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Streeting denies plot to oust Starmer amid Downing Street chaos

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Health secretary condemns ‘self-defeating’ briefings as markets watch nervously ahead of the Budget

HEALTH SECRETARY Wes Streeting has angrily denied claims that he is plotting to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing anonymous attacks from inside Downing Street as “self-defeating” and “toxic”.

Speaking on Wednesday morning (Nov 12), Streeting said he was the target of a smear campaign from within No 10, after reports suggested Starmer’s aides had launched a “Stop Wes” operation to head off a possible leadership challenge after the forthcoming Budget or next May’s local elections.

He told BBC Radio 4: “There are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model or style of leadership. Whoever briefed this has been watching too much Celebrity Traitors. It’s self-defeating nonsense.”

Streeting, who represents Ilford North, insisted he was loyal to Starmer, adding: “I didn’t vote for him in the leadership election, but I’ve supported him ever since. He’s fighting for the country, not his job.”

The row erupted after Downing Street figures were reported to have privately warned that a challenge to Starmer could destabilise the markets. Government bond prices dipped slightly in early trading as rumours swirled of tensions at the top of government.

Streeting said the briefings had distracted from Labour’s work in office: “These Westminster bubble stories – boys getting carried away – are damaging our ability to focus on delivering change.”

He also echoed recent criticism from deputy leader Lucy Powell, who called for a culture change inside No 10 and said she had herself been targeted by hostile briefings.

Asked if the prime minister should sack the people responsible, Streeting replied: “Yes, but he’s got to find them first – and I wouldn’t expect him to spend loads of time on it.”

Downing Street sources later told Sky News that Starmer “hates briefings” and had not authorised any attack on his health secretary, with one aide insisting: “Wes is doing a good job and is an asset.”

However, Labour MPs privately told reporters that the incident had deepened concerns about leadership and discipline at the top. One MP said: “Everyone is fed up with Keir, but no one knows who could replace him.”

Markets, meanwhile, remain steady for now, with the pound trading at $1.31. Financial analysts have warned, however, that any sign of renewed political instability could quickly weaken sterling and push up UK borrowing costs ahead of the November 26 Budget.

How a Labour leadership challenge works

Under Labour Party rules, a leadership contest can only be triggered if at least 20% of Labour MPs nominate an alternative candidate. With the current parliamentary numbers, that means around 80 nominations are needed to start a contest.

If the threshold is reached, party members, affiliated trade unions, and registered supporters vote in a nationwide ballot.

Potential rivals mentioned by Westminster insiders include Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband, though none are expected to move against Starmer before the local elections in May 2026.

 

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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