News

Keir Starmer backs Gething despite no-confidence vote loss

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

KEIR Starmer “absolutely” has confidence in Vaughan Gething, despite the First Minister losing a no-confidence vote, according to Labour general election candidate Stephen Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock, who is standing for Aberafan Maesteg, affirmed that Mr Gething had “done nothing wrong” and insisted he “absolutely must carry on” as Labour’s leader in Wales.

The no-confidence vote, initiated by the Conservative party in the Senedd, was non-binding. Opposition parties held a majority due to the absence of two Labour members—one who had criticised a £200,000 donation received by Mr Gething, and another who had been dismissed by him—both of whom were off sick.

Following the vote, Mr Gething vowed to “carry on” as First Minister. The vote came after weeks of scrutiny over Mr Gething’s acceptance of a £200,000 donation from a company owned by businessman David Neal, who has been twice convicted for environmental offences.

Opposition parties are contemplating whether to submit a motion of no confidence in the entire Welsh government, as the Senedd’s rules do not mandate Mr Gething’s resignation despite the vote outcome.

Speaking on BBC Wales Live, Mr Kinnock was asked if Sir Keir had full confidence in the Welsh Labour leader. He responded: “Absolutely he does. Vaughan is a man of honour and integrity and what we’ve seen today is just a cheap political stunt by the opposition, led by the Conservatives, aided and abetted by Plaid Cymru.”

Tory Welsh Secretary David TC Davies commented on the matter, stating it was not “about Vaughan’s integrity so much as about his judgement”. He added that the decision to push for a vote of no confidence in the entire Welsh government was up to the Conservative leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies. “The reality is this is making us look foolish in Wales,” he said.

Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts expressed her concerns, saying: “This is a really sad event for Welsh democracy and it has been brought about by Vaughan Gething. Yes, there are rules, but there is also judgement.”

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called it a “serious and solemn day” and urged Mr Gething to resign. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he denied the vote was “playing politics” and criticised Mr Gething for showing “no contrition whatsoever” over the donation controversy.

Meanwhile, some Labour candidates have voiced their discontent. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said they wanted to “distance” themselves from Mr Gething, stating: “We don’t want him out on the doorstep with us,” and noting that the issue was being raised in conversations with constituents.

Another candidate acknowledged that the First Minister’s troubles were a topic on the doorstep but asserted it was “not impacting people’s vote”.

The situation remains fluid as opposition parties deliberate their next steps in response to the controversy.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

8 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

8 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.