Welcome to my April newsletter. It’s been a busy and productive
month both in Parliament and at home in Cardiff East.

During the Easter break, I spent time meeting with local residents,
businesses, and charities to hear their views and share how my work in
Westminster helps to make a difference locally.

I am here to provide advice and support all year round. If there's an
issue you'd like to raise, please feel free to get in touch using the
contact details below.

 

02921 329736
[email protected]

 

NEWS FROM CARDIFF EAST

 

PENTWYN LEISURE CENTRE UPDATE

I visited Pentwyn Leisure Centre to inspect the progress being made on
the new swimming pool and wet play facilities.

Construction is now underway on the new 25-metre pool, which will
include a raising floor. This allows for a range of different swimming
and other water activities and will also reduce the costs of heating
the pool in a really innovative way. A water-play area and splash zone
are also being added, designed especially for families and younger
swimmers.

The Leisure Centre will remain open for the duration of the works
which are due to be completed by the end of this year.

 

SUPPORTING PENSIONERS IN CARDIFF EAST

This month, pensioners across Cardiff East will see a £470 increase
in their state pension thanks to the UK Labour Government’s
commitment to the Pensions Triple Lock.

Supporting pensioners locally remains a top priority for me. This
month I held my third Pension Advice Day in Roath at The Gate. A
variety of organisations were on hand to offer help with water bill
support, home energy efficiency, money and debt advice and benefit
checks to make sure residents are receiving everything they’re
entitled to.

It was great that a number of local residents who attended were
immediately referred for extra support and will be receiving more help
as a result of attending the Advice Day. Thanks to all the residents
who came along.

 

CARDIFF MPS STATEMENT ON CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

In early February, we issued a joint statement to our constituents
across Cardiff, setting out our position on Cardiff University’s
proposed job cuts and structural changes.

We remain deeply concerned about the University’s proposals,
particularly regarding the number and range of jobs at risk, the
restructuring that will affect the university experience for students,
and the wider knock-on effects these changes will have on our city and
surrounding areas, and indeed the whole of Wales. We continue to urge
the university to take all steps possible to avoid compulsory
redundancies.

Since our initial meeting with the Vice Chancellor in the week of the
announcement, we have continued to directly raise concerns with the
University, and again met with the Vice Chancellor and senior
management recently.

We have also continued to meet with employees at risk, student
representatives and trade unions, as well as the UK Government’s
Higher Education Minister and members of the Welsh Government.

Whilst we are grateful for the engagement that we have had with the
University leadership and appreciate the extremely challenging
financial situation that they face, we are alarmed by the continued
concerns being brought to our attention about some aspects of the
consultation process, which has now passed the halfway stage.

As the Members of Parliament for Cardiff, we remain committed to
working with all parties in the coming months to achieve the best
possible outcome for staff, students, the University and the wider
community.

 

CARDIFF FOODBANK

During the Easter recess, I visited Cardiff Foodbank’s warehouse to
meet with staff and volunteers and learn more about the recent trends
in Cardiff East.

 

Between October and December 2024, Cardiff Foodbank received over
58,000kg of food donations from the generous residents across the
city.

 

The staff and volunteers at Cardiff Foodbank are doing outstanding
work, and their efforts are essential in ensuring people in need
receive the support they require.

 

If you'd like to get involved, you can donate food, volunteer your
time, or provide financial contributions.

 

Click here [[link removed]] for more details on how
you can get involved.

 

COED CAERDYDD - FOREST CARDIFF

Cardiff Labour’s One Planet Cardiff strategy set out a very
ambitious goal to increase the tree coverage in our city from 18.9% to
25% and create an ‘Urban Forest’.

In just 4 years, Coed Caerdydd has planted over 100,000 trees across
Cardiff. This is a remarkable milestone which will reduce the
pollution in our air, mitigate flooding, keep people cool in summer
and provide habitats for wildlife across the city.

Thousands of saplings have been planted across Cardiff - but I’m
especially proud the 100,000th found its home in Greenway Park,
Rumney. A huge shout-out to Chloe from Coed Caerdydd for marking this
milestone in Cardiff East!

I’m also proud to have played my small part by joining volunteers at
Bute Park Cardiff's Community Orchard to plant the historic Gabalfa
apple tree - once feared lost for more than 100 years, now making a
return for the first time.

Our Cardiff Labour Council promised a Stronger, Fairer, Greener
Cardiff and that is exactly what they are delivering. Read more about
the project and how you can get involved here
[[link removed]].

