News
‘Fog of confusion’ about Withybush Plans

UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES to dog the future of maternity, paediatric and specialist baby care at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest.
Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:
“In recent weeks the fog of confusion around the future of vital services at Withybush has got worse, with neither the Hywel Dda Health Board nor the Welsh Health Minister being willing or able to come clean on their true intentions. The Pembrokeshire rumour mill is in overdrive about changes at Withybush and the local community is rightly concerned and angry. This is the biggest issue facing our County and it is time for Welsh Government in Cardiff to hold the Health Board to account and provide certainty and assurance.”
As The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed last week, staff have already been consulted about a planned shift of services from Withybush to West Wales General Hospital, Glangwili. BBC news picked up the story this week and confirmed with Hywel Dda Local Health Board that talks were taking place with hospital staff.
Campaign groups set up
SEVERAL campaigning groups have been set up on Facebook to fight the closures and a public meeting is to be held at The Picton Centre in Haverfordwest this evening (Thursday, November 21) with a view to setting up a fighting fund to resist any closures or relocation of maternity and paediatric services.
The number of people who have joined the on-line campaign groups at the time this article goes to press is just under 20,000.
In January 2013, Pembrokeshire’s Best Magazine revealed that out of 1,567 responses to the ORS consultation on the Health Board’s plans for Withybush, only 9% of respondents in Pembrokeshire (150 people) favoured the Board’s proposal to close SCBU and transfer all care for high dependence neonates, complex ante-natal and perinatal care out of the County to Glangwili. In spite of the level of opposition shown to their plans, the Local Health Board’s decision announced on January 15 was to proceed with its plans, but to retain some paediatric and obstetric services at Withybush “subject to recruiting staff”.
Speaking to The Herald last week with reference to the potential loss of services due to loss of birth numbers at Withybush, the a spokeswoman from the Hywel Dda Health Board said:
“We are at significant risk of losing training posts if we cannot find solutions. Services may become too fragile unless we plan for the future.
“The neonatal element was referred to Welsh Government and the Health Board was requested to provide further details on our models for gynaecology and obstetrics which is being addressed by this ongoing planning work.”
Further criticism of LHB
THE HEALTH BOARD has been separately criticised by Ceredigion AM for delays in recruitment:
“I have been made increasingly aware of recruitment delays across the Hywel Dda region. In some cases such as recently at Ysbyty Bronglais I’m told of instances where six months after the employment process began, nurses have still not been able to take up new posts.
“Delays in appointing key staff members undermine the vital services offered by the Health Board, increase waiting times, erode public confidence and make it even harder to recruit staff in the future.
“The Welsh Government must work closely with the Local Health Boards across Wales to ensure the process is expedited and that residents get the health service they need and deserve.”
AM’s request for scrutiny denied
A REQUEST from local Assembly Member Paul Davies to publicly scrutinise the future of services at Withybush hospital has been denied.
This follows the latest news that overnight paediatric services at the Withybush hospital could be closed. Mr Davies tabled an urgent question to the Welsh Health Minister given the substantial knock-on effect that this closure would have on the hospital’s obstetrics department, A & E department and the Special Care Baby Unit.
Mr Davies said, “This latest news has further escalated concerns in Pembrokeshire that Withybush hospital is signalled for downgrading. Sadly, my request to scrutinise the Health Minister on this has been turned down. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly called for statements from the Welsh Government in relation to Hywel Dda Health Board’s plans, all of which have been denied.”
He added, “This news will once again renew fears over the hospital’s future, and it’s time that the Welsh Government provided certainty and reassurances for west Wales patients. Anything less is unacceptable. Residents will rightly be worried about the potential closure of overnight paediatric services and the effect that it will have on the sustainability of other core services at Withybush. I will of course, keep raising these issues in the Assembly Chamber in the hope that Welsh Labour Ministers will come clean on the future of Withybush hospital as soon as possible.”
Concern from Haverfordwest Town Council
AT THE Haverfordwest Town Council meeting last night councillors discussed the situation regarding Withybush Hospital.
