News

Remain vote best for the NHS – Leanne Wood and Carwyn Jones

Published

9 years ago

June 22, 2016

Euroflag WELSH First Minister Carwyn Jones and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood have joined forces to argue that the long term future of the NHS can only be secured with a remain vote in the EU referendum on Thursday. They warned that leaving the European Union would make it more difficult to recruit doctors and other healthcare professionals to the NHS.

During First Minister’s questions in the Senedd, the Plaid Cymru leader and First Minister agreed that the NHS will need to recruit increasing numbers of trained healthcare professionals and that voting to leave the EU would make it even more difficult to recruit them from overseas.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said:

“Wales already faces a doctor shortage, and voting to leave the EU would perpetuate this problem. If we were to leave the EU on Thursday the NHS in Wales would find it even more difficult to recruit doctors from overseas.

“The economic uncertainty caused by withdrawing from the EU would also make it difficult to attract GPs to areas where vacancies are difficult to fill. We cannot overlook the threat of privatisation if we were to leave the NHS in the hands of right-wing politicians. Their keenness to sign up to TTIP would make it easier for more of our public services to be sold off.

“The only way to secure the future of our NHS is to vote to remain in the EU. It is in Wales’ best interests to remain in the EU. When it comes to protecting people, the economy and protecting the health service, Wales is better off in the European Union.”

In response to the question from the Plaid Cymru leader, the First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“What message would we convey to doctors and other health staff should we leave the European Union? Without question we would find it harder to recruit skilled staff from abroad. It is clear that our NHS benefits hugely from our membership of the EU, and it is one of the things people need to think about before they vote on Thursday.”

Addressing a question on the threat of privatisation in the event of a Leave vote, the First Minister said:“We of course oppose any privatisation of the NHS, and there is no doubt that a Leave vote would damage the fabric of our health service. Look at the personalities at the top of the Leave campaign – those are people who do not speak for the NHS, who talk openly about a privatisation agenda. Devolution would not protect us fully from the effects of wholesale privatisation in Wales, as it would slash the funding available to us.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.