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Dear Friend,
It's been an incredible week of bluster and empty rhetoric from the Prime Minister as he set out his 'New Deal' to kickstart the economy as we rebuild from Covid-19. The greatest challenge we face - the climate emergency - barely got a look in.
He told us he would 'build back greener' as part of his mission to reach net zero and he also said he would build 'jet zero '- on the same day that Airbus announced 15,000 jobs were at risk. Attempting to emulate Roosevelt and his New Deal, the Prime Minister only succeeded in exposing just how out of touch he and his government are with reality, as well as exposing his meagre, bargain-basement New Deal.
As we look toward the rebuild, we have a chance to face up to the starkest challenge of all: our rapidly changing climate. We must recognise what is good for our planet is good for livelihoods and jobs, but unfortunately we have a Prime Minister who favours big words over actually delivering anything. His new plans are stuck in the fossil fuel age but there is an imperative to ensure a green recovery now to put us on track to tackle the climate crisis.
The UK needed leadership on this, not rhetoric. All eyes are now on the Chancellor's budget next week as to whether he will bail out the Prime Minister and drive environmental ambitions to match the scale of the challenge.
As England is set to see their first weekend of pubs and restaurants opening up, there's lots of concern that this has come far too soon. The PM's press conference today specifically to warn people to be careful says as much. I'm pleased the our Welsh Labour government is taking a far more measured and cautious approach by listening to the science.
As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected].
With very best wishes,
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PM's Bargain-Basement New Deal
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It was clear the government's strategy was to hide inadequate commitments with bluster and rhetoric. With the climate emergency upon us - where is the action that must follow words?
Take South Wales for example - cancellation of electrification of trains, no support for a ground-breaking tidal lagoon and now no new money for Wales. Compare this to Macron in France or Merkel in Germany who are both making commitments of 15 and 40 billion to invest in rebuilding a green economy and green jobs.
We know that only by transitioning to a green economy with apprenticeships and jobs in the sustainable and green sectors are we going to be able to meet this climate emergency head on, replace jobs lost in that transition and fix the unemployment crisis we now face.
View my speech:
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Prime Minister's Questions
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Next week, I've drawn first for a question to ask the Prime Minister at PMQs. I want to hear from you on what you'd like me to raise. What's your number one issue that I can bring to the Prime Minister's attention. Let me know!
Last week, I asked the Prime Minister why he has given up working as four-nations. Given recent data suggested that the people of Wales have far more confidence in their Welsh Labour Government than the people of England in his, I asked whether he should have followed Wales' lead from the start.
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In 1948, rebuilding from the devastation of World War Two, the Labour Government created our National Health Service. Today, it remains our proudest achievement – and a shining example of what we can do when we come together. This year, the coronavirus crisis has shown us how the NHS is there for us when we need it most. Through this crisis, it is the care workers, doctors, nurses, NHS staff and key workers who are putting themselves on the line to protect us all.
On the NHS’s 72nd birthday, we say thank you for all that you do to keep our nation healthy and cared for. Labour created the NHS. We will always protect it so that it can protect you.
Add your name to our card and send your thanks to our brilliant NHS:
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Committee on Climate Change Report
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Last week the Committe on Climate Change published their progress report, assessing progress made on reducing carbon emissions over the past year.
2020 was to be the year of climate action, but the report shows the government has fallen woefully short of the rapid climate progress needed and reinforces the need to harness this opportunity and ensure a green recovery. The UK are well positioned to show global leadership as COP26 hosts - it just requires political will to do so.
You can view the report here:
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Great to speak to constituents and Birchgrove WI's Climate Ambassadors this morning to hear their views on how we can build back better from this health crisis, as part of the first ever virtual lobby of Parliament by the Climate Coalition. The time is now to put a healthy, greener and fairer future at the heart of our rebuild.
I fully support the Climate Coalition’s declaration to ensure rebuilding a resilient economy goes hand in hand with tackling the climate crisis and ensuring that those most impacted by climate injustice are not left behind.
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Groundbreaking Tidal Lagoon Lost?
