News

Badenoch demands resignation as budget backlash intensifies

Published

5 months ago

November 26, 2025

Opposition claims Reeves faces ‘total humiliation’ after leaks and tax-heavy plans

OUTRAGE over Rachel Reeves’ budget has escalated sharply after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch publicly called on the Chancellor to resign, branding the announcement a “total humiliation” and accusing Reeves of breaking key promises on tax.

The row erupted in the hours following the budget’s publication, which itself was overshadowed by the unprecedented early release of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecasts. The OBR later apologised for publishing the figures ahead of schedule, prompting confusion and irritation across Westminster.

Opposition fury

Speaking in the Commons, Badenoch said Reeves “should make this her last budget,” arguing that the Chancellor had betrayed voters by imposing a second consecutive year of substantial tax rises despite previously claiming last year’s increases were a one-off.

Badenoch told MPs that Reeves would “go down as the worst Chancellor in history”, adding that the scale of new tax measures amounted to “an admission that Labour cannot deliver growth.”

Her intervention followed confirmation that freeze extensions to income tax thresholds, tighter rules on pension salary sacrifice, higher taxes on dividends and property income, and a new levy on high-value homes would all form part of the Government’s long-term fiscal strategy.

Pressure mounts after leaked forecasts

The OBR’s accidental publication of its economic outlook shortly before Reeves stood up in the chamber intensified the political fallout. The leaked documents showed taxes rising to their highest level on record by the end of the forecast period, while GDP expectations were revised down to 1.5 per cent growth across the period.

The leak prompted cabinet disciplinarian Darren Jones to admit that the “riot act” had been read to officials and MPs involved in unauthorised disclosures.

Despite the chaos, borrowing costs dipped and markets responded more calmly than some analysts had expected, with sterling edging higher during the morning’s trading.

Labour defends strategy

Reeves insisted the package was “fair, responsible and unavoidable”, arguing that without extending the threshold freeze and closing what she described as “unfair loopholes” on capital and pension taxation, the Government would be forced to take billions out of public services.

She also pointed to measures she said would ease pressures on households, including a £150 reduction in average energy bills and increases to the state pension and child benefit.

The Prime Minister told ministers the budget was “about choices grounded in fairness”, despite acknowledging the leaked documents had disrupted the rollout.

Wider political reaction

Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs criticised the scale of tax rises, with some warning they would hit middle-income earners hardest. Business groups gave a mixed response, welcoming the commitment to stability but warning that higher taxes on investment and property could dampen growth.

In Wales, politicians were assessing the implications for devolved services, with the Treasury confirming that the package would deliver additional consequential funding for Cardiff Bay but far less than many departments had hoped for.

What happens next

With Badenoch now publicly demanding Reeves step down, the Chancellor faces renewed pressure both inside and outside Parliament. Further scrutiny is expected when detailed Treasury costings and departmental allocations are released later this week.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.