Parliamentary Diary

Dear Friend,

I hope you and your families are well during these trying times.

It's been a very eventful last couple of weeks - the country has come together numerous times, to honour the brave workers who have tragically lost their lives on the frontline, for the 100th birthday of Captain Tom Moore who has captivated the nation, as well as celebrating those keeping our country moving and their fantastic contributions to our society. Today is May Day- a day to do just that.

This week we saw the Prime Minister return to Number 10 to signal that the UK was 'past the peak' of the virus - we heard nothing on the appalling mistakes make so far and not a word on PPE or testing.

Undoubtedly the country's sacrifice is starting to pay off, but the Prime Minister should be unequivocal with the UK public- he should have stated that we are past the 'first peak' but there is every possibility that there could be a second and a third wave of the virus, particularly if we don't step up with our global cooperation to mitigate against the virus in developing nations.
We must also see a clear exit strategy as is the case with Wales and Scotland, to ensure the country are a part of those vital conversations for the next phase.

It's also been an interesting couple of weeks getting to grips with the new virtual Parliament and continuing the important work scrutinising the government on their COVID-19 response and the impact on businesses, families and livelihoods.

Here's a little bit about what's been happening in Parliament and Cardiff North over the last couple of weeks, which you can also see on our new and improved website at www.annamcmorrin.co.uk

As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected]. (mailto:[email protected])

With very best wishes,
International Workers' Memorial Day
The 28th April marked International Workers’ Memorial Day. This year, in the midst of a pandemic we honour the memory of the incredibly brave workers on the frontline who have tragically lost their lives in this crisis.

The country were united in observing a minute's silence at 11am for all those we have lost and for the many grieving families who have lost their loved ones.

What's clear is that for far too long, the key workers keeping this country moving have been undervalued and underpaid. We owe them a huge debt and we owe them and the whole country a vision for a better future.
First Virtual Parliament Appearance
In my first appearance in the new virtual Parliament, I questioned Michael Gove during Cabinet Questions on whether he would support the First Minister of Wales's calls for a four-nation approach to crucial COVID-19 decision making. I was very disappointed he dodged support for the proposal.

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As always, Cadi was by my side and was very well behaved during Cabinet Questions - She quite possibly could have been the first dog to appear in the virtual Parliament!

Climate Emergency:
A year on since the declaration
Today marks a year since the UK Parliament supported a motion to declare a climate emergency. As the world still grapples with the COVID-19 outbreak today is an opportunity to reflect on the seismic challenges ahead to conserve our planet, not just for the UK, but for the most vulnerable developing nations who continue to bear the brunt of climate injustice.

Covid 19 has exposed the fragility of our societies and has laid bare deep inequalities inflicting suffering on many and putting the world economy in turmoil. In the same way this pandemic demands global leadership, the deeper challenge of the climate emergency must also heed a global response. We must build back better – a green recovery focused on sustainable development, international cooperation and transitioning away from a fossil fuel driven global economy. Failure to do so risks further entrenching inequalities in some of the poorest communities.

A vital lesson to be learnt from COVID-19 is our interconnectedness. The virus knows no borders and similarly the climate emergency can’t be kept out, no matter how high the walls. We simply cannot afford for developing countries to be left behind in the climate fight – if one country fails, we all fail.

Delayed climate action will cost us vastly more each year in terms of lost lives and livelihoods, crippled businesses and damaged economies. The highest cost is the cost of doing nothing. Working in partnership and rebuilding our world economies we must:

Deliver new jobs through a green, fair and just transition.
Invest public money in green and sustainable futures for all.
End overseas fossil fuel subsidies

No country can succeed in this alone. It takes working together as a global community to succeed.
Supporting Immigrant Key Workers' Families
My constituent’s fear of becoming infected is not that he may die, but that his family might no longer be welcome in the UK if he did. No one putting themselves on the frontline to save our lives day in and day out should feel this way.

We must honour the sacrifice of key immigrant workers by ensuring their families are supported if the worst were to happen. I await the Home Secretary's response in anticipation.
Last BEIS Committee

This week marked my last week as a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee member due to my new Shadow Ministerial brief. I used the evidence sessions as an opportunity to raise important questions of how so many individuals are falling through the coronavirus cracks in terms of government support schemes and what support will need to remain to ensure businesses do not find themselves in a cliff-edge situation.

