News

Stephen Crabb MP: ‘Boris Johnson should resign and he should resign quickly’

Published

4 years ago

July 6, 2022

EXCLUSIVE

STEPHEN CRABB has commented at length regards the ongoing poltiical critis surrounding the Prime Minister, Boris Johnston.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MP. himself a former junior government minister, say he voted against the PM during the confidence vote.

In is article, written excusively for The Pembrokeshire Hearld’s edition this Friday, Stephen Crabb MP said: “For a full eight months our national politics has been dominated by one theme above all others: the fitness of Boris Johnson to be Prime Minister.

He writes: ‘Ever since he asked his MP’s to vote to blow up the standards procedures in Parliament, in order to protect one colleague who had fallen foul of the rules about second jobs, an increasing number of Conservatives have come to the conclusion that he is not the right person to be leading our country.

‘Many of us who refused to support that vote back in November were willing to give the Prime Minister another chance to show that he could lead with good judgement. But we made clear that we did not want to see further episodes like this.

‘The Ukraine crisis has provided an opportunity for the Prime Minister to play to his strengths. He has shown a clarity and sense of purpose about the Russian threat that some other European leaders have shied away from.

‘But, at the same time, he struggled to fight off the questions over his handling of the allegations about Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street. As loyal Conservative voters expressed their anger and frustration to us about the reports of parties and other gatherings, the response from inside Number 10 fell short of being an honest and straightforward account.

‘Given the outcome of the Police investigation, and the damning content of the Gray Report into the matter, a majority of us on the backbenches came to a clear view that the only way for a line to be drawn properly under the matter would be for Boris Johnson to resign.

‘I voted against the Prime Minister when we were given the opportunity in the vote of confidence a month ago. The majority of backbenchers did likewise. But he was able to stay in post as a result of the votes of ministers and others on the so-called government ‘payroll’.

‘In the run-up to that vote a handful of constituents contacted me to urge that we give Boris another chance. Pembrokeshire was a Brexit-voting County and many local people credit Boris with getting it across the line.

‘But I have no doubt whatsoever that a majority of my constituents now want to see him move aside to allow fresh leadership to come forward. Every day I open my email inbox; every Q&A session I hold in the constituency; every time I visit Tesco or Morrisons in Haverfordwest, the feedback I receive is consistent and overwhelming: Boris Johnson should resign.

‘The latest episode that has dominated the news this week has just shone a spotlight again on the same basic questions about honesty that have hung over the Prime Minister all year. But the truth is that, among voters, the dial has already shifted.

‘On Tuesday night some senior members of the Cabinet decided to take the difficult decision to leave Government. After months of trying to hold the line and give the Prime Minister some cover, they too now realise that things cannot continue like this.

‘At a time of soaring prices and increasing hardship for many families, basic trust in government is essential. Trust is what gives governments permission to take difficult, sometimes painful, decisions. That trust has been draining away month after month as the controversies have piled up.

‘This issue is far more important than the electoral fortunes of the Conservative Party. For the good of the country, Boris Johnson should resign and he should resign quickly.’

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

12 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

13 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.