News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid resign from government

Published

4 years ago

July 5, 2022

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid have resigned from Boris Johnson’s government.

The chancellor, who quit moments after Mr Javid, said: “The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.”

In his letter to the PM, Mr Javid said he could “no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government” as he referenced the tone and values of Mr Johnson reflecting “on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country”.

He added: “It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”

The pair’s resignations came minutes after Mr Johnson gave an interview admitting he should not have appointed MP Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip in February after claims the MP groped two men last week.

As the most senior person in government after the prime minister, Mr Sunak’s resignation is a big blow to Mr Johnson while Mr Javid, who ran against Mr Johnson in the leadership election, has played a major role during the pandemic.

It is understood that the pair had not coordinated their resignations but Mr Sunak may have already been preparing to step down and was prompted to this evening by Mr Javid’s announcement.

Following their resignations, several cabinet ministers said they will not be doing so. They include: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Attorney General Suella Braverman, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Scotland Secretary Alister Jack

Wales Secretary and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart also confirmed that he would not be resigning.

Last Friday, after Playbook reported the PM had been informed of allegations against Pincher before appointing him, his spokesman said initially that he was “not aware of any allegations” before correcting himself to clarify he meant “specific” ones, and insisted that “in the absence of any formal complaint it was not appropriate to stop the appointment on the basis of unsubstantiated” claims …

On Monday, after the Sunday Times published details of how an MP raised a specific incident with a No. 10 aide and the incoming chief whip in February, the spokesman said the PM had been aware of “media reports” and “some allegations that were either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint,” adding again that he deemed it wouldn’t be right to block the appointment “in the absence of any formal complaint” …

Now, the BBC’s Ione Wells reports that Johnson and his deputy Dominic Raab were told of a formal complaint about Pincher which — crucially — triggered a disciplinary process that confirmed Pincher’s misconduct in 2018. Let’s see what No. 10 comes up with today.

Eyebrows were raised by many when serving government minister Greg Hands published a tweet last night rubbishing the government’s policy on the civil service fast stream. In fewer than 280 characters, Hands illustrates one of the biggest problems that No. 10 has on its hands: the collapse in frontbench discipline. Hands is no old Johnson ally — he backed Jeremy Hunt in the leadership contest and pointedly quit over Heathrow expansion in 2018 at a time when Johnson didn’t — but has been very loyal since Johnson became PM, and gave him his full-throated backing ahead of the confidence vote. As a Tory source pointed out to Playbook: “If you want an illustration of how much his authority has sapped since the vote of no confidence … that’s it.”

Hands is not the first to test the principle of collective responsibility.

On Friday, Welsh Secretary and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart all but ripped up the No. 10 lines he had been given for the morning broadcast round, saying instead when asked if Pincher should lose the whip: “I know what I’d like to see happen — you can probably tell what that is by the way I’m trying to avoid answering your question…

“I think we might be having a very different conversation as the day goes on”, he added.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

9 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

9 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.