Thank you for reading my January newsletter. 2024 was a momentous
year, ushering in a UK Labour Government determined to deliver change
for working people. This work is now well underway. 
 
We have already taken swift action to fix the foundations of the
economy, invest in our public services to make them fit for the
future, and we're now firmly on the path towards growing the economy,
creating new jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets.

 

In 2025, we will continue to drive forward with the same
determination. Discover more about what the UK Labour Government has
planned for 2025 by reading my latest blog here
[[link removed]].

 

IN CARDIFF EAST

 

ON THE DOORSTEP

It was great to start the year out on doorsteps across Cardiff East,
chatting with residents, taking up casework, and listening to your
hopes and concerns in your area. I am committed to continuing to be
accessible to you, as I have done since I was first elected in 2015.
 
If you have missed me at one of my recent door-knocking sessions and
have an issue you would like to raise, you can easily contact me using
the information below.

 

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02921 329 736

 

You can also keep up to date with my work on my social media channels:

Facebook [[link removed]]   

X (formerly Twitter) [[link removed]]   

Instagram [[link removed]]

 

NEXT STOP: CARDIFF PARKWAY

Reports have estimated that Cardiff Parkway, which will include a
railway station with four platforms and a business park in the east of
Cardiff, could boost the Welsh economy by more than £265m a year.  

 

I am delighted that this project has now taken an important step
forward following the First Minister's decision to approve this
much-needed infrastructure. This follows a long fought, tireless
campaign from our local Cardiff East Labour team, including calls for
its approval by your local councillors, Bob and Jackie and questions
about the delay from Vaughan Gething MS in the Senedd.

 

Cardiff Parkway will be transformational. Here are just a few of the
benefits for residents of Rumney and the wider Cardiff East area:

 

* Serving 40,000 residents       
* As little as a 7-minute connection to Cardiff City Centre
* Create up to 6,000 local jobs
* An annual economic benefit of £265m and £5bn over 20 years
* Improved green space for people to visit and enjoy

 

I look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our
communities and economy as we look to build a better-connected Cardiff
and Cardiff Capital Region.

 

PENSIONERS' ADVICE DAY

More than £12.3 million worth of Pension Credit has gone unclaimed in
Cardiff, with many
residents unaware that they are entitled to receive it.
 
This month, I held my second Pensioners' Advice Day at the Powerhouse
in Llanedeyrn to help residents over the age of 65 access the support
available to them.

Thank you again to all the organisations who came and provided their
expert advice and
support to nearly 50 constituents who came along. It was great to meet
you all.

 

CARDIFF COUNCIL BUDGET

Cardiff Council has received its most generous funding settlement
since 2010, outside of the pandemic period. This demonstrates the
power of partnership between our two Labour Governments in Westminster
and Wales.

 

Thanks to increased funding, the Council's projected budget gap for
2025/26 has been significantly reduced from over £60 million to
£23.4 million.

 

Whilst challenges obviously remain after 14 years of Tory austerity,
this marks a significant step forward in rebuilding our public
services. The Council is committed to addressing the remaining
shortfall by focusing on savings and efficiencies to deliver these
vital services.

 

Cardiff Council is prioritising our essential public services, by
committing:

 

* An additional £19.8 million for schools, ensuring no overall
savings targets for schools in 2025/26.
* £8.8 million more for central education services.
* £7.5 million more for children’s services (e.g. Fostering and
Adoption Services)
* £12.1 million more for adult services (e.g. Supported Living).

 

Click here
[[link removed]]
for more information.

 

NEW HOMES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FACING HOMELESSNESS

It was an honour to join Andrew Templeton, Chief Executive of the YMCA
and his team to cut the ribbon and open their latest new housing
development in Roath.

The new 18-apartment building will provide hope, stability, and
security to young people at risk of homelessness in Cardiff East. I
had a tour of the new apartments, which have been designed and built
to the highest quality and environmental. This means low heating bills
for the new residents who will be moving in over the next few weeks.

