Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch said that visiting the last oil refinery in Wales was a ‘stark reminder’ of how far the UK has fallen when it comes to energy independence, on a visit to Pembrokeshire.

She joined Welsh Conservative Senedd candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz on a visit to the Valero oil refinery in Pembroke on April 23, with the Pembrokeshire politicians underlining the importance of protecting and growing Pembrokeshire’s vital energy sector jobs, and the need to expand opportunities through skills and apprenticeships.

The Conservative leader met with workers and industry leaders at the site to discuss the sector’s critical contribution to the local and national economy.

Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar was also in attendance; with Davies and Kurtz highlighting the central role of the energy industry in sustaining thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs across Pembrokeshire and its supply chains.

Following the visit, Kemi Badenoch shared: “Visiting the last oil refinery in Wales was a stark reminder of how far we have fallen when it comes to energy independence.

“For decades, Britain led the way in oil and gas. We had domestic refining capacity to produce the products our economy needed and still needs today.

“Now, thanks to Ed Miliband’s net zero dogma, we are shutting down our own capacity while importing expensive and less clean oil and gas from abroad. We are even importing resources extracted from the very same North Sea basin we have stopped drilling ourselves.

“This makes no sense. We are leaving billions of barrels in the ground, pushing up costs for families, and exposing ourselves to global supply shocks we cannot control.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. We need to get serious again. That means backing British energy, restoring common sense, and taking control of our own resources so we can protect our energy security.”

Paul Davies said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most effective pathways into employment and are vital to the success of our local economy.

“By investing in skills, we can help more people into rewarding careers while ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need to grow.

“Supporting our energy sector and investing in training go hand in hand; protecting jobs today while creating opportunities for the next generation.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Pembrokeshire sits at the heart of Wales’ energy economy. The Valero refinery and the wider oil and gas sector underpin thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs locally, alongside a significant supply chain.

“Kemi Badenoch’s visit sends a strong signal that we will stand firmly behind these jobs and the communities that depend on them.

“But protecting jobs today must go hand in hand with preparing for tomorrow. Our commitment to 125,000 apprenticeships will open doors for local people, giving them the skills they need to build lasting careers here in West Wales.

“At a time of global uncertainty, strengthening our domestic energy capacity is essential so the UK is less reliant on imports and better able to secure its own future.”