Welcome to my first newsletter of 2024
It has been a while since my last newsletter despite there being no shortage of things both locally and nationally impacting on our daily lives. Readers will no doubt have been following two huge international issues; the terrible unfolding situation in Israel, and of course our continued efforts to try and find a sensible, practical and humane solution to the vexed issue of legal and illegal migration into the UK. There are no easy answers to either.
 
However firstly, some constituency news. Some readers will be aware that the Boundary Commission in Wales has basically abolished my old seat of Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire and the adjacent seat of Carmarthen East and Dynefwr. Two new, larger, seats have replaced them and, as of last weekend, it has been agreed that I will contest Caerfyrddin and my neighbour, Stephen Crabb MP, will be the candidate for Mid & South Pembrokeshire. Both new seats cover a substantial area but we are going to do everything possible to meet our new communities over the next few months.
 
Finally, but importantly, the Chancellor recently presented his "autumn statement" (a mini budget event) including the biggest tax cuts for businesses and families since the 1980's. We are now just a few weeks away from the main Budget where families and businesses will both be looking at building on our improved economic position.
At Home...
Nash Fingerpost 

I have continued to work alongside Sam Kurtz MS regarding Nash Fingerpost near Pembroke. As you know I have been calling for this junction to be made safer since I was first elected nearly 14 years ago.  I am relieved to hear that the Welsh Government will now put in traffic lights, but what this A-road really needs is a roundabout for safety and traffic flow.
 
Police Federation and Laugharne GP Surgery meetings 

I’ve met with various groups and individuals at surgeries, including the Police Federation who lobbied me about a campaign to cut the amount of time police have to spend redacting evidence, as well as an excellent idea for a new Medal for Heroes for all emergency workers killed whilst on duty.

I’ve also taken part in the consultation on the future of Laugharne GP Surgery, passing on the many concerns that have come in to me regarding the possible closure and the effect that would have on the local population.
Funding for St Clears station but concerns remain 
 
St Clears Station continues to worry me – Carmarthenshire County Council is in the process of setting up a meeting with all interested parties, but I am worried that the Welsh Government is not going to make it happen despite the funding of nearly £5 million given by the UK Government for rail improvements at St Clears.
Away...
In Westminster life is rather different now that I am Chief Whip, (the person responsible for getting legislation through parliament), so much of my time is taken up with the day-to-day pressures this involves. 
 
So it is lovely to see local people when they visit Westminster and Parliament! 
I welcomed Emma Price from Andrew Price Hair Salon in Narberth to a reception in 10 Downing Street to celebrate the huge input that their business makes in training youngsters.  Emma was there for a Local Skills Champion Reception which was highlighting the importance of apprenticeships.

I also enjoyed meeting the team from Velfrey Vineyard in Lampeter Velfrey again when they provided the drinks at a reception for the UK Hospitality industry. Theirs is a great story of hard work and success in turning a few acres of the county into an award winning UK wide business.
Chris McEwen from Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club put up a fight with myself and Stephen Crabb MP when he joined us at No.10. Chris has won countless awards and done a huge amount for boxing in the area and his disability boxing club is a real ground breaker. He was an obvious choice to invite to No.10's Sports Champion Awards. 
I recently signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment (pic left), honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today. Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people to reflect on the darkest times of European history, to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and to speak out against all forms of antisemitism. 
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Levelling Up
You may also heard of the Levelling Up Fund administered by the UK Government. Beneath the radar it continues to deliver for west Wales and I was delighted that Pembrokeshire County Council won another £10 million for improvements in Pembroke town centre. 
Until a General Election is called our constituency office remains unchanged and as always, please do get in touch if there is anything I can help with - my office is happy to assist in any way that we are able. 
 
With my very best wishes


 
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