News

Tufnell reflects on first year as MP for Pembrokeshire

Published

9 months ago

July 4, 2025

‘Still so much to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far,’ says Labour MP

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has marked the first anniversary of his election by reflecting on a year of activity, pledges delivered, and ambitions for the future.

Mr Tufnell, who won the seat for Labour in July 2024, said he remained “proud to stand up for our community” after spending the past twelve months listening to residents, visiting groups and local services, and working to address key issues.

“Every conversation reminds me why I’m so proud to serve,” he said.

Among the highlights of his first year, Mr Tufnell pointed to progress on housing, investment, broadband, the environment, and NHS accountability.

Tackling housing and jobs

He said the number of people on the housing waiting list in Pembrokeshire had dropped by around 2,000, with new social and affordable homes now under construction. The county has also been identified as a key growth region by the Welsh Labour Government, unlocking investment in skills training and job creation.

Health and the environment

Mr Tufnell has launched surveys across the constituency to gather views on GP and dental access, and said he had secured a commitment from the Health Board’s Chief Executive to deliver “transformative change”—though he acknowledged more work remains.

In his role on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, the MP also said he had taken Welsh Water to task over pollution, poor service, and what he called “extortionate” executive pay.

Investment and infrastructure

Over £10 million has been committed to Pembrokeshire through Labour’s Transforming Towns programme, according to Mr Tufnell, alongside nearly £109 million of broadband funding through Project Gigabit, which will bring high-speed connectivity to over 4,000 rural homes in the area.

Support for farmers and consumers

Mr Tufnell has also raised concerns in Parliament about the ECO4 insulation scheme, which he said left too many householders with poor work and no recourse. His efforts, he says, helped lead to new protections being introduced.

He has also called on government ministers to delay proposed inheritance tax reforms impacting family farms.

Reflecting on the past year, Mr Tufnell said: “We’ve made great progress, but there’s still so much to do. I’m here for you.”

Residents are encouraged to get in touch with the MP via [email protected].

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

6 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.