Impact on creative industries:

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I questioned the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Retail Consortium on what support needs to be retained for businesses in Cardiff North:

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Doctors Without Borders

It was great to virtually join Doctors Without Borders to discuss the serious challenges they currently face. COVID-19 knows no borders. It’s critical we see global leadership from the UK Government in the fight against the virus, expanding humanitarian aid and mitigating the impact of the outbreak for the most vulnerable communities overseas.

Its refugees and those in conflict zones who’ll bear the brunt of a second wave of this virus with little access to healthcare. The time is now for bold, coordinated diplomacy.
Earth Day 2020 🌍

Last week we celebrated 50 years of Earth Day. Our house is still on fire and the window of opportunity for Climate Action is shrinking daily. COVID-19 is the immediate threat but we absolutely must not forget the Climate Emergency burning around us.

We must act boldly in every part of the world and do the right thing by our future generations by ensuring a green recovery from this virus.
🌍

National Postal Workers Day

This week we celebrated National Postal Workers Day and the hard work of our dedicated posties who keep our country moving and our communities connected.

I am also working with the CWU Union to negotiate better protections for postal workers and I will be discussing this further with Royal Mail on Monday.


Driving Redeployment of DWP Staff

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused such devastation and uncertainty and for many families Universal Credit may be their only lifeline. I am very pleased MAXIMUS UK has supported my calls to safely redeploy staff in their Gabalfa centre to help support the country with the significant backlog of Universal Credit applications.
Read More ([link removed])
Your Cardiff North Labour Team

It was great to catch up with elected representatives across Cardiff North to discuss the important issues facing the constituency.

We may be in lockdown, but we are still here to help in whatever way we can! We are staying in regular contact about how we can best support our constituents and if there's anything you'd like to raise, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Local Club Responds to Calls for Donations

A massive well done to AFC Whitchurch who responded to my recent calls for patient donations to the Heath Hospital. They went above and beyond, donating to UHW, Velindre and Maggie's Cancer Centre. 👏👏

It's absolutely fantastic to see our community in Cardiff North coming together in our time of need. Thank you!
Fashion Revolution Week ♻️👖

This week marks Fashion Revolution Week. I've teamed up with the Climate Ambassadors of Birchgrove WI who, to mark its importance, were due to host an event to raise awareness of the harms of fast fashion.

📢 A message from Birchgrove WI:

"This week ‘Fashion Revolution Week’ would have seen members from Birchgrove WI attend a sustainable fashion event ‘Who Made My Clothes’ organised by the WI Climate Action sub group. It was proving to be a popular event before we sadly had to cancel due to Coronavirus.

The philosophy of ‘Make do and Mend’ has been important to the WI throughout its history but many of the skills have been lost through the generations, the event had planned not only to highlight the damage of fast fashion on the environment but to hold a swap shop and an upcycling workshop to show how you can revamp an existing wardrobe or charity shop finds without having to buy new.

We have rescheduled the event for October 29th 7.30 pm at St Thomas’s Church Hall, 104 Pantbach Rd CF14 1UE, tickets will be available on the door."

Many thanks for the fantastic work of Birchgrove WI in highlighting the damage fast fashion can do to the environment. I look forward to the rescheduled event and continuing to work with the WI on these important issues.
Casework Catch Up

Emergency Procedure Enabled

A constituent underwent an emergency gastroscopy and CT scan subsequently diagnosing her with a rare oesophageal condition. Her appointment was previously cancelled, but following my intervention with the Health Board she was able to receive emergency treatment. Had the condition not been diagnosed, this would have had serious consequences for her long-term health.

Rogue Companies Taking Advantage


A constituent raised concerns about her employer which was not taking all reasonable steps to support home working, despite family members being extremely at risk. Following my intervention, the company advised that they had reconsidered their policies and my constituent is now able to work in the safety of her own home, knowing she's not putting her loved ones at risk.

New Website Launched 🚀

My new and improved website launched this week where you'll be able to find COVID related support and advice as well as view all the latest news and activity in Parliament and Cardiff North.
View Website ([link removed])
Cardiff North Coronavirus Response

I've set up a Facebook group - Cardiff North Coronavirus Response to help co-ordinate volunteers, assist those who are self-isolating and act as a hub of up to date information and announcements. We have over 500 members and we are linked to the local mutual aid groups in your area.

If you're active on Facebook you can join the group by clicking the button below.
Join Group ([link removed])
Local Support

Cardiff Council has recently launched their volunteering scheme "Together ([link removed]) For Cardiff" ([link removed]) which aims to match up people's needs to volunteers.

If you think you can spare some time to volunteer and you're not in the at risk category, then please email me on [email protected].
Telephone Advice Surgery

As always, please get in touch with your feedback!

Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd

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