Latest news with #Rhondda
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Senior Labour MSs face three-way selection fight
Welsh Labour risks losing at least one more big hitter at next year's Senedd election because of a three-way fight for selection in a south Wales for the new Afan Ogwr Rhondda constituency mean three significant figures are being pitched against each other, including the deputy first minister and the woman that won Rhonnda for Labour in Irranca-Davies and Buffy Williams will also face the deputy presiding officer David Rees in the party ballot to decide who will get the best spots on the area's Labour Labour said it would not comment on the selection battle. Labour is already facing a major shake-up after the next Senedd election, with more than a third of current Labour MSs having made the decision not to stand for re-election next first ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething are among those standing down. Parties are currently in the process of drawing up lists for each of the 16 new constituencies for the next Senedd can nominate up to eight candidates per constituency, with parties to be rewarded with seats according to the percentage of the vote they Labour would expect to win two of the six seats available in Afan Ogwr Rhondda, it might struggle to win a three of the six seats in any given constituency would roughly require around 36% of the party members will now vote again to decide who will take the first, second and third place on the list in the constituency, with a result is expected in the coming are already indications from some within the party of a degree of anger were Williams, one of the party's highest profile women politicians – to miss would be "fury", said one source. Williams claimed one of the biggest scalps of the 2021 Senedd election, winning Rhondda back from the former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood with a 19% vote previous year she had been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to communities in Welsh Labour said it was committed to a "diverse slate of candidates" in its selection across Wales's 16 new Senedd constituencies, the Welsh Labour government abandoned plans last September to force parties to ensure at least 50% of candidates were were concerns about their lawfulness and whether the Senedd had the power to make the MS Irranca-Davies has emerged as an important figure in the current government set up, taking on not only the duties of deputy first minister under the leadership of Eluned Morgan, but also the rural affairs brief in which he has sought to placate protesting said last November that he had "listened" after making changes to controversial tree-cover requirements to qualify for subsidies. A former MP, he has served as a minister at Westminster. Rees has been MS for Aberavon since 2011 and deputy presiding officer for the past four years. His current constituency contains the Port Talbot normal circumstances Labour would have realistic hopes of winning three seats in the constituency, but as another source put it: "These are not normal circumstances."Senior figures in Welsh Labour are very concerned about losing voters to Plaid Cymru, while some of the recent announcements from Reform leader Nigel Farage suggested they were now also turning their attention to wooing traditional Labour supporters. A poll last month suggested that Labour had fallen to third behind Plaid Cymru and polls had suggested the three parties were neck and neck. At the next election there will be 16 new constituencies made of up of mergers of existing seats and a system of proportional Ogwr Rhondda takes in the former Aberavon, Ogmore and Rhonnda constituency party of the three MSs are on the party ballot because they were nominated by their respective areas: Rees in Aberavon, Irranca-Davies in Ogmore and Williams in Rhondda. A Labour party spokesperson said: "Welsh Labour has committed to putting forward a diverse slate of candidates, including women, people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and Welsh speakers amongst other underrepresented communities."