Town Clerk David Williams said “There are serious concerns about what is happening at Withybush Hospital. We don’t know what the proposals are at the moment and the future of the hospital is in the balance.
“Our intentions are to write to the trust and health minister to clarify what the situation is”.
SWAT has suggested that the situation is the thin end of the wedge in relation to other services. A SWAT leaflet sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald claims, amongst other things:Emergency cover for ALL specialities may reduce to 16 hours each day. Date of implementation unknown at present but maybe January 1, 2014. This would mean patients already in hospital would be safe as on call doctors would be on site but with no A&E facility from perhaps midnight people who became ill overnight or have an accident in the community would be taken directly to Glangwili.
SCBU, Paediatrics and Obstetrics will move to Glangwili in March 2014. This means that there will be NO beds to admit children, babies or pregnant women at Withybush except for very low risk mothers to be.
Anyone needing admission will have to be taken to Glangwili.
A&E will be reduced to 12 hours during the day from April 1, 2014. This means that Withybush will not be able to take any emergency patients overnight and they will all have to be taken to Glangwili for assessment and admission if appropriate.
The leaflet calls on people to demonstrate in support of maintaining services at Withybush outside the hospital every Saturday morning at 11:00 am from January 4, 2014. It also asks for support for a potential legal action to prevent the Health Board’s plans from proceeding.
Joyce Watson AM told us: “I totally support the plan for a Level 2 neo-natal unit in the Hywel Dda area, as we do not currently have one. Withybush maternity unit is the crucial missing piece of the puzzle, however. Until Hywel Dda submits its proposal to the Welsh Government we cannot assess the overall plan.
“What is clear is that Withybush must retain a service that can stabilise mother and baby when complications occur. That is absolutely critical – a red line – and I have consistently urged that point in my discussions with both the Health Board and the Government.”
The Local Health Board responds
In response to the BBC News story, the Health Board released a statement saying:
“The health board can confirm that no instruction has been given to book expectant mothers due in March or April into Glangwili Hospital instead of Withybush Hospital. If any mother has any queries about their booking they are advised to speak to their midwife directly.
“The health board was instructed by the Health Minister in September to clarify the delivery model for obstetric and paediatric services that would be provided to support a Level 2 neonatal unit before a final Ministerial decision is made in relation to new born services.
“The health board is committed to openly discussing the current situation with staff and so meetings are taking place at a hospital, county and health board-wide level.
“The ongoing work with our clinical teams is based on clarifying the service model, taking into account the many service inter-dependencies.
“Proposed models will be submitted to Welsh Government in the next few weeks…the health board’s position [is] that members of staff have not been informed of any final decisions as none have been made.”
Chris Overton of SWAT told The Herald
“Last Tuesday morning the midwifery manager told midwives on the wards that from March there would be a midwifery led service at Withybush. At the same time, the Paediatric Manager told staff that SCBU, paediatric services and Ward 9 admissions would all go to Carmarthen, as that was where paediatric trainee doctors would be based.”
The Pembrokeshire Herald asked for a response from the Welsh Government, shortly before we went to press a spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Drakeford told The Herald:
“This is a matter for the Local Health Board and we have no comment to make on it, at this time.Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales said:
“I am obviously concerned by the recent reports, and am seeking clarity from the Health Board because continued speculation and rumour is unhelpful for both patients and our NHS staff.
“The Health Board is due to submit its detailed proposed models to Welsh Government in the next few weeks, and I would expect that those plans should be clinically robust and developed in close collaboration with clinicians and expert obstetricians. I look forward to scrutinising the plans.
“Patient safety – both for the expectant mother and the baby – has to be the overriding concern.”
Mrs Evans is currently seeking reassurances from the Health Board on a number of matters, including that that there is no truth in the reports that all expectant mothers due to give birth after 1 April are being booked into Glangwili Hospital.
Business
RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd: Securing Pembrokeshire’s future

