Dear Friend,
Today marks a sad day - the day the UK officially leaves the European Union. We've spent years fighting for a better future and the devolved nations stand unified in their opposition to the flawed Withdrawal Agreement Bill, but this has only fallen on deaf ears.
The last European Parliament session with UK MEPs may have ended in cheers and song, but the mood music for many of us remains sombre. This will be a deep and profound loss for many of us who consider ourselves both European and Welsh in equal measure. However, I also recognise that for many up and down the country, this won't be a loss, but turning a page in a new chapter for the UK.
At the turn of this new decade, we must move away from the politics of division pedalled in Westminster and the unhealthy introspection brought about by Brexit. This week, we have also gathered to remember those who died in the Holocaust and to reflect on the harrowing accounts of survivors. History has shown us that standing idly by only allows hatred to flourish.
Instead, we must come together and look ahead to our future. We need to re-imagine and recreate the kind of society we wish to be, the common values of inclusivity and openness we want to protect and support those who are afraid of what the future will hold for their families after a Tory Brexit.
We must also turn to the neglected burning issues we must tackle. Over the next couple of months, I'll be listening to your hopes and concerns for a post-Brexit Cardiff North. I want to work together to find solutions as a constituency and bring forward a brighter, greener future for us all.
So, what are your concerns and how do you see a way forward for Cardiff North?
Keep an eye out as I'll be holding a series of events on this very shortly. As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected].
With very best wishes,
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Monday marked Holocaust Memorial Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps.
I attended a moving Commemoration Service at City Hall. We remembered those murdered by the Nazis seventy-five years ago and paid tribute to the Holocaust survivors. We heard a poignant contribution from Dr Martin Stern MBE, a Holocaust survivor who was arrested and sent to a prison camp, just aged five.
Six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, yet antisemitism still exists in our communities today. We must do all we can to rid our society of antisemitism and every form of racism.
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Coronavirus Chaos
for Cardiff North Constituent
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The rapid spread and devastation of the Coronavirus outbreak in China has been a global cause for concern and has claimed the lives of one hundred and seventy people. The Government response and lack of urgency has been appalling.
My constituent, Dr Yvonne Griffiths was until early hours of this morning, stranded in the epicentre of the outbreak in Wuhan. Since Sunday morning I have made urgent and repeated calls to the Foreign Office to evacuate Yvonne and other UK nationals out of Wuhan. The area is on complete lockdown and all flights suspended.
Here's my comments on BBC Wales Today on Wednesday.
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#Do1Thing - Western Mail
There's no planet B
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Over the last week, regional newspapers up and down the country came together to take a stand against the climate emergency with their #Do1Thing campaign. At a time when world leaders and the business elite came together at the World Economic Forum, this campaign was a reminder that individuals can also play their part in helping tackle the climate emergency, no matter how big or small.
What one thing will you do? Here's my article in the Western Mail.
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Surely a nation that makes its own laws, should also be policing them?
It is absolutely ludicrous that when Welsh people enjoy so much freedom over Health, Transport and Education, that Justice be controlled in London. I spoke in the Westminster Hall Debate last week on how its beyond time our devolution settlement is levelled up and Justice is devolved to Wales.
You can view a clip of my speech here:
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Remain and Reform Podcast
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On Wednesday my colleague, Rosie Duffield MP and I recorded a segment for the Remain and Reform podcast. Lots of things were discussed, including the outcome of the General Election with Cardiff North bucking the trend, protecting our common values and freedoms after we leave the EU, and our optimism in the rebuilding of our Party following the leadership contest.
You'll be able to tune in shortly when it goes live here:
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Private Members Bill Update
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Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with their suggestions for me to take forward as my Private Members Bill. There were some fantastic suggestions to really critical issues our society faces and I will be taking many ideas forward in campaigning to help make a positive difference.
I will be finalising the title of the Bill and fleshing out the detail over the next week and will keep you updated on it's progress.
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I'm supporting Macmillan's Save Our Support campaign, calling for a fully funded cancer workforce to address the urgent shortages of cancer specialists across the UK and to ensure patients receive the care support they deserve.
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It was great to see a packed launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Net Zero, last week. As Vice Chair of the APPG, I'm really looking forward to working across the political divide to push for urgent action to implement zero carbon solutions and to deliver a net zero carbon economy.
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Another historic law - banning people from smacking their children has been passed by the Welsh Assembly this week.
It is absolutely right that the children of Wales should have the same legal protections as adults in Wales and the law be equalised to reflect this.
A massive congratulations to Julie Morgan AM who has campaigned tirelessly over the years for this change alongside dedicated campaigners.
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Election Celebrations
Thank you for helping keep Cardiff North Red!
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It was a fantastic turnout at Whitchurch Rugby Club recently to celebrate the election win in Cardiff North and to thank members and volunteers for their hard work throughout the election. We couldn't have done this without you - thank you!
Now onto the Welsh Assembly elections in 2021...
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Aside from our long battle with the Foreign Office to evacuate my constituent from Wuhan, we've also been very busy with a range of other cases. Here's some examples:
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Case #1 - DVLA
A gentleman called the office on Friday afternoon advising there was a mistake with his car tax and he was no longer able to drive. He couldn't get through to the DVLA to re-tax his car for days and was very concerned as he has two hospital appointments a week that he must attend. We resolved the error and he was back on the road on Monday in time for hospital appointment!
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Case #2 - BBC Red Button Service
I raised concerns against the scrapping of the BBC Red Button Service on behalf of my deaf constituent. The end of this service could put older people and those hard of hearing at a significant disadvantage if they don't have access to other forms of technology. I joined many MPs lobbying against this action, which was suspended a day before it was due to end. I welcome this suspension and I hope a long-term solution can be found.
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Edible Playground - Coed Glas
A volunteer day at Coed Glas Primary in aid of their new edible playground installation. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the area for the big build - tea and coffee will be provided to keep you going and families are welcome!
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Believe Choir
The charity Believe Organ Donor Support's choir will be performing at Thornhill Primary School on Monday 4th February - please go along and support!
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Uniform'd is a scheme in Cardiff North that collects and redistributes school uniform for those who need it, for free! You can check out their range of stock on Friday 21st February between 10 and 3pm at Llandaff North & Gabalfa Hub.
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd
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