This week marks a full year of Labour in Government. At the General
Election, we promised change and we are delivering it. We’ve turned
the page on Tory chaos, stabilised the economy and we’re putting
working people at the heart of every decision we make.

And in Wales we have the benefit of two Labour Governments working
together. 

 

An Autumn Budget that delivered the biggest ever real terms financial
settlement for Wales in the history of devolution and this month, we
did it again. A record three-year settlement that provides an
additional five billion pounds for the Welsh Labour Government to
invest in our NHS, schools, transport, local council services and much
more.

After inheriting a total mess from the Tories, we had to make some
difficult early decisions to fix the economy. Now though, the benefits
are being seen and felt, not just in Wales but across the UK.

RAISING STANDARDS OF LIVING AND KICK-STARTING ECONOMIC GROWTH

 

* We’ve supported Welsh businesses, from manufacturing to new
industries in digital technology. Nearly 500,000 new jobs have been
created across the UK in the past year.
* 160,000 workers in Wales have had a record pay rise because of
Labour Government increases to the minimum and living wage.
* An extra 110,000 households across Wales will receive a £150
discount on their energy bills through our Warm Homes Discount.
* Labour has delivered above inflation pay rises for our public
sector workers, state pensions were increased by up to £470 a year
and our armed forces received their biggest pay rise in over 20 years.
* Interest rates have been cut four times in a year reducing
peoples’ mortgage payments.
* We’ve signed three trade deals: with the biggest economy in the
world (USA), the fastest growing economy in the world (India) and our
nearest and largest trading partner (the EU). And there are more to
come.

 

DELIVERING CLEAN ENERGY

 

* Wales is at the forefront of the green industrial revolution and
in the past year we’ve seen hundreds of millions of pounds of
investment in offshore and onshore wind farms, tidal energy projects,
carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and solar power.
* These initiatives are creating thousands of skilled, secure new
jobs, cutting carbon emissions and moving the country towards our goal
of being energy independent.
* This also means lower bills and not having to rely on people like
Putin for our energy supplies.

BUILDING PUBLIC SERVICES FIT FOR THE FUTURE

 

* Because we have two Labour Governments working together, we’ve
ended Tory underfunding of railways in Wales with nearly half a
billion pounds investment for new stations, faster trains, and future
rail improvement projects.
* Hundreds of millions of pounds more have gone into the Welsh NHS
this year, resulting in waiting list falling for four consecutive
months. The longest waits have fallen by two-thirds.
* More money for in schools, local transport, road repairs, council
services and support for Welsh businesses.

SAFER STREETS

 

* We have brought forward the most comprehensive package of crime
and policing reforms in decades, with 50 new laws to tackle the issues
that matter most to our communities.
* More powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour, shoplifting,
knife crime, and violence against women and girls.
* New powers for police to seize dangerous weapons, tackle mobile
phone theft, and remove nuisance vehicles like off-road bikes and
e-scooters.
* We’re also introducing Respect Orders for persistent offenders,
stronger protections for shop workers, and new offences to tackle
drink spiking, child exploitation, and county lines gangs. All backed
by 13,000 new neighbourhood police and PCSOs, this is real action
after years of Tory failure.
* Labour is restoring respect for law and order, supporting victims,
protecting communities, and rebuilding trust in policing.
* And we’re dealing with the prisons crisis left behind by the
Tories.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO OPPORTUNITY

 

* Investing in new schools, improving standards and expanding
apprenticeships.
* Supporting further education and lifelong learning, we’re
determined that all young people reach their potential, no matter
their background.

All this in a year. And a year when the world is more volatile and
dangerous than it has been for a long time. But the UK’s reputation
and standing in the world is so much better than it was twelve months
ago. That’s why companies from around the world are choosing to
invest in the UK, £120bn of direct investment since the general
election. That means more jobs, better living standards and a growing
economy.

Watch my speech to hear more about wins for Wales in the last twelve
months below.

