June 2025 Newsletter

Summer has got off to a flying start!

It’s been an incredibly busy month in Pembrokeshire and in Westminster. My campaign on dental services has reached a pivotal point (more detail on that below!), I was selected to ask my first Prime Minister’s Question, and we’ve had the launch of the first Industrial Strategy in years (which has great news for Pembrokeshire included!). I’ve also had the pleasure of spending time with some of our local community champions, working across mental health services, optometry, and in education (to name just a few!).

I hope you enjoy reading this month’s recap - and as always if you have any questions or issues you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wishing you and your family a lovely start to July.

Best wishes,

Henry

Update on my Dentistry Campaign

This month, I presented the truly shocking results of my constituency wide survey on access to NHS dental services to Hywel Dda Health Board.

88% of respondents did not have access to an NHS dentist. 60% said they had tried to register with an NHS dentist but were told there were no places available, with only 1 in 200 being successful. These are not just statistics, but real lived experiences of thousands of local people, who deserve, and need, access to good quality dental care.

Sadly, many people are being forced to pay large sums in private dental bills, or wait for an unimaginably long time, just to receive an appointment, with their health deteriorating as a result.

I am absolute determined to see improvements to this service, and radical changes.

The way that it works, is that the Health Board (in this case Hywel Dda) are responsible for the management of the NHS Dentistry contract - and they have a responsibility to improve the delivery of this vital service.

I know how hard our local dentists and dental nurses are working, because I have been engaging with them throughout this process. I was fortunate to spend some time with Dr Ian Jones and his team at their clinic in Haverfordwest, and I will continue to work with our local providers to advocate for improvements from Hywel Dda Health Board.

Hywel Dda have acknowledged the issues that I have raised, and I am working constructively with them to address the crisis. I want to reiterate that I am absolutely determined to see this service transformed. This is a step in the right direction, but there is a lot of work to do, and I will hold them to account every step of the way.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and fill in my survey.

Your input has been crucial.

Fighting for Pembrokeshire in Prime Minister’s Questions

This month, I was finally selected for Prime Minister’s Questions! My team put my name in the random shuffle every week, so I was delighted that after nearly a year in Parliament I was given the opportunity – and of course I wanted to ask about jobs for Pembrokeshire!

Our county has such a proud history in fuelling Britain through oil and gas. I wanted assurances from our Prime Minister that Pembrokeshire can continue to lead the way, and that our community will benefit from a just green transition.

We need to protect existing jobs, secure new well-paid jobs, and cut energy bills – that's what our strategy must remain focused on. So, I was delighted to get that verbal confirmation from the Prime Minister assuring that this will remain our focus.

Industrial Strategy: Good News for Pembrokeshire

This month Government announced its flagship Industrial Strategy. (Shockingly the last Tory Government didn’t even have an Industrial Strategy, so it’s high time we set the record straight and cement our support for Industry.)

So, what does this strategy mean for Pembrokeshire?

Our energy intensive industries are vital to the local economy here in Pembrokeshire – and sky rocketing energy prices have been a real barrier for growth for these industries.

The announcements in this industrial strategy will slash energy bills for thousands of such firms, which will help industry to stay competitive, protect jobs and secure strong investment for the future.

Some other highlights include:

·      £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation. 

·      The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales.

·      The establishment of a doctoral training centre for semiconductors, led by Swansea University

You can read all about it here for more information too: Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales - GOV.UK

Calling Out the Water Sector

For too long, water companies have got away with polluting our rivers and seas and providing low quality services to their customers – all whilst bills are at an all-time high and water executives are paid huge unjustified bonuses.

In Pembrokeshire, Welsh Water’s environmental performance has been unacceptable, with the regulator giving it a rating of 2/4 stars, citing seven serious pollution incidents including the dumping of untreated sewage in the Cleddau from July 2022 – February 2024.

As a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, I have been working with colleagues to look at how we can reform the water sector, to address these systemic issues.

This month I questioned Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Chair of the Independent Water Commission. I asked him about the outrageously inflated salaries and bonuses of executives across the water sector. This followed the publication of the latest report from our committee calling for transformative change to the water sector, to ensure better value for money for households, and a better service.

I’ll continue to advocate for a fairer, more transparent water sector – and I’ll keep working with brilliant local campaign groups like the Cleddau Project, on this issue.

Backing our Posties and Delivery Workers

Our posties play a huge role in keeping our communities connected. Our rural communities across Pembrokeshire are particularly dependent on these vital services.

That is why I have been supporting the CWU’s campaign to ban low-level letterboxes that put these key workers at higher risk of injury – dog bites and back pain in particular.

I have written to ministers in Welsh and UK government expressing my support for the campaign, urging them to take steps to make the industry standards for letterboxes’ minimum height mandatory for all new builds and new front door replacements.

