News

New Year message from Samuel Kurtz MS

Published

5 months ago

December 31, 2025

AS NEW year begins, there is often talk of change — a new routine, a new job, or even a new home. Politically, however, 2026 does represent a year of genuine change for Wales. Before looking ahead, it is important to reflect honestly on the year just gone and on what 2025 has meant for our communities.

For many families and businesses across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and beyond, 2025 has not been an easy year. The final bank in south Pembrokeshire closed its doors, prompting my campaign for a local banking hub to ensure face-to-face services remain available for residents in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, surrounding villages and further afield. Access to basic services like banking matters deeply in rural areas, and it is an issue I will continue to press.

We have also seen unemployment rise, alongside increases in taxes and business rates. Too many local businesses have been forced to close. While some new enterprises have opened, too often the balance has gone the wrong way. This has had a real and visible impact on our high streets, and on families who rely on local jobs and services.

Rural communities have faced particular pressures. Farm protests over proposed changes to inheritance tax reflected deep concern about the future of family farms. While it was welcome to see long-overdue changes announced just before Christmas, the uncertainty experienced by farming families throughout the year should not be underestimated.

At the same time, constituents have continued to raise concerns about access to healthcare, from GP and dental appointments through to hospital services — issues that remain a constant worry for many.

Yet 2025 has not been without its positives. There has been sustained and important championing of the Haven Waterway and the industries that depend upon it, underlining its strategic and economic importance not just locally, but nationally.

My campaign for improved road safety along the A477 has continued, following success at the Nash Fingerpost junction. Work has now been carried out at the Red Roses junction, and speed surveys have been committed to at Milton. Long-overdue investment in Tenby Railway Station has also been welcomed, with work now underway.

We have also seen communities come together to support local causes, protect vital services and stand up for what matters to them. These efforts often go unrecognised, but they make a real difference.

The resilience of our communities never ceases to amaze me. Across our corner of Wales, hard-working people put their shoulder to the wheel every day. There are community-minded individuals going the extra mile for causes close to their hearts, and a quiet determination to leave a better future for the next generation than the one we inherited. That spirit is something worth protecting and nurturing.

It is for these reasons that serving as a Member of the Senedd has been such an honour. Every piece of casework, every email, phone call or conversation on the street carries with it a responsibility to listen and to act. Being Pembrokeshire born and bred, I never forget who I am working for, or the trust that has been placed in me.

Having spent much of my youth playing sport — rugby, football and cricket — I learned early that success is rarely about individual glory. It comes from showing up consistently, being dependable, working as part of a team and treating both teammates and opponents with respect. Those same values guide me as a Member of the Senedd. Representing people properly means being present, being accessible and being willing to do the hard work, often away from the spotlight, because that is how trust is earned.

Looking ahead, there are reasons for cautious optimism. While challenges remain, the year ahead offers an opportunity to learn from experience and to focus on practical solutions that reflect the realities of life in our communities. I remain determined to continue working hard on behalf of constituents, engaging constructively, showing up and making the case for better outcomes for west Wales.

And to return to where I began — with change — in May 2026, voters will take part in the Senedd election. I will be standing as a Welsh Conservative candidate for the new Ceredigion Penfro seat, which encompasses the whole of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. I am delighted to be standing alongside my good friend Paul Davies MS. With six seats to be elected in our area, both Paul and I are working hard to earn the confidence of voters once again and to continue representing you.

Change also means an expanded Senedd, with 96 members rather than the 60 we currently have, and a new voting system. While I do not agree with these changes, they are happening, and we must put our best foot forward.

Over the coming months, we look forward to spending even more time on the doorstep, speaking directly with residents about the issues that matter most to them. You elect us, and it is your trust that allows us to represent you — a trust that is never taken for granted.

I hope the Christmas period has allowed time to relax, reflect and enjoy being with family and friends. As we turn a new page on a new calendar, I wish everyone across our communities a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Crime

Neyland man accused of running over traffic worker’s foot

Published

4 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Jury hears conflicting accounts over roadworks incident in Milford Haven

A NEYLAND man has appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused of driving dangerously through temporary roadworks and running over a traffic management worker’s foot.

Mark Crane, 45, of Honeyborough Grove, Neyland, denies a charge of dangerous driving following an incident on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on December 10, 2024.

The court heard that Ian Lloyd was working as a traffic management operative at roadworks on the street and was manually controlling traffic using a stop-and-go sign.

Giving evidence to the jury, Mr Lloyd said he had turned the sign to “stop” to halt traffic and allow vehicles travelling in the opposite direction to proceed.

He told the court that he saw a grey Toyota estate approaching and did not initially recognise the driver until the vehicle stopped beside him.

Mr Lloyd alleged that Crane then “aggressively took off”, driving over his foot as he moved away. The jury also heard claims that the manner of driving caused other motorists to take evasive action.

Asked about the injury, Mr Lloyd said his toes hurt from pressure against the steel caps in his boots but confirmed he did not seek medical treatment.

Crane, giving evidence in his own defence, told the court that he and Mr Lloyd were neighbours and described their relationship as “not a positive one”.

He said he had been travelling to a dog-walking job when he encountered the temporary traffic controls.

Crane told the jury that Mr Lloyd appeared distracted and was “looking around” rather than concentrating on traffic management. He said he checked for oncoming vehicles himself and believed it was safe to continue.

