Thank you for reading my November newsletter.

 

IN CARDIFF EAST

 

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

It was an honour to join serving and former armed forces personnel,
veterans, cadets and their families at Remembrance Services in Cardiff
East, as well as laying a wreath on behalf of the UK Government at the
Wales National Service of Remembrance at Cathays Park. 

 

The Service at Beaumaris Road was poignantly led by William McCarthy
who highlighted the street’s deep-rooted connection to those who
have served and their families. 

 

I also attended the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance for
Wales at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Newport, led by
the Royal Welsh Band.

 

CARDIFF UNITED SYNAGOGUE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

It was a pleasure to join Rabbi Michoel Rose, Cllr Norma Mackie, Cllr
Julie Sangani, Jane Hutt MS and Cardiff East constituents at Cardiff
United Synagogue for the Synagogue’s Remembrance service.

 

ARDOUR ACADEMY

Ardour Academy provides hearing integration services and a safe space
for Deaf/Hard of Hearing members of the LGBTQ+ community.

It was great to catch up with Sara & her team to learn how National
Lottery Community Fund money is helping them deliver these vital
services.

Find information and support here [[link removed]]. 

 

CARDIFF JOMEC VISIT

Cardiff is home to the UK's leading journalism school with many famous
alumni and some of the most impressive student journalists.

It was a real pleasure to meet with postgraduate students from CJS
News and The Cardiffian to answer some interesting and wide-ranging
questions on my role as Secretary of State for Wales, tackling fake
news and the future of local news reporting. 

 

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

I always love attending the annual Diwali Mela at St Fagans Museum to
celebrate this special festival of light and colour encompassing the
heritage and culture of the Hindu community in Wales.
 
Thanks to the India Centre HCA for inviting me and congratulations to
everyone who took part and entertained the many people from across
Cardiff who had come to join in the celebrations.

 

TESCO WINTER FOOD COLLECTION

Last year, Tesco customers donated more than 2 million meals worth of
food to the Winter Food Collection which is supported by the Trussell
Trust and Fare Share UK. It was privilege to join volunteers and staff
at Tesco’s in St Mellons to help those who are struggling this
Christmas.

 

LOCAL POLICING ISSUES

This month, I met with the Chief Constable of South Wales Police to
discuss ongoing issues that have been raised by constituents at street
surgeries.

There must be more focus by local police on crime hotspots in Cardiff
East. It is not fair on residents and businesses to have to put up
with persistent and very public criminal activity on their doorsteps.

 

As well as raising local issues with the police, I also had the
opportunity to join a Cardiff city centre patrol to see how they keep
the public safe at big events. I was especially pleased to hear more
about Schemes like the Alcohol Treatment Centre and the Student
Volunteer Bus which provide help for anyone who is a victim of crime
or is vulnerable, with nursing and paramedic staff available to ensure
that people can enjoy themselves and be safe at the same time.

This is all delivered through a partnership with the Council, Street
Wardens, the Licensed Premises group and FOR Cardiff.

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

UK YOUNG ENGINEERS AWARD

Congratulations to Pacha Prichard from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
on being crowned as the UK YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR at the Big Bang
Engineering UK Awards for her Portable Pollution Monitor.

Pacha's amazing Portable Pollution Monitor assesses air quality in
schools and residential areas across Cardiff East and uses emojis to
communicate pollution levels to the public.

 

30 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL LOTTERY

Since the first draw was held in 1994, the National Lottery has raised
over £49 million for good causes in Cardiff East.

 

Each pound raised has helped to fund individual grants to local
projects and organisations, making a real difference to many people
across Cardiff East.

 

As National Lottery celebrates their significant anniversary, I'd like
to thank the millions of players who have given so generously over the
last three decades.

 

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities across
Cardiff East, creating jobs and boosting our local economy. Each year,
in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday, I’ve highlighted some of
the best our constituency has to offer—and this year, I want to hear
directly from you with your recommendations!

 

Throughout December, I’ll be promoting a different business each day
until Christmas. If you have a favourite local business you’d like
to see featured in my campaign to support small businesses please let
me know here
[[link removed]].