 

PAPYRUS: SAVING YOUNG LIVES

Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people under 35
in the UK. Papyrus is dedicated to preventing these tragedies.

 

Through their HOPELINE247 service, staffed by trained suicide
prevention advisers, they provide critical support to young people and
those concerned about their well-being. Their work extends to training
organisations and schools to recognise the signs, increase awareness,
and equip communities to support those who need it.

 

Papyrus is transforming the conversation around suicide and saving
lives. Read more about their work and how you or someone you know can
access support here [[link removed]].

 

SUPPORTING SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES

Brød, the Danish Bakery in Penylan, is a thriving local business that
was started by Betina Skovbro ten years ago. Betina has expanded the
business, which now employs 40 people across the bakery and a number
of coffee shops. Her bread, cakes and pastries are absolutely
delicious. I really enjoyed meeting Betina and her team and seeing
their baking skills in action. 
 
Brød has a number of locations across Cardiff which you can find here
[[link removed]]. Pop in and treat
yourself!

 

SUPPORTING LOCAL TALENT

Cardiff Council has launched a new pilot scheme to support local bands
looking to put on self-promoted gigs.
 
The scheme, which will be delivered through Cardiff Music City, is
designed to increase the number of gigs in our city and provide the
best start to local talent and those who already have a proven track
record.

 

Click here for more information.
[[link removed]]

 

ESTYN PRAISE FOR ST CADOC'S R.C. PRIMARY SCHOOL

Congratulations to teachers, support staff and pupils at St Cadoc's
R.C. Primary School in Llanrumney on their successful Estyn
inspection. 
 
In its report, Estyn highlighted the school's strong leadership,
positive learning culture, and effective teaching practices.
 
The school was also commended for fostering a happy and safe
environment where pupils thrive, behave exceptionally well and form
strong relationships.

 

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

 

ACROSS WALES

 

WELSH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

This month I appeared before the Welsh Affairs Committee to be
scrutinised and questioned by MPs from all parties and to set out my
priorities for Wales as Secretary of State for Wales.
 
The UK Labour Government was elected with a core mission: to grow our
economy to put more money in the peoples’ pockets. I am committed to
ensuring that this growth reaches every corner of Wales.

Watch my first appearance here
[[link removed]].

 

SUPPORT FOR WORKERS & BUSINESSES IN PORT TALBOT

The UK Labour Government is acting decisively to support workers and
businesses in Port Talbot as the town transitions from making steel in
the old way to a new clean, green way.

  
Through the Port Talbot Tata Steel Transition Board, which I chair, we
are doubling the funding available to affected businesses and workers
and widening access to non-repayable loans to ensure we support as
many people and supply chain businesses as possible.
 
Watch Michael Sheen outline the support available below.

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

RAIL INVESTMENT IS A PRIORITY

Over the past 14 years, Conservative UK Governments took a clear
political decision not to make the necessary investment in rail in
Wales, particularly in the context of major investments such as HS2.

I am determined that this will change. Working in partnership with my
UK Labour Government colleague, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
and our Welsh Government Transport Minister, we have agreed that the
priority for spending should be focussed on the key recommendations
from the Burns Commissions for North and South-East Wales and the
Union Connectivity Review.

Read more about prioritising rail investment here
[[link removed]].

 

WARM HOMES FOR WALES

The UK and Welsh Labour Governments are working together to deliver
transformative energy and housing policies that improve lives across
Wales.
 
With initiatives like the ECO scheme, the Nest Warm Homes Programme,
and the Optimised Retrofit Programme, many households are receiving
vital support, including energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable
solutions that help reduce heating bills.
 
Read my blog
[[link removed]] to
learn how you can access the support delivered by our two Labour
Governments. 

 

WALES' FREEPORTS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Two new freeports are now open for business in Wales, each supported
by £26 million funding from the UK Labour Government.

 

Freeports are defined local areas with business rates reliefs and
other taxes and incentives to help encourage investment by companies
to create new jobs. The Celtic Freeport (Port Talbot and Milford
Haven) and the Anglesey Freeport aim to attract around £10bn of
investment with the capacity to create 15,000 new jobs, driving
economic growth across Wales.