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The groundbreaking Tidal Lagoon would've been transformative, positioning Wales as a leader in the green energy sector, if UK Government hadn't blocked it. The Government cannot tout 'build back greener' in one breath and fail to recognise the scheme's potential in another. I raised this with Andrea Leadsom in the House of Commons.
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For millions of Syrians, a lifeline to critical aid may be lost within days if the UN Resolution to renew cross border aid in Syria is not re-authorised. Ahead of this week's Supporting the Future of Syria conference, I called for global leaders to step up and show political courage and ensure they do more than just talk about protecting the most vulnerable.
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Virtual Meeting with Save The Northern Meadows
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This afternoon Julie Morgan MS and I met with some core members of the Save The Northern Meadows campaign team to discuss concerns surrounding the Velindre Cancer Centre Development.
This week, largely as the result of our pressure on Velindre Trust, local residents have had two opportunities to put their concerns directly to Velindre as well. However, if there's any concerns you'd like to raise about the development then please do not hesitate to get in contact with me.
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The Future for Cardiff North: The Results
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Earlier this year, I conducted an online survey and held an open discussion with Cardiff North constituents on the local and national issues you are most concerned about. Its purpose was to ensure the issues you raised and the solutions we came up with together shape my priorities as your Member of Parliament. The local and national action points we came up with together will shape my priorities and campaigning to ensure I am representing you as well as possible. I intend to hold another virtual meeting soon to discuss priorities in the context of Covid-19.
You can view the report here:
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As we celebrated Armed Forces Day on the weekend, I wanted to thank our forces for the role they play both at home and abroad.
I have taken part in the Parliamentary armed forces scheme which gives a real insight into the important work behind serving in the armed forces.
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Cardiff Council are currently consulting on the proposed Cycleway which will run along King George V Drive, Allensbank Road, Whitchurch Road and Cathays Terrace.
If you have any question or would like more information, please book onto one of the online events below by emailing transportpolicy@cardiff.gov.uk:
Thursday 16th July, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July, 4pm
To view the plans or to give feedback on the proposed Cycleway 1.2, please visit: http://orlo.uk/tRNnU
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800 Jobs saved at Celsa Steel
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The Government has given an emergency loan to a Cardiff-based steel producer to allow the company to continue operating. The agreement is set to secure more than 1,000 jobs, including over 800 at Celsa Steel's main sites in south Wales.
As part of the loan, which is expected to be repaid in full, the company must meet a series of legally binding conditions, including commitments to protect jobs, on climate change and net zero targets, and restraints on executive pay and bonuses.
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6th July Lockdown Changes
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From 6 July, the Welsh Government is set to change the rules to let two households join together to create an ‘extended household’. Everyone in the extended household can act as if they live in one household – so, go into each other’s homes and not need to stay 2 metres apart.
This includes staying over, childcare and help with other caring responsibilities. To reduce the spread of coronavirus, you can only create an extended household with one other household.
You can find further details here
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Support our High Streets & Shop Local
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Over the last couple of months I've been working with elected representatives across Cardiff North on a campaign to support our community businesses. As businesses start to open back up in Wales, we'd encourage you all to support our high streets and shop local wherever possible!
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Help brighten up our neighbourhood and create a long term reminder of how we all came together during the pandemic and lockdown. If you live, work or study in Llandaff North or Gabalfa and want to be involved here's what you need to do:
1. Draw round your hand on some card, keeping it quite closed. (For babies you can make a handprint.)
2. Colour it in, as colourful as possible.
3. Cut it out.
4. Write your name on the back and deliver to your nearest YGC Rebel Mam.
All the handprints will be collated and turned into a single work of Art which will then be on long term display in Llandaff N/ Gabalfa.
Drop off by 11th July to:
15 Western Drive
10 Fox Russell Close
30 River View
9 Aberporth Rd
Little Tree Yoga, 118 Station Rd
37 Aberdore Rd
178 Gabalfa Ave
80 Mynachdy Road
104 Pwllmelin Rd, Fairwater
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The Hygiene Bank have put out a call for help as they're in desperate need of basic items to help reach those who need them most. The charity serves over 500 people each week and need to continue giving people the basics.
They have given out all of our shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant for men, women and children! You purchase the items in the Easho Wishlist and they're delivered directly to those in need!
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd
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