December 2025 Newsletter

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are still enjoying the festive period with loved ones. One of my favourite Christmas traditions is attending the Christmas Day service at St. David’s Cathedral, and as always, it was a truly beautiful service.

December is always a busy month in Pembrokeshire, with plenty of festive activities and events going on across the county. I hope you managed to join in the celebrations, whether at a carol service, a Santa fun run, a Christmas Market, or even a panto!

I want to take this opportunity to say heartfelt thank you to everyone who works extra hard at this time of year to keep things running smoothly and make sure we can celebrate safely. From emergency services, postal workers, and local retail to healthcare and hospitality staff – we appreciate all that you do.

I hope you enjoy this final newsletter of 2025, which includes updates on healthcare, banking services, and child poverty, among other important issues. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Pembrokeshire this year. As we look ahead to 2026, I will remain focussed on the issues that matter most to our community.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year.

Best wishes,

Henry

Fighting for better healthcare

This month I’ve continued to fight hard for better access to primary care in Pembrokeshire. I am determined to see improvements and an end the postcode lottery.

I am so grateful for all our brilliant healthcare professionals who work incredibly hard to provide us with the best care possible, especially at this time of year. But poor management is continuing to let them, and patients, down.

I will continue to work with GP surgeries and our health board to make sure we have a primary care system that delivers for patients across Pembrokeshire.

Thank you to our posties

I had the pleasure again of visiting the hardworking team at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

Our postal workers go above and beyond all year round, braving every kind of weather to keep us connected. And at Christmas, the busiest time of the year, they truly are the unsung heroes, making sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely. They play a vital role in our community, helping to bring people together when it matters most.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team!

Inclusive Community Transport

It was great to spend time with the fantastic team at PACTO (Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations).

PACTO is an inspiring charity making a real difference across Pembrokeshire. Their work empowers local community transport groups, supports people who struggle to access public transport, and champions sustainable travel options.

Across Pembrokeshire, many elderly and vulnerable patients rely on PACTO for safe, reliable transport to their medical appointments. This service is a lifeline, ensuring access to healthcare and supporting the wellbeing of our community.

Access to inclusive and reliable transport remains a major challenge for many in Pembrokeshire. I’ll continue to work with the brilliant team at PACTO to ensure a connected, accessible, and inclusive transport system for our county.

Preserving Local History in Pembroke

The bells of St Mary’s Church have rung out in Pembroke for nearly 300 years. It’s been a pleasure to work closely with the brilliant team at the Pembroke Bell Ringers, and to see firsthand the incredible work they are doing to preserve this cherished local heritage.

Their restoration project – retuning these ancient bells and rebuilding the structures they hand from - will ensure that residents enjoy the sound of St Mary’s bells for hundreds of years to come. 

On Wednesday 21^st January the Church will be open for a special service to welcome home the 9 bells of St Mary’s, and to meet the three new bells.

The Church opens for bell viewing and refreshments from 11am, with a 6pm short service followed by music from The Varifolkals during final hour of bell viewing.

In Parliament

Access to Banking Services in Pembrokeshire

This month I met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby MP. We discussed access to banking services in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, and across our county.

Access to these services is absolutely vital, particularly for our rural and vulnerable communities. I’m committed to working closely with the Minister to protect and improve banking access across the county.

I’ll keep you updated as this work progresses.

Defence Jobs for Pembrokeshire

I also met with the Minister of State for Defence, Luke Pollard MP. We discussed our Labour Government’s Defence Growth Deal, and the potential opportunities in this for investment, job creation, and economic growth in Pembrokeshire.

I am delighted that the Minister recognises the importance of our county in maintaining our national security, and I will continue to support the government in its work to invest our defence sector and create good, well-paid jobs for local people.

Tackling Child Poverty

Over one in five children in Mid and South Pembrokeshire are living in poverty. This is simply unacceptable. That’s why I am pleased to see our Labour Government taking decisive action with the launch of its Child Poverty Strategy this month.

The strategy contains a range of measures which will lift thousands of children out of poverty. These include ending the two-child benefit cap; the first ever real terms increase in Universal Credit; £150 off energy bills for families; and increases to the National Minimum and Living Wage.

On top of this, the Welsh Government has announced another £505 million to tackle child poverty here in Wales.

Far too many families are struggling without the basics – a secure home, warm meals, and the support they need to make ends meet – and I commend all the incredible organisations across the county working tirelessly to support those in need. These measures will make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable families.

Tackling child poverty has been a key focus of mine, and I will continue to work hard and support the efforts of both UK and Welsh Labour Governments to make sure every child in Pembrokeshire has the best possible start in life.

Championing Sports Coaches

I know firsthand the transformative impact coaches can have in the lives of those they train – whether its school children discovering a new passion, or professional athletes striving for excellence. Through their expertise, structure, and mentorship, coaches instil self-discipline, build confidence, and, in some cases, help develop national sporting stars.

Here in Pembrokeshire, coaches are often the backbone of our brilliant local sports clubs, bring people together, promoting active, healthy lifestyles, and supporting our most talented athletes to achieve their dreams.

So, it was a privilege to host a roundtable this month in Parliament that brought together MPs, peers, sports leaders and grassroots coaches to discuss the vital contribution coaching makes to UK sport. We heard from a range of inspiring coaches about their experience and the challenges they face in their profession and discussed what more can be done to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Thank you again for reading my December newsletter. I wish you and your family the very best for 2026, and I look forward to continuing to work together for our wonderful county in the New Year.