 

CARDIFF COUNCIL'S PARKING PLAN CONSULTATION

Time is running out to have your say on Cardiff's new city-wide
parking plan. These new proposals would adopt an area-based approach
to managing parking across the city giving residents a better chance
to park on their own street, or adjoining streets close to their
home. 
 
Have your say on the plans here
[[link removed]].

 

STORM BERT

I know some residents were concerned by the impact of Storm Bert in
Cardiff East. During the storm, I was liaising with council colleagues
and the emergency services to ensure that support was available to any
households and businesses affected by flooding in Cardiff East.

 

My team and I are available to ensure constituents get support they
need. Please contact my office by calling 02921 329736 or email
[email protected]. 

 

WELSH LABOUR CONFERENCE

 

DELIVERING FOR WALES

It was an honour to address Welsh Labour Conference for the first time
as Secretary of State for Wales following Labour's historic election
victory in July.

Wales chose a different future, one with two Labour Governments
working in genuine partnership to deliver on the public’s
priorities. After 14 years, I was delighted to share with conference
delegates that this change is well underway.

 

In just a few short months, we are already showing the difference a
Labour Government in Westminster working with a Labour Government in
Wales can make for Wales and we are just getting started.

 

From the biggest ever real terms budget settlement (£21billion) for
Welsh Government with an extra £1.7bn for spending on public
services, to historic increases in minimum and living wages, carer’s
allowance and £80million to support people and businesses in our
steelmaking communities, we are fixing the foundations and rebuilding
the country after years of austerity.

 
Watch my Welsh Conference Speech in full here:

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

A NEW WALES ON THE HORIZON

Eluned Morgan used her first speech to Welsh Labour Conference as
First Minister to set out her vision for the future of Wales. She was
clear that the journey ahead wouldn't be an easy one, difficult
decisions would have to be made but the priorities of the people of
Wales will be at the heart of everything she does.

 

With 18 months to go until the next Senedd Election, Eluned is
focusing on four main priorities:

 

* DELIVERING IECHYD DA. Bringing waiting lists down, providing fast
support for mental health along with improved social care and better
women’s health services.
* DELIVERING JOBS AND GROWTH – to keep Wales working – creating
thousands of future proof jobs in new industries to flight climate
change and power our economy.
* PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL FAMILIES – Higher standards in
our schools and more social housing because your post code should
never determine your prospects.
* CONNECTING COMMUNITIES – to improve transport and keep people in
touch. New trains, a new bus bill, better roads

 

With two Labour Governments working together, we will make this
reality. 

 

Watch Eluned Morgan's Welsh Conference Speech in full here:

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

A NEW ERA FOR COMMUNITIES IN WALES

It was a real privilege to welcome the Keir Starmer to Llandudno, the
first Prime Minister to address Welsh Labour Conference in 14 years.

 

Our Labour Governments are pulling in the same direction once again,
kickstarting a new era of opportunity for Wales.

 

In just four months, the UK Labour Government's budget has delivered:

* Record additional funding of more than £1.7 billion to support
public services in Wales, with a focus on strengthening our NHS and
bringing down waiting times.
* £88m for City and Growth Deals including Cardiff Capital City
Region.
* £25m to continue the maintenance that keeps coal tips safe in
former mining areas.
* £320m to drive economic growth with Investment Zones in Cardiff
and Newport, and in Wrexham and Flintshire, freeports in Milford Haven
and Port Talbot that will boost local economies and create
high-quality jobs for the future.
* £440m Levelling Up Funding protected for local communities right
across Wales.

 

Labour is proud of Wales. We have cast aside the divisive politics of
other parties who continually talk our nation down. Our governments
are working in a spirit of unity and partnership to deliver a future
people in Wales can be proud of. 

 

Watch Keir Starmer's Speech in full here:

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

ACROSS WALES

 

WELSH QUESTIONS

In October, the Chancellor announced the biggest budget settlement for
the Welsh Government in the history of devolution.

 

At Welsh Questions, I shared how our two Labour Governments are
working together to deliver on the priorities of the people of Wales.

What my contributions here
[[link removed]].

