News
Murco deal collapses
Dead Failed: Murco Milford Haven (IMAGE: MIKE HILLEN/HERALD)
THE DEAL between Klesch Refining Limited and Murco Petroleum Limited has failed it has emerged tonight (Nov 4)
In a statement Murphy oil has said:
“Murco Petroleum Limited a subsidiary of Murphy Petroleum Limited regrets to announce that its agreement to sell the Milford Haven Refinery and terminal assets to Klesch Refining Limited is no longer in effect. Despite every effort by Murphy to complete this sale process, conditions necessary for the sale were not able to be met. The parties are not engaged in further discussions.”
“Murco has run this sale process for over four years, and has engaged with a large number of potential buyers of these assets. The Company has now exhausted all options available for the sale of the site as a refinery, and is therefore left with no choice but to operate the site solely as a petroleum storage and distribution terminal.”
“The refinery is currently in a period of shut-down and will be decommissioned while the company seeks a buyer for the terminal facility along with the three inland terminals. While the terminal facility will continue to employ personnel in Pembrokeshire, this will unfortunately still mean a significant number of redundancies.”
LIVE UPDATES AND REACTION
21.50 HRS
Incredibly disappointed: Stephen Crabb
Stephen Crabb said tonight “This is an incredibly disappointing outcome. I feel desperately sorry for the workforce and their families who have endured months of uncertainty only for the sale to collapse once again. Right up until late last week everything looked on track. When it became clear that last Friday’s deadline was not going to be met we worked through the night to persuade Murphy to keep talking to the buyer. They showed a lot of good will by once again extending their deadlines but clearly now have taken a view that there is no chance of completion within an acceptable timeframe.
“I am grateful for the enormous efforts made by the Energy Secretary and the First Minister over the weekend in trying to keep the deal moving forward. I genuinely don’t believe there is anything more that could have been done from the UK or Welsh government side to hold this together.
“We all now need to focus on how we minimise the significant economic impact the closure will have on our County. Both the UK and Welsh government will shortly outline a package of measures to help those affected. I am committed to working closely with them to ensure that those losing their jobs get the right support at this time.
I will be holding an open surgery from 12.30pm this Friday at Cedar Court, Milford Haven for Murco employees and families affected to discuss the situation. For further information: Contact my office on 01437 767555.
22.29 HRS
Labour’s Paull Miller has said “Tonight’s announcement is a hammer blow for those working at Murco and for their families. My father and both my brothers have worked on the site over the last 30 years, one brother still does. I know first hand just how devastating this news is for my family and it will be exactly the same for countless families from right across Pembrokeshire.”
22.32 HRS
Economy Minster Edwina Hart has told The Herald: “This is a devastating blow to staff at the Murco refinery and companies within the refinery’s supply chain, as well as the local communities around Milford Haven.”
22.36 HRS
Stephen Crabb MP just tweeted: “Incredibly disappointing news about Murco refinery tonight. Desperately sorry for workforce & their families – endured months of uncertainty”
22.42 HRS
Wales Office minister Baroness Randerson said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the workforce at Murco and their families.
22.45 HRS
Cllr Jon Nutting from the Pembrokeshire Alliance Group contacted The Herald saying: “This is a very sad day for Pembrokeshire and the people who will be directly affected.”
“I hope we are not going to find out down the line that eyes were not taken off the ball. I find it hard to understand that a deal supposedly done and dusted could fall through at such a late hour.”
“This is not the time for those with political power to sit on their hands. We have to try our best to see this as an opportunity, a time to invest not just money in our economy but time and effort. Time for Westminster and Cardiff bay to walk the walk and sort this out. Let’s see if PCC can do anything positive. The worst thing for Pembrokeshire will be if they all wait for someone else to get things moving. Let’s see who is capable of taking up the batten.”
22.52 HRS
Economy Minster Edwina Hart has said in a further statement to the press: “This news is especially disappointing as the Welsh Government did everything we could to support the success of this deal. Working with close co-operation from UK Government departments Welsh Government officials have been fully engaged with both parties at the highest levels for many months to try to secure the ongoing operation of the refinery and protect the jobs at the Milford Haven site.