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

NEWS FROM CARDIFF EAST

 

LLANRUMNEY BY-ELECTION

Councillor Heather Joyce has, stepped down as a Llanrumney Councillor
after serving her community for more than 17 years, because of ill
health.

Heather is a history maker. She was Cardiff’s first and only female
Council Leader. Her leadership changed the lives of countless people
across the city, from implementing the real living wage and supporting
young people into education, training and work.

I want to thank Heather for all she has done for Llanrumney,
communities across Cardiff East and for our city as a whole.

ON THURSDAY 24 JULY, LLANRUMNEY RESIDENTS WILL ELECT THEIR NEW
COUNCILLOR.

I’m proud to support our brilliant LLANRUMNEY LABOUR CANDIDATE, LEXI
POCKNELL, to continue Heather Joyce’s legacy. 

Lexi is a Llanrumney local, living, volunteering and raising her
family in Llanrumney.

 

I’ve seen Lexi’s dedication firsthand. She understands our
community because she is part of it.

Llanrumney has huge potential. Thanks to millions of pounds invested
by Cardiff Labour Council, we’re making good progress and with
Lexi’s commitment, we’ll go even further.

VOTE FOR LEXI POCKNELL ON THURSDAY 24TH JULY.

 

COUNTISBURY AVENUE REGENERATION SCHEME

Countisbury Avenue shops serve residents across Llanrumney and the
wider Cardiff East community. For years, your local Llanrumney
Councillors, Heather Joyce and Lee Bridgeman, have been working hard
to secure funding to regenerate this important part of the community.

After a long campaign, we’re pleased to announce that funding has
been secured to improve pavements, roads, street furniture, and the
overall condition of the area.

Your local Llanrumney Councillors will continue working closely with
Cardiff Labour Council to make sure this project delivers real
benefits for residents across Llanrumney.

 

TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

I know from countless conversations with residents across Llanrumney
that regeneration of Countisbury Avenue is not a solution to the
problems of anti-social behaviour in itself. Many residents have
raised serious concerns about anti-social behaviour, not just there,
but more widely across Llanrumney.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood. That’s
why the UK Labour Government is recruiting 13,000 more police officers
and PCSO’s and giving police more powers to deal with the problem.

Llanrumney Labour Councillor Lee Bridgeman and I raised your concerns
about anti-social behaviour directly with the Chief Inspector of the
Neighbourhood Policing Team to ensure that residents get more visible
policing to address those concerns.

Together, we’ve agreed a plan to work closely with residents and for
the extra police resources to be provided to reduce and to tackle
crime across Llanrumney.

This is a real step forward for Llanrumney. You’ll see and hear more
about it in the coming weeks. Our aim is to make a real change for
residents.

 

EASTSIDE SKATE PARK

Cardiff East is fast becoming a top destination for sport. Thanks to
major investment from Cardiff Labour Council, supported by both our
Welsh and UK Labour Governments, millions of pounds have been put into
developing high-quality sports facilities across the area. Llanrumney
is now home to Cardiff BMX Racing Club, the Cardiff City FC Academy,
and the brand-new Eastside Skate Park.

The opening ceremony at the Skate Park also highlighted the vital work
of our local Labour Councillors, who fought hard to protect Rumney
Recreation Ground. When Rodney Berman’s plans threatened this
much-loved community green space, they stood firm to secure its
future.

 

Thanks to Labour’s commitment to designate the area as a “field in
trust,” this space and the new Eastside Skate Park will be protected
for generations to come.

 

NEW CARDIFF EAST STATIONS

Cardiff East doesn't have a single train station. Its not good enough.


 

Your local Labour team in Cardiff East has been campaigning hard for
years to put this right.

Our UK Labour Government and Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister,
have each made an important announcement that means we’ve secured
major rail investment that will transform transport in Cardiff East. 

Cardiff Parkway is going ahead, creating up to 6,000 good-quality jobs
in St Mellons. And thanks to the UK Labour Government’s investment
in Welsh rail, two brand new stations will be built – one on Newport
Road and another on Crwys Road – which will make it easier than ever
for residents to get into the city centre in just minutes.

