News
Welsh Conservatives say they are ‘only party’ committed to protecting Withybush
PAUL DAVIES and Samuel Kurtz have reaffirmed that the Welsh Conservatives are the only political party to make an explicit manifesto commitment to protecting services at both Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital.
At a time when health services across Mid and West Wales are under growing pressure, the lead Conservative candidates for Ceredigion Penfro say local people must continue to have access to safe, high-quality care close to home. They argue that means safeguarding and strengthening vital district general hospitals such as Withybush and Bronglais.
Both candidates say they have led sustained efforts to oppose further downgrades at Withybush Hospital, working closely with residents, campaigners and healthcare professionals. They have also backed community campaigns and stood alongside local people in defence of essential services.
In the Senedd, Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz say they have repeatedly raised concerns about proposed service changes, challenged Welsh Government ministers and pressed for clear assurances over the future of local healthcare. They have also written directly to Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Health Minister calling for action to protect key services.
They say that, if re-elected, they will continue to stand up for local healthcare services regardless of which party forms the next Welsh Government.
Paul Davies said: “We have long been clear that any further downgrading of services at Withybush Hospital is unacceptable. We have stood with our communities, supported local campaigns and used every opportunity in the Senedd to fight for the services people rely on.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the only party to make an explicit commitment in our manifesto to protecting services at both Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. That shows a clear and unwavering commitment to safeguarding local healthcare in West Wales.”
Samuel Kurtz added: “People should not have to travel hours for treatment that could and should be delivered locally. We will continue to hold the Welsh Government to account, whoever forms it after May, to secure proper investment and ensure these hospitals remain at the heart of our communities.
“Let us be absolutely clear: we will be relentless in opposing any attempt to strip services from our rural hospitals, and we will not hesitate to challenge anyone who threatens their future.”
Community
Family pay tribute to ‘beloved’ Dewi Evans after Royal Welsh campsite death
The 25-year-old from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr has been described as a dearly loved son, brother and grandson whose death will leave a huge void in his community
THE family of a 25-year-old man who died at a campsite near the Royal Welsh Showground have paid a moving tribute to their “beloved and dear” son, brother and grandson.
Dewi Aeron Evans, from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, near Corwen, died following a medical emergency at Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd, on Saturday night (July 18).
Emergency services were called to the campsite at around 10.30pm. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Dewi was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “Dewi Aeron Evans, a beloved and dear son, brother and grandson, will be a huge loss to the family and community in Uwchaled.
“The family and community would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”
Dewi came from the close-knit rural community of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, which forms part of the Uwchaled area of southern Conwy.
The community lies near Cerrigydrudion and Corwen, and news of his death has brought sadness to the area where he lived and was known.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the death was continuing to be treated as unexplained.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences following the incident. Police have not said that the arrests establish the cause of Dewi’s death, and enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies described the incident as tragic and said officers’ thoughts remained with Dewi’s family.
He also reassured visitors and residents that it was being treated as an isolated incident, with no evidence of an ongoing risk to the wider public.
The incident happened at Penmaenau Farm, a privately operated campsite immediately beside the Royal Welsh Showground, as thousands of visitors were arriving in the area ahead of the four-day Royal Welsh Show.
The show itself opened on Monday morning and is continuing as scheduled.
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said it was deeply saddened by the death and that its thoughts were with Dewi’s family, friends and everyone affected.
The society said it would continue supporting the police investigation and was working with members of the Builth Wells Event Safety Group to provide medical, welfare and safety support throughout the event.
Police have asked that Dewi’s family and the Uwchaled community be allowed privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
News
Burnham sweeps aside Starmer allies in major Cabinet reshuffle
Rayner, Healey and Miliband handed senior roles as Reeves, Lammy and Stevens leave government
PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has announced a further wave of Cabinet appointments, bringing Angela Rayner back into government and handing senior roles to Lucy Powell, Jonathan Reynolds and close political ally Anneliese Midgley.
