Pembrokeshire’s newly elected Labour MP is expected vote on Tuesday, 10 September, as the government pushes through controversial cuts to Winter Fuel Payments.

The proposal has sparked widespread concern, particularly among the elderly, with approximately 18,000 pensioners in Pembrokeshire expected to be affected, and over 10 million across the UK facing potential financial hardship this winter.

But will Henry Tufnell toe the line? Its likely he will.

The Labour government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, limiting it to pensioners on benefits like pension credit. This shift, designed to address a £22 billion budget shortfall inherited from the previous government, is expected to save £1.4 billion, but critics argue it could leave many elderly citizens choosing between “heating or eating” during the colder months.

Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his opposition to the cuts. “These measures weren’t in Labour’s manifesto, yet they are moving ahead with policies that will hurt vulnerable pensioners. Pembrokeshire’s pensioners deserve better,” he said, urging the county’s Labour MP to vote against the cuts.

While Labour holds a strong majority in Parliament, the vote has triggered internal dissent. Up to 50 Labour MPs are reportedly considering rebelling against the measure, citing concerns about its impact on the elderly. However, despite this opposition, the Labour government is still expected to pass the cuts, given its overwhelming parliamentary numbers.

The vote is expected to proceed, but the backlash from both inside and outside the party reflects the depth of concern about the policy, especially as energy bills rise again ahead of winter. The government has promised mitigating measures, such as extending the Warm Home Discount and boosting Pension Credit uptake, but critics remain sceptical as to whether these will adequately replace the direct support of the Winter Fuel Payment.

AS part of its ongoing investments in Pembroke Port, the Port of Milford Haven has welcomed David Stubbins as its new Marine Support Officer focusing on assisting cargo, heavy lift, and renewable vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway.

Tasked with providing dedicated marine expertise and guidance to the Pembroke Port team, David is working closely with Commercial Manager, Sharon Adams, to ensure customers get the most out of Port’s facilities that include a heavy lift quay and a new enlarged slipway.

Speaking on his new role, David Stubbins, Marine Support Officer for Pembroke Port and the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Working on the Milford Haven Waterway is a full circle moment for me after growing up in Milford Haven and joining the Merchant Navy. It’s also a particularly exciting time to join the Port of Milford Haven with its continuing pilotage investment and with the new facilities available at Pembroke Port. I very much look forward to working alongside our customers to ensure they benefit from these investments.”

David will work collaboratively with the team at Pembroke Port, including Sharon Adams the Commercial Manager, to ensure that the level of service to customers in the cargo and renewables sector is excellent. Sharon added: “The new slipway, laydown facilities, workboat pontoons and office spaces created as part of the £60m Pembroke Dock Marine project will create fantastic opportunities for our customers. We recognise that Pembroke Port is an increasingly busy site and David will become an integral part of the team to ensure our customers always benefit from a safe, efficient and reliable operation. We are very excited for the future.”

Find out more about how you can use Pembroke Port on the Milford Haven Waterway at www.pembrokeport.com.

The Pembroke Dock Marine project is funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal through the UK and Welsh Governments, the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and through private investment.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl while she slept, following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Kevin Stenson, 66, faced two historical charges of sexual assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, relating to incidents alleged to have taken place in 2018 or 2019. He denied both charges.

During the trial, the court heard from prosecution counsel Helen Randall, who outlined that the alleged victim had not disclosed the accusations at the time of the supposed offences. The court was told that the girl spoke out approximately two years later, confiding in a member of her school’s pastoral care team. Following this conversation, a report was made to the police.

Despite the accusations, the jury unanimously found Mr Stenson not guilty of both charges after careful deliberation.

In his closing remarks, Recorder Christian Jowett formally acquitted Mr Stenson, stating, “Mr Stenson, you are now formally acquitted of both counts and you are now free to leave the dock.”

The judge also extended his thanks to the jury for their thorough consideration of the evidence, as well as expressing appreciation to both the prosecution and defence counsel for their handling of the case.

Mr Stenson left the court a free man after the jury’s decision.