Labour is delivering better public transport, more jobs, and
investment for Cardiff East.

Top: Cardiff Parkway

Bottom Left: Cardiff East Station (Newport Road)

Bottom Right: Crwys Road Station

 

CARDIFF BUS EXPANDS ELECTRIC FLEET

Cardiff Bus has launched the second phase of its electric fleet, with
19 brand new zero-emission buses now on our roads. That brings the
total to 55 electric buses helping thousands of people travel across
our city every day.

Since 2019, this investment in sustainable public transport has saved
2.6 million litres of fuel and cut 2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions.

These new buses aren’t just good for the environment, they’re
better for passengers too, with quieter, more comfortable journeys,
with audio and visual announcements and USB charging points onboard.

Cardiff Labour promised a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Cardiff and we are
delivering exactly that.

 

Read more here [[link removed]].

 

CARDIFF CAPITAL REGION INVESTMENT ZONE

The UK Labour Government has announced a new Investment Zone for the
Cardiff Capital Region, bringing over £160 million in funding.
Investment zones provide tax and employment incentives to businesses
to invest and employ more people.

 

The focus in Cardiff will be on growing key sectors like film and TV,
tech, semi-conductors (microchips) and healthcare innovation. It’s a
big opportunity to support local talent, attract new employers, and
build a better future for Cardiff, the South Wales Valleys and wider
South-East Wales.

 

A UK Labour Government, working side by side with our Welsh Labour
Government and local authority leaders to deliver investment to every
community across Wales. This is what partnership in power looks like.

 

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM WALES

 

INVESTING IN FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND

This month’s announcement from the Crown Estate announcing the two
developers who have been approved to deploy what will be the biggest
floating offshore wind farm in the world, off the coast of West Wales
in the Celtic Sea, is brilliant news for Wales.

They will power 4 million homes with clean electricity and bring
thousands of skilled, unionised jobs to South Wales and well as an
expected 1.5 billion pounds of investment.

Our UK Labour Government is making sure the transition to clean energy
creates new jobs. A £400 million investment in the offshore wind
supply chain and £80million investment in upgrading key Welsh ports
like Port Talbot, will local businesses.

 

Read the announcement from the Crown Estate here
[[link removed]].

[Video] [[link removed]]

 

SUPPORTING MORE WELSH HOUSEHOLDS WITH THEIR ENERGY BILLS

The UK Labour Government is providing the Warm Home Discount to
110,000 more families across Wales this winter.

Every bill payer on means-tested benefits will now qualify, easing the
cost of living and putting £150 more in people's pockets.

This major expansion of support for working families from our Labour
Government.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

SIR BILLY BOSTON

I’m so thrilled to see Cardiff legend Billy Boston receive a
knighthood. One of rugby league’s all-time greats, Billy broke
records and barriers. As a proud resident of Butetown and trailblazer
for Black sportsmen, his legacy reaches far beyond rugby league.

This long-overdue honour recognises not just his sporting greatness,
but his long fight for equality both on and off the field.
Congratulations, Sir Billy.

 

NEWS FROM PARLIAMENT

 

SECURING OUR FUTURE

It was a privilege to join the Prime Minister and First Minister at
RAF Valley on Anglesey to commemorate Armed Forces Day and thank
service personnel for the continued dedication and sacrifice they make
to keep us safe.

 

In an era of growing threats, Labour is putting national security at
the heart of our plan for change - not just by rebuilding our Armed
Forces, but by making defence an engine of economic growth here in
Wales.

 

After years of underinvestment, our Strategic Defence Review will end
the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and giving our service personnel
the support they deserve. That starts with proper funding and real
action to fix the poor state of forces housing.

 

Across Wales, service families will benefit from urgent repairs to
leaky roofs, broken boilers and damp-ridden accommodation. New housing
will also be developed, giving our forces the decent homes they should
always have had.