The latest announcements confirm that Burnham is carrying out a significant restructuring of Sir Keir Starmer’s former administration rather than simply moving a handful of ministers between departments.
Rayner has returned as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the position she left last year. The department will also oversee Burnham’s plans to transfer greater powers away from Westminster and into the nations, regions and local government.
Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has been appointed Education Secretary, replacing Bridget Phillipson.
Phillipson will remain in government as Minister for Women and Equalities, although the move represents a substantial reduction in her responsibilities.
Jonathan Reynolds has returned to his former position as Business and Trade Secretary after serving as Chief Whip under Starmer.
His department is being expanded to take responsibility for science and innovation and will be renamed the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Anneliese Midgley, who played a central role in Burnham’s return to Parliament and leadership campaign, has been appointed Chief Whip.
The appointments follow the earlier confirmation that former Defence Secretary John Healey will become Chancellor.
Healey’s selection was considered a surprise after Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood had both been strongly linked to the Treasury. He replaces Rachel Reeves, who left the government after reportedly turning down another senior Cabinet role.
Miliband has instead been appointed Foreign Secretary, replacing Yvette Cooper, while Mahmood remains Home Secretary.
Cooper has moved to the Department of Health and Social Care, where she replaces James Murray. Burnham has made reform of adult social care one of the central missions of his government.
Pat McFadden will continue as Work and Pensions Secretary, providing one of the clearest elements of continuity with the previous administration.
Louise Haigh has been handed one of the most powerful positions in the new government. She becomes First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the senior Cabinet Office minister.
Although she has not formally been given the title of Deputy Prime Minister, the appointment makes Haigh Burnham’s principal coordinator across government and effectively his deputy at the Cabinet table.
Who has left?
The reshuffle has seen several figures closely associated with Starmer removed from government.
Rachel Reeves has departed as Chancellor, while David Lammy has left his positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.
Darren Jones, who served as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, has also been removed, alongside former Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have also confirmed their departures.
James Murray has been replaced as Health Secretary, although it remains unclear whether he will be offered another government position.
Wales still waiting
No replacement has yet been announced for Jo Stevens as Secretary of State for Wales.
The vacancy is particularly significant because Burnham has promised a major programme of constitutional change and greater devolution of powers from Westminster.
The identity of the new Welsh Secretary will provide an early indication of how prominently Wales will feature within the new Prime Minister’s plans.
Several further senior appointments remain outstanding, including the posts of Defence Secretary, Justice Secretary, Northern Ireland Secretary and Welsh Secretary.
Wes Streeting, Lisa Nandy, Heidi Alexander, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Angela Eagle and a number of other Labour figures have entered Downing Street, but their positions had not been formally confirmed at the time of publication.
Burnham took office on Monday after being formally appointed by the King, promising what he described as a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain.
His government is expected to announce its first package of cost-of-living measures on Tuesday, with proposals involving energy bills and bus fares among the policies being considered.
Crime
Mynachlog-ddu man handed suspended sentence for assaulting child
Magistrates said Edward Roxborough lost his temper during an unprovoked attack on a vulnerable youngster
A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting assaulting a child in Narberth.
Edward Roxborough, aged 32, of Mynachlog-ddu, near Clunderwen, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to assault by beating.
The court heard that the offence took place last year and involved what magistrates described as an “unprovoked attack of a serious nature”.
Magistrates said Roxborough had reacted angrily and lost his temper against a defenceless and vulnerable child, who cried out in pain following the assault.
The offence was considered serious enough to cross the custody threshold.
Roxborough was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
The court said the sentence had been suspended in light of recent legislative changes and the presumption in favour of suspending short custodial terms.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Roxborough must pay £400 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £154.
A collection order was made, with the full amount due by August 27.
No compensation order was imposed, with magistrates noting that compensation could be pursued through other channels.
The prosecution was conducted by Adam Burcher, while Chris Evans represented Roxborough.
Reporting restrictions were imposed under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, preventing the child from being identified.
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