News

Support grows for profit-free social care model, says UNISON

Published

6 months ago

December 9, 2025

Union calls for National Care Service as survey highlights public backing

UNISON CYMRU has said there is “overwhelming support” for removing profit from social care in Wales, following the publication of a TUC Cymru survey indicating strong public backing for services delivered directly by the public sector.

The survey, published on Thursday (Dec 4), asked respondents whether they believed social care should be publicly run and non-profit. According to the trade union body, the majority were in favour of ending the current mixed-model system, where many services are commissioned from private providers.

Mark Turner, UNISON Cymru’s head of social care, said care workers across Wales were “stretched to breaking point” as they support older and disabled people every day.

“Families see the strain too, with services struggling to provide all the help that’s needed,” Mr Turner said. “Removing profit from social care would make a big difference. It would mean more money is focused on consistent, high-quality support for every community and better pay and conditions for staff, rather than dividends for investors.

“There’s clearly a huge public appetite for change. The next Welsh government must seize this moment, build a National Care Service and deliver the fair, reliable system people in Wales have deserved for far too long.”

Background and wider debate

Calls for a National Care Service have been raised repeatedly in Wales in recent years, with campaigners arguing that the current system is fragmented and places too much financial burden on families.

However, private and independent care providers have previously warned that removing profit entirely from the sector could lead to instability, home closures, and reduced capacity, as many services rely on private investment to remain viable.

They argue that local authorities – already facing budget pressures – may struggle to deliver all care in-house without significant long-term funding from the Welsh Government.

Several organisations in the sector have also pointed out that profit levels vary widely and that many small and medium-sized providers do not generate large profits, instead reinvesting income to cover rising staffing and operational costs.

Welsh Government position

The Welsh Government has committed in principle to exploring a “National Care Service for Wales,” but has acknowledged that any major restructuring would require “substantial and sustained funding” over multiple parliamentary terms.

A spokesperson has previously said ministers are reviewing the evidence from trade unions, councils, providers and service users as part of ongoing reform discussions.

News

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

Published

11 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

11 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

12 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).