News

Reform UK promises NHS cuts and speed limit reversal

Published

8 months ago

September 2, 2025

REFORM UK has pledged to slash NHS “back office” roles in Wales if it gains power at the next Senedd election, with deputy leader Richard Tice promising to redirect money into frontline care.

Speaking on the campaign trail, Mr Tice said the party would prioritise reducing what it describes as wasteful spending and unnecessary bureaucracy. He stressed that doctors and nurses would not be affected, and that the focus would be on management and administrative roles.

“The NHS is not short of money,” he said. “It’s the way it is being mismanaged, the way it wastes money. That’s why waiting lists are so long. We need to cut the waste and put those resources where they matter – into frontline services.”

Reform argues that slimming down the NHS’s administrative structure would free up resources to tackle long waiting lists and boost productivity. Critics, however, have warned that repeated reorganisations of the health service risk undermining continuity of care, and that administrative staff are often essential for keeping hospitals and surgeries running.

Speed limit pledge

Mr Tice also took aim at the Welsh Government’s 20mph default speed limit in built-up areas. Labour introduced the policy last year at an estimated cost of tens of millions of pounds. He vowed that Reform would scrap the measure despite the cost of reversing it.

The speed limit change remains one of the most divisive policies introduced by the Welsh Labour Government. Ministers insist it will save lives and reduce injuries, while opponents claim it is costly, confusing and damaging to local economies.

Polling shows surge in support

Reform UK has stepped up its campaign in Wales, buoyed by a series of polls suggesting it is now a serious contender.

A More in Common poll for Sky News in July placed Reform in the lead with 28% support, ahead of Plaid Cymru on 26% and Labour on 23%. A separate YouGov/ITV Wales survey put Plaid first on 30%, Reform second on 25%, and Labour trailing badly on 18% – a dramatic drop from the 36% regional vote Labour secured at the 2021 election.

Even Labour’s own internal figures, leaked earlier this year, showed Reform at 25% – level with both Plaid Cymru and Labour.

The trend has alarmed Welsh Labour, which has dominated devolved politics since 1999 but is now showing signs of weakness in key areas. Reform has gained ground in post-industrial communities where frustration over the state of the NHS and dissatisfaction with economic prospects run deep.

Electoral mountain to climb

Despite its rise in the polls, Reform still faces steep odds of forming a government. The 2026 Senedd election will be the first held under sweeping electoral reforms. The Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members, elected through proportional representation on regional party lists. The new system makes it harder for any party to achieve an outright majority.

Both Labour and Plaid Cymru have already ruled out entering coalitions with Reform, significantly limiting its path to power. Even if Reform wins the largest share of the vote, its ability to turn that into meaningful control of the Senedd looks slim without partners willing to work with it.

Political analysts also caution that while mid-term polling can exaggerate support for insurgent parties, translating that into seats and sustained influence is a different challenge.

Looking ahead

Reform UK’s message is designed to tap into voter frustration over the state of public services and the Welsh Government’s policies on transport, the economy and energy. Its leadership is gambling that a focus on cutting NHS waste and rolling back unpopular measures like the 20mph speed limit can drive a breakthrough.

With less than a year until polling day, the party has momentum. But with coalition arithmetic stacked against it and opponents refusing to work alongside it, the real question may not be whether Reform tops the poll – but what it can do with the seats it wins.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.