When the Prime Minister made his announcement I challenged him in the Commons to commit to electrifying the main line to Swansea. He responded with his usual bluff and bluster, talking about north Wales and then changing the subject.

HS2 will use an estimated two million tonnes of steel over the next ten years, from track to rolling stock, to bridges and tunnels. The use of UK steel in this project would support over 2,000 steel jobs and deliver £1.5billion to the UK economy. It’s crucial that the benefits of this project are felt in steel communities across the UK, including Port Talbot, and not just along the route. We need a commitment that HS2 will use UK steel.

This Month Around Parliament

Welsh Regiments’ Reception

It was great to hear from the Welsh Cavalry and Royal Welsh about their vitally important work for national security, recruitment and the educational opportunities on offer.

We heard inspiring personal stories from those in the army and in the reserves.

Industrial Communities Alliances Report

I spoke at the launch of the Industrial Alliance’s new report on rebuilding the economy of Britain’s older industrial towns and supporting towns like Port Talbot. For 40 years we’ve seen wealth and talent move from towns to cities. The city-centric model isn’t working: London is the richest area in northern Europe but the UK also has the 5 poorest areas.

All Party Parliamentary Groups

I was honoured to be elected secretary of the reconstituted APPG for Steel. I was also re-elected Chair of the Post-Brexit Funding group, which is fighting to ensure that Aberavon sees all of its EU funding replaced by UK government funding, as promised. I’ve also been elected Chair of the APPG for Palestine, meaning I’ll be fighting hard for justice for Palestinian people in the face of often brutal actions by the Israeli government.

This Month Across Aberavon

• The end of January was busy. It started with a visit to Coedffranc Primary to see the refurbishment work that has been done on the school building. I went on to speak with pupils who have been working to set up their own businesses.

• I followed this up with a visit to the steelworks to discuss media reports on the future of the works, investment plans, action needed by the government on energy prices, carbon-neutral steelmaking and the use of UK steel in government projects.

• My first advice surgery of 2020 in Sandfields library was busy, with lots to follow up with for constituents.

• I then attended the excellent launch of Vernon Place Community Hub and we were treated to the wonderful harmonies of Llansawel Bowls Club Choir. It’s an absolutely fantastic hive of community activities right in the heart of Briton Ferry. When I last visited them back in October they were working really hard to turn the old Llansawel school into a community hub they’ve done an amazing job.

• I co-signed a letter with other Welsh Labour MPs to the Welsh Rugby Union calling on it to do everything it can to keep Welsh matches on free-to-air television in the forthcoming negotiations of the broadcasting rights for the Six Nations tournament. 

• January ended with a visit to St Joseph’s for a question and answer session with pupils. They grilled me on why I became interested in politics, what my average day looks like, votes at 16, climate change and what young people can do in the local area.