 

OPEN UNIVERSITY

It was a pleasure to meet with Ben Lewis, Director of the Open
University in Wales and his team to discuss how flexible higher
education is benefiting students in Cardiff East and across Wales.

This UK Labour Government has made it their mission to ensure
opportunity for all. The Open University is leading the way in this,
with 76% of its students from Cardiff East coming from deprived
communities. I was especially pleased to hear that this flexibility is
having a huge impact on women, with 78% of Open University students in
our area being women.

It’s also great to see that some of the most popular courses in our
area, like Health and Social Care, are helping to address challenges
we face in our National Health Service.

 

ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA

This month I paid another visit to the Royal Welsh College of Music &
Drama (RWCMD), our world-leading centre for performance and design
that attracts the best creative talent from around the globe.

I caught up with Principal Helena Gaunt to discuss a range of issues
affecting the College and students, and also met Tim Rhys-Evans (of
Only Men Aloud fame), and SU President, Tiggy, who is a jazz
trombonist student.

During my visit, I also had the chance to listen to Tiggy play during
Amser Jazz Time rehearsals.

It’s always inspiring to see the talent at RWCMD which every year
continues to power our culture and growing creative industries.

 

SALVATION ARMY DONATION CENTRE OPENS IN PENYLAN

The Salvation Army has been a visible presence in communities across
Cardiff East for many decades, supporting children, families and older
people experiencing homelessness.

 

This support wouldn’t be possible without their charity shops and
generous donations from the public.

I paid a visit to their new Donation Centre on Colchester Avenue in
Penylan which was launched in March.

The centre is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and offers
volunteering places for members of the local community.

Click here
[[link removed]]
to learn more.

 

SAFER STREETS IN CARDIFF EAST

Residents across Cardiff East contact me regularly about ongoing
issues with anti-social behaviour in some areas of the constituency.
The UK Labour Government was elected on a manifesto to make our
streets safer, and I have been working with South Wales Police to
ensure that residents’ concerns are listened to and acted upon.

This month, I met with the Inspector James Hill, who leads the
neighbourhood policing team covering Adamsdown and Roath to discuss
specific problems faced by residents and understand how the force is
taking action on issues I have previously raised with Chief Constable.

This year, South Wales Police will receive funding to recruit an extra
70 Police Officers and 9 Special Constables. After 14 years of cuts
under the Conservatives, this investment is a step towards rebuilding
neighbourhood policing, giving residents a visible, reliable police
presence and a clear point of contact when they need support. I’m
pleased that new recruitment to the local team in Adamsdown and Roath
means they are now at full strength.

 

CARDIFF EAST SCHOOL FOOD HERO

A big thank you to everyone who took part in my search for Cardiff
East’s ‘School Food Hero’. I was overwhelmed by the number of
submissions, all highlighting the brilliant work of school catering
staff across Cardiff East.

It’s been great to hear so many positive stories about people making
a real difference in our local schools. It was a tough choice with so
many deserving names, but I’m really pleased to announce my
nomination: Lisa Mahoney from St Cadoc's R.C. Primary School.

Lisa’s dedication to serving healthy meals and creating a positive,
caring atmosphere for every pupil hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Lisa will now go forward as my nomination for Jamie Oliver’s Good
School Food Awards. Good luck Lisa!

 

PUBS TO STAY OPEN TO MARK VE DAY

With parties planned across the country to celebrate the 80th
Anniversary of VE Day, the Prime Minister has announced that pubs and
bars across the country will be able to keep serving until 1am to mark
the occasion.

This will mean venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able
to keep their doors open for a further two hours on the day. There are
several local community events happening and I will be taking part in
both community events locally and the national VE Day events at
Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

 

NEWS FROM ACROSS WALES

 

NHS WAITING LISTS COMING DOWN

It’s excellent news that waiting times for the NHS in Wales have
continued to fall for the third month in a row.

The UK labour Government provided the Welsh Government with a record
£21 billion budget settlement to fund our Welsh public services and
the additional funding and hard work of all our NHS staff is making a
real difference.

Wales has two Labour Governments working together and our partnership
is delivering benefits for people and communities across the country.
Learn more about our progress here
[[link removed]].

 

BACKING OUR STEEL INDUSTRY

The UK Labour Government will always do whatever it takes to protect
our steel industry and steel workers - right across the UK.

The Tories’ neglected UK steel for 14 years and refused to make
crucial decisions to support the future of the industry. This
dereliction of duty left Port Talbot on a cliff-edge on the day of the
general election.

