May 2025 Newsletter

Henry Tufnell MP – News from Pembrokeshire and Westminster

I can’t quite believe that our May newsletter is here already – it has certainly been a jam-packed month in Pembrokeshire, with lots of surgeries, visits, stakeholder meetings and some major updates on both local and national campaigns (more details on that below!)

My office has also been as busy as ever, with nearly 700 pieces of casework dealt with this month alone. Please remember that if there is anything that you require support or assistance with, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will do all that we can to help you.

As we look ahead to a hopefully equally sunny June, I hope you enjoyed a lovely month of May and the wonderful weather we had!

Best wishes,

Henry Tufnell MP

Progress on fight for healthcare

Over the last year I have been working hard to engage constructively with Hywel Dda Health Board and advocate for essential improvements to the delivery of our vital services, like primary care.

This month, I had a follow-up meeting with the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda Health Board, Professor Phil Kloer, to confirm what action they are taking to address the failings in healthcare delivery across Pembrokeshire.

As you know, I have been calling for best practice to be established across all GP surgeries in Pembrokeshire for months. So, I was relieved that Professor Kloer accepted my concerns and confirmed that best practice should be established.

He will be reviewing the improvements needed over the coming months. I am pleased that they are finally committing to taking action that will end the postcode lottery of GP access.

I will meet with the CEO again this summer to assess the progress that has been made. Rest assured, they will be held to account if these changes are not implemented swiftly and effectively.

A huge thank you to everyone who complete my survey on access to GP services. Your input has been crucial.

This is a positive step forward, but I will continue to do everything that I can to advocate for better services for Pembrokeshire.

Housing waiting-list slashed

Housing is a defining mission of our Labour Governments in Westminster and Wales; to get building good secure homes, cutting red tape for new developments, and to slash housing waiting lists.

I have been working closely with our housing team at Pembrokeshire County Council since being elected, and my office has dealt with hundreds of housing cases from across the county.

So, I am delighted that our local authority has seen some real improvements to the delivery of housing already. Over the past six months, the housing waiting list in Pembrokeshire has reduced by approximately 2,000 applicants. Several new housing developments have been initiated across the county, which will provide 400 new social homes across a 4-year period.

Our Welsh Labour Government is also working hard to end homelessness in Wales. It’s new Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) Bill will re-focus homelessness services on prevention, with a stronger emphasis on early identification and intervention, so everyone has access to a safe and secure place to live. This new legislation will ensure that social housing is more accessible, and it will coordinate support across public services for those who need it.

I would like to extend my thanks to the housing department at Pembrokeshire County Council, and to all the construction workers working so hard to build the new developments across our county.

I will continue to monitor the progress of these developments and look forward to the The Planning and Infrastructure Bill returning to Parliament, which outlines some major reforms for further improvements to the planning process.

Honouring our veterans

This month, we celebrated VE Day in Pembrokeshire, remembering the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of all those who fought for peace and freedom during the Second World War. I was honoured to attend several local services (pictured above with my local Labour colleagues Cllr Tudor and Cllr Tierney in Haverfordwest.)

Pembrokeshire has a proud military history and has contributed so much to the safety and security of our nation. So, I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of a £50 million VALOUR support network to honour our veterans. This programme will establish regional hubs that connect health, housing, employment, and welfare services, making sure that every veteran can access tailored support, wherever they live.

Access to the arts in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is full of artistic talent, and it is so important that we have access to brilliant creative spaces, for our young people, and our tourists. Here in Wales, our incredible Arts and Cultural sector has been supported with a significant funding boost from the Welsh Labour Government (an additional £4.4m that was announced in February) - so it is always a delight to come and see firsthand the impact of our local arts and cultural centres in the community.

Oriel Y Parc

Earlier this month I met with the brilliant Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group in St. David’s, who gave me a tour of our world class art gallery at Oriel Y Parc. I am proud to be supporting their work to protect this gallery, which I thoroughly recommend visiting. Check out their website for more information on the exhibitions and activities taking place there.

