March 2025 Newsletter

As March draws to a close and daylight saving begins, I am sure you will join me in looking forward to the lighter summer evenings! It has certainly been a busy month in Pembrokeshire and Westminster, and here’s a look at what I have been working on over the past few weeks.

Holding Welsh Water to Account

The rising cost of water bills and the poor state of water infrastructure are serious issues facing households across Pembrokeshire. Since being elected, I have worked tirelessly to engage with Welsh Water and hold them accountable on concerns regarding sewage discharge, water quality, and rising bills. This month, I directly questioned their Chief Executive during a Select Committee evidence session in Parliament. I challenged the excessive bonus system in place, which is on top of the £892,000 pay package awarded to the CEO.

I demanded that Welsh Water acknowledge its past failures and commit to immediate action to address issues with sewage discharge and service delivery. Vague promises are simply not enough when Welsh Water continues to fail the people of Wales.

I have also been working closely with our brilliant local campaign group, the Cleddau Project, which has been tirelessly raising these concerns with Welsh Water. I urged the Chief Executive to recognise the hard work and dedication of local campaigners who are fighting to protect our rivers.

Our community deserves clean, reliable water, and I will continue to hold Welsh Water accountable.

Improving Health Care in Pembrokeshire

Ensuring our healthcare system works for local people remains a top priority. I have been holding the local health board to account, pushing for better access to both general healthcare and NHS dentistry.

Following my recent video highlighting concerns about the booking system at St Thomas’s Surgery, I’m pleased to share that changes have now been made. After meeting with the practice team, I have been assured that telephone lines will now open from 8 AM for appointment bookings, making the system more accessible for patients.

A huge thank you to everyone who reached out to share their experiences—your feedback has been invaluable. Please let me know if you’ve noticed an improvement or if there are still issues that need addressing.

There’s still more to do, particularly in tackling gaps in NHS dental provision, and I will keep working with the health board to push for real improvements across Pembrokeshire. More updates to come on this.

Fighting for the Future of the Cleddau River

This month, I chaired a crucial Cleddau Project panel event to discuss the worsening state of the Cleddau River. The event brought together key stakeholders, environmental experts, and community voices to address the urgent challenges facing our river - particularly in light of recent reports declaring it the worst-performing protected river in Wales.

The discussion, hosted at Haverfordwest Rugby Club, attracted over 150 concerned residents who heard directly from an expert panel, including representatives from Afonydd Cymru, Welsh Water, NRW, Cardiff University, and First Milk. The conversation covered pollution sources, enforcement failures, and potential solutions to improve the river’s health.

Speaking after the event, I made it clear that this is not just a talking exercise—we need real action. The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and the insight shared by our expert panel and the local community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source. I will be raising this issue in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations, better enforcement, and greater accountability from those responsible.

The open-floor Q&A session highlighted public frustration with the lack of enforcement against illegal discharges, the impact of agriculture and industry on pollution, and the failure of regulatory bodies to act decisively.

This event was an important step, but it must be followed by action. The Cleddau deserves better, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure its restoration.

Celebrating St David’s Day

The month began with a fantastic St David’s Day celebration, and I had the honour of attending the St David’s Day parade. This was part of a whole weekend of celebrations across St David’s, organised brilliantly by our local community.

Later in the month, I was invited to a special St David’s Day reception at Downing Street, and I was pleased to bring along Dawn from Sandy Bear charity as my guest of honour to recognise the incredible work they do in our community. Sandy Bear provides essential bereavement support for children and families, offering guidance, counselling, and a compassionate space for those navigating loss. Their work is invaluable, and I was proud to highlight their contributions at such a significant event.

School and Business Visits

I was truly delighted to visit Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and spend time with the exceptional staff and students there. I had the opportunity to chat with the pupils about their views on the local environment and their aspirations for the future. It’s always a privilege to hear firsthand from the next generation about their hopes and dreams for what lies ahead.

