November 2025 Newsletter

I hope everyone has had a great November, and is looking forward to the lead up to Christmas.

This month, on Remembrance Sunday we commemorated all our military and civilian service men and women who gave so much for our country. I know many of you will have attended one of the services that were held across Pembrokeshire. It is always a special moment to come together, pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and reflect on the proud military history of our county. I want to take this opportunity to thank our armed forces for everything they do for this country, and all those who helped organise remembrance services.

It’s been another busy month, with lots of great news to share, including exciting announcements for public transport and the defence sector in Pembrokeshire.

It was a daunting but positive experience to make my first appearance on BBC Politics Live, where I set out the government’s position on welfare and our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society.

I also had a productive trip to the US, focused on securing jobs and investment for Pembrokeshire and Wales. And as always, a highlight of my month was meeting constituents and visiting some of the brilliant local businesses and organisations that make our county so special.

I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter. As ever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to discuss or if I can help in any way.

Best wishes,

Henry

In Pembrokeshire

Championing Pembrokeshire’s Energy Sector

Earlier this month, I visited Valero’s Pembroke Refinery to speak with their brilliant workforce and hear first-hand about their concerns and hopes for the future.

I took these conversations back to Valero’s American team, who I met with in Washing D.C. We discussed the future of the energy sector in Pembrokeshire, and our shared commitment to protect existing jobs.

Valero is proud to work in our county, and it was great to hear their shared determination to build on Pembrokeshire’s strengths in the energy sector.

I’ll keep championing Pembrokeshire at every level to make sure we protect our jobs and grow our skills base, and that the county continues to lead the way to a fairer, more secure, and cleaner future.

£1 Bus Tickets for Children and Young People

I am delighted that the Welsh Labour Government has extended their £1 bus fare scheme to cover everyone aged 5-21. I know how important affordable public transport is for families struggling with the cost of living, and for young people trying to access job opportunities.

I am continuing to work hard with Welsh and UK Labour Governments, transport providers, and local stakeholders to make sure we continue to see improvements to public transport in Pembrokeshire. 

A new community hub for Pembroke

I know what an important role community spaces and organisations play in bringing us together and supporting those who need it most. That is why Mount Pleasant Church’s creation of a community hub is in Pembroke is such exciting news. This beautiful space will soon become a welcoming hub offering a warm space, food, and other essential services for the community.

Mount Pleasant already does incredible work with children and young people. They are currently raising money to finish this building project, and would be grateful for any support. Every contribution will help make this vision a reality.

Support for men in Neyland

I was lucky enough to visit another brilliant community hub this month. Men’s Shed Neyland is a welcoming space where local men can connect and learn new skills. It is more than just a workshop – it’s a lifeline against isolation, boosting confidence, and helping some find work.

Spaces like this are vital for mental well-being and creating a sense of belonging. I was truly inspired by the incredible work they’re doing to help men through tough times.

There are several Men’s Sheds across Pembrokeshire, and you can find your nearest one and see how you can get involved here (just note that St David’s Shed does not appear on the map!): https://www.mensshedscymru.co.uk/find-a-shed/?ls=pembroke

National recognition for local mental health charity

I’m thrilled to share that Megan’s Starr Foundation was awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service this month – the highest honour a voluntary organisation can receive.

This incredible achievement is testament to the dedication of all their staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to support young people in our community, offering vital mental health services, and training and volunteering opportunities.

I’ve seen their work first hand and am delighted they’re getting the recognition they deserve. Huge congratulations!

In Parliament

Pembrokeshire’s World-Class Apprentices

I was proud to meet Luke from Crundale in Parliament. He has been selected to join the TeamUK squad in welding and is in contention to compete at the World Skills championships in Shanghai next year.

This is testament to his determination, skill and hard work. Luke is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through the apprenticeship routes in our county, and I wish him the very best of luck.

A big month for Pembrokeshire’s Defence Sector

This month saw some exciting news for our defence sector here in the county. The government reaffirmed its commitment to backing Pembrokeshire’s defence sector, and our local communities, through the Defence Growth Fund.

Milford Haven has also been identified as one of 13 potential sites for new munitions and energetics factories – a major step in strengthening our national security and creating skilled jobs.

This Labour Government continues to put our national security first, overseeing the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War. I am proud that Pembrokeshire will continue to play a key role in this, and I am determined that this delivers good, well-paid jobs right here in our county.

Advocating for stronger consumer protections in our video game industry

I made the case for better consumer protection in the video game industry in a Westminster Hall debate, following discussions with Stewart Coombes at a constituency surgery.

The UK is home to one of the largest video game markets in the world, with sales of over £4bn last year, and it is a cornerstone of our brilliant creative industries.

I am delighted that this Labour Government is backing this sector’s continued growth – investing £40m in start-up video game studios, and expanding creative industry tax reliefs to incentivise further innovation and investment. The Welsh Labour Government is also supporting our creative industries, including Pembrokeshire’s very own independent game developer Goldborough Studio, via Creative Wales.

Thank you so much for reading my update for November. 

Best wishes,

Henry