News

Pembrokeshire politicians welcome Badenoch’s oil pledge

Published

10 months ago

September 3, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have welcomed a pledge by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to scrap net zero requirements on oil and gas companies drilling in the North Sea.

The announcement is part of Ms Badenoch’s plan to overhaul the North Sea Transition Authority by replacing its twelve-page mandate with a single instruction to extract the maximum possible amount of fossil fuel. She pointed to Norway’s continued exploitation of its North Sea reserves and pledged that a future Conservative government would remove barriers to domestic production.

Industry analysts say that under current rules, the UK still imports around 40 per cent of its oil and gas, despite 75 per cent of national energy needs being met by fossil fuels. Proponents argue that boosting domestic supply could reduce reliance on imports and strengthen energy security, while critics warn it risks undermining the UK’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Pembrokeshire’s role in UK energy

Pembrokeshire is already one of the UK’s most important energy hubs. The Valero oil refinery at Pembroke is the largest in the UK, processing up to 270,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Alongside this, the Dragon LNG and South Hook LNG terminals at Milford Haven handle around 30 per cent of the UK’s gas supply, importing liquefied natural gas from Qatar, the US and other sources.

The proposed Celtic Freeport, which covers Milford Haven and Port Talbot, is expected to create up to 16,000 jobs across South Wales by combining new floating offshore wind opportunities with the region’s existing petrochemical and refining expertise.

Supporters of Badenoch’s pledge argue that expanding North Sea production would directly benefit Pembrokeshire by increasing throughput at Valero and securing long-term activity for the LNG terminals, while also strengthening supply chains and skilled employment across the region.

Local voices

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies said: “Energy prices in the UK are too high and whilst fossil fuels are still an important part of the energy mix, it’s vital that they are extracted responsibly. We know that other European countries are tapping into these valuable resources, and the UK should be doing what it can to extract oil and gas too.

“Ms Badenoch’s announcement marks a move towards backing the domestic energy industry, supporting skilled jobs, and protecting our energy security. Pembrokeshire plays an important role in meeting the nation’s energy needs and so I’m pleased that the Leader of the Conservative party has recognised the importance of the sector and has committed to reducing our dependence on imports by supporting domestic production.”

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz added: “Pembrokeshire has a proud history at the heart of the UK’s oil and gas industry, and I have long championed the sector and the wider supply chain that supports it. Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to remove unnecessary net zero restrictions on North Sea operators is a welcome step in unlocking the full potential of our domestic energy resources.

“With initiatives such as the Celtic Freeport, Pembrokeshire is uniquely positioned to benefit from a growing domestic petrochemical industry, creating highly skilled jobs and driving prosperity across the region. Supporting our oil and gas sector responsibly ensures energy security for the nation while seizing new opportunities for local economic growth. This is a clear chance to build on Pembrokeshire’s energy heritage and secure a strong, prosperous future for our communities.”

National debate

Labour ministers have maintained their opposition to new North Sea drilling licences, arguing that more extraction will not cut bills or improve security, while campaigners warn it would jeopardise the UK’s climate commitments. However, industry figures suggest that linking new resources to existing infrastructure — known as “tiebacks” — could extend the life of the North Sea and provide billions of barrels more output by 2050.

For Pembrokeshire, the debate is not just political but practical: the region already sits at the centre of Britain’s energy network, and decisions taken in Westminster about the future of North Sea oil and gas could have direct consequences for the jobs, industry and communities along the Haven Waterway.

Crime

Retired vicar jailed after child images found on laptop

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

Former Powys clergyman claimed he had “nothing else to do” when police discovered prohibited material during unannounced visit

A RETIRED vicar has been jailed after police discovered prohibited images of children on his laptop during an unannounced visit to his home.

Andrew Robinson, 77, of Talybont-on-Usk near Brecon, was already subject to strict monitoring after admitting child image offences in 2025.

The former clergyman had previously received a suspended prison sentence, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his conviction for possessing indecent images of children.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit carried out a surprise compliance visit to Robinson’s home on June 9, 2026, as part of routine checks on registered sex offenders.

During the visit, officers found an open laptop displaying animated sexual images involving children.

When challenged by officers, Robinson claimed he did not believe the material was illegal. Following his arrest, he reportedly told officers he had been viewing the images because he had “nothing else to do”.

Robinson was charged with possessing a prohibited image of a child and with breaching the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Appearing before the courts the following day, he admitted both offences.

The breach activated the suspended prison sentence previously imposed on him. Robinson was jailed for a total of 12 months and 12 weeks and ordered to pay £187.

Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford said the case demonstrated the importance of monitoring convicted sex offenders in the community.

She said: “The law is clear. Possessing this type of material is illegal, deeply concerning and contributes to the wider harm caused by child sexual exploitation.

“Some people wrongly believe there are no victims when animated images are involved, but viewing such material helps sustain demand for abusive content and can form part of a pathway towards more serious offending.

“The safeguarding of children and the protection of the public remain at the heart of our work. This sentence reflects the seriousness of Robinson’s actions and the effectiveness of proactive offender management.”

Robinson remains subject to notification requirements under sex offender legislation following his release from custody.

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

17 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Community

Government hails rural 4G boost as Tenby signal concerns continue

Published

18 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS have hailed the rollout of dozens of 4G mast upgrades across rural Wales, but recent concerns in Tenby show mobile coverage remains a live issue in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government says a further 11 mast upgrades have been switched on in Wales this year through the Shared Rural Network, bringing the Welsh total to 55.

The scheme is aimed at improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach rural areas, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected and access help more quickly in an emergency.

Areas benefiting from the latest upgrades include Nant Gwynant in Snowdonia, Capel y Ffin near Abergavenny, Manafon near Welshpool, and several locations across Powys.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme was helping bring “every part of the UK into the digital age”, while Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said reliable coverage was vital for rural communities and economic growth.

However, the announcement comes amid continuing concern about mobile phone coverage in Tenby, where residents and businesses have raised concerns about poor signal and mast-related issues.

Although the latest UK Government upgrades focus mainly on remote rural areas, the problems reported in Tenby highlight that connectivity remains a pressing issue in Pembrokeshire, particularly in coastal communities which see huge seasonal increases in visitor numbers.

Reliable mobile coverage is increasingly seen as essential for tourism businesses, delivery drivers, emergency services, residents and visitors who rely on phones for payments, bookings, navigation and safety.

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators. Across Great Britain, more than 140 publicly funded 4G masts have now been activated.

The programme is due to continue until January 2027.