News

Senedd debates Labour’s record as election looms

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

SENEDD Members debated the Labour Welsh Government’s record over the past four years, with the next election looming in 12 months.

Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Labour of failing to stand up for Wales and live up to promises made at the start of this Senedd term.

The Plaid Cymru leader told the Senedd: “Everywhere you look – whether it’s the NHS, our economy, schools or society more broadly – the situation is worse now.”

The would-be First Minister pointed to long NHS waiting lists, a “stagnant” economy, child poverty rates and “deteriorating” education standards.

But others accused Plaid Cymru of “gesture politics” after “propping up” the Labour Welsh Government for most of the past four years.

Leading the debate on a Plaid Cymru motion on May 7, exactly one year before the next election, Mr ap Iorwerth directed his ire at the “disgraceful” legacy left by the Tories.

He said: “It’s no wonder they suffered a slaughter electorally in Wales last summer and the opinion polls for the Senedd election suggest they are increasingly irrelevant.

“But the excuses are far harder to bear now the Labour Party is in government in Westminster, something that was pledged time and time again by Labour members for years prior to the election would lead to change for the better.”

The former broadcast journalist criticised UK Government decisions to slash the welfare budget and restrict winter fuel allowance – “cuts even George Osborne would wince about”.

Mr ap Iorwerth accused the Welsh Government of spending all its energy over the past year managing “internal chaos”, including three First Ministers and “reshuffles galore”.

Paul Davies argued Plaid Cymru should be held accountable for the Welsh Government’s record due to the now-collapsed cooperation agreement between the two.

The Conservative said: “Plaid Cymru has been instrumental in propping up the Welsh Government and voting through its policies… they’ve done it on and off for years.”

The deputy leader of the opposition added: “Plaid should be embarrassed they’re calling for more powers. They haven’t been able to help Labour use the powers they currently have.”

Mr Davies warned Wales has “languished” at the bottom of league tables for years whether it’s NHS performance, educational standards or economic activity.

He accused Welsh ministers of “doing nothing” in response to UK Government changes to inheritance tax for family farms and winter fuel allowance.

Jane Dodds, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and the party’s sole Senedd Member, also pointed out that Plaid Cymru had a seat at the table as part of the three-year budget deal.

Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

She said: “You’ve helped to steer the ship and you don’t get to act surprised about the destination when you have actually been holding the map.”

Ms Dodds, who struck a £100m deal with ministers to pass the latest Welsh budget, urged Plaid Cymru to take ownership of achievements such as free school meals.

The former social worker criticised the Conservatives’ “shameful” amendment for failing to acknowledge the party’s part in causing child poverty.

“Spare us the crocodile tears, please,” she said. “To claim that a Conservative Welsh Government would do better for our communities is, frankly, insulting.”

Labour’s Julie James said the party has been forced to govern in the context of “deep austerity, mismanagement and short-termism” from a Conservative UK Government.

Julie James MS, counsel general designate and minister for delivery — Julie James MS, counsel general and minister for delivery

The minister told the Senedd that the Welsh Government has “stood unwavering” despite 14 years of the worst financial climate in the history of devolution.

Ms James raised examples including free prescriptions, universal free school meals in primaries and the education maintenance allowance for disadvantaged young people.

She pointed to “tangible progress” on health, with waiting lists falling three months in a row.

Criticising “posturing, gesture politics” from Plaid Cymru, Ms James said: “Wales deserves fair funding and this Labour government, led by Eluned Morgan, will keep demanding it until we get a settlement that reflects our needs and respects our nation.”

Senedd Members voted 35-11 against the Plaid Cymru motion. Conservative and Labour amendments also fell. With the final vote deadlocked at 23-23, deputy speaker Dai Rees used his casting vote against the Welsh Government’s amendment in line with convention.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

4 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

14 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

14 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.