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Politics

Reform UK defector clashes with former Conservative colleagues

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A TORY-TURNED-Reform Senedd Member has clashed with her former Conservative colleagues in a fiery debate about NHS Wales following her high-profile defection.

Laura Anne Jones, who jumped ship to join Reform UK in July, was challenged over comments Nigel Farage has made on funding for the health service.

She said: “The people of Wales deserve the truth, not misinformation, even if it means that some of you will now have to update your Caerphilly by-election leaflets.

“When Reform forms a government next May, the NHS will remain free at the point of delivery, and free prescriptions will remain just that – free.

“Anyone suggesting otherwise is scaremongering.”

Darren Millar, who leads the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament, intervened as his former colleague was contributing to the Tory debate.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar during the debate

He said: “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to speak to you, the first time we’ve done so since you decided to defect to Reform.

“Can I ask you: do you support your party leader and your party being a party that casts aspersions and doubts on the efficacy and safety of paracetamol and that supports Covid conspiracy theories about the efficacy and safety of Covid vaccines?

“I think the public in Wales deserve to know whether that is the case. What is your view?”

Ms Jones replied: “Well, I think that what’s important here is that we’re discussing the record of the Welsh Government. I love that you took so much interest, of course, in our Reform party conference and maybe you’d like to come one day, I don’t know.”

“Say sorry. Say sorry. Say sorry to him,” heckled Alun Davies, a Labour backbencher.

Peter Fox, a Conservative, accused Mr Farage of failing to stand up against false claims that paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to autism.

Conservative MS Peter Fox
Conservative MS Peter Fox

“Wales doesn’t need unfounded conspiracy theorists running our health service,” said the former Monmouthshire Council leader. “Reform is a party with no substance, no answers and just empty rhetoric from one man who tells everyone what they want to hear.”

Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor also took the ex-Tory to task: “Here’s a quote from Nigel Farage, ‘I do not want the NHS funded through general taxation.’

“How else would you fund it here in Wales?”

Ms Jones replied: “Just because Nigel Farage has a special view on it,” prompting groans and interruptions from around the Senedd’s debating chamber.

“Being interested in how other countries manage their health services and looking if there are any parts of that that we can take and use in our NHS is very, very different to committing the NHS to be abolished or privatised.”

Conservative Janet Finch-Saunders said: “I have to say Laura, being honest with you, I’ve lost confidence in you as a politician. I’ve certainly never had any confidence in Reform, so I’d be careful … speaking on a health debate because we know what Mr Farage’s view is.”

Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders

After May’s Senedd election, members who leave the political party they were elected to represent will no longer be able to cross the floor and must then sit as an independent.

The ill-tempered debate on September 24 also saw a clash between the Tories and Plaid, with the former accusing the latter of being “handmaidens” to Labour over NHS failures.

Llŷr Gruffydd raised a point of order: “Janet Finch-Saunders who I used to consider a friend and I hope that I will do after this, she did mislead the Senedd in suggesting that me and my party were doing everything we could to encourage illegal immigrants into this country.”

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd
Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd

The Plaid Cymru politician added: “I would ask her to withdraw that statement. If she doesn’t she’s clearly another one who’s swallowed a Farage fantasy pill.”

“Oh no, absolutely not,” Ms Finch-Saunders responded, clarifying that she was speaking about the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary policy.

The rows overshadowed the Tory debate which heard more than 38,000 people have died while waiting for NHS treatment since the 2021 Senedd election.

 

News

Accidental deaths in Wales rise by 43% as calls grow for urgent action

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More than 1,200 lives lost each year as charity warns of growing public health crisis

ACCIDENTAL deaths in Wales have risen by 43% over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people now dying each year, prompting calls for urgent action from the next Welsh Government.

New figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that Wales now has a death rate 22% higher than the UK average, with preventable harm placing increasing pressure on the NHS and disproportionately affecting poorer communities.

Falls remain the leading cause of accidental death, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. People in Wales are around 24% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK.

RoSPA has warned that the situation represents a growing public health crisis, as it launches its Stronger, Safer Wales manifesto ahead of the next Senedd election.

The charity is urging ministers to treat accident prevention as a national priority, arguing that many deaths could be avoided through relatively simple and low-cost interventions.

Accidental harm is also linked to a range of other risks, including rural road collisions, accidental poisonings, machinery incidents, and dog-related injuries.

The wider impact is significant, with preventable accidents costing the NHS billions, reducing workforce participation, and deepening inequality across Wales.

RoSPA is calling for a range of measures, including improved home safety standards, compulsory water safety education in schools, and stronger road safety interventions.

Among its proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for drivers every three years, better road markings to protect motorcyclists, and tighter regulation of unsafe or counterfeit products sold online.

The charity also wants to see national home safety programmes introduced to support vulnerable households, along with clearer responsibilities for local authorities in managing water safety risks.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.

She said: “Wales is facing a clear and escalating crisis of accidental deaths, and the evidence shows the situation is worsening year on year.

“Behind every statistic is a life that could have been saved with practical, proven interventions.

“We are calling on the next Welsh Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because coordinated action will save lives, reduce inequalities and relieve pressure on the NHS.”

She added: “Accidents are not inevitable. With strong leadership and consistent standards across Wales, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.”

RoSPA says tackling the issue will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities and industry, but insists that the solutions are both achievable and cost-effective.

The charity’s manifesto is intended to shape future policy in Wales, with a focus on reducing avoidable deaths while easing pressure on overstretched public services.

 

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Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

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A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

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Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

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A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

 

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