Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter. It’s just four weeks since Labour's historic landslide win in the general election and I would like to thank you for your support.
I am honoured to have been elected as your MP for our new constituency of Cardiff East. Whether you voted for me or not, I will continue to work hard on your behalf, both here in Cardiff East and in Parliament.
I know from the many conversations I had with constituents throughout the election campaign, that you have elected me to fight for change and deliver a stronger, fairer, more prosperous future for households and businesses across Cardiff East.
After 14 years of Tory chaos and mismanagement, there is plenty of work to be done and your new Labour government isn’t wasting any time.
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The UK Labour government has moved at pace to introduce its ambitious and transformative legislative programme outlined in the King's Speech. This comprehensive plan includes over 35 bills designed to deliver on our key missions for government. These will include:
- Budget Responsibility Bill: To restore economic stability and stimulate growth across the UK.
- Great British Energy Bill: To deliver energy security, lower bills, and clean electricity by 2030.
- Employment Rights Bill: To make work pay in the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation.
- Passenger Service Bill: To bring our railways back into public ownership, benefiting taxpayers, rail workers, and passengers alike.
- Crime and Policing Bill: To strengthen community policing and give the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
- Tobacco and Vapes Bill: To prevent the next generation from developing nicotine addictions.
You can watch my recent interviews about the King's Speech here.
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The Largest Number of Women MPs Ever
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On 4th July, voters not only put their faith in Labour to lead the country, they helped to elect the largest cohort of women MPs ever. It was a wonderful, inspiring and emotional moment to join the 190 Labour women MPs in Westminster Hall to celebrate this remarkable milestone.
History continued to be made with eleven women in the Cabinet (including me) and further government appointments confirming Parliament’s first ever majority women government.
Times are changing and Labour as ever, is leading the way.
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Welcoming Trade Unionist Labour MPs
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As Secretary of the Trade Union Group of MPs, it was a privilege to welcome so many newly elected Labour MPs to our Labour Unions reception in Parliament.
After 14 years of the Conservatives the country has been left with a stagnating economy, outdated employment laws and the worst period in industrial relations since the 1980s.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner have already met with Trades Union leaders to reset the relationship between the UK Government, trades unions and working people.
Together, we will introduce a transformative employment rights law to ban exploitative zero hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic rights at work from day one to include better parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal.
Read more in my blog.
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President Zelenskyy Addresses Cabinet
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It was an honour and a privilege to meet President Zelenskyy of Ukraine when he addressed Cabinet on Friday 19th July.
His message was clear: "We must remember that security and defence cooperation between Ukraine and the UK always matters."
Britain won't let Ukraine down.
Watch President Zelenskyy's address in full here.
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Resetting Britain's International Relationships
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Britain is always stronger when we work with others. But 14 years of chaotic Conservative foreign policy has weakened our alliances and undermined our reputation as upholders of international law.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has moved quickly to reset our international relationships, welcoming leaders from across Europe to the European Political Community Summit at Blenheim Palace.
Working together with our international partners, Britain will take an active role on the world stage to defend international law, democracy and our energy security.
Read more about the summit here.
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The UK Labour Government has made it a priority to address the devastating situation in Gaza. We have been clear: the fighting must stop, Hamas must immediately release all hostages and aid must be allowed to enter Gaza unencumbered to alleviate the suffering.
UNRWA plays an indispensable role in the delivery of aid and the UK Government is now confident that its leadership has taken forward the necessary reforms to resume funding. We are investing £21m to provide lifesaving aid and basic services to Palestinian refugees.
We are also clear that there is no way out of this crisis without a route to both Palestinians and Israelis enjoying security, justice and opportunity in lands they can call their own.
The UK Labour Government is focused on addressing the situation in Gaza and will be playing our full part in advancing the cause of peace.
Read more in my blog.
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Nationalising Our Railway
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I was proud to be a named backer on our Labour Bill to bring our railway back into public ownership. After decades of failed privatisation, we’re bringing the change that passengers, rail workers and taxpayers need and deserve.
The Tories’ failed experiment with franchising has caused passengers misery while costing the taxpayer millions. The last Government itself admitted that franchising doesn’t work and took four operators back into public ownership. But for ideological reasons, the Tories couldn’t admit that their system had failed.
Labour's Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh is moving fast to fix our broken railways and get Britain moving again.
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As a result of their failure to invest in clean energy, the Tories have left a legacy of high energy bills, energy insecurity and a lack of clean energy jobs. The new UK Labour Government is determined to change this with our plan for clean power by 2030.
I proud to be a named backer of the Great British Energy bill this month, which will be at the heart of our Labour Government's mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030. GB Energy, a new publicly owned energy company will drive clean energy deployment to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure British taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy.
With a historic partnership with the Crown Estate we will unleash billions of pounds in investment and create wealth in communities across Wales and Britain.
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As well as my work in Parliament, my office and I are available to help constituents all year round, with a range of issues, including for example benefit entitlements, HMRC issues, housing, home office and passport issues.
I have held several street surgeries across Cardiff East this month, talking to local residents and taking up issues on their behalf.
If you need any help with any issue, or require an appointment please contact my office via phone (02921 329736) or email ([email protected]) and a member of my team will be happy to help.