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘I flew to sunny Benidorm for a night – it was cheaper than getting a train to London'
A travel influencer has revealed how she flew to sunny Benidorm for a trip that was cheaper than getting a train to London. Carole Rees, from Rhondda, spent £200 on a trip to Benidorm in Spain compared to a day out in London, which she said would have set her back considerably more. While Carole's flight to the sunny Spanish coastal resort cost £35, the cost of a return train ticket from Cardiff to London can cost up to £170. The 45-year-old explained: 'I took a 6am flight from Bristol airport to Alicante, and stayed in a full board hotel in Benidorm overnight.' READ MORE: Our daughter had her whole life ahead. This must never happen to another family READ MORE: Long train queues as thousands attend first-of-its-kind event in Cardiff Carole added: 'You can do the trip much cheaper by not staying overnight but I think it was worth every penny. I had the most amazing 24 hours there. 'If I went for a night out back home or took a day trip to London I would have spent a lot more – plus you get to soak up the sun!' Not only was Carole's trip cheaper than a day out to London, it turned out to be pretty quick as she boarded a 45-minute shuttle bus transfer from Alicante airport to her hotel in Benidorm. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here The savings don't stop at the airport - something that Carole has also discovered on her travels. She went straight to her hotel restaurant and enjoyed a Spanish buffet, included in her full-board £76 hotel price for one night. After refuelling she couldn't wait to explore the city. Carole said: 'I went on a stroll through the city and it felt so good to feel that sun on my skin. It was stunning. I then walked along Llevant Beach, Benidorm's main beach, and went shopping along the seafront. After my walk, I went back to my hotel's rooftop bar and enjoyed the stunning view of Benidorm's seafront." At no point did Carole feel like she was rushing her trip. Carole used her spare time to go on a night out on the famous Benidorm strip - a 1.3km long street known for its lively nightlife and bars, and made the most of two for one cocktails for 7€ (less than £6). She said: 'It was the perfect trip which I finished off by going back to my hotel to gaze at Benidorm's beautiful views while sipping red wine – and I was back in bed by 10pm.' The next morning, Carole also made a special trip to Benidorm's Old Town – an area with traditional Spanish architecture dating back to the 14th century and walked through the town before her 4pm flight. 'I worked out I spent £200 in total. All my food was included so I only spent around £40 on wine, and cocktails as well as a bit on tips.' Carole added: 'If you're considering doing a trip I'd say do it. It's so much fun. I can't wait for my next one.' Carole's price breakdown for her extreme Benidorm trip: £30 from Cardiff to Bristol Airport (return) with Airport Tavern. £35 flights with Ryanair from Bristol Airport. £20 airport transfer from Alicante to Benidorm (return) with Beniconnect. £76 full board accommodation at Port Benidorm Hotel & Spa with £40 on drinks. Maximillian Schwerdtfeger, who works for money saving group EcoExperts, told WalesOnline: "Aviation contributes to 2.5% to global carbon emissions, and that won't come down until alternative means of travel are cheaper. The UK has some of the highest-priced train tickets in Europe. 'Companies and governing bodies should do more to make aviation transport cheaper.' Karen Marin Reyes, owner of Cardiff travel agents La Vida, explains: "With return train tickets costing up to £110 from Cardiff, it's not surprising to see so many UK travellers going abroad. We're seeing more people attend our travel agents who swapped their domestic travel plans for a holiday in Spain or Greece. "We have deals from Bristol to Barcelona return flights at £95 - nearly £100 cheaper than return train tickets from Cardiff to London. It's still cheaper once you factor in a £10 train to Bristol from Cardiff Central. "Personally, I've decided not to travel to London go abroad instead. You have to pay up to £110 for a return ticket, but then I've also spent up to £200 while I'm there- eating out and going for drinks."
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Being spiked on a night out traumatised me'
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or talk. After briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds". A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell". She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A&E. Ms Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony. "This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." Spiking to be made specific offence in King's Speech Intervene if women at spiking risk, says minister Man posed as woman's boyfriend after she was spiked After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was happening. After waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital. "It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said. "I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too quickly. She added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day." A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again". She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police responses. In November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party season. She also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously". Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these symptoms. Seek urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if needed. For less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased. "It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said. "The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong." She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward". Catcalls and being followed: Why I'm scared to run The women killed by men in Wales since 2020 Clubs say they work hard to prevent spiking
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Being spiked on a night out traumatised me'
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or talk. After briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds". A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell". She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A&E. Ms Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony. "This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." Spiking to be made specific offence in King's Speech Intervene if women at spiking risk, says minister Man posed as woman's boyfriend after she was spiked After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was happening. After waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital. "It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said. "I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too quickly. She added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day." A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again". She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police responses. In November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party season. She also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously". Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these symptoms. Seek urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if needed. For less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased. "It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said. "The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong." She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward". Catcalls and being followed: Why I'm scared to run The women killed by men in Wales since 2020 Clubs say they work hard to prevent spiking
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Spiking: 'NHS nurse dismissed me as just drunk' says victim
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds".A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell".She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A& Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony."This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital."It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said."I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day."A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again".She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. What to do if someone is spiked? St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously".Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased."It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said."The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong."She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward".