This simple fix could make a real difference to our postal and delivery workers, and also save our NHS, police and courts time and money.

Gaza

I know so many across Pembrokeshire have been appalled by the death and destruction of this humanitarian catastrophe. Many of you have written to me to express your concern about this deeply troubling situation.

I strongly believe that a two-state solution - with a sovereign Palestinian state and a secure Israel at peace with its neighbours - is the only way to bring stability to the region and end the violence. That is why I called on the government to recognise the state of Palestine.

In addition to this, I have been pushing the government on the work it is doing to get vital humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza who need it so desperately. You can see all the questions I have put to the Minister here.

Like many of you, I am very concerned by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. This is a moment of grave danger for the region, and the world, and I know that the government continues to do everything it can to urge de-escalating and diplomacy to avoid further destruction.

Assisted Dying

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its Third and final reading in the House of Commons this month.

This was a significant moment, after hours of scrutiny, consideration, and debate in Parliament. This process has been thorough, with experts in the Hansard Society saying that this Bill has received more scrutiny than almost any other recent Private Member’s Bill.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views with me. I have considered all of them deeply. I know that all of us bring our personal experiences to bear on this issue.

After careful consideration, I voted in favour of the Bill at the Third Reading. I am of the view that legalising assisted dying for mentally competent, terminally ill adults is the right thing to do, provided that sufficient safeguards are in place. Under the current law, many people are forced to suffer to extended periods, while others are compelled to seek assisted death alone abroad, or resort to extreme measures at home.

The Bill will now be considered by the House of Lords, where there will be further debate on what else can be done to strengthen the legislation.

It has been so encouraging to see the respectful tone and thoughtful contributions on both sides of the debate. I hope that this will be taken as an example going forward of what politics can and should be like when engaging with difficult issues like this one.

Local Engagements

Quality Eye Care

It was a real privilege to meet Andy and his team at Specsavers in Haverfordwest. Andy is working in partnership with the NHS, providing a high-quality service, and relieving pressure on our GP’s and Hospitals.

Having this flagship partnership means that serious conditions can be picked up quickly with treatment plans implemented as soon as possible.

Supporting Megan’s Starr, Mental Health Support for Young People.

I was honoured to attend the official opening of The Dizzy Bear Cafe by Megan’s Starr Foundation in Milford Haven. This youth-led community cafe is already having a big impact on the local community – offering sweet treats alongside support, friendship and community. Every purchase in this lovely cafe goes towards funding vital mental health support for young people in Pembrokeshire.

Big thanks to the amazing team at Megan’s Starr for making such a difference to our community.

Future Generations Conference

Pembrokeshire College put together a brilliant event this month which brought together organisations from across the constituency to talk about improving the well-being of children, young people and families in Pembrokeshire.

It was inspiring to be there and see so many dedicated organisations working together to champion sustainable, long-term approaches that put the needs of future generations front and centre.

Championing Children's Art

It was a real pleasure to visit the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven again for the launch of their Innocence Project exhibition.

The exhibition features fantastic artwork from local children aged 3–10, showcasing the incredible young talent we have here in Pembrokeshire. Initiatives like this are so important in helping young people explore and engage with the arts. I am a strong believer in the positive impact art can have, fostering creativity, imagination, and the ability to express your emotions! My daughter definitely enjoyed looking at all the colourful paintings too!

A big thank you to Happy Days Daycare for helping bring the children together for the project, and for making the event so special.

Championing Our Tourism Sector

It was a real pleasure to meet park manager Dave Evans and his team at Kiln Park in Tenby. They all work incredibly hard to provide a fantastic experience for visitors, both local and holidaymakers, who come to the park with their families.

Our tourism sector is so important for our local economy, and as we head into the summer months, I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone working in this sector.

If you haven’t visited Kiln Park yet – I would highly recommend you do so, there's something for the whole family there.

Supporting Local Businesses

I was delighted to meet Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, and Tracey from Coterie Leather at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception in Parliament. It was great to see their hard work recognised at the ceremony.

Our local businesses contribute so much to our local economy and are really putting Pembrokeshire on the map.

If you are after a crisp Welsh wine to enjoy in the summer sunshine, or a locally and sustainably produced leather bag for your summer essentials then look no further!

A Visit from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School

It was great to welcome pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi to Parliament earlier this month. They had lots of excellent questions about local issues, what happens in Parliament, and my role and responsibilities as an MP, before they had a tour of the Palace of Westminster.

The UK Parliament’s Education and Engagement team offer free educational visits to Parliament for UK students aged 7-18. These are a great opportunity for pupils to learn more about politics, and to visit the historic Palace of Westminster. You can find out more about these tours here.  Please get in touch if you need help arranging a visit.

So that’s a wrap on this month! As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or if there’s anything I can help with.

Stay safe in the sunshine, and I look forward to updating you next month.

Best wishes,

Henry