Separately, I visited the Princes Gate bottling facility, now owned by Nestlé, where I learned about their operations and discussed their environmental impact, sustainability initiatives, and commitments to local employment. Businesses like this play a crucial role in our economy, and I will continue to ensure that they operate responsibly and contribute positively to our community.

This month, I also had the privilege of visiting Providence Training in Neyland to see firsthand how they’re helping ex-steelworkers from Port Talbot retrain and build new careers. From accredited Health and Safety courses to interview support and skills development, their work is making a real difference. Speaking to those currently training, it’s clear how much they value the opportunities provided. It’s fantastic to see local training providers thriving and equipping people with the skills they need for the future.

Community Sport

I am so passionate about access to sport and the positive impact that physical activity has not just on our physical health, but our mental health too.

I was thrilled to take part in the local park run at Haverfordwest this month (although the competitor in me was disappointed to get 2nd place!) It’s a fantastic weekly event, organised by brilliant volunteers. Whether you walk, jog or run, I would really recommend giving it a go – it's a wonderful community event. (https://www.parkrun.org.uk/haverfordwest/)

It’s fantastic to see the work being done at Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club, where they’re leading the way in inclusive coaching. Club chair/coach Chris McEwen has made it his mission to shift societal attitudes towards disability, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality opportunities to get active. His efforts are playing a key role in fostering healthier, more active communities across Pembrokeshire, and it’s inspiring to see how the club is making a positive impact on both participants and the local community. They have been recognised by UK Coaching which is a fantastic development!

There are so many incredible organisations across Pembrokeshire providing accessible sports and fitness activities. I’ve pulled together a few highlights from across the county that are well worth checking out:

Street Surgeries

Getting out and speaking to residents is a key part of my role. This month, I knocked on doors in Haverfordwest, gathering casework and hearing directly from people about the issues that matter most to them. If I missed you this time, don’t worry—I’ll be out and about again soon.

Crown Estate

I know many residents and local businesses are deeply concerned about the ongoing situation with the RNLI lifeboat station at St Justinian's.

Ensuring that our coastal safety services are well-supported is essential for our local environment, and for our local economy. The Crown Estate leases this site to the RNLI, and so I have met with the Crown Estate and will continue to work with all impacted parties to find the best solution.

Westminster and Beyond

Employment Rights Bill

I continue to support efforts to strengthen workers’ rights, ensuring fair conditions and protections for employees across the UK. The Employment Rights Bill is a key piece of legislation aimed at improving job security, tackling unfair employment practices, and enhancing workplace protections. I will be following its progress closely and working to ensure that it delivers real benefits for workers here in Pembrokeshire. What will this mean for you?

Fairer Pay - Strengthening sick pay, ensuring fair wages, and protecting your tips.
Support for Families - New paid leave for miscarriage and stronger protections for parents.
Ending exploitation – Cracking down on unfair contracts and ‘fire and rehire’ tactics.

Welsh Affairs Committee – The Future of Farming

As a member of the Welsh Affairs Committee, I have been engaging with farmers and industry experts to discuss the challenges facing Welsh agriculture. It is vital that the voices of farmers are heard in Westminster. I remain committed to pushing for policies that support our rural economy, safeguard food security, and ensure a sustainable future for Welsh farming.

Farming in Wales in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities – Have Your Say!

Our call for evidence on the future of farming in Wales is closing soon, and this is a crucial chance for local farmers to share their views. If you’re a farmer, landowner, or involved in the agricultural sector, please share your contribution before Monday 14 April 2025: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8990/farming-in-wales-in-2025-challenges-and-opportunities/

The outcome of this inquiry will help shape policies that impact Welsh farming, so it’s important that voices from Pembrokeshire are heard loud and clear. I will continue to stand up for our local farming community and ensure that their concerns are taken seriously in Westminster. If you have thoughts on any of these issues, please do get in touch.

That’s a wrap for March! As always, if you have any issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether it’s healthcare, local services, or community concerns, I’m here to help.

Best wishes,

Henry