 

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY STORM BERT

Storm Bert hit communities across Wales and the UK leading to
devastating floods. 

The Welsh Labour Government is working with partners in UK Government
and local authorities to ensure financial support is delivered to
households affected. 

Following the floods, I visited Pontypridd to meet those affected and
to thank the emergency services, volunteers and the council for their
response.

 

A NEW ERA OF PROSPERITY AND GROWTH FOR WALES

I was pleased to announce the formation of a new economic advisory
group, bringing the UK Government, leaders from Welsh government,
business, industry, universities, and trade unions together for the
first time to help shape our efforts to boost growth and put more
money in people’s pockets.

Speaking at CBI Cymru's Annual Dinner, I shared my hope that this new
partnership will rekindle Wales' proud industrial roots with new jobs
and growth for every corner of Wales.

 

Read more about the announcement here
[[link removed]].

Photo credit: Morgan James Photography
[[link removed]]

 

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ROUNDTABLE

The creatives industry is driving growth and creating jobs across
Wales. It was a privilege to meet with industry leaders from Bad Wolf
TV (producers of Doctor Who with BBC Studios) and Boom Cymru to see
how the UK Labour Government can support them to suceed.

 

INVESTING IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Wales is at the forefront of the aerospace industry with over 20,000
people employed in high quality, skilled jobs in the sector.

I was pleased to welcome the Prime Minister to Airbus Broughton, where
he announced an extra £49 million to support the Welsh Aerospace
Industry over the next 5 years. This will help us to deliver net-zero
flights and drive growth, jobs and innovation.

 

More on the announcement here.

 

SAFER STREETS IN WALES

The new UK Labour Government has a mission to deliver safer streets.
This month, I met with Chief Constables and Police and Crime
Commissioners from the four Welsh police forces. During the meeting,
we discussed the UK Labour Government's plans to introduce a new
Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to crackdown on anti-social behaviour
and restore law and order to our streets through the recruitment of
13,000 new neighbourhood officers.

 

START-UP BUSINESS FUND LAUNCHED FOR PORT TALBOT STEELWORKERS

I am determined that the TATA Steel Port Talbot Transition Board
delivers for the steelworkers of Port Talbot, for the region’s
businesses and for our steel communities.

This remains a really difficult time for workers in Port Talbot and
their families. That's why I have released a further £13 million to
help former steel workers and their families set up their own
businesses. These non-repayable grants will provide vital backing for
them to make their plans a reality.

I said I would back workers and businesses affected by the transition
at Port Talbot and with more than £26m announced since July, I am
making this reality.

 

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LEADING THE WAY

It was a pleasure to visit Swansea University to launch the Natural
Products Biohub which has received funding from the UK Labour
Government.

The new Biohub has received £4.5 million to develop new products
using our natural resources to help sectors from pharmaceuticals to
farming by using the naturally occurring capabilities of algae and
fungi. I learnt how these two natural products can even be used to
build houses!

 

The new cluster will bring together our superb research academics,
investors and business development experts in new green technologies,
to bring good, high skilled jobs and ensure that Wales is at the
forefront of scientific innovation in tackling climate change.

 

IN PARLIAMENT

 

MAJOR POLICING REFORMS

Under successive Conservative governments, we have seen the impact
that fewer police in our neighbourhoods has had. Many constituents
across Cardiff East raise with me the problems of crime that is
blighting their lives, particularly antisocial behaviour, violence and
drug dealing. We’ve seen neighbourhood officers pulled off the beat,
while powers to combat antisocial behaviour and shoplifting have been
weakened. This has placed police under significant pressure and also
resulted in the lowest confidence in the police on record. Things need
to change.

The Home Secretary has announced an ambitious programme of reforms to
rebuild neighbourhood policing, to improve performance across police
forces and ensure the highest standards are upheld across the service.

The reforms, which are backed up by more than half a billion pounds of
additional funding, include:

* A new Police Performance Unit to track national data on local
performance and drive up standards.
* A Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to get policing back to basics
and rebuild trust between local forces and the communities they serve.
* A new National Centre of Policing to harness new technology and
forensics, making sure policing is better equipped to meet the
changing nature of crime.