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

SUPPORTING GROWTH ACROSS WALES

In November's Budget, Rachel Reeves allocated £88m in funding for
city and growth deals to unlock investment in every corner of Wales.
 
I recently met with leaders from Growth Deals and Local Authorities to
discuss creating jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets in
communities around Wales.

 

LIFE SCIENCES

The growing life sciences sector conducts groundbreaking research in
areas like healthcare, including bespoke cancer treatment vaccines &
employs over 12,000 people across 300 companies in Wales.
 
Life sciences are a real strength in Cardiff and have the potential to
grow significantly. The jobs are secure, well-paid ones and deliver
results that make a real difference. I recently met with industry
leaders at Life Science Hub Wales and Visited TrakCel and the
All-Wales Medical Genomics Service to see the latest developments in
this hugely important field.

 

Find out more about my visit here
[[link removed]].

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

PEMBROKESHIRE LEADING CLEAN ENERGY MISSION

The UK Labour Government is putting Wales at the heart of its plans to
make Britain a clean energy superpower.

 

I was pleased to visit Pembroke Power Station, Dragon LNG and Ledwood
Engineering, all of whom are both of key employers in the West Wales
economy. I met with lots of apprentices who are trained in clean
energy engineering skills and want to see their future in these
industries in their home county. 

 

The UK Labour Government has just announced nearly a minion pounds in
regional skills funding for Pembrokeshire to help make that dream a
reality.

 

IN PARLIAMENT

 

THE UK IS THE SECOND MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO INVEST

The UK has been ranked the second most attractive country for
investment behind the US, according to an annual survey of global
business leaders by PwC. This is the highest ranking for the UK in the
survey’s 28-year history.
 
These results show that businesses are backing the UK. It’s this
investment that will help drive economic growth and improve living
standards right across the country.

 

WELSH QUESTIONS

My mission as Secretary of State for Wales is to create wealth in
every community across Wales. At Welsh Questions, I was pleased to
update MPs on the progress we've made in the last 7 months, including
the recent announcement of two investment zones freeports, which will
drive growth across Wales.

 

It was also an opportunity to call on opposition parties in the Senedd
to vote for the Welsh Labour Government's budget, which will deliver
on the priorities of Welsh people. 

 

Watch some of my interactions here
[[link removed]].

 

CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, there
is finally hope for the Israeli and Palestinian people. On 15 January
2025, US President Biden and Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani confirmed
a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the beginning
of the end of one of the darkest chapters in recent history.

 

From day one in office, this UK Labour government has pressed, at
every opportunity, to free the hostages, get more aid into Gaza and
open up a path to lasting peace. We welcome the progress that has been
achieved, but much remains to be done.

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

 

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

On 27th January 1945, allied forces liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the
largest Nazi extermination camp in Europe. On their arrival, they
discovered the smouldering remains of the gas chambers and crematoria
after the Nazis had attempted to destroy the evidence of their crimes
against humanity. 

 

An estimated six million Jews were exterminated in death camps across
Europe, including over one million people who were deported to
Auschwitz. I signed Holocaust UK's Book of Commitment at No. 10
Downing Street, pledging to remember the lives of all the victims of
the Holocaust and Nazi persecution of other groups and all those
killed in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and
Darfur. 

 

We must also remember that the Holocaust did not begin with the
concentration camps, ghettos or deportations. We must continue to
combat the prejudice and hatred that has birthed some of the darkest
periods of world history.

 

SUPPORTING UKRAINE

Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine has proven to be a
monumental strategic failure. Far from achieving his aims, he has
united Ukraine’s allies, strengthening their resolve and fostering
deeper partnerships.

Keir Starmer recently visited Kyiv to solidify a 100-year partnership,
laying the foundation for a closer and enduring friendship between the
United Kingdom and Ukraine. This historic agreement establishes a
framework for long-term investment in both nations, focusing on
technological advancement, scientific collaboration, and cultural
exchange.
 