“Our support for the Murco plant and its staff will not stop here. We have been working with the management at Murco since 2010 to try to maximise the opportunities for the sale of the refinery. In April, I established a task force to marshal support from high level stakeholders for the maintenance of refinery operations at the site for the future. The work of this task force will carry on to maximise the opportunities for employment at the site.
“We will of course all continue to work tirelessly with Murco management to maximise the opportunities for employment at the site, ensure the ongoing viability of the terminal and assist to find a new owner. Workers seeking retraining and employment will receive support through React and we will assist supply chain companies to create and explore new markets and opportunities through Business Wales.”
22.52 HRS
Stephen Crabb MP tweeting: “Grateful to UK & Welsh Govs for all their efforts to keep Murco refinery deal alive.The closure will be a huge blow to West Wales economy.”
23.01 HRS
Full statement from Wales Office minister Baroness Randerson: “This is extremely disappointing news for the workforce at Murco and their families. Both the UK and Welsh Government have worked tirelessly throughout this process to try to secure the future of the refinery and it is regrettable that ultimately a buyer has not been able to reach a deal with Murphy Oil. Supporting the staff at Murco is now our immediate concern and we stand ready to assist in any way we can.”
10.10 HRS Wednesday
10.22 HRS Wednesday
Alan Card, Union Convener, said: “We are already in talks with both Westminster and the Welsh Assembly Government. Our Regional Secretary is meeting later today with Edwina Hart to look at reforming the task-force. This is a massive blow, not only for Pembrokeshire but also for the whole Welsh economy as the refinery contributes 17% of Wales’ domestic product. I am travelling to Milford Haven today to meet with members and to try and clarify the situation.”
10.26 HRS Wednesday
Commenting on the collapse of a deal to save the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, William Graham AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said: “My thoughts are with workers at Murco and their families as well as all those businesses who are involved in the oil refinery supply chain.
“This terrible news is a body blow for the West Wales economy and will leave thousands of highly skilled workers facing uncertainty as we approach Christmas. I’m sure that both the UK and Welsh Governments will wish to provide as much support as possible to the local community to support families who have lost their source of income.”
Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said, “I am very upset to hear that this deal has fallen through, with devastating implications for so many Pembrokeshire families. This dire news will leave many Pembrokeshire businesses which were involved in the supply chain with significantly reduced orders and could result in many further job losses.
“I will be doing everything I can to ensure that Pembrokeshire workers affected by this oil refinery closure will receive every possible support to enable them to find new employment.”
10.35 HRS Wednesday
Following the failure of the sale of the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council has this morning been in contact with the Welsh Government to help reconvene the Murco Task Force, the Authority said in a statement
The high-level body was originally set up by the Welsh Government to support the refinery’s parent company, Murphy Oil, to find a buyer.
The Council is also liaising with other agencies, such as Job Centre Plus and Pembrokeshire College, as well as its own Futureworks/Workways teams in order to offer as much assistance as possible to the refinery employees and the supply chain companies.
Council Leader, Council Jamie Adams, said the announcement by Murphy Oil was “devastating news” for the workforce and their families, especially as the sale of the refinery seemed to have been agreed earlier this summer.
“We will be doing everything we can to soften the blow for the individuals affected,” he added.
11.21 HRS Wednesday
Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has expressed his disappointment that a deal to sell Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven has fallen through.
Mr Davies said, “This is a very sad day for the people of Pembrokeshire and my heart goes out to the workers at the refinery and their families. This is bitterly disappointing news. The refinery employs 400 people, all of whom will need support to find alternative employment. The collapse of this sale is a huge blow to the Pembrokeshire economy and sadly, this may take years for the County to recover.”
He added, “I understand that both the UK and Welsh Governments worked together on this matter and unfortunately, in the end they were not successful. However, both Governments must continue to work collaboratively to secure the refinery’s future. In the meantime, support must be made available to the workers and their families, who now face a bleak period of uncertainty in the run up to Christmas.”
11.24 HRS Wednesday
11.26 HRS Wednesday
Plaid Cymru AM for Mid and West Wales, Simon Thomas has reacted to the news that hundreds of jobs are under threat in Pembrokeshire as a proposed deal to buy an oil refinery has collapsed. Simon Thomas AM described the news as devastating for employees, their families and the local community.
