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Reform UK defector clashes with former Conservative colleagues

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A TORY-turned-Reform Senedd member has clashed with her former Conservative colleagues in a fiery debate about NHS Wales following her high-profile defection.

Laura Anne Jones, who jumped ship to join Reform UK in July, was challenged over comments Nigel Farage has made on funding for the health service.

She said: “The people of Wales deserve the truth, not misinformation, even if it means that some of you will now have to update your Caerphilly by-election leaflets.

“When Reform forms a government next May, the NHS will remain free at the point of delivery, and free prescriptions will remain just that – free.

“Anyone suggesting otherwise is scaremongering.”

Darren Millar, who leads the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament, intervened as his former colleague was contributing to the Tory debate.

‘Say sorry’

He said: “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to speak to you, the first time we’ve done so since you decided to defect to Reform.

“Can I ask you: do you support your party leader and your party being a party that casts aspersions and doubts on the efficacy and safety of paracetamol and that supports Covid conspiracy theories about the efficacy and safety of Covid vaccines?

“I think the public in Wales deserve to know whether that is the case. What is your view?”

Ms Jones replied: “Well, I think that what’s important here is that we’re discussing the record of the Welsh Government. I love that you took so much interest, of course, in our Reform party conference and maybe you’d like to come one day, I don’t know.”

“Say sorry. Say sorry. Say sorry to him,” heckled Alun Davies, a Labour backbencher.

Peter Fox, a Conservative, accused Mr Farage of failing to stand up against false claims that paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to autism.

‘Empty rhetoric’

“Wales doesn’t need unfounded conspiracy theorists running our health service,” said the former Monmouthshire council leader. “Reform is a party with no substance, no answers and just empty rhetoric from one man who tells everyone what they want to hear.”

Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor also took the ex-Tory to task: “Here’s a quote from Nigel Farage, ‘I do not want the NHS funded through general taxation.’

“How else would you fund it here in Wales?”

Ms Jones replied: “Just because Nigel Farage has a special view on it,” prompting groans and interruptions from around the Senedd’s debating chamber.

“Being interested in how other countries manage their health services and looking if there are any parts of that that we can take and use in our NHS is very, very different to committing the NHS to be abolished or privatised.”

Conservative Janet Finch-Saunders said: “I have to say Laura, being honest with you, I’ve lost confidence in you as a politician. I’ve certainly never had any confidence in Reform, so I’d be careful … speaking on a health debate because we know what Mr Farage’s view is.”

‘Farage fantasy pill’

After May’s Senedd election, members who leave the political party they were elected to represent will no longer be able to cross the floor and must then sit as an independent.

The ill-tempered debate on September 24 also saw a clash between the Tories and Plaid, with the former accusing the latter of being “handmaidens” to Labour over NHS failures.

Llŷr Gruffydd raised a point of order: “Janet Finch-Saunders who I used to consider a friend and I hope that I will do after this, she did mislead the Senedd in suggesting that me and my party were doing everything we could to encourage illegal immigrants into this country.”

The Plaid Cymru politician added: “I would ask her to withdraw that statement. If she doesn’t she’s clearly another one who’s swallowed a Farage fantasy pill.”

“Oh no, absolutely not,” Ms Finch-Saunders responded, clarifying that she was speaking about the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary policy.

The rows overshadowed the Tory debate which heard more than 38,000 people have died while waiting for NHS treatment since the 2021 Senedd election.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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