News

Welsh Minister points to Tories for confusion over 20mph speed limit

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

A WELSH GOVERNMENT minister has accused Andrew RT Davies and the Conservative Party’s central office of causing confusion about the newly implemented 20mph speed limit across Wales. Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, charged that the Conservative Senedd group leader exploited a “populist opportunity” for political gain, leading to division over the regulation.

Implemented in September 2023, the contentious law changed most 30mph roads to 20mph, allowing councils to grant exemptions. The shift has sparked substantial opposition, evident from a petition to reverse the law garnering over 467,000 signatures, a record for the Senedd.

In contrast, Mr. Waters highlighted an earlier instance of support from the Welsh Conservatives for the 20mph limit. However, Tory MS Mark Isherwood noted that while there was a split in the Tory vote on a non-binding decision in 2022, the party unanimously opposed the legislation when it became binding.

The Deputy Minister criticised this change in stance, suggesting it stemmed from a strategy by the Tories to stir cultural conflict. He refuted the notion of a “blanket ban,” a term frequently used by the Conservatives, who favour a 20mph limit only in pedestrian-heavy areas like schools and hospitals. According to Mr. Waters, the guidance provided to local councils for exemptions leaves little room for flexibility.

The impact of the 20mph limit on local services was also raised, with Sam Rowlands, a Welsh Conservative regional member, pointing out changes to bus services in his constituency due to the new speed limit. Mr. Waters acknowledged the varied exemption rates across Wales, suggesting a more nuanced approach might resolve such issues.

Gareth Davies, Senedd Member for the Vale of Clwyd, criticised the policy’s impact on Denbighshire, citing the low exemption rate and complexity of the exemption system. The Deputy Minister maintained that the policy’s primary aim is to save lives and expressed willingness to adjust the approach if necessary.

Wrapping up the debate, Mr. Waters highlighted legislative constraints at the UK level that affect the ease of passing traffic regulation orders. In response, Natasha Asghar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, defended the party’s criticism of the policy, urging the Deputy Minister to address public dissatisfaction.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

28 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

34 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.