The Party of Wales Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “This is devastating news for employees of the Murco refinery and for their families and I send my deepest sympathies to them. The future looks uncertain for them and I expect the Welsh Government to offer them every support as they move forward.
“The impact of the closure will also be felt in the wider Welsh economy. Milford Haven is an important economic hub and we need to work to make it an attractive location for new businesses to invest with new technologies. Wales is an energy-rich country and can be a world leader again. Milford Haven already has a highly skilled workforce, and the Welsh Government now needs to work to ensure that these skills can unlock new employment opportunities for the workforce at Murco.”
12.04 HRS Wednesday
Local AM, Rebecca Evans said: “This is extremely sad news for workforce at the Murco refinery, and for the local businesses which rely on the refinery for their viability. I know that the Welsh Government pulled out all the stops to try and secure a sale and protect jobs at the site, and I pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard over many months to try and find a good outcome. I have already asked the Minister to explore what help can be offered to affected workers – for example, via the Welsh Government’s React scheme.”
12.17 HRS Wednesday
Simon Hart MP said: “This is very sad news for everyone involved, especially given that a deal was so close to being signed. To be let down at the 11th hour must be particularly painful. I know that our County will make every effort to help those affected by this news”
14.25 HRS Wednesday
Edwina Hart MBE CStJ AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport has made an Oral Statement at the Welsh Assembly:
Edwina Hart said: “Members will wish to note that efforts by Murphy Oil Corporation to sell the Milford Haven refinery, as a going concern to a third party, have unfortunately proved unsuccessful, following the collapse of negotiations with the Klesch Group, late last night.”
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.
Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat
Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.
The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.
The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.
No plea entered
Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.
Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.
Case sent to Swansea Crown Court
The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.
A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.
Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.
POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).
Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.
Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.
Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)
THE PROHIBITION of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill has been heavily criticised for a second time in 24 hours after the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and Constitution (LJC) Committee published a highly critical Stage 1 report yesterday.
The cross-party committee said the Welsh Government’s handling of the legislation had “in several respects, fallen short of the standard of good legislative practice that we would normally expect”.
Key concerns highlighted by the LJC Committee include:
- Introducing the Bill before all relevant impact assessments (including a full Regulatory Impact Assessment and Children’s Rights Impact Assessment) had been completed – a step it described as “poor legislative practice, particularly … where the Bill may impact on human rights”.
- Failure to publish a statement confirming the Bill’s compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The committee has recommended that Rural Affairs Minister Huw Irranca-Davies issue such a statement before the Stage 1 vote on 16 December.
- Inadequate public consultation, with the 2023 animal-licensing consultation deemed “not an appropriate substitute” for targeted engagement on the specific proposal to ban the sport.
The report follows Tuesday’s equally critical findings from the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, which questioned the robustness of the evidence base and the accelerated legislative timetable.
Industry reaction Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), described the two reports as leaving the Bill “in tatters”.
“Two consecutive cross-party Senedd committees have now condemned the Welsh Government’s failures in due diligence, consultation and human rights considerations and evidence gathering,” he said. “The case for a ban has been comprehensively undermined. The responsible path forward is stronger regulation of the single remaining track at Ystrad Mynach, not prohibition.”
Response from supporters of the Bill Luke Fletcher MS (Labour, South Wales West), who introduced the Member-proposed Bill, said he welcomed thorough scrutiny and remained confident the legislation could be improved at later stages.
“I have always said this Bill is about ending an outdated practice that causes unnecessary suffering to thousands of greyhounds every year,” Mr Fletcher said. “The committees have raised legitimate procedural points, and I look forward to working with the Welsh Government and colleagues across the Senedd to address those concerns while keeping the core aim of the Bill intact.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Minister has noted the committees’ reports and will respond formally in due course. The government supports the principle of the Bill and believes a ban on greyhound racing is justified on animal welfare grounds. Work is ongoing to finalise the outstanding impact assessments and to ensure full compatibility with the ECHR.”
The Bill is scheduled for a Stage 1 debate and vote in plenary on Tuesday 16 December. Even if it passes that hurdle, it would still require significant amendment at Stages 2 and 3 to satisfy the committees’ recommendations.
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