Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter. This has been a very busy
month, both picking up and resolving casework on behalf of
constituents in Cardiff East, voting on our landmark legislation like
the Employment Rights Bill in Parliament and making big announcements
on new UK Labour Government funding right across Wales.

I am here to help all year round. If there is an issue you would like
to raise with me, or if you need support, please get in touch:

📧  [email protected]
📞  02921 329736

 

STATEMENT ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN MANCHESTER

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is also a day
that has been tainted by shock and sadness, following the terrorist
attack against members of the Jewish community in Manchester. This was
an attack driven by antisemitic hatred, targeting people solely
because they are Jews.

 

I understand the fear this attack has caused. Our Jewish community
should not have to live like this; nobody should.

 

Read my statement in full here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM CARDIFF EAST

 

PRIDE IN PLACE

Local people know their area better than anyone else. I recognise this
and our UK Labour Government does too.

I’m extremely pleased that after much campaigning for funding to
improve our city and our neighbourhoods, the UK Labour Government has
announced £21.5 million pounds of funding for Cardiff through the
Pride in Places Programme.

Cardiff is one of nine places in Wales to receive £20 million pounds
from the Programme, plus another one and half million pounds from an
additional fund.

This can be used to create new opportunities for our young people,
invest in initiatives to keep our streets safe, and boost pride in our
communities.

It will be up to all of us to decide how exactly the money should it
be spent. So that means you!

I’ll share more information on how you can get involved soon. I hope
you will give your views on how we can improve our neighbourhoods
across Cardiff East.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

CARDIFF PARKWAY

I recently joined Vaughan Gething MS, Nigel Roberts (Cardiff Parkway
Developments Chairman), Andrew Roberts (Development Director), Adam
Gordon (Investec), and Huw Thomas (Leader of Cardiff Council) for a
productive meeting on the future of Cardiff Parkway.

Cardiff Parkway will deliver a new mainline station and business park
in St Mellons, creating thousands of jobs and transforming
connectivity in Cardiff East.

This is a huge opportunity for Cardiff East and I’ll continue
working to ensure our communities benefit from the jobs, training and
investment this brings.

 

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Thank you to everyone who joined me at this year’s Macmillan Coffee
Morning at the Royal British Legion in Llanrumney.

One in three of us will face cancer in our lifetime, and Macmillan’s
superb nursing teams provide vital care and support to patients and
their families across Cardiff East and beyond.

 

We raised over £300 to help Macmillan continue their life-changing
work. I’m very grateful to everyone who came along and donated. I
hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

If you would like to, you can make a donation here
[[link removed]*54izn*_gcl_au*MzI2MTIyNzU2LjE3NTk0OTQ0MzU.*_ga*MTc3MzM2NTI2MS4xNzU5NDk0NDM0*_ga_2J203BPENT*czE3NTk0OTQ0MzQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTk0OTQ0NDAkajU1JGwwJGgw].

 

SEIZURE OF ILLEGAL E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS

I’m really pleased that after me raising concerns with South Wales
Police about illegal e-bikes and scooters speeding in Cardiff East and
causing danger to residents, a joint operation between South Wales
Police and Cardiff Council has led to the seizure of over 130 illegal
e-bikes and scooters from Cardiff’s streets.

Some of the vehicles seized were able to reach speeds of over 80mph,
with no working brakes, posing serious risks to public safety. The
crackdown will continue into autumn, with targeted enforcement across
Cardiff East.

Keeping our streets safe is a priority and I’ll continue working
with both the Police and the Council to ensure action is taken where
it’s needed most. Thanks to everyone who raised their concerns with
me when I’ve been out with my team knocking on residents’ doors.
Please continue to let me know if you have further concerns.

 

BRO EDERN’S INSPIRING WOMEN ENGINEERS

Gwen, Carys and Nia from Team Parabolica at Ysgol Bro Edern have
travelled to Singapore this month to represent Wales at the STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Racing HQ World Finals.

These brilliant young women have developed a miniature F1 car,
showcasing their skills in engineering, design, and marketing on a
global stage.

They brought home yet another piece of silverware, securing the FIA
Women in Motorsport Award for 2025. I’m so impressed with what they
have achieved, and they continue Ysgol Bro Edern’s hugely successful
track record in this discipline.

 

Congratulations Gwen, Carys and Nia.

 

WELCOMING STUDENTS TO CARDIFF EAST

A warm welcome to all students beginning or continuing their studies
in Cardiff East.

It’s always a highlight of the year to meet students at Cardiff
University's freshers' fair. It was great to see strong interest in
Cardiff University Labour Students, a brilliant way to get involved in
the local community and make a difference.

Wishing all students all the best for a successful and enjoyable year
ahead.

 

STARLING BANK SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND JOBS

Starling Bank’s Cardiff East office is now one of our city’s
largest employers, with over 1,800 staff supporting its fast-growing
digital banking operations.

I met with Ariane, Harriet and Joe from the senior management team at
Starling’s HQ to see how they are investing in initiatives to
support local employment and skills development.

From AI-powered banking tools to dedicated support for small
businesses, Starling is a great Welsh example of how fintech is
driving innovation, backing local enterprise and creating many new
jobs here in Cardiff East.

 

ROATH REC GETS A SPRUCE UP

After a temporary reduction in pitches during the cycleway works, all
four playing fields (three football and one rugby) at Roath
Recreational Ground are now back in action.

Cardiff Labour Council has worked closely with local sports leagues
and teams to make sure the facilities meet their needs.

Thanks to everyone who got in touch about this issue. It’s great to
see the pitches reinstated just in time for the new season and so many
residents using the new cycleway and pathway.

 

CARDIFF MUSIC CITY FESTIVAL

Cardiff is fast becoming a capital for global music.

