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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.