Waterfront Gallery Milford Haven

I was also lucky enough to visit the Waterfront Gallery at Milford Haven and meet some of the artists whose work is currently being exhibited. The gallery plays a huge role in Milford Waterfront, not just as an attractive tourist destination but as a cultural hub to celebrate local talent and creativity. I was truly honoured to open the launch of the Innocence Project, which presents artwork produced by local children from across our community. You can find more information about the exhibitions on display via their website.

We’re going up!

COYB (Come on you Bluebirds!) - absolutely delighted for the boys at Haverfordwest County FC, as well as the fans and volunteers who make this club so special. Que sera sera, we’re off to the Conference League! What an incredible achievement for our local club to be represented on European stage next season – testament to all the hard work that goes in on and off our 3G pitch, which was recently furnished with financial support from the Welsh Labour Government. We all know you will do us proud as you take it to the next level.

Surgeries across Pembrokeshire

It was great to be out and about in the glorious sunshine this month speaking to constituents across Haverfordwest, and in Tenby. Thank you for everyone that took the time to talk to us. Baby Tufnell certainly enjoyed her first experience on the doorstep!

I hold surgeries regularly across the constituency, and in my office in Haverfordwest. If you need an appointment, please contact me at henry.tufnell.mp@parliament.uk or on 01437 650088.  Please include your full name, address, and contact details.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre

There are many diligent third sector organisations in Pembrokeshire providing vital support to those living with long-term health conditions and disabilities.

Hope MS Therapy Centre in Neyland is one of them. This incredible organisation provides compassionate support and friendship to those living with a long-term condition. The charity was originally set up to support those living with MS but now offers a range of accessible oxygen and physio treatments to those with various neurological conditions.

It was an honour to meet the team there this month who give so much to our community. You can find out more about the services they offer on their website www.hopemscentre.co.uk.

In Westminster

EFRA Committee Calls for Delay in Changes to IHT Reforms

Some of you will remember that I raised concerns around the IHT in March, after close engagement with our farmers here in Pembrokeshire. Following a report for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee, which I sit on, we have formally called for a delay in the Government’s reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) by one year.

This report is a positive step forward towards rebuilding the relationship between the government and the farming community, without whom we have little hope of achieving our environmental and food security ambitions. Of course, there remains much work to be done to repair this relationship, but for as long as I’m in Parliament your voice will be heard.

Labour delivers better care for animals in British zoos

 Thank you to all who have emailed recently with concerns around animal welfare policy, I thought you’d want to hear some positive news on what our Labour government is doing: last week, the government introduced new animal welfare standards for zoos and aquariums. The UK is a world leader in the zoo industry, and it’s imperative that best practice is implemented across our zoos and aquariums, so that animals are protected and given proper care.

Prime Minister secures trade deal with the EU

What matters most to many of us is that Wales gets a good deal. That’s why I’m delighted with the trade deal we’ve achieved with the EU, our biggest trading partner – did you know that 75% of Wales’ food and drink exports is sold to the continent?

This Labour Government is cutting as much red tape as possible so that our businesses can trade with ease. Smoother trade also means cheaper imports, increasing choice on supermarket shelves and in the long term, bringing down food prices.

And it’s not just trade we’ve secured, but also a bolstering to our national security – with an agreement that gives the UK access to the EU’s defence fund. Bluebird fans will be pleased to hear that travel to Europe will be easier, with a return to access to e-gates so no more queues. But who needs a break abroad when we have better beaches here in Pembrokeshire...  

On immigration, this Labour government is cracking down on illegal migration, with 30,000 people already returned. This EU deal reaffirms our commitment to smashing the criminal boat gangs that profit from this vile trade.

So yes, plenty of good news to report but no time to rest on our laurels. I’ll be back in Parliament this week, making sure that Pembrokeshire is at the forefront of every decision made. Stay tuned also for an important update on my NHS Dentistry campaign following my recent survey and upcoming meeting with the management team.