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I recently met with Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services to raise some of the issues constituents have shared about litter, fly tipping and adjusting to the new waste and recycling system.
Cardiff Council is working to ensure that waste collections are followed by street cleansing in areas where there is a significant problem. Constituents have been advised to download the Cardiff Council app to report any waste issues in their local area.
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In June 2023, the Cardiff Labour Council announced plans to reopen and improve the facilities at Pentwyn Leisure Centre. I'm pleased to report that parts of the centre are now accessible to the public, with the upgraded gym facilities set to open on Monday 5th August and Cardiff Rugby set to vacate the building on Monday 12th August.
Construction will also begin in early October on a new 25-meter swimming pool, which will have an adjustable depth and be heated by an air source heat pump. Local Labour Councillor, Jess Moultrie and I will continue to work constructively with the Council's Cabinet to ensure the Leisure Centre reopens in full, as soon as possible.
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I would like to send the best of luck to Cardiff East resident and Olympic athlete, Jeremiah Azu ahead of his first race on 3rd August in Paris.
Just this year, Jeremiah made history becoming the first Welshman to run 100m in less than 10 seconds. His dedication and passion to his sport will hopefully inspire the next generation of athletes in Cardiff East to reach their full potential.
Good Luck Jeremiah!
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Thank You Teachers in Cardiff East
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Teachers play a leading role in transforming lives. I want to thank all the teachers working in schools across Cardiff East and the rest of Wales for all their hard work and dedication to our children over the last academic year. They truly are incredible.
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Summer with a DIFF'erence
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The summer holidays can be a difficult time for parents trying to keep their children entertained. If you are looking for free and affordable ways for your child to spend their summer, Cardiff Youth Service is here to help with the launch of "Summer with a DIFF'erence" for young people aged between 11 and 25.
There's plenty to get involved with, including outdoor activities, day trips and an International White Water Centre takeover.
Take a look at the full programme of events here.
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Protecting Parks in Cardiff East
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Cardiff Labour Council is asking for your views about their plans to permanently protect four parks in Cardiff East from potential future development to ensure they remain public green spaces. The parks in consideration are:
• Cemetery Park - Adamsdown
• Rhydypenau Park - Cyncoed
• Parc Waun Fach - Pentwyn
• Caerleon Park - Trowbridge
This would require a legal agreement with 'Fields in Trust' with ownership, management and maintenance of the sites remaining with the council. Similar agreements are already in place for Roath Rec and Rumney Rec.
Have your say here.
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Protecting Cardiff East's Social History
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Cardiff Labour Council is proposing to protect 16 existing and former pubs, clubs and social buildings across Cardiff East. The buildings will be added to Cardiff's Local Heritage List, marking them out as culturally significant and seeking controls over demolition.
Have your say and see the full list by clicking here.
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Eluned Morgan Becomes First Minister
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Eluned Morgan will be a fantastic leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister, bringing her many years of experience on the front line of politics to the important task of delivering for people across Wales.
I am particularly pleased that Eluned has been overwhelmingly backed by the Senedd Labour Group.
I look forward to working closely with Eluned, to implement the UK Government's plans to address the priorities of people across Wales, which received resounding support at the General Election.
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It was an honour and a privilege to be asked by the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer to serve as Labour's first woman Secretary of State for Wales. I was also delighted to welcome Nia Griffith MP and Becky Gittins MP to the all women Wales Office team that represents every part of the country, from Cardiff East, to Llanelli in the West and Clwyd East in the North.
We will end the obstructive and tense attitude towards Wales and our Welsh Government that people grew so tired of from previous Conservative Secretaries of State and work in a collaborative partnership, built on trust and respect.
Working together, we will deliver our bold and ambitious programme to restore economic stability and growth, raising living standards for everyone across Wales.
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Britain needs more steel, not less. I will strain every sinew to protect livelihoods and ensure a proud future for our Welsh steel industry.
One of my first acts as Secretary of State for Wales was to visit the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot to talk to steelworkers, apprentices, unions and tata management. Following my conversations, I chaired my first Transition Board meeting, where it was agreed that we immediately move from discussion to delivery.
The new UK Labour Government will work with Tata, Welsh Government and unions to ensure that steelmaking, steelworkers and supply chain businesses are supported through the transition to clean, green steelmaking.
Watch my recent interviews on the future of the steel industry here.
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The Royal Welsh Show is a highlight of the Welsh calendar, showcasing the best our rural economy. During my time at the showground in Builth Wells, I met with key rural stakeholders, including representatives from the farming unions, rural communities and businesses.
As well as tasting the best food and drink Wales has to offer, I also tried my hand at sheep shearing. Take a look at the results here.
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Allied British Ports Visit
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Wales' coastline holds huge potential to power Wales and stimulate economic growth. During my visit to Allied British Ports (ABP), I learned about their plans to invest in floating offshore wind technology in Swansea and Port Talbot.
In collaboration with GB Energy, these projects will create jobs, enhance our energy security, and reduce energy bills. Click here to learn more about ABP's future vision for our ports in South Wales.
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Follow My Work at the Wales Office
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You can keep up-to-date with my work as Secretary of State for Wales by following the Wales Office on our social media channels.
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Sent by email from the Labour Party, promoted by David Evans on behalf of The Labour Party, both at Labour Central, Kings Manor, Newcastle, NE1 6PA.
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