In just ten weeks we negotiated a better deal with Tata which secured
the immediate future of Port Talbot; laid the foundations for future
investment and secured enhanced protections for every Tata employee in
Wales.

Unlike the Conservative Government which promised £80 million to
support Port Talbot but didn’t get a single penny out of the door to
help workers because it was completely unfunded, this Labour
Government has delivered the £80 million and over £50 million has
already been allocated to retrain and reskill workers, create new
jobs, protect the local supply chain, and support the mental health of
those impacted by the Tata transition.

The deal struck with Tata is a strong one where steelmaking and steel
workers are supported by a genuine partnership between the UK
Government and the private sector.

And we are acting with urgency once again to protect the industry in
Scunthorpe.

This Labour Government promised that we would deliver for our steel
communities and we are doing just that.

Watch my recent interviews on how Labour is backing our steel industry
here
[[link removed]].

 

MAJOR BOOST FOR CLEAN ENERGY INDUSTRY

Welsh families and businesses will benefit from greater energy
security as a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) network moves
closer to construction, supporting over 2,000 jobs across North Wales
and the North West of England.

I recently visited Heidelberg Materials in Padeswood, where plans are
underway for a £600 million investment to capture up to 800,000
tonnes of CO₂ per year. This project alone will create around 50 new
jobs and play a major role in reducing industrial emissions.

The UK Labour Government’s agreement with Eni unlocks £2 billion in
supply chain contracts to deliver large-scale CCS infrastructure,
which is key to our plans to develop a world-leading carbon capture
industry.

For North Wales, that means real investment in clean infrastructure,
new opportunities in construction and engineering, and a boost for the
region’s future in low-carbon power. Watch my latest video on our
plans for carbon capture here [[link removed]].

 

SUPPORTING THE LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR

During my recent visit to North Wales, I saw firsthand how Wockhardt
UK and Ipsen Biopharm are leading the way in the life sciences sector.

 

At Wockhardt’s Wrexham facility, I toured the manufacturing plant
that played a key role in producing the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19
vaccine and met with apprentices developing the skills crucial to the
future of healthcare.

 

Nearby, Ipsen Biopharm is expanding its research and production
capabilities with a £100 million investment in their Wrexham site,
which focuses on treatments for neurological conditions.

 

Together, these companies are driving growth in North Wales, creating
highly skilled jobs, and reinforcing the area’s reputation as a hub
for life sciences. Learn more about my visit here
[[link removed]].

 

SUPPORTING THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

Driving economic growth is at the heart of the UK Labour
Government’s Plan for Change and the technology sector will play a
vital role in achieving that ambition, offering high-quality, secure
jobs for the future.

 

Wales is already punching above its weight in the tech industry but we
must go further. This month, I hosted a roundtable with the Technology
Leadership Council to discuss how Wales’s thriving tech sector can
help deliver on our missions, boosting economic growth, transforming
public services and improving lives.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

INVEST IN WALES CONFERENCE

This month, I attended the 'Invest in Wales' Conference, hosted by the
Development Bank of Wales and Schroders at the Principality Stadium.
The event brought together key stakeholders to explore how strategic
investment can drive economic growth across Wales.

Our discussions focused on scaling up investment and unlocking private
finance for the energy transition and investing in housing and social
infrastructure to strengthen our communities.

It was great to be joined by former Welsh International, Alun Wyn
Jones, who shared powerful insights on seizing opportunity.

GREATER PROTECTION FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS

The UK Government is committed to making communities safer, and
reducing violence against women and girls is a crucial part of this
effort. A trial of new domestic abuse orders has been launched in
North Wales to provide stronger protection for victims and simplify
their access to help.

 

These new orders will give courts greater powers to protect victims,
ensuring they have the support they need and that perpetrators are
held accountable. The trial aims to prevent further harm to victims by
offering more stringent legal safeguards and making it easier for
those affected by domestic abuse to seek support.

 

For victims in North Wales, this trial represents a vital step forward
in their journey to safety. If successful, these orders could be
rolled out nationwide, helping to protect survivors and create safer
communities across the UK.

Read more about our plans here
[[link removed]].

 

BOOSTING EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

Our UK Labour Government is investing £10 million to get people back
into work. Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire and Neath Port Talbot have been
selected as areas where we can make the most difference.

Work improves physical and mental health and raises people’s
standard of living. The trailblazer scheme ensures that anyone who’s
able to work is helped into employment.

