Public Meeting: Friday, July 27th 2018 to launch Pembrokeshire for Europe

Pembrokeshire for Europe has been set up by people deeply worried about the Government’s approach to Brexit. It is in partnership with Wales for Europe, which consists of people from across the main political partiesas well non-partysupporters who feel our nation’s best interests are not served by Brexit.

We will hold our first public meeting at 7pm onFriday, 27^thJuly at Bloomfield House Community Centre, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7ES. The speaker will be Geraint Talfan Davies, Chair of Wales for Europe.

The meeting is open to all who share our concerns. Free tickets are available via eventbrite to indicate numbers, but all are welcome. Tickets are not necessary for entry.

Pembrokeshire for Europe will listen to the very real concerns of people in our community.We will organise events to discuss the issues aroundBrexit – bringing the discussion into Pembrokeshire; publicising talks/lectures; working with neighbouring groups, demanding we have our say on any final deal and that we avoid the catastrophic ‘no-deal’ scenario.

Pembrokeshire has a lot to lose from Brexit. Overall Wales has benefited from European funding and withdrawal of funds is going to hit the poorest hardest.In 2015 the Pembrokeshire economy benefited by £35 million through EU membership according to the London School of Economics.  European money has helped pay for our roads such as the A40improvements between Slebech and Penblewin, and Bulford Road between Johnston and Tiers Cross. The Customs Union sustains our ports and ferry services fromFishguard and Pembroke Dock.  Many of the buildings on the Pembrokeshire College campus are EU funded and many Pembrokeshire people have skills learnt through European Social Fund projects.  Tourism assets such as Scolton Manor, Carew and Pembroke castles, Saundersfoot harbour and the Coast restaurant have all benefited from EU funds.

EU membership gives access to 500 million customersin a single market, one that consumes most of our fishing industry’s catch.  Likewise, the EUis Welsh farming’s biggest export market, supporting the backbone of rural Wales.  Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes is a protected geographical name under EU law, adding value to our produce.

Our health service relies on the recruitment of doctors and other clinical staff from elsewhere in the EU.  Pembrokeshire has more Blue Flag beaches than anywhere else in Wales as a result of meeting EU-wide water quality standards and the provision of EU-funded visitor facilities.

We look forward to seeing you at our opening meeting on 27^th July. We are looking for volunteers to help set up a steering group to coordinate further events during the rest of Summer and the Autumn in this critical time for our county and our country.