September 2025 Newsletter

Even though my school days are long behind me, I still feel that sense of excitement for a “new term” as we step into the Autumn. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the parents, teachers, and coaches across Pembrokeshire who have been tirelessly supporting our learners as they begin a new year or phase in their educational journey.

In September, my fellow Members of Parliament and I returned to the Commons following the summer recess, and it’s been a privilege to be back, championing our county at every opportunity.

September has been exceptionally busy, with major news for community funding, launching my new survey on public transport, and driving real change on important national issues like workers’ rights.

I hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter, and as always, if there’s anything I can help with or an issue you want to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Henry

Improving Public Transport

Access to reliable public transport services is essential for our communities and local economy in Pembrokeshire. Since being elected I’ve been working with both of our Labour Governments, the Department for Transport, Pembrokeshire County Council and transport providers to push for much needed improvements to our public transport services.

It’s really positive that Wales is set to move away from profit-driven models of bus services, and toward a system where services are planned and delivered in the public interest. This means better coordination, fairer access, and more reliable routes—especially for rural communities. It’s a bold step toward a transport network that works for people, not just profit.

Over the summer, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales were consulting with the public, to shape how this service will work for people across our community. They are currently working through the responses to that consultation.

I understand how vital public transport is, whether it’s buses, trains, or active travel options. That’s why I’ve launched a survey this month to gather your thoughts on how we can improve services more broadly. Your feedback will be shared with colleagues across government to ensure the voices of our community influence decisions at every level.

In Parliament, I used Transport Questions to tell the Secretary of State how important rail investment is for Pembrokeshire. She assured me that she is working with our Welsh Labour government to deliver improvements to our rail services, so our local economy can really benefit.

Securing Funding for Our Communities: £1.5m for Pembrokeshire

I’ve been working closely with my Welsh Labour colleagues, and we’re thrilled to announce that every local authority in Wales will receive £1.5 million through the new Pride in Place Fund.

This funding, made possible by our Labour Government, is dedicated to revitalising our local communities. What’s truly exciting is that our community will have a genuine say in how this money is spent.

Working with Pembrokeshire County Council, I’m committed to ensuring every penny goes to the projects that matter most to our community.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already shared fantastic ideas. If you haven’t had the chance yet, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how this fund could best serve our area.

Improving rights for Workers across Pembrokeshire

We came one step closer to the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation this month.

After passing through the House of Lords, the Employment Rights Bill returned to the House of Commons. Our Labour Government is going to overturn the amendments tabled by the Lords which would have watered down key protections in the Bill – including day one protection from unfair dismissal, and the ban on exploitative zero hours contracts.

These landmark reforms will crack down on insecure work, boost pay, and improve conditions, putting more money in people’s pockets and raising living standards for people in Pembrokeshire and across the entire county.

Historic Hillsborough Law

This month, the government passed the Hillsborough Law – or Public Office (Accountability) Bill. This was a historic moment, after 27 years of campaigning lead by the families of those who were tragically killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

Our Prime Minister promised the families of those killed, that a Hillsborough Law would be introduced as soon as practically possible by our Labour Government, and we have delivered on that promise.

The new law means that public officials, like police, council staff, government employees, or elected representatives, must be honest and open when something goes wrong. They’ll be legally required to share all the facts during investigations, even if it makes them look bad. If they try to hide the truth or protect themselves unfairly, they could face criminal charges. This change is designed to stop cover-ups like those seen in past scandals. It’s a major step forward in making sure the failures we saw after tragic events such as Hillsborough, Grenfell, the Horizon scandal, the Grooming Gangs scandal, and the infected blood scandal will never happen again.

OUR COMMUNITY

Celebrating the power of inclusive sport

It was an honour to host the parliamentary screening of Fighters, a powerful documentary showcasing the life-changing work of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC, led by the brilliant Christopher McEwen of Great Britain Disability Boxing. The film shines a light on the club’s incredible impact on people with disabilities across Mid and South Pembrokeshire, showing just how transformative sport can be, not just for physical health, but for confidence, connection, and community.

After the screening, we held a roundtable discussion with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson MBE, Chair of Sport Wales and Paralympic Gold Medallist, as well as Kim Leadbeater MP, representing the Department for Sport. It was a powerful conversation about the role of grassroots sport in building inclusive, supportive spaces for everyone.

Looking ahead, the club has exciting plans to grow its impact even further - from offering community meals and cooking classes, to expanding training opportunities for NEETs, veterans, and people with disabilities, and even supporting those experiencing homelessness with safe spaces and new chances.

I’m incredibly proud to support Chris and the whole team as they continue this inspiring mission. Their work is a shining example of what sport can achieve when it’s rooted in compassion, community, and purpose.

I will continue championing the incredible sports clubs across our county that do so much to do so much in their communities – bringing us together and keeping us fit and healthy.

My visit to an award-winning local farm

I really enjoyed my visit to Velfrey Vineyard this month. This wonderful local, family-run business has gone from strength to strength – transforming a field of sheep into a world-class vineyard and producing award-winning wine. Thanks so much for the team for the warm welcome and the tour. Cheers to your continued success! 

Supporting Pembrokeshire’s Energy Sector

Pembrokeshire is the proud home of the UK’s largest energy port. The Milford Haven Waterway is a crucial hub for our country’s energy security, and for Pembrokeshire’s local economy.

It was great to spend some time with the team at South Hook LNG Terminal and see what they do first hand.

I will keep championing Pembrokeshire’s industrial and energy sector, to ensure it continues to play its central role in the UK's energy security and provide good, skilled jobs for local people.

School Visits

It is always a privilege to be able to visit our schools in Pembrokeshire. This month, I had the pleasure of being shown around Milford Haven School, where I met with staff and pupils. We discussed their school uniform policy and exciting redevelopment plans. I was also learned about their school Senedd – a great initiative to get their pupils engaged in politics.

I was also lucky enough to spend a day visiting Cleddau Reach VC School and Spittal VC School. I spoke with parents and pupils, attended assembly, and met with the school council and governors.

The energy and commitment of staff and pupils at all three schools was clear to see, and I am looking forward to continuing to work together to make sure they have the resources they need to succeed.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to remind schools that they can book free educational visits to Parliament. These tours are a fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn about our democracy and explore the historic Palace of Westminster. To book a check availability and make a booking, please visit Education Visits webpage.

Supporting Small Business

It was a real pleasure to welcome Fiona and Vince from Tenby Stores to Parliament for the Heart of the Community reception.

Tenby Stores is a brilliant example of a local business that goes the extra mile. The whole team works tirelessly to support the community, whether it’s helping people access cash or offering essential banking services right on the high street. In a rural area like ours, that makes a huge difference in keeping people connected and supported.

As your MP, I’ll always champion small businesses and the incredible people behind them. They’re the backbone of our local economy and the heart of our communities.

Thank you so much for reading this month's newsletter. As October begins, I hope you get a chance to enjoy the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside as it transforms with the season, and maybe even carve a pumpkin or two!

As always, if there is anything I can help with this month, please do get in touch.

Best wishes,

Henry