Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has demanded a ‘jobs first’ approach to Net Zero for Pembrokeshire.

In Prime Minister’s Questions (held on June 11) the Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire highlighted the county’s proud industrial history, rooted in oil and gas, and asked the Prime Minister for assurances that he is committed to a just transition to Net Zero, to protect and create jobs in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Tufnell emphasised the opportunities presented by Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, and reiterated that Net Zero policy must remain focused on securing “more jobs and cheaper bills.” The local MP added, “if we can’t meet those goals, we must consider our approach.”

“Pembrokeshire has the resources and the talent to be a world leader in Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW). FLOW has the potential to bring lots of good, secure, well-paid jobs to our county, which would have a hugely positive impact on our local economy. It is critical that new energy infrastructure projects benefit the communities they are built in,” he said.

“I am committed to a jobs first approach to Net Zero that will enable our ports and our communities to prosper. Our push for renewables cannot come at the cost of critical jobs in our oil and gas industries. To create and protect jobs, there must be a long-term strategy to ensure that both new and existing industries are globally competitive.

“I am delighted that the Prime Minister shares my commitment, and I look forward to the opportunities that this will bring for Pembrokeshire.”

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven said: “As the UK’s leading energy port, and the closest port to the Celtic Sea FLOW opportunity, we have been working closely with Government and industry to fully realise the opportunity for our communities. Through the Celtic Freeport development process, we identified that future energy has the potential to deliver thousands of new jobs and billions in inward investment for the region.

“That will mean real, lasting change for our communities. Neither should we forget the enormous potential of our ports to contribute to our nation’s wider needs: energy security, defence, innovation and technology. Ports can be hubs for growth across our nation. We are delighted to see continued reassurance from the Prime Minister for unlocking the potential of ports.”

FLOW has the potential to power over 4 million homes and create more than 5,000 jobs across the UK and add £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

Pembrokeshire has been identified as one of several potential sites for assembling and launching the massive floating turbines, placing the region in a strong position to benefit from the project. If selected, the port could see significant investment, job creation, and economic growth, establishing Pembrokeshire as a key player in the UK’s offshore wind sector.

Earlier this year Pembrokeshire was identified as a key-growth region for clean energy by UK Government, with investment to develop a skilled clean energy workforce, through funding for training and upskilling.