 

We are also investing in Wales’ industrial base to ensure Welsh
workers play a central role in the next generation of defence
innovation. From advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge technology,
Welsh engineers, technicians and apprentices will help deliver the
modern equipment our forces need.

 

Read more about the Strategic Defence Review here
[[link removed]].

 

LABOUR'S TEN YEAR MODERN INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Our modern Industrial Strategy is a turning point for Wales, providing
a long-term, ambitious plan to unlock our economic potential and
create skilled jobs across the country.

After years of short-term fixes, we're delivering the certainty Welsh
businesses need to invest, innovate and grow.

This 10-year strategy will break down barriers to investment, drive
billions into advanced technology, cut energy costs, and build the
skills our economy needs. With a 25% cut in industrial electricity
prices and a commitment to clean energy security, we’re supporting
the backbone of Welsh manufacturing.

We’re working side-by-side with business to deliver 1.1 million
good, well-paid new jobs across the UK to make this the best place in
the world to invest. We’re boosting business, putting more money in
people’s pockets, and building a stronger Wales within a changed UK.

Read more about the Modern Industrial Strategy here
[[link removed]]. 

 

WELSH QUESTIONS

At this month’s Welsh Questions, I set out how the UK Labour
Government is backing Wales - with billions in extra funding to
support jobs, grow our economy and invest in our future.

I welcomed the investment secured to upgrade rail infrastructure
across Wales - my number one priority - delivered by a UK Labour
Government that’s listening and acting.

I also spoke about plans to put Wales at the heart of Labour’s green
energy mission, and the new jobs and industries it will bring.

Whilst the Tories, Plaid Cymru and Reform choose to talk Wales down,
our two Labour Governments are getting on with the job and delivering
for communities across the country.

Watch more here
[[link removed]].

 

INVESTING IN NUCLEAR POWER PROJECTS

Our UK Labour Government is launching the biggest nuclear energy
building programme in a generation to secure clean, home-grown energy.

The plan includes major investment in Sizewell C, creating 10,000 jobs
with supply chain businesses in Wales benefiting from this vital
investment to the tune of £900 million pounds.

Alongside this, the government is kick-starting Small Modular
Reactors, supporting 3,000 skilled jobs and powering 3 million homes,
with Rolls-Royce selected as the manufacturer.

 

WELFARE BILL

Labour is reforming our broken social security system, making it
fairer, more respectful, and sustainable for the future.

 

We’ve listened to concerns about the impact of the pace of change on
those already supported by the system. As a result, the UK Government
is making key changes to strengthen the Bill:

 

* No current PIP recipients will be moved to the new system -
changes apply to new claims from November 2026.
* Universal Credit health element recipients will have their incomes
protected in real terms.
* A ministerial review of PIP will ensure the benefit is fair and
future-proof, with disabled people at its heart. There will be no
changes to the PIP points eligibility until after the review is
implemented.
* We’re raising the standard rate of Universal Credit - the
biggest real-terms increase since the 1980s.
* Protections for the most vulnerable include ending unnecessary
reassessments and introducing a new “right to try”.

These reforms will support those who can work, protect those who
cannot, and reduce anxiety for those already in the system.
Throughout, we will ensure that our reforms are guided by our Labour
principles of fairness and respect.

 

IRAN AND ISRAEL CONFLICT

The situation in the Middle East is volatile, fast-moving and very
concerning.

This is a dangerous moment for the entire region and further
escalation is in no one’s interests. We continue to urge both sides
step back, show restraint and work for a diplomatic resolution to this
conflict through dialogue. Clearly there is a risk of further
escalation – but a spiralling conflict would be devastating for
civilians, regional stability, and we know global shocks can also
impact working people here at home.

Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security
and they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. We
continue to work with our international partners to secure a
diplomatic solution.

 

PENSION SCHEMES BILL

Labour’s key mission for government is to grow the economy and put
more money in people’s pockets.

But far too often working people are paying into small, forgotten
pension pots which remain stagnant, with no prospect of growing into a
good-sized pension pot for retirement. This needs to change.

