News

Families to save on baby formula as government acts to cut child poverty

Published

6 months ago

December 3, 2025

NEW measures introduced today will help parents choose more affordable infant formula and use loyalty points, vouchers and gift cards to buy it – putting hundreds of pounds back into family budgets.

The changes, announced by the Prime Minister at PMQs, are part of the government’s forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy and build on Budget measures that will lift 450,000 children out of poverty.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, parents have been pushed into spending more than they need on baby formula – told they’re paying for better quality and left hundreds of pounds out of pocket. “Today we are changing that. Clearer guidance for retailers and allowing loyalty points and vouchers will save families up to £500 before their child’s first birthday. “This builds on freezing rail fares and prescription charges, cutting energy bills by £150 for every household, and lifting over half a million people out of poverty through our Budget.”

A Competition and Markets Authority study found many parents naturally want the best for their baby and assume more expensive formula is higher quality. In fact, NHS advice is clear: by law, every infant formula sold in the UK meets the same strict nutritional standards, regardless of brand or price.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “New parents just want to do what’s right for their child. It’s wrong that vague packaging claims have left families out of pocket on an essential product. “These changes give parents confidence that lower-priced formula is just as good, and they can now use supermarket loyalty schemes too. That’s real money back for nappies, food or household bills – and one more way this government is tackling child poverty.”

Key measures starting now:

Updated guidance confirming supermarkets and retailers must accept loyalty points, vouchers, gift cards and coupons for infant formula
Clearer rules on how formula is displayed and marketed so parents can easily choose lower-cost options safe for their baby
Ongoing work with devolved governments and regulators to strengthen enforcement if needed

The government is also investing £18.5 million this year in infant feeding support and breastfeeding services through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in 75 high-deprivation areas in England, and has extended the National Breastfeeding Helpline to 24/7.

These changes will particularly help lower-income families who cannot – or choose not – to breastfeed, ensuring every baby gets the nutrition they need and no parent pays more than necessary.

The full Child Poverty Strategy will be published later this week.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

11 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).