News

Starmer sets out vision for ‘Wales reborn’ at Labour’s Llandudno conference

Published

12 months ago

June 28, 2025

PM promises £5bn uplift, green steel, and ‘defence dividend’ as Labour draws battle lines with Reform and Plaid

KEIR STARMER delivered a speech heavy with symbolism and policy at Welsh Labour’s 2025 conference today—framing his government as the architects of a new era in Wales, while attacking the populist right and Welsh nationalism as threats to the country’s future.

Addressing delegates at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the Prime Minister promised a “brighter future for Wales”, outlining a programme of investment and reform he said was already reshaping the country less than a year after Labour swept the General Election.

“That’s your victory, Conference,” Starmer told members. “A Wales back in the service of working people. And we’re only just getting started.”

With a confident delivery backed by visually striking footage from the event, Starmer’s speech marks a significant moment for Welsh Labour—not just in rhetoric but in resources.

£5 billion and a “Labour Spending Review”

At the heart of the speech was a commitment to £22.5 billion annually for Wales over the next three years—a significant uplift in block grant funding. Starmer claimed this equates to:

£5 billion in additional funds,
16,500 new jobs,
Two new Freeports (Celtic Sea and Anglesey),
Investment zones in Wrexham, Flintshire, Newport, and Cardiff,
£445 million for railway upgrades, including five new stations,
£200 million+ annually for local growth funds.

This, Starmer said, was a clear difference from the previous Conservative government:

“A Labour Spending Review, by a Labour Government, making Labour choices.”

In political terms, Starmer is directly contrasting Labour’s fiscal policy with both the austerity of the past and the radical tax-cutting agenda promoted by Reform UK.

Steel, security, and sovereignty

One of the most significant announcements was a firm recommitment to Port Talbot’s green steel transition, including an £80 million transition board and future support through the National Wealth Fund. Starmer contrasted this with Nigel Farage’s recent visit to the site, accusing him of:

“Pretending he’s got a plan to reopen a blast furnace… He’s got no idea what he’s talking about.”

He warned that Reform’s proposals would cancel the electric arc furnace project due to begin within weeks and “throw away 5,000 jobs.”

Alongside green steel, Starmer introduced the idea of a “defence dividend” for Wales. He pledged:

Investment in 6,000 existing defence jobs in Wales,
Skilled job creation through technology upgrades,
The largest military pay rise in 20 years,
Upgrades to 800 military homes,
Veterans to be given priority for social housing.

This forms part of a broader strategic message: Labour can deliver security—military, economic and social—where others cannot.

Welfare, work, and difficult choices

Starmer also addressed the UK’s welfare system, calling it “broken” and “failing people every day.” He rejected Conservative-style cuts but promised reform that encourages people into work:

“We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on – and we won’t. But we also can’t let it become a snare.”

He outlined:

Millions in mental health support,
NHS reform to tackle waiting lists,
Council house-building programmes,
Enhanced worker rights, including the end of fire-and-rehire.

This part of the speech sought to reclaim the narrative on welfare and productivity—long a political weakness for Labour—by offering a moral case for reform alongside fairness.

Fighting Reform and Plaid: “Backwards or forwards?”

Starmer reserved some of his sharpest words for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, mocking the party’s economic plans and casting Farage as a self-serving populist:

“A wolf in Wall Street clothing… Reform doesn’t create jobs. They throw them away.”

He warned of a “backroom stitch-up” between Reform, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru that could plunge Wales back into “chaos and division,” referencing Plaid’s commitment to independence without a roadmap to reunify Wales economically or socially.

This sets up the battleground for 2026’s Senedd election: Labour will frame itself as the only party with national competence, moral clarity, and local delivery.

Praise for Eluned Morgan and post-industrial justice

Starmer praised First Minister Eluned Morgan, calling her “the best person to lead Wales into the future,” and highlighted her lobbying success in securing £118 million for coal tip safety and a fairer mineworkers’ pension scheme.

“We’re doing right by mining communities,” he said. “We’ve righted the historic injustice of mineworkers’ pensions.”

This appeal to Labour’s traditional base—post-industrial, working-class voters in south and north Wales—aims to reconnect with communities that drifted during the Brexit years.

Analysis: Why this speech matters

Starmer’s address was not just a laundry list of policy. It was a clear electoral pitch to:

Disaffected former Labour voters,
Trade unionists,
Younger progressives,
And those fearful of Reform’s rise.

The tone was firm but measured. His attack lines on Farage and Plaid were sharper than usual, signalling that Labour sees a real threat from both directions—nationalism and populism. But he balanced that with optimistic language about jobs, green energy, and opportunity.

Crucially, the message to Wales was not “we hear you”—a common Labour refrain in the past—but “we’ve already delivered, and we will deliver more.”

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.