IN AN INDUSTRY where reliability, professionalism, and experience are paramount, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has emerged as a leading provider of security services and training across Wales. Founded in November 2021 by Company Director Ryan Mayne and Kerry Mcreynolds, they were joined by General Manager Mathew Davies in 2022, the company has grown into a trusted name in the security sector, offering high-quality training programs, security staffing, and event protection.
Now, with a team of around 300 employees, RM Training is poised to expand its operations in Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring businesses, event organisers, and hospitality venues have access to qualified security personnel in a sector where demand is at an all-time high.
From high-risk security to building a future in Pembrokeshire

For Ryan Mayne, the security industry is not just a business—it’s a lifelong career shaped by real-world experience in high-risk environments. With over two decades in top-tier security roles, Ryan has worked in some of the UK’s largest clubs, corporate settings, and high-profile protection services, dealing with situations that were often tense, unpredictable, and dangerous.
“When I think back to some of the things I saw and some of the incidents I had to deal with, it scares me,” Ryan reflects.
But his life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Home Office deployed him to Pembrokeshire to help manage refugee and asylum seeker security operations. It was here that he fell in love with the county, leading to a decision that would shape both his personal and professional future.
“I was deployed to a site near Tenby, and it didn’t take me long to realise just how fantastic Pembrokeshire is,” Ryan explains. “I knew this was the place where I wanted to build something new.”
That decision was cemented by his relationship with Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, who he is due to marry in September.
“We knew Pembrokeshire was the place where we wanted to bring up our children,” Ryan says. “So it made sense to set up the company here too.”
While Ryan handles the strategic direction and business growth, Kerry plays a pivotal role in the company’s success, managing client relations, staff retention, and back-office operations, all while raising their two-year-old son, Archie.
“She’s the driving force,” Ryan says. “None of this would be possible without her.”

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of a security business, General Manager Mathew Davies is the man who makes it happen. With a background in both military and civilian security, Mathew brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership to RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, making him a key figure in its rapid growth and ongoing success.
Since joining forces with Company Director Ryan Mayne, Mathew has played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, staff training, and client relationships, helping RM Training establish itself as one of the leading security providers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales.
Mathew’s journey into the security industry was forged through years of hands-on experience in demanding environments. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have proven invaluable in his role at RM Training.
After transitioning into civilian security, Mathew quickly climbed the ranks, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, personnel coordination, and high-pressure decision-making. These skills now form the backbone of RM Training’s success, ensuring that every security operation runs seamlessly.
Empowering Pembrokeshire’s Workforce with security training
One of RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd’s primary objectives is to provide local people with a structured pathway into the security industry.
The company offers over 140 online and practical courses, covering a wide spectrum of security roles including: Door supervision for pubs, clubs, and licensed venues
Corporate security for offices and commercial spaces
Retail security for shopping centres and stores
Event and festival security
Site and property security
A core focus is Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited training, ensuring trainees receive recognised qualifications required to work in the sector.
Their newly established office in Port Talbot is also playing a key role in retraining workers affected by the Tata Steel job losses, helping individuals transition into security careers following redundancy.
“Our goal is not just to train people but to give them career progression opportunities,” Ryan explains. “This industry is about keeping people safe, and that starts with having well-trained professionals.”
Expanding security services across Wales

Beyond training, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd provides security services for a wide range of businesses. The company currently supports: Bars, pubs, and nightclubs struggling to find licensed and reliable door staff
Retail and corporate businesses in need of on-site security operatives
Festivals and major events requiring crowd management teams
Close protection and private security clients
With over 200 events already booked for 2024, RM Training is becoming the go-to security provider for major gatherings across South Wales.
But for General Manager Mathew Davies, ensuring quality and reliability is just as important as expansion.
“He’s the one who makes sure the staff are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, while offering them all the support they need,” says Ryan. “Mathew works 24/7 to ensure our high standards never slip.”
The company now aims to secure additional security contracts across Pembrokeshire, addressing a major shortage of trained security personnel in the region.
“The reality is that there simply aren’t enough trained security professionals in Pembrokeshire,” Ryan explains. “Businesses struggle to find reliable door staff and event security. We’re here to fix that.”
The future for RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd
As RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd continues its growth trajectory, the company remains committed to: Expanding its presence in Pembrokeshire and South Wales
Training the next generation of security professionals
Providing reliable security solutions to businesses and event organisers
Raising awareness of the industry’s importance in safeguarding communities
With a dedicated team, strong leadership, and a clear vision, RM Training is not just building a security business—it’s building a safer Pembrokeshire.
For more information, visit:
www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk
[email protected]
01834 526418
Business
Welsh food and drink strengthen Welsh and Japanese ties