It’s an approach that we know works and builds on the success of the
Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee which already provides
support for young people to gain skills or get into work.

Read more about the UK Labour Government's trailblazer scheme here
[[link removed]]
or watch my recent update on the scheme here
[[link removed]].

 

PROTECTED STATUS FOR WELSH FOOD AND DRINK

Dovey Native Botanical Gin, Pembrokeshire Native Oysters,
Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters, and Welsh Heather Honey have now been
formally recognised by the UK Labour Government for their unique
qualities and strong regional heritage.

This recognition gives these products special status, supporting local
producers and helping their businesses grow. It also ensures that
consumers can continue to enjoy genuine, high-quality Welsh food and
drink with confidence.

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Status will play an
important role in promoting and celebrating the rich variety of Welsh
produce, and boosting growth in one of our most important sectors.

Read more here.

 

BAPIO WALES CONFERENCE

It was an honour to speak at the BAPIO Wales Awards Dinner and
celebrate the extraordinary contributions of healthcare professionals
of Indian origin across Wales. From pioneers like Dr Ganesh
Subrahmanyam, who treated victims at Aberfan, to today’s NHS heroes
who worked through the pandemic, BAPIO members have always been at the
heart of our health service.

As our two Labour Governments work in partnership to cut waiting times
and improve care, the dedication and innovation shown by BAPIO members
is vital. Their work reflects the UK Labour Government’s mission to
build an NHS fit for the future.

 

Congratulations to all the award winners. And thank you to Professor
Keshav Singal and the entire BAPIO team for your outstanding service
to the people of Wales.

 

NEWS FROM PARLIAMENT

 

WELSH QUESTIONS

This May marks 10 months of a UK Labour Government delivering real
change for Wales. During Welsh Questions, I was able to highlight the
huge progress we've made through our Plan for Change, driving growth,
creating jobs, and securing investment for every corner of Wales.

 

I’m proud that the partnership between our two Labour Governments
has secured an additional £1.6 billion into Welsh public services,
the largest boost since devolution. We’ve reduced waiting lists for
three consecutive months. We’ve secured over £1 billion in
investment for North Wales. Put Wales at the heart of our green energy
mission and allocated £100 million to five Welsh towns.

 

However, I made it clear that this progress is under threat. Plaid
Cymru, Reform UK, and the Tories would undo the advances we’ve made.
The choice is clear: a Labour government that delivers, or a
government led by Reform, the Tories or Plaid Cymru that would holds
us back.

Watch my interactions at the dispatch box here
[[link removed]].

 

US TARIFFS

The US administration’s decision to impose global tariffs is a
serious concern for many businesses in Cardiff East.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that a trade war with the US
serves neither the interests of working people here in the UK, nor
those in the US.

 

Our UK Government trade teams will continue to hold constructive
discussions in the coming weeks, working towards a broader UK-US
economic prosperity deal.

We will only agree to a deal that aligns with this UK Labour
Government’s mission to ensure economic stability for the British
people.

Read more in statement here
[[link removed]].

 

A PAY RISE FOR 160,000 WORKERS

Twenty-six years ago this month, the National Minimum Wage came into
force. This bold and forward-thinking policy that was delivered by the
last Labour Government continues to transform lives today.

This month alone, over 160,000 people in Wales received a pay rise.
For full time workers this is up to £1,400 a year, and for those aged
18–20, an annual rise of up to £2,500.

Back in 1998, the Conservatives claimed introducing a minimum wage
would damage the economy. They were wrong. Today, they support the
National Living Wage — whilst voting against the Labour
Government’s budget that delivered these increases to the lowest
paid workers.

From raising the National Living Wage to delivering improved
employment rights and protections, Labour will always stand up for
working people. Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

HOMES FIT FOR HEROES

For far too long, military families have been stuck in housing that
doesn’t meet even the most basic standards. That’s unacceptable.

Labour’s new Consumer Charter puts service families first. By
bringing 36,000 military homes back under public ownership, we’re
taking control and providing homes that truly reflect the respect and
gratitude we have for the people who serve our country. Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

TACKLING THE DRIVING TEST BACKLOG

The Tories left thousands of learner drivers in a growing backlog,
facing record delays to take their driving test. This isn’t just
frustrating for young people, it’s holding them back from work and
opportunity.

That’s why the UK Labour Government announced this month that
we’re taking immediate action to slash waiting times and open up
thousands of extra driving tests each month.