He denied driving dangerously and told the court he believed Mr Lloyd was standing on the pavement as he passed.

Crane also claimed he believed Mr Lloyd struck his vehicle with either the stop sign or his fist during the incident.

The trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.

Local Government

New council leader confirms Cabinet

Published

12 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S new Leader, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, has confirmed her Cabinet.

Cllr Hodgson, the first woman to lead the authority, was elected at the council’s Annual General Meeting on Friday (May 15).

Cllr Jon Harvey, who did not seek re-election as Leader, returns to Cabinet with responsibility for finance.

Cllr Paul Miller remains Deputy Leader and takes on the Education and Regeneration portfolio.

Education had previously been held by Cllr Guy Woodham, who has decided to step down from Cabinet.

New communities role

Cllrs Aaron Carey, who represents Pembroke Monkton and St Mary South, and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, member for Tenby South, have joined the Cabinet.

They will share responsibility for a newly-created Communities portfolio.

Cllr Hodgson said: “Our new Cabinet will build on the experience of the previous executive, with the new additions of Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall and Cllr Carey, two experienced councillors who will bring new energy and ideas in their newly-formed portfolio area of Communities.

“Around the Cabinet table I am confident we have the experience and knowledge to get straight back to work for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“I also want to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks and appreciation to Cllr Woodham for all his work as the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language.”

Full Cabinet

The full Cabinet and portfolios are:

Cllr Tessa Hodgson – Leader of Council

Cllr Paul Miller – Deputy Leader, Education and Regeneration

Cllr Jon Harvey – Finance

Cllr Marc Tierney – Young People and Well-being of Future Generations

Cllr Rhys Sinnett – Residents’ Services

Cllr Michelle Bateman – Housing

Cllr Jacob Williams – Planning and Highways

Cllr Alistair Cameron – Adult Social Care, Safeguarding and the Welsh Language

Cllr Aaron Carey – Communities, job share with Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall – Communities, job share with Cllr Carey

Cabinet will meet for the first time on Wednesday (May 27).

Caption:

Pembrokeshire County Council’s new Cabinet: Cllr Rhys Sinnett was unavailable for the photograph.

Community

New pilot boat Llanion dedicated at emotional Milford Haven ceremony

Published

15 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Vessel dedicated at Mackerel Quay as Port marks major investment in safety and resilience

MILFORD HAVEN’S new state-of-the-art pilot vessel Llanion has been formally named and dedicated during a ceremony at Mackerel Quay.

The event marked a major milestone for the Port of Milford Haven, which says the vessel reinforces its commitment to safe, efficient and resilient marine operations on the Waterway.

The ceremony brought together civic dignitaries, port representatives, local pupils and members of the maritime community.

Guests included Chaplain Revd Jonathan Brewer, Chaplain Revd Rufus Noy, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards, Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed, and representatives from the Port’s marine team.

Darcey Trueman, Head Prefect at Milford Haven School, formally named the vessel during the ceremony.

She declared: “I name this pilot launch Llanion. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

Miss Sara Edwards carried out the bottle ceremony, while the dedication and blessing were led by Revd Jonathan Brewer and Revd Rufus Noy.

The service included performances by Milford Haven School Choir, readings from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 23: The Pilots Version, the Lord’s Prayer, and the British and Welsh national anthems.

Step-change in capability

Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said Llanion represented a major investment in pilotage resilience and operational safety.

He said: “This vessel represents a significant investment in both our absolute commitments to pilotage service resilience and operational safety.

“She sits at the heart of modern pilot boat evolution — combining speed, manoeuvrability and the latest-generation Camarc hull design.

“For our terminal customers, this means confidence that we can continue to respond quickly to their requirements and deliver a safe, efficient and dependable year-round pilotage service.

“Llanion is not just a new vessel, she’s a step-change in capability for the Port.

“She represents the standards we set for ourselves, our commitment to safety, to professionalism, and to doing the job properly, every single time.

“I look forward to seeing Llanion in action and to the role she will play in supporting the safe movement of vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway for many years to come.”

Energy port role

Rebecca Ahern, Head of Commercial and Legal at Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy, one of the Port’s key terminal customers, said the investment strengthened confidence in Milford Haven’s marine operations.

She said: “The Milford Haven Waterway plays a critical role in the UK’s energy system, and safe, dependable marine operations are fundamental to that role.

“This latest investment by the Port further strengthens operational reliability for all terminal users, reinforcing confidence in safe and efficient year-round vessel movements delivered on time and with consistency.

“It supports the long-term capability of the energy cluster here and reflects the consistently high standards of pilotage and marine service on the Waterway.”

Recognising crews

The ceremony also recognised the dedication and expertise of the Port’s launch crews and pilots, whose work underpins the safe movement of vessels in and out of Milford Haven.

The Port said the new vessel would strengthen operational resilience and support its long-term strategic objectives.

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20 per cent of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It supports more than 4,000 jobs and operates as a trust port, with profits retained within the business to maintain and improve navigation, harbour services and port facilities.

Photo caption:

Naming party: Jamie Furlong, Pilot; Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster; Port Chaplain Revd Jonathan Brewer; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards; Darcey Trueman, Milford Haven School Prefect; Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed; Chris Tambling-Baker, Coxswain; Revd Rufus Noy; and Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, aboard Llanion (Pic: Port of Milford Haven).