Calls for investment, not cuts, after summer health board consultation

Paul Davies MS has urged the First Minister to intervene and oppose any move by Hywel Dda University Health Board to remove further services from Withybush Hospital following its consultation earlier this year.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire Member said residents should not be expected to travel further afield for essential medical care and warned that any reduction in services would place additional strain on families across the county.

Mr Davies said the hospital required “investment and support, not further cuts,” and repeated his long-standing call for clarity over the future of acute services in Haverfordwest.

The summer consultation sought views on the health board’s long-term plans for hospital services in west Wales, including proposals that could see more care centralised outside Pembrokeshire. Those plans have faced strong opposition locally, particularly from campaigners who say that travel times and rural isolation already present significant barriers to healthcare.

Mr Davies added that he would continue pressing Welsh Government ministers to ensure Withybush retains its core services and receives the funding needed to operate safely and sustainably.

FORMER Haverfordwest RFC and Scarlets prop Holly Mayhew has traded the muddy rugby pitch for the bright lights of the Torch Theatre, taking on the lead role in this year’s festive pantomime, Rapunzel, in Milford Haven.

Holly, who has just completed her BA professional acting course at Drama Studio London, is returning to familiar ground. She began her performing journey at the Torch Youth Theatre before progressing to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s Young Actors Studio. This production will be her first professional pantomime role.

“I’m actually quite similar to Rapunzel,” Holly said. “She’s got a mind of her own — she’s bouncy, bubbly, and definitely not the traditional princess people expect. When I got the email offering me the part, I couldn’t believe it. Chesley Gillard, our Artistic Director, has created such a fun and refreshing version of the story, and I think audiences will really fall in love with her.”

In this Pembrokeshire retelling, Rapunzel is tucked away in a lighthouse overlooking the coast, waiting for her life to begin. Holly says families can expect a lively mix of songs, slapstick, silliness, and plenty of audience participation.

“We want everyone to be loud — especially when we ask them to boo and hiss,” she added. “I can’t wait to see the little faces in the audience light up. That’s what Christmas theatre is all about.”

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.
Tickets cost £24.50, with concessions at £20 and a family ticket at £78.
A Relaxed Environment performance takes place on Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance (Liz May) will be held on Tuesday 16 December at 6:00pm.

First Wales–Canada air link in nearly twenty years – and a major boost after Qatar setback

CARDIFF AIRPORT has announced a significant expansion of its long-haul offering with confirmation that WestJet will launch a new direct service to Toronto next summer.

The non-stop flights, beginning on 23 May 2026, will create the first direct air link between Wales and Canada in nearly two decades.

A major boost after Qatar Airways withdrawal

The announcement comes after a difficult period for the airport, which suffered a major setback when Qatar Airways suspended its Cardiff–Doha service during the pandemic.
The route had operated for only two years and was widely viewed as transformational for Wales, offering global connectivity and prestige. While Qatar Airways has since resumed all of its other UK services, the Cardiff route has never returned — a loss that has been felt across the tourism and business sectors.

WestJet’s decision to select Cardiff as its exclusive airport in Wales and England for 2026 therefore represents a significant vote of confidence and a crucial step in rebuilding long-haul capacity.

Four flights a week

WestJet will run four weekly flights between Cardiff and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Travellers from Wales, the South West and the Midlands will gain a fast, convenient gateway to Canada, with easy onward connections to Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and other North American destinations.

The new service forms part of the airline’s strategic UK growth plan and marks a key milestone in Cardiff Airport’s post-pandemic recovery. Passenger numbers have been steadily rising towards one million annually, supported by renewed investment and expanding leisure and long-haul options.

Strong support

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said the route was “a major step forward” for Wales.
“We’re incredibly proud that WestJet has chosen Cardiff Airport as a new UK destination for summer 2026,” he said.
“This Toronto route is an exciting milestone in our growth and a significant moment in reconnecting Wales with North America. After the loss of the Qatar Airways service during the pandemic, this represents a very welcome boost for our long-haul ambitions.”

Chris White-DeVries, Senior Airport Affairs Manager at WestJet, said the airline saw “huge potential” in Wales.
“Cardiff is a vibrant capital with a proud and rich history. This route will allow Canadian travellers to experience Wales’ incredible coastline and culture, while giving passengers here seamless access to Canada and beyond.”

Economic opportunity

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the development, noting that Canada remains an important trade partner.
“This is good news for passengers, businesses and our tourism industries,” she said. “Canada is an export market worth over £300m a year, and this strengthens our reach ahead of the Wales Investment Summit on 1 December.”

Timely launch

The new route arrives just months before Canada co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange between Wales and North America.

Toronto’s extensive onward network means long-haul travel from Wales will soon be easier and more accessible than at any point since the Qatar Airways era.