Dear all,
As we transition into autumn, September has been a busy and exciting month. I have been tackling critical local issues and putting Pembrokeshire at the forefront of the policy agenda in Parliament. Here is a brief update on what I have been working on:
Raising Concerns About Legal Deserts in Pembrokeshire
This month, I had the opportunity to ask the Justice Minister about “legal deserts” in Justice Questions.
The lack of access to legal aid services in rural communities like ours continues to be a pressing concern, leaving many residents without vital legal support. I made the case for the urgent need to address these gaps, ensuring everyone, regardless of location, has access to justice. I will keep pushing for solutions to make legal representation available to all. I was pleased that the Minister agreed to a private meeting next month to look at the issue in greater detail.
Attending the Labour Party Conference
The Labour Party’s annual conference returned to Liverpool this month, and it was great to attend my first conference as your Labour MP. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with a range of different stakeholders, including from charities, trade unions, businesses and policy makers.
This conference was a great platform for sharing ideas on how we can address the challenges facing Wales and the wider UK, from improving public services to tackling the climate crisis.
The theme of the conference was “Change Begins”, and I look forward to continuing my work in ensuring that positive change is delivered for communities across Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
The next big announcement from the Government will be the Budget coming at the end of October. I will be following the Chancellor’s announcements closely and will communicate how it will affect Pembrokeshire.
Meeting with Câr-Y-Môr in St David’s
I was pleased to meet with the team at Câr-Y-Môr in St David’s, a fantastic community-based seaweed farming initiative. Câr-Y-Môr is leading the way in sustainable aquaculture, producing seaweed and shellfish while also contributing to local environmental protection efforts. It’s initiatives like these that highlight the importance of supporting local, sustainable industries that not only benefit the environment but also create jobs for our community.
Supporting Haverfordwest County AFC
I also had the pleasure of meeting with Haverfordwest County AFC. Our local football club is at the heart of the community, providing not just a platform for sporting excellence but also a hub for community engagement. It was great to hear about their ongoing projects, including the construction of a new 3G pitch, as well as their plans for the future. I look forward to supporting their endeavours and seeing the club grow even stronger.
Visiting the Greenlink Interconnector Site
I had the opportunity to visit the Greenlink Interconnector Site this month, a crucial infrastructure project connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and Wales. Once completed, Greenlink will contribute significantly to our renewable energy goals by allowing the transfer of green energy between the two countries. This project is not only important for our energy security but also for our fight against climate change. I will continue to advocate for projects that place sustainability at the heart of our economy.
Working with the Citizens Advice Bureau
Finally, I’ve been working closely with partners like the Citizens Advice Bureau, ensuring that people in our community have access to vital services and support. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting many families hard, and the Citizens Advice Bureau provides essential assistance on a range of issues, from debt advice to housing support. I am committed to working with organisations like this to ensure that everyone has access to the help they need during these challenging times.
As always, I am here to listen to your concerns and work together to make Pembrokeshire an even better place to live. If there are any issues you feel I should be addressing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you for your taking the time to read this.
Best wishes,
Henry Tufnell MP