News

Conservatives attack Mark Drakeford for saying delivering vaccine ‘a marathon, not a sprint’

Published

5 years ago

January 18, 2021

THE CONSERVATIVES’ Shadow Health Minister, Andrew RT Davies, fiercely criticised Mark Drakeford after the First Minister’s appearance on Radio Four’s Today programme.

The Conservatives have spent the last week ramping up the rhetoric over the Welsh Government’s alleged failings in Wales’ coronavirus vaccination programme.

On Friday (Jan 15), Mr Drakeford defended the Welsh Government’s track record.

The First Minister said that Wales had been provided with six weeks’ supply of the Pfizer vaccine.

It made more sense, he claimed, to administer the vaccine over six weeks to ensure vaccinations were delivered consistently.

It made no sense, Mr Drakeford continued, for all Pfizer vaccines to be used in a shorter period, leaving Wales without stocks.

Mark Drakeford said delivering the vaccine was ‘a marathon, not a sprint’.

On Monday morning (Jan 18), Mr Drakeford appeared on Radio Four’s flagship Today programme. He was asked about the Welsh Government’s vaccination programme.

The First Minister said: “The most important issue is that we are on track to deliver vaccination to all the top four priority groups by the middle of February.”

Mr Drakeford said Wales would meet that target.

“The thing that limits us at the moment is supply. We are using every bit of vaccine that we are getting. We know that the supply will be ramping up over the coming weeks. We are ready to use all the supply of vaccine that we will get in Wales, and on track to deliver to the top four priority groups.”

He said Wales was using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as supplies were received.

However, he explained that the Welsh Government kept back thousands of doses of the Pfizer vaccine because its supply had to last until the beginning of February.

“We won’t get another delivery of that until the end of January, probably the beginning of February,” he said.

“We have to use that over those six weeks. It would be very damaging to try and use all of that in the first week, and then to have all our vaccinators standing around with nothing to do for another month.”

He was asked why Wales’ vaccination programme didn’t deliver the Pfizer vaccine to more people.

He replied: “The system we would have would not be in a position to then go on doing the job we need it to do over the weeks ahead.

“The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine you have got, over the period you have got it for, so that your system can absorb it, and can go on working. We will use all the vaccine we have, in the time that we have it. As more comes on track, we will use that as well.”

Andrew RT Davies claimed the Welsh vaccination programme was ‘not fit for purpose’ and condemned Mr Drakeford for his ‘outburst of honesty’.

He could scarcely have been surprised by what Mr Drakeford said about the Welsh Government’s strategy. It was published last week and confirmed by the First Minister on Friday.

Had Mr Davies attended regular health briefings, as his predecessor Angela Burns did, his shock and outrage might have been diminished.

Andrew RT Davies continued in his familiar and similarly restrained style by claiming: “His shocking doubling-down on his decision to delay deployment of Pfizer vaccine supplies is dangerous, and makes no clinical sense whatsoever.

“We need to get these vaccinations into people’s arms ASAP.”

The Pfizer vaccine cannot be distributed through GP surgeries because it needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees centigrade.

Once a batch is opened, it must be quickly given. If it is not administered quickly, the vaccine is unusable.

The Welsh Government receives its stocks of vaccine from the UK Government. The UK Government distributes the vaccine based on population and not on need.

A quarter of the stocks of the much-easier to store and transport Oxford vaccine due to come to Wales have been delayed. 26,000 doses of the Oxford vaccine due to be sent to Wales
failed a quality test.

The Oxford vaccine can be stored safely in standard drug fridges and administered by GP surgeries.

Last week, Robert Street GP Surgery in Milford Haven said the delay in the Oxford vaccine’s delivery lay behind delays in its patients getting inoculated.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

59 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.