A DELEGATION of Welsh companies have recently visited Japan, as the industry continues to target opening new markets for its food and drink products.
Foodex Japan is Asia’s largest food and drink exhibition, with the Welsh Government supporting the presence of a number of producers under the Cymru/Wales banner.
The visit comes against a backdrop of wider events being held as part of ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, which is a year-long campaign by the Welsh Government to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations, with the aim of bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries.

Wales has long-standing economic ties with Japan, particularly due to inward investment by Japanese companies into Wales since the 1970s, and is currently home to 70 Japanese companies.
The Welsh delegation at Foodex included a specially made eki stamp at their exhibition stall. Eki stamps are collectible rubber ink stamps found at many train stations in Japan, and are a form of souvenir with designs typically featuring landmarks, mascots, or locally produced goods. As part of the ‘Wales and Japan 2025’ celebrations, Welsh illustrator Jonathan Edwards has created a series of five unique designs which celebrate the culture of the two nations.
Among the Welsh exhibitors at Foodex Japan were Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Aber Falls, Café de Manha, The Lobster Pot and Morning Foods.
HCC also hosted a ‘Celebration of Welsh Lamb’ event in conjunction with Welsh Government at a restaurant in Tokyo, which specialises in lamb. Chef Kazuhiro Kikuchi is a well-known advocate of lamb, having published ‘Tokyo Lamb Story’, and presented a chef’s table of Welsh lamb for buyers and potential customers.
The latest figures on Welsh food and drink exports show that their value has risen by £243m – or 43% – since 2019. Welsh food and drink exports to non-EU countries were worth £202m in 2023, which is an increase of £63m since 2019, with the value of exported goods to Asia and Oceania during 2023 being £46m, a 34% increase from £34m in 2019.
The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said,
“Foodex Japan is always an important event for Welsh food and drink companies, as we continue our push to open new markets and show what we can offer on a global scale.
“It is especially important this year as we celebrate the rich cultural and economic ties between Wales and Japan. It is an opportunity to develop and strengthen our relationships, and I’m sure the companies flying the flag for Wales will be able to build new and meaningful partnerships that are beneficial to both countries.”
A four-day event held at Tokyo Big Sight, Foodex Japan plays host to over 2,500 food and drink companies from more than 60 countries and regions. It is a hub for food and drink buyers from across Asia, as well as Japan, and provides a key opportunity to promote and build on the reputation of Welsh food and drink and connect with new customers across the region.
One of the companies in the delegation is whisky producer, Aber Falls. Talking about the visit, Managing Director Edward Williamson said,
“We’re keen to grow our exports and are really grateful for the support of Welsh Government to be able to attend events such as these.
“Increasingly whisky from Wales has a fantastic story to tell, with a number of distilleries, including ours, securing coveted PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This shows how unique our product is, with a taste that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The chance to raise awareness of this story in such an important whisky market as Japan, and Asia more generally, is fantastic, and we plan to make the most of it.
Another company looking to expand their offering overseas is Anglesey-based The Lobster Pot. With a history of supplying Welsh pot caught lobster dating back to 1946, the company is hopeful that the trip will help open new markets. Julie Hill from The Lobster Pot said,
“Events such as Foodex gives us an opportunity to show what Welsh produce can offer the world.
“We’re able to give our customers a fantastic product, which is quality, sustainably-sourced shellfish. As experienced exporters to Japan, we’re hopeful that the visit will help build on our current relationships, as well as opening new opportunities in the country, and the rest of Asia.”
For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with reaching new markets through trade events visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/growing-your-business/trade-events
For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with exporting please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/export/
Crime
Calls to amend payout rules for wrongly convicted