Cardiff City Music Festival is back this October, bringing together
local artists and international performers for two weeks of live gigs,
pop-up shows, inspiring talks, and industry events.

With support from Cardiff Council, the programme will showcase the
best music made in Wales and by Welsh artists around the world.

Read more here [[link removed]].

 

SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

Applications are now open for children starting secondary school in
Cardiff in September 2026.

If your child is currently in Year 6, you’ll need to apply before
the deadline on MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2025.

Using all five school preferences gives your child the best chance of
getting a place at a school that suits them. Make sure to include any
important information, such as siblings already at a school or any
additional needs.

Parents can start their child’s application here
[[link removed]].

 

WORLD LEADING BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH AT CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

Cardiff University has received £200,000 from the UK Labour
Government’s Research and Innovation Fund to support its pioneering
work on brain cancer research, particularly in the field of
glioblastoma treatment.

I’m proud to see Cardiff University yet again recognised for its
vital contribution to medical research. This investment will help
researchers develop new treatments and improve outcomes for patients
across Wales and beyond.

This is yet another example of how the UK Labour Government is
unlocking Wales’s potential in the life sciences and advanced
technologies sectors.

 

NEWS FROM PARLIAMENT

 

UK RECOGNISES THE STATE OF PALESTINE

In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, the UK has
formally taken the step to officially recognise the state of
Palestine.

This historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies,
reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms
the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
It delivers on our manifesto commitment.

Read my statement in full here
[[link removed]].

 

SECURING £150 BILLION INVESTMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES

The UK has secured a record £150 billion in investment from US
companies, supporting thousands of high-quality jobs and boosting key
industries like clean energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing
here in Wales.

This is the largest commercial package ever announced during a state
visit, showing the strength of the UK-US partnership.

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

 

INTRODUCING THE HILLSBOROUGH LAW

The fight for justice for the victims and survivors of Hillsborough,
Windrush and Grenfell has been long and traumatic. Governments often
promise that when the state fails, and when there is little or no
accountability, things must change. But campaigners have seen words
and no action until now.

This month, the UK Labour Government took historic steps to ensure
truth, candour and justice after tragedy.

The introduction of the Hillsborough Law will help to close a chapter
on some of our darkest days. This was a promise made by the Prime
Minister to the families and campaigners who fought for justice over
decades and who were badly let down by the authorities who were meant
to protect them.

Read more about what the Hillsborough Law will mean and what it will
do here
[[link removed]].

 

THE BIGGEST UPGRADE TO WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN A GENERATION

The UK Labour Government’s Employment Rights Bill is now in its
final stages in Parliament, bringing us closer to the biggest upgrade
to workers’ rights in a generation.

The new law will end exploitative zero-hours contracts and
fire-and-rehire practices, strengthen sick pay, and introduce day-one
rights to parental and bereavement leave.

Despite repeated attempts by Reform, the Conservatives and Liberal
Democrats to wreck the Bill, the UK Labour Government has seen off
their attempt to water down rights and protections for working people.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

REMOVAL OF FOREIGN CRIMINALS

The UK Labour Government is introducing new powers to return foreign
national offenders to their home countries immediately after
sentencing. This builds on recent reforms that allow earlier removal
from prison, helping to ease overcrowding, cut costs, and keep
communities safe.

Thousands of foreign offenders have already been removed since the
election. These changes are part of our plan that is fixing the broken
justice system, restoring  border control and ensuring victims and
the public are protected from dangerous individuals convicted of
crime.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM UK LABOUR CONFERENCE

 

RENEWING BRITAIN

Keir Starmer delivered a powerful speech at Labour Conference, setting
out his vision for Britain’s future. He spoke about the defining
choices our country faces: renewal or decline, and decency or
division.

WE ARE CHOOSING RENEWAL.

That means improving living standards, reforming our public services,
boosting the economy, putting money back into the pockets of working
people and restoring pride in our communities.

The Prime Minister made it clear that this path won’t be easy. It
requires serious decisions and the courage to reject the politics of
grievance pushed by nationalists who want to tear our country apart.

Instead, Keir set out a vision of decency, tolerance and respect where
everyone is seen, everyone is valued, and every community has the
chance to thrive.

This UK Labour Government will deliver a decade of national renewal.

Watch Keir Starmer’s Speech in full here
[[link removed]].

 

RENEWING WALES

One year ago, I became Labour’s first female Secretary of State for
Wales in the first Labour Government in 14 years. In my first address
to UK Labour Conference last year, I promised to put Wales at the
centre of our decade of national renewal and that’s exactly what
I’ve been doing.

We’ve delivered record investment in steel, rail, and clean energy.
We’ve created tens of thousands of new jobs through Freeports,
Investment Zones and support for advanced manufacturing. Real wages
are rising, unemployment is falling, and inward investment in Wales
has gone up 30% in the past year.

BUT THESE SUCCESSES ARE ALL UNDER THREAT.  

I used my address this year to talk about the choice for Wales at next
May’s Senedd Election: renewal or decline. A vote for nationalist
parties, whether Plaid or Reform, will set back the progress we have
achieved over the last 14 months, with two Labour Governments working
in partnership to deliver for every corner of Wales.

Nationalist parties are not interested in solving challenges because
they thrive on grievance and need it to continue as it’s the basis
of their politics.

Instead of uniting our country, as the Prime Minister called for in
his speech, all nationalists want to divide us.

We should be proud of our history and confident in our future as we
embark on a decade of national renewal.

Watch my speech in full here [[link removed]].

 

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY TO  BE NATIONALISED

The UK Labour Government is delivering on our 2024 manifesto pledge to
bring our railways back into public ownership. Whilst Wales already
benefits from Transport for Wales, