasmin Nash, a Pembrokeshire art curator and mother of four, also joined the delegation. She told The Herald:

“I saw four bewildered children bleeding on a hospital bed. I cannot rest or stay silent while Israel destroys and burns people alive. I’ve protested, fundraised, disrupted—but now I must walk.”

“Alongside the 12 hearts aboard the Freedom Flotilla, I will do what governments have failed to do—rise and move. The people will make the difference.”

Jo Barrow, aged 60, who also travelled from Wales, added: “I could have been born in Gaza. My children could be the ones we see dying on our screens. When you really absorb that truth, how could I not lend my presence to this cause?”

“We must get the aid in. This is about our collective humanity.”

A march amid uncertainty

Whether the Egyptian authorities will allow the march to proceed to Rafah remains unclear. But organisers have stated that the aim is not confrontation but awareness—to create international pressure on Israel and Western governments to allow aid through the crossing.

The march is timed to coincide with a 7,000-strong convoy approaching Gaza from Tunisia and follows a wave of global actions, including blockades, vigils and civil disobedience.

A spokesperson for CND Cymru said: “We are proud to support this march. The silence of Western governments in the face of genocide is unacceptable. In taking part, we bear witness. And we will not forget the brutality committed.”

“As the Madleen and Conscience flotillas carried aid and the hope of the world, so too does this international march.”

The group is marching with minimal supplies, sleeping rough and relying on community support and crowdfunding to cover basic costs.

Criticism of Welsh complicity

Adam Johannes, of Cardiff Stop the War Coalition, also voiced support for the march and criticised the Welsh Government’s links to arms firms.

“Wales is welcoming weapons manufacturers under the guise of economic development—some of these firms are directly connected to the oppression of Palestinians.”

He added: “We must choose a peace-first approach, just as the Lucas Aerospace workers once proposed turning weapons factories into centres for building life-saving medical devices and wind turbines. The spirit of resistance lives on.”

The Global March to Gaza has been endorsed by dozens of organisations across the UK, including Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Peace and Justice Project, and Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

The delegation from Wales say they are buoyed by support from home, including crowdfunders, social media campaigns, and solidarity vigils, and remain committed to finishing the journey.

“We may be only a few people from Pembrokeshire,” said Jim Scott, “but we carry with us the conscience of a much wider community. This is what solidarity looks like.”

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

17 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.