News

Brexit: MP’s fears for Valero over ‘No Deal’ petroleum tariffs

Published

7 years ago

March 27, 2019

PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has warned that the Government’s planned approach on petroleum tariffs in a No Deal Brexit scenario would undermine British oil refining and give foreign refineries an unfair advantage.

Following a meeting with United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), a No Deal planning meeting at the Cabinet Office and concerns raised by Valero, Stephen Crabb has written to the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox to ask that the proposed zero import tariffs on gasoline in the event of a No Deal Brexit are looked at again.

In the event that the UK leaves the EU without agreeing a deal, petroleum products from UK refineries exported to the EU will immediately face additional costs from import tariffs. However the UK Government has said that it will not charge tariffs for product coming from the EU into the UK. This means that there will no longer be a level playing field and UK refineries, including the Pembroke Valero refinery, would be at a serious disadvantage.

Six refineries operate in the UK and the industry contributes £8.6 billion directly to UK GDP, while supporting a further £12.6 billion elsewhere in the economy; it also provides more than 120,000 jobs and supports a further 180,000.

Commenting on the concerns, Stephen Crabb said: “Zero import tariffs on gasoline would see UK gasoline producers unable to compete with the EU and Russian suppliers who will have tariff-free access to the UK. This would seriously jeopardise the competitiveness of refineries such as Pembroke, unnecessarily putting jobs and livelihoods on the line.”

“I have tabled questions in Parliament about the potential effect of a No Deal on the petrochemical industry and I have written to the International Trade Secretary urging the Government to look again at these zero import tariffs. I understand why Ministers would want to stop price increases at the pump in a No Deal scenario but the economic damage to British refineries would far outweigh any potential impact on consumers. This point is of huge importance and the UK Government must be looking to protect our key industries at such an uncertain time.”

“Since the referendum I have been entirely consistent in arguing for a negotiated deal that lays the foundation for a close ongoing partnership with the EU including trade, security and education after we leave the EU. I believe in honouring the referendum vote but in a responsible way. I have spent the last three years in close discussions with local businesses and employers about what kind of approach is best for Pembrokeshire. That is why I have opposed No Deal outcome and continue to support the deal that is on the table.”

Stephen Crabb MP: Risk to UK oil refineries highlighted

Community

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

9 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard teams called to Dinas Island near Pwllgwaelod

A WOMAN was stretchered from the coast path near Pwllgwaelod after suffering an ankle injury.

HM Coastguard Fishguard was tasked at 5:22pm on Friday, June 27, alongside HM Coastguard Teifi, to assist the casualty on Dinas Island.

The teams attended the scene near Hendre Farm Campsite and Cottages and, with help from the landowner, were able to quickly locate the injured woman.

Her injured limb was immobilised before she was carried by stretcher to her nearby car, where family members were able to take her on to hospital.

Fishguard Coastguard thanked the landowner for their help.

Entertainment

This Ain’t Texas organisers admit Carmarthen festival ‘didn’t go exactly as planned’

Published

9 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ORGANISERS of a country music festival held in Carmarthen have thanked visitors for their support while admitting that parts of the event “did not go exactly as planned”.

This Ain’t Texas Festival took place at the United Counties Showground on Saturday (Jun 27), promising live country music, line dancing, American BBQ, street food, western-themed stalls and family-friendly entertainment.

The event was part of a UK-wide tour, with the Carmarthen date promoted as a Nashville-style day out for families and country music fans.

But after the event, a number of attendees took to social media to raise concerns about queues, parking, food options and the overall organisation of the day.

In a statement posted online, organisers said: “Thank you, Carmarthen. What a day.

“Firstly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out and made this event so special. The support, energy, and positive feedback we’ve received across the country has been incredible, and we’re truly grateful for every single one of you.

“That said, we also know that not everything went exactly as planned. We’ve received some constructive feedback from attendees, and we want you to know that we’ve listened carefully.”

Some visitors said they had enjoyed the atmosphere, music and line dancing, while others said the event had fallen short of expectations.

One attendee said the day had been “very disappointing” after booking early-bird tickets and looking forward to the festival for months.

Another visitor said the bar queue was long, adding that they had queued for more than an hour, although they still felt the ticket price had been good value.

Others called for more food choice, including vegetarian options, and said parking and space on site would need to be reviewed if the event returned on a larger scale.

There was also praise for the local line dancing element, with one attendee saying it had “definitely added to the experience”.

The festival had been advertised as a one-day country and western-themed event, with live tribute acts, dancing, food, drink, stalls and activities.

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”