Labour is working with pension schemes to improve the return
pensioners receive. Under our plans, pension pots will be gathered
into larger, better‑run schemes so they grow faster and cost less.
All pension providers will have to prove they offer good value or
merge with one that does.

These measures are nothing short of rewiring the British economy.
Together, they could help over 20 million savers and free up
billions for investment in Britain’s future.

 

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

CASEY REVIEW

Nothing is more important than protecting vulnerable children,
delivering action for victims who have endured years of being ignored,
and stamping out the vile crimes perpetrated by grooming gangs once
and for all.

More than a decade ago, Keir Starmer prosecuted the first grooming
gang case in Rochdale. Now in government, we are determined to root
out these heinous crimes.

Louise Casey’s audit details the most appalling abuse of young
girls, shocking institutional failures and how opportunities to lock
up evil perpetrators were missed because too little action was taken
over more than a decade.

The Home Secretary is right to implement Baroness Casey’s
recommendations in full. We have also ordered the National Crime
Agency to lead a nationwide operation to track down grooming gangs.

Taken together with all the other measures set out in recent months,
these reforms comprise the strongest action any government has taken
to tackle grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation in our country.
It means a new national inquiry, more police investigations, more
arrests, new protections for children, and a complete overhaul of the
way organisations work and share information to protect children.

We are determined to ensure accountability for failures at local
level, to support and get justice for victims and survivors and to put
more perpetrators behind bars.

 

DISPOSABLE VAPES BANNED

Nearly 1 in 10 secondary school pupils in the UK now vape. This a
shocking figure that puts the health of young people at serious risk.

 

Our UK Labour Government has taken urgent action, with a ban on
disposable vapes coming into force earlier this month. The Tobacco and
Vapes Bill goes even further with new measures to stop companies
targeting children with colourful packaging and sweet flavours.

 

Labour’s action on vapes is protecting children, supporting parents,
and cleaning up our streets.

 

WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS EXPANDED

Nine million pensioners with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year
will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

 

This threshold is well above the income level of pensioners in poverty
and is broadly in line with average earnings, balancing support for
lower income pensioners with fairness to the taxpayer.

 

No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further
action.  Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment
at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed.

 

Making these changes now gives people certainty and ensures that
payments can be made in time for this winter.

 

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

BONUS BANS FOR WATER BOSSES

The UK Labour Government's new Water Act is banning unfair bonuses for
water companies. The ban has already been applied to Thames Water,
Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Wessex Water, United Utilities, and
Southern Water. 

Under the Conservatives, water bosses awarded themselves over £112
million in bonuses and incentive payments. This can’t continue. 

The era of profiting from failure is over. We will take action against
any water company that fails in its duties to protect our rivers,
lakes and seas.

 

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

ABOLISHING THE VAGRANCY ACT

The Vagrancy Act, passed more than two hundred years ago is a leftover
from a less compassionate society. While the Tories claim homelessness
is a ‘lifestyle choice’ this Labour Government is drawing a line
under this historic injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in
society.

New legislation will tackle the root causes of homelessness, with a
record £1 billion in funding for homelessness services this year to
prevent homelessness and tackle rough sleeping head on.

 

We will also target real crimes such as organised begging by gangs and
trespassing, protecting communities without penalising vulnerable
people.

This is a modern solution to a longstanding challenge. By focusing
support where it’s truly needed, we’ll finally address this
challenge for good.

 

ASSISTED DYING BILL

Thank you to all the constituents who have contacted me about assisted
dying in recent months.

 

I have long supported a compassionate change in the law to allow
assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses.

I am pleased that the House of Commons has now voted to legalise
assisted dying. It’s a landmark moment that puts dignity, compassion
and personal choice at the heart of end-of-life care.

Public support for reform has remained strong, with recent polling
showing that 74% of people back a change in the law. I’m proud that
we have now acted on that support.

This has been a deeply personal and often emotional debate. I am
grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views with me.

 

[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]