Chancellor backs rural economy in Pembrokeshire visit

Chancellor John Healey, and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, have backed rural economy in West Wales, on a visit to the UK’s leading energy port in Pembrokeshire.

The MPs were joined by Welsh Labour finance spokesperson Huw Thomas MS and local MP Henry Tufnell on a visit to Milford Haven on Thursday, August 27.

There, they met with staff and apprentices and learned about the port’s impact on the economy of Milford Haven and wider West Wales, including on the energy and tourism sectors.

In his first visit to Wales as Chancellor, Healey championed the port as being an example of growth in every postcode.

He said: “For the UK Labour Government, growth is about creating good jobs in every postcode - including coastal communities like Pembrokeshire in West Wales. “With government, industry and local communities working more closely together, we are determined to deliver rising investment, better jobs, and bring hope back.”

Mr Kinnock commented: “This port is one of the UK’s most important energy hubs. The energy clusters support almost 5,000 skilled Welsh jobs and contribute to the powering millions of homes.

“This Labour Government will back Welsh and British business—and ensure their success is shared by the communities where industry belongs.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO of the Port of Milford Haven, said: "As the UK's leading energy port, we are proud of our contribution to national resilience and economic growth. However, our impact extends far beyond our operations. As a Trust Port, we are deeply committed to creating lasting social value across Pembrokeshire and West Wales through our investment in young people, skills, education, community partnerships and local initiatives.

"The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss both the strategic importance of the Port to the nation and the positive difference we are making in the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing to work with government and partners to ensure that the benefits of our success are felt by future generations across the region."

Since taking office in July 2026, Andy Burnham has taken immediate action to give people room to breathe from the cost-of-living challenges still faced by too many. In just over a month since becoming Prime Minister, he has announced a cut to VAT on electricity bills, which will save households on average £45 this winter, and extended railcards for teenagers in education or training.

He also announced a £2 bus fare cap in England, something Welsh Labour pledged in their 2026 manifesto.

Huw Thomas MS, Welsh Labour’s Finance spokesperson, said: “Speaking with the Chancellor and Welsh Secretary today, and discussing firsthand their ambition for Wales, it stands in stark contrast to what we’ve seen from the Plaid Cymru Government so far.

“Whilst the Labour UK Government is acting urgently to ease the cost of living, and drive economic growth, Plaid Cymru’s first 100 days in government have been underwhelming and unambitious. We’ve seen Government bureaucracy and paperwork, but no real action or decisions on the issues that matter to people.”