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who spent five years behind bars for a crime he did not commit has been denied compensation under what legal experts describe as an “inhumane” and “cruel” government policy.
Brian Buckle, who was exonerated of all charges in 2023 after a gruelling legal battle, has spoken of his devastation upon receiving a rejection letter from the Ministry of Justice. The letter acknowledged his innocence but stated that he had failed to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that he had not committed the crimes.
The decision has reignited fierce debate over the 2014 law change that places the burden of proof on victims of wrongful conviction, a policy unique to England and Wales. Critics argue that the system is designed to minimise payouts, leaving innocent individuals without financial support to rebuild their lives after years of wrongful imprisonment.
FIVE YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT
Mr Buckle was imprisoned in 2017 after being convicted of sexual offences he always denied. His case was finally overturned after a five-year fight that saw his legal team present new witnesses and fresh forensic evidence during a three-week retrial. A jury took just over an hour to return a unanimous “not guilty” verdict.
But despite being completely exonerated, Mr Buckle has been denied compensation for his ordeal. The legal fees required to clear his name totalled nearly £500,000, a sum he was eligible to claim in compensation. However, his application was refused on the grounds that he had not met the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard of proof that he did not commit the crimes — despite the courts ruling that he was innocent.
“I just burst out crying when I read the letter,” said Mr Buckle. “What more do I need to do to prove I’m innocent? I’ve lost five years of my life, my job, my pension. People are absolutely gobsmacked when I tell them I’ve been refused compensation.”
A LAW DESIGNED TO DENY PAYOUTS?
The 2014 law change, introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government, shifted the burden onto the wrongly convicted to prove their innocence beyond reasonable doubt. Critics say this effectively “reverses the presumption of innocence” and was introduced to limit government compensation payments.
Since 2016, 93% of applications for miscarriage of justice compensation have been rejected, according to government figures. Leading barrister Stephen Vullo KC, who represented Mr Buckle, has described the system as “almost impossibly high” and “designed to ensure money is not paid out.”
“It’s not by accident, it’s by design,” he said. “It sends a message that the state doesn’t accept responsibility when it gets things wrong.”
The injustice of the current system has been further exposed by the government’s handling of the Post Office Horizon scandal. Unlike individual miscarriage of justice cases, which have been largely ignored, thousands of wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters were awarded compensation only after overwhelming public pressure, following the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office.”
“The government’s response is driven by fear of embarrassment,” said Mr Vullo. “The system should be fair so that everybody receives compensation, not just those whose cases attract media attention.”
Legal experts argue that England and Wales must follow Scotland, Northern Ireland, and most of Europe, where wrongful conviction compensation is awarded based on the miscarriage of justice itself, without requiring proof of innocence.
LOCAL MP FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE

Mr Buckle’s case has caught the attention of Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who has vowed to fight for a change in the law. He is hosting a debate in Westminster to highlight the injustices faced by victims of wrongful conviction.
“I was appalled when I heard Brian’s story,” said Mr Lake. “Miscarriages of justice have always happened and always will. But when the state makes a mistake and an innocent person spends years behind bars, it should ensure they are compensated for that injustice.”
Mr Lake is pushing for the law to be reversed and made retrospective so that people like Mr Buckle can claim the compensation they deserve.
A FAMILY DEVASTATED BY INJUSTICE
The years spent in prison have left Mr Buckle suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the emotional toll has extended to his family. His daughter Georgia has spoken openly about her own struggles, including suicidal thoughts during her father’s imprisonment.
“I’m definitely not the same person I was before,” said Mr Buckle. “I can’t keep a job because my head is all over the place. Every single night, all I dream about is being in prison or trying to get out.”
He believes an apology and compensation would be a step towards recognising the harm done to him.
“I will take what happened to me to the grave. Money won’t change how I am mentally, but it’s about the principle — the justice system admitting they got it wrong.”
With pressure mounting and a Law Commission review of the compensation system underway, there is growing hope that the law may be overturned. For Mr Buckle and others like him, that change cannot come soon enough.
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