Pembrokeshire Herald: MP says terminal has supported skilled jobs for years and warns Pembrokeshire must not lose out in energy transition.

MID and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has said his immediate priority is the workforce and their families following confirmation that commercial operations at the Impala Milford Haven terminal are to end.

Mr Tufnell said the terminal had played an important role in Pembrokeshire’s energy sector for many years, supporting skilled employment and contributing to the local economy.

Impala has confirmed that commercial operations at its Milford Haven site are due to cease at the end of this year, with a redundancy consultation now under way.

Responding to questions from The Pembrokeshire Herald, Mr Tufnell said: “I am very saddened by the news that Impala will be shutting down its commercial operations at its Milford Haven terminal from the end of this year.

“For many years, the terminal has played a crucial role in our county’s energy sector, supporting skilled, well-paid jobs and contributing to our local economy.

“I understand that a redundancy consultation is being carried out, and my immediate priority is the workforce and their families.

“I will be following the process closely and engaging with the relevant parties to ensure employees are treated fairly and supported throughout.”

The closure comes at a significant moment for Milford Haven, which remains one of the UK’s most important energy hubs but is also undergoing a major transition towards lower-carbon industries.

Mr Tufnell said that transition must not come at the expense of existing jobs and energy infrastructure.

“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, it is vital that we protect our existing energy assets and strengthen our country’s energy security,” he said.

“I remain focused on protecting the industries that have powered our country for decades, while securing investment, jobs and opportunities for the future.”

The MP pointed to recent investment in cleaner energy projects in Pembrokeshire, including floating offshore wind proposals in the Celtic Sea and work associated with the West Wales Hydrogen Plant at the Impala site.

He said: “We have seen exciting developments in our clean energy sector recently, with Pembrokeshire being selected as a site for a major floating offshore wind project and construction beginning on the West Wales Hydrogen Plant on the Impala site in Milford Haven.

“I will continue to fight for a just energy transition — one that creates new jobs and industries, while ensuring that communities like ours that have powered this country for generations are protected.”

The closure has raised concerns over the future of skilled industrial employment in Milford Haven and the ability of emerging green-energy sectors to replace jobs being lost from more traditional operations.

The Herald has asked Impala for further detail on the number of employees affected, the redundancy timetable and what support will be available to staff.

Further updates will follow as the consultation progresses.