News

Reform UK promises NHS cuts and speed limit reversal

Published

10 months ago

September 2, 2025

REFORM UK has pledged to slash NHS “back office” roles in Wales if it gains power at the next Senedd election, with deputy leader Richard Tice promising to redirect money into frontline care.

Speaking on the campaign trail, Mr Tice said the party would prioritise reducing what it describes as wasteful spending and unnecessary bureaucracy. He stressed that doctors and nurses would not be affected, and that the focus would be on management and administrative roles.

“The NHS is not short of money,” he said. “It’s the way it is being mismanaged, the way it wastes money. That’s why waiting lists are so long. We need to cut the waste and put those resources where they matter – into frontline services.”

Reform argues that slimming down the NHS’s administrative structure would free up resources to tackle long waiting lists and boost productivity. Critics, however, have warned that repeated reorganisations of the health service risk undermining continuity of care, and that administrative staff are often essential for keeping hospitals and surgeries running.

Speed limit pledge

Mr Tice also took aim at the Welsh Government’s 20mph default speed limit in built-up areas. Labour introduced the policy last year at an estimated cost of tens of millions of pounds. He vowed that Reform would scrap the measure despite the cost of reversing it.

The speed limit change remains one of the most divisive policies introduced by the Welsh Labour Government. Ministers insist it will save lives and reduce injuries, while opponents claim it is costly, confusing and damaging to local economies.

Polling shows surge in support

Reform UK has stepped up its campaign in Wales, buoyed by a series of polls suggesting it is now a serious contender.

A More in Common poll for Sky News in July placed Reform in the lead with 28% support, ahead of Plaid Cymru on 26% and Labour on 23%. A separate YouGov/ITV Wales survey put Plaid first on 30%, Reform second on 25%, and Labour trailing badly on 18% – a dramatic drop from the 36% regional vote Labour secured at the 2021 election.

Even Labour’s own internal figures, leaked earlier this year, showed Reform at 25% – level with both Plaid Cymru and Labour.

The trend has alarmed Welsh Labour, which has dominated devolved politics since 1999 but is now showing signs of weakness in key areas. Reform has gained ground in post-industrial communities where frustration over the state of the NHS and dissatisfaction with economic prospects run deep.

Electoral mountain to climb

Despite its rise in the polls, Reform still faces steep odds of forming a government. The 2026 Senedd election will be the first held under sweeping electoral reforms. The Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members, elected through proportional representation on regional party lists. The new system makes it harder for any party to achieve an outright majority.

Both Labour and Plaid Cymru have already ruled out entering coalitions with Reform, significantly limiting its path to power. Even if Reform wins the largest share of the vote, its ability to turn that into meaningful control of the Senedd looks slim without partners willing to work with it.

Political analysts also caution that while mid-term polling can exaggerate support for insurgent parties, translating that into seats and sustained influence is a different challenge.

Looking ahead

Reform UK’s message is designed to tap into voter frustration over the state of public services and the Welsh Government’s policies on transport, the economy and energy. Its leadership is gambling that a focus on cutting NHS waste and rolling back unpopular measures like the 20mph speed limit can drive a breakthrough.

With less than a year until polling day, the party has momentum. But with coalition arithmetic stacked against it and opponents refusing to work alongside it, the real question may not be whether Reform tops the poll – but what it can do with the seats it wins.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

6 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

16 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

16 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.