News

Farage piles on BBC Wales as bias row deepens

Published

7 months ago

November 11, 2025

REFORM UK leader Nigel Farage has accused BBC Wales of being “infected with left-wing bias” — comments that add fresh fuel to the storm engulfing the broadcaster following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News chief Deborah Turness.

Farage’s criticism centres on Rhuanedd Richards, the BBC’s interim Nations Director, who previously served as chief executive of Plaid Cymru and as a special adviser during the Labour–Plaid “One Wales” coalition government.

According to the BBC’s website, Richards earns between £190,000 and £194,999 per year in her current role overseeing the corporation’s national output across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the English regions.

Farage told supporters: “Rhuanedd Richards was the chief executive of Plaid. She worked during the Labour–Plaid coalition for the Government of Wales. She’s now a director of BBC Wales, on just over £190,000 a year. There is living proof that, right the way through to the top, the BBC is infected with left-wing bias.”

The BBC declined to comment directly on his remarks but has repeatedly denied institutional bias. Outgoing news chief Deborah Turness said earlier this week: “Our journalists aren’t corrupt — they’re hardworking people who strive for impartiality.”

Political theatre or deeper problem?

Farage’s comments come less than 24 hours after The Pembrokeshire Herald’s opinion piece on BBC bias went viral, reaching more than 89,000 views and getting 2,600 likes. That article argued that the real issue isn’t one flawed Trump edit — it’s the political culture that uses “bias” as a weapon to discredit journalism.

Farage’s intervention fits that pattern. His attack on Richards — a respected Welsh broadcaster with a long BBC career both before and after her time in politics — blurs the line between legitimate scrutiny and political point-scoring.

Supporters of Richards note that her appointment followed standard BBC governance procedures and that previous political experience does not automatically equate to editorial bias. She began her career as a BBC Wales journalist and political correspondent before moving into party work and later returning to broadcasting.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said: “BBC Wales’ decision to appoint Plaid Cymru separatists’ former chief executive as its Director obviously raises questions.

“This is a senior editorial role – it would be the equivalent of appointing Alistair Campbell as Director General.

“We need a review into the relationship between BBC Wales and Plaid Cymru separatists, and I’m happy to support such calls.”

The irony: BBC caught its own error

Amid the noise, one fact has been largely overlooked — the controversial Trump edit was identified by the BBC’s own internal checks. The broadcaster’s review system flagged the mistake, demonstrating that its mechanisms for accountability do, in fact, work.

Where next for the BBC?

With senior leadership in flux, the corporation faces intense scrutiny from all sides — government, Reform UK, and commercial rivals keen to weaken its public-service model.

Yet the bigger question remains: without a strong, independent BBC — and without a thriving local press to nurture the next generation of reporters — who will defend factual, balanced journalism in Britain?

In the end, the loudest cries of “bias” may come from those who fear impartial reporting the most.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

4 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

4 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.