News

Davies and Morgan clash over policing powers and terror response in Senedd exchange

Published

5 months ago

February 3, 2026

CONSERVATIVE MS says breaking up UK would ‘benefit criminals’ as First Minister insists Wales would still rely on cross-border co-operation

A ROW over whether policing powers should be devolved to Wales spilled onto the Senedd floor as a senior Conservative warned that separating from UK-wide structures could leave the country exposed to terrorism and serious crime.

During questions to the First Minister in Senedd Cymru, Andrew RT Davies pressed ministers on whether law and order is better delivered from Westminster rather than Cardiff Bay.

Opening the exchange, Mr Davies said that although he and the Welsh Government disagreed on where policing powers should sit, they should both accept that dismantling the United Kingdom would weaken security.

He told the chamber that if “separatists had their way and they broke up the United Kingdom, policing would be fundamentally weakened in these islands and the criminals will benefit from it”.

He asked the First Minister to agree that the UK provides the strongest framework for keeping communities safe through joint working between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“The co-operative working and that strong union, working together… protects the citizens of this great country of ours,” he said, urging ministers to reject what he called a “narrow, separatist, independent argument”.

‘Strong devolution in a strong UK’

Responding, Eluned Morgan said her government was not pursuing devolution as a stepping stone to independence.

“We want to see strong devolution in a strong UK,” she said, adding that Labour remained committed to improving services rather than chasing constitutional change for its own sake.

She argued that reforming how policing is governed in Wales could improve accountability and outcomes for the public, particularly as discussions continue over replacing the current police and crime commissioner model.

“We want to see change when it comes to policing… because we want to see better provision for the people in Wales,” she told MSs.

Terrorism expertise ‘not something you could replicate’

However, the First Minister acknowledged that certain specialist capabilities, particularly counter-terrorism, would still require close links with the rest of the UK.

“It of course makes sense for us to co-operate across the border when it comes to policing, when it makes sense,” she said.

“Just think about terrorism; we’ll never have the kind of absolute expertise in terrorism that you may get in a place like London. We would have to work with them and depend on them—not something you could do in an independent Wales.”

Her comments prompted Mr Davies to argue that this reliance showed why policing should remain reserved to Westminster.

He later said the admission demonstrated “the dangers of putting the Senedd in charge of policing”, claiming Wales could end up dependent on external support during major incidents.

Long-running debate

Policing and criminal justice are among the few major public services not currently devolved to Wales, with responsibility resting with the UK Government.

Supporters of devolution, including Plaid Cymru, argue that Welsh control would allow policies better tailored to local needs.

Opponents say fragmenting the system could weaken intelligence sharing and increase costs, particularly for specialist units tackling organised crime and terrorism.

The exchange underlines how the issue remains a political dividing line in Cardiff Bay, with both sides framing the argument around public safety rather than constitutional theory.

For now, any change would require agreement from Westminster, meaning the debate is likely to continue long before any powers formally shift.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

5 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

5 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.