Here’s how Labour is getting things moving:

* Qualified DVSA staff in other roles will return to the frontline
to conduct practical tests
* The number of permanent trainers is being doubled to fast-track
the training of new examiners
* Overtime pay incentives are being reintroduced to boost examiner
capacity
* A fast-tracked consultation is being launched to crack down on
booking system abuse by bots

Labour is clearing the backlog - and clearing the road for
opportunity. Read more about our plans here
[[link removed]].

 

SMASHING THE CRIMINAL GANGS

Smuggling gangs are profiting from human misery, driving illegal
immigration and threatening national security. The Tories lost
control, but this UK Labour Government is taking action to tackle
their criminal trade.

We have introduced landmark legislation to give law enforcement
counter-terror style powers to smash the criminal gangs and secure UK
borders.

The Bill will provide stronger law enforcement powers to take earlier
and more effective action to disrupt, investigate and prosecute
organised criminal gangs.

This includes making it illegal to:

 

* Supply or handle items suspected of being used for immigration
crime.
* Endanger another life at sea.
* Collect information to prepare for boat crossings.

The Bill will also allow law enforcement to arrest those suspected of
facilitating people smuggling before smuggling takes place.

 

TAKING ACTION TO RESTORE TRUST IN POLICING

The UK Labour Government is taking decisive action to restore trust in
policing with new rules that will see officers who fail background
checks automatically dismissed.

For too long, where officers had been flagged for serious concerns,
such as domestic or sexual abuse, forces lacked the power to remove
individuals clearly unfit to serve.

These new measures will ensure that those who pose a risk to the
public or their colleagues can no longer stay in post.

This is a crucial step toward rebuilding confidence in policing and
within policing and ensuring communities can once again feel protected
and respected by those who are there to keep us safe.

 

CLEANING UP OUR WATERWAYS

Water company bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills will face up
to two years in prison under Labour’s landmark Water (Special
Measures) Act 2025. This is the toughest action ever taken against
law-breaking water executives.

Since privatisation, not a single water boss has been jailed despite
widespread illegal sewage dumping into our rivers, lakes, and seas.
Some companies have even obstructed investigations by withholding key
evidence.

Labour’s new law changes that, with tougher penalties to ensure
accountability at the top, finally ending the culture of impunity. The
risk of a jail sentence will serve as a powerful deterrent and force
companies to invest in upgrading outdated infrastructure.

This is a major step forward in protecting our environment. Labour
promised to clean up our waterways and we will. Read more here
[[link removed].].

 

PUBLIC AUTHORITIES (FRAUD, ERROR & RECOVERY) BILL

Fraud against the public sector costs the UK billions of pounds every
year. This is money that should be going to schools, hospitals, and
the people who need it most. Labour's Public Authorities (Fraud, Error
& Recovery) Bill will fix this.

The Bill will give the government stronger powers to catch and stop
criminals who cheat the system, with new tools to seize cash, luxury
goods, and mobile phones used in benefit fraud. This is expected to
save up to £1.5 BILLION over the next five years.

This isn't just about being tough. The Bill will also help protect
people who make honest mistakes, by spotting errors earlier and
stopping overpayments before they build up.

With stronger checks, better data, and proper oversight, this is a
fairer, smarter way to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure public
services get the funding they deserve.

 

FOOTBALL GOVERNANCE BILL

Football is more than just a game, it’s a way of life for millions
across the country. Yet for too long, fans have been pushed to the
sidelines while poor decisions and reckless spending threatened the
clubs they hold dear. Labour's strengthened Football Governance Bill
will put supporters back at the heart of the sport.

The Bill will tackle the root causes of instability by cracking down
on rogue owners and directors, and introducing a new club licensing
system to ensure better oversight of how clubs are run.

The Bill will bring greater financial transparency, consistency, and
stronger fan engagement throughout the football pyramid. This approach
is designed to protect clubs while allowing them to thrive.

 

Football belongs to its fans and Labour is ensuring it stays that way.
Read more about the Bill here.

 

COMMUNITY ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS

I was delighted to present the Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) of
the Year Wales award to Luke Fadipe (Cardiff Council) and Rhiannon
Vaughan (FOR Cardiff) for their outstanding work promoting
alcohol-free socialising in Cardiff East.

This Cardiff-based partnership has made a real difference by offering
students fun, inclusive alternatives to drinking, from sober raves and
silent discos to well-being events and creative workshops. Their
efforts are helping to create a safer, more supportive nightlife
culture across the city.

 

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