By working together, we will build resilient economies that deliver
for our citizens, ensuring security at home and abroad and fostering
prosperous, thriving nations for generations to come.
 
Read more about the partnership here
[[link removed]].

 

RENTERS' RIGHTS BILL

The UK Labour Government is delivering FAIRNESS AND SECURITY for
renters.

 

In Wales, we’ve already led the way with STRONG TENANT
PROTECTIONS through the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Now, Labour
is BUILDING ON THAT PROGRESS to create a fairer, more secure future
for renters across the UK. This includes new measures to BAN
DISCRIMINATION against tenants receiving benefits or those with
children.

 

VAT ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS

For far too long, private schools have benefited from an unfair tax
break, while state schools have faced funding challenges. Labour is
ending this privilege by applying VAT to private school fees.

 

This policy isn’t about punishing those who choose private education
- it’s about investing in the future of ALL children. The money
raised will be used to improve state schools, recruit more teachers,
and give every child the opportunity to succeed.

 

ARMED FORCES COMMISSIONER BILL

The UK Labour Government is delivering on its commitment to support
our armed service personnel and their families with the Armed Forces
Commissioner Bill. This is a significant step towards improving
conditions and strengthening protections for those who serve our
country.

 

The new and independent Armed Forces Commissioner will champion the
rights of service personnel. They will investigate concerns, highlight
issues such as housing, pay, and equipment, and hold the government
accountable for delivering tangible improvements.

 

I am pleased to have voted and be a named backer of this very
important Bill.

 

WATER (SPEACIAL MEASURES) BILL

Labour is committed to holding water companies to account and ensuring
cleaner, safer water for our communities. Our Water (Special Measures)
Bill introduces:

 

* Stronger penalties for polluting water companies
* Greater executive accountability, ensuring company leaders take
responsibility
* Enhanced regulation to improve environmental and public health
standards

 

While water companies prioritise profits, the UK Labour Government is
taking decisive action to put consumers first, protect our environment
and deliver the clean water Britain deserves.

 

ACTION ON TICKET TOUTS

Fans face an uphill battle to find face-value tickets to see their
favourite artist perform or sports team play live. This needs to
change.

The UK Labour Government won’t stand around and continue to fail
fans like the previous Conservative Government – we are delivering
on our manifesto commitment to protect fans.

 

We have launched a public consultation that aims to better protect
fans, improve access to live events and support the growth of the
UK’s world-leading live events sector. Learn more here
[[link removed]].

 

TACKLING FRAUD

The UK Labour Government is committed to safeguarding public finances
and protecting taxpayers’ money. The introduction of the Public
Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill this month will ensure that
every pound is spent effectively.

 

We are building a fairer, more accountable system that works for
everyone and delivers on our commitment to restoring trust in
politics. Read more in my blog
[[link removed]].

 

A.I ACTION PLAN

We need to harness emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to
get the economy growing, make our public services fit for the future
and drive change.
 
The UK Government’s action plan, announced this month by the Prime
Minister, will put the UK at the front of AI deployment, which is
already prevalent in our day-to-day lives. Make Britain the world
leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs, making
Britain a world leader in this revolutionary sector. That means more
jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and
transformed public services.
 
Read more about our A.I. Action Plan here
[[link removed]].

 

[Labour Rose]
 

Privacy Policy [[link removed]]

T&Cs [[link removed]]

Communication Preferences
[[link removed]]

Unsubscribe
[[link removed]]

Sent by email from the Labour Party, promoted by Hollie Ridley on
behalf of The Labour Party, both at Labour Central, Kings Manor,
Newcastle, NE1 6PA.

© 2025 Copyright Labour All rights reserved.


[[link removed]]


[[link removed]]


[[link removed]]


[[link removed]]



Promoted by Hollie Ridley on behalf of the Labour Party, Labour Central Kings Manor, Newcastle, NE1 6PA, United Kingdom
[link removed]