October 2025 Newsletter

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable half-term. As usual our local leisure-centres, community groups and sports clubs put on a brilliant variety of events and activities for young people across Pembrokeshire, so a big thank you to all of them.

There’s been plenty of good news for our community this month, which I am delighted to share in this newsletter: investment in our skills base, targeted employment support, and updates on my fly-tipping and public transport campaigns.

I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter, as usual please do not hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything you want to discuss, or if there’s anything I can help with.

Best wishes,

Henry

£800,00 Skills Investment for Pembrokeshire

Our Labour Government has confirmed an £800,000 skills pilot for Pembrokeshire, to build a skilled energy workforce fit for the future.

This funding will support people who already have the relevant skills, like those who’ve previously worked in carbon-intensive sectors, as well as providing the provide skills training needed for people who have never worked in the energy sector but are excited by the growth of the industry here in Pembrokeshire.

This package will create jobs and develop skills that can stay in Pembrokeshire for generations.

I want to see Pembrokeshire as a world leader in the future energy mix. We have the resources, and we have the talent right here in our county. This announcement is a positive step forward to make that happen, and it is what I have been calling for.

I will always use my voice to make sure that Pembrokeshire gets the investment and opportunities it deserves, through creating and securing jobs.

Government Action on Employment and Mental Health

A further £10 million has been announced by our government to support employment and mental health initiatives across Wales, with Pembrokeshire set to benefit from this investment.

This funding strengthens an existing package aimed at helping people access the job market, particularly those facing challenges such as poor mental health, social isolation, or skills gaps.

Alongside recent announcements to boost our local skills base, this package is designed to ensure people in our county have the support they need to secure meaningful opportunities.

I’ll continue working with local job centres, charities, and industry to make sure there are clear paths to opportunity for people in Pembrokeshire.

Tackling Fly Tipping

I know that fly tipping across Pembrokeshire is a real concern for many residents. I’ve been running a survey so residents could report the fly-tipping they’ve seen in their local area. I’ve fed all this information back to Pembrokeshire County Council and I am pleased that they have sent teams out to tackle that fly tipping across the county, keeping our streets, parks, roads and woodlands clean.

Frustration with the current booking system is clearly a key concern for many, so I am now working to get that removed to make it easier for everyone in Pembrokeshire to dispose of their waste responsibly.

Supporting our Local Supply Chain

The port of Milford Haven plays a vital role in Pembrokeshire’s clean energy sector, and in powering the whole of the UK and maintaining our energy security. I recently visited Rhyal Engineering who are experts in storage tank and engineering solutions across oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables working right here in Pembrokeshire.

Following the visit, we were joined by other key players in the local energy supply chain, Altrad, Jenkins and Davies, and Mainstay. We discussed how to unlock more opportunities for Pembrokeshire in the sector, creating jobs and economic growth.

I will keep pushing to make sure our local industry and supply chain are front and centre of the UK’s energy future.

Ideas from Haverfordwest High Pupils

It was a real pleasure to visit Haverfordwest High this month and hear from Year 7s brimming with ideas on how to improve the town centre. It’s always inspiring to see young people so engaged with their community.

Revitalising our local communities is a top priority for this government, and I am thrilled that it is investing £1.5 million in Pembrokeshire through the Pride in Place Impact Fund.

I have already been engaging with Pembrokeshire County Council on how we will make sure this money goes to the places and projects that need it most.

Thanks again to all the wonderful staff and pupils at Haverfordwest High for hosting me and for all their brilliant ideas.

Fun at the Pembroke Michaelmas Fair

I had a brilliant time at the Pembroke Michaelmas Fair. It was great to see so many local people there enjoying the rides, local food and drink, and community spirit. With over 700 years of proud tradition, this fair is a proud celebration of Pembroke’s rich history and the spirit of our community coming together.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this event happen.

Supporting SPPOT Haverfordwest

I had the privilege of spending a morning with a remarkable local organisation in Haverfordwest – SPPOT (Supporting People and Pets through Opportunity and Training).

This social enterprise offers work-based training for young people at risk of unemployment, as well as training and volunteering opportunities for adults with additional learning needs, physical disabilities, or mental health challenges.

They also provide a local dog walking service that supports elderly and disabled dog owners. Pets bring so much joy to peoples’ lives, and this brilliant initiative is having such a positive impact in our community.  

Funding for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC, and GB Disability Boxing

I was absolutely delighted that Pembroke Dock ABC have been awarded an £8000 grant from the national lottery.

Last month I hosted head coach Chris and his incredible team, in parliament for a special screening of the film Fighters, that showcases the inspirational work of the club.

This funding is going to make a real impact. It will go towards supporting adults living with a disability to become UK coaching accredited, and it will also support young people not in education, employment or training, to receive accredited qualifications. The club are also investing in more adaptive equipment, to ensure that the classes they offer remain fully accessible.

I look forward to continuing to work with whole team at Pembroke Dock ABC and Great Britain Disability Boxing as they look ahead to opening a community kitchen at the club.

To find out more about all activities at Pembroke Dock ABC, please contact head coach Chris Mcewen info@pembrokeboxingclub.co.uk or 07891 105372.

Pembrokeshire Prayer Breakfast 

I was delighted to attend the annual Pembrokeshire Prayer Breakfast and Hook Sports and Social Club. It was really special to join with so many people from across our community, to reflect on the importance of coming together and looking after each other. Thank you so much to the organisers for a warm welcome, and for the delicious breakfast.

Thank you so much for reading my update for October.

Best wishes,

Henry