These reforms will reset the relationship between policing and our
local communities. 

 

GETTING BRITAIN BACK TO WORK

The government has published plans for the biggest reforms to
employment support in a generation.

 

The plans will ensure every young person in Wales is earning or
learning. Job centres will benefit from an improved digital service,
greater flexibility for work coaches to support those looking for
work, a joint jobs and careers service, and a joined-up approach with
other local services.

These reforms will help to build a healthier, wealthier nation –
driving up employment, increasing both opportunity and living
standards.

 

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

1,000 days after Putin initiated his full-scale invasion, our
commitment to Ukraine and its people remains steadfast. The new UK
Labour Government continues to be clear to President Zelenskyy and the
Ukrainian people that they will have our fullest support for as long
as it takes.

 

As we look towards a winter of continued Russian attacks on military
and civilian targets, it is critical that international partners and
allies come together to back Ukraine and ensure that Putin does not
succeed.

 

This month, we built on our current commitments, announcing a further
£7.5 million for new attack and surveillance drones, which will be
invested through the drone coalition led by the UK and Latvia. 

 

Slava Ukraini.

 

WHITE RIBBON DAY

Tackling violence against women and girls is not just an issue for
government, or for the criminal justice system and especially not just
for women to solve.

 

On White Ribbon Day, which raises awareness of the violence suffered
by women and girls, I called on everyone to play their part to bring
about the change that is so desperately needed, finally tackling this
epidemic.

 

Read more in my recent blog
[[link removed]].

 

ACTION ON VAPES

Labour is committed to protecting children from becoming hooked on
nicotine.

We are taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation by
clamping down on the underage use of vapes and protecting children and
vulnerable people from the harms of second-hand smoke.

This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the
NHS.

 

BOOSTING SUPPORT FOR VETERANS

Over the past 14 years we have seen the UK’s Armed Forces hollowed
out and underfunded, leaving a recruitment crisis and morale at an
all-time low.

The new UK Labour Government is introducing legislation to create an
Armed Forces Commissioner who will have the power to proactively
investigate issues which materially impact servicemen and women, from
kit, to housing, childcare and family life and make recommendations
and report those recommendations to Parliament. This will help us to
renew Britain's contract with those who serve and their families.

 

TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returned to the House of
Commons for its Second reading this month. I have always supported
legislative change to allow assisted dying. Around 250 million more
people around the world now have the right to choose an assisted
death. This includes those living in seven EU countries, as well as
New Zealand, Australia and some American states. We should learn the
lessons from those countries that have already legislated to allow
assisted dying, to inform our own laws.

 

Of course such changes to the law should be carefully considered and
we should look to these international examples to ensure that thorough
safeguards are in place, particularly for the most vulnerable groups
of people. I appreciate this is a sensitive subject, with strong
feelings in the debate, but I do believe it is right that people have
dignity in the way they die.

 

CONTAMINATED BLOOD SCANDAL

This Labour Government has moved quickly to deliver on commitments to
provide compensation to both the infected and affected victims of the
infected blood scandal.

 

In the October budget the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, announced that
she had allocated £11.8 billion of funding to make compensation
payments.

To date, two rounds of interim payments of £100,000 and £210,000
have been made to people who are living with an infection registered
with an Infected Blood Support Scheme, totalling £1 billion.

 

MEASURES TO TACKLE SHOPLIFTING

Under the last Conservative government, shoplifting hit a record high,
with more and more offenders using appalling violence and abuse
against shopworkers.

 

We announced in the Budget that new money will be invested in
prevention and training for the police and retailers on specific
retail crime tactics to stop crime before it happens. An extra £5
million will be invested over three years to crack down on organised
shoplifting gangs and we'll legislate for assaults against retail
workers by creating a new stand-alone offence, as the shopworkers’
union USDAW has called for, over the last decade.

 

This will all be supported by the 13,000 additional neighbourhood
police and PCSOs who will patrol retail crime hotspots and work with
shopkeepers and retail staff when a crime is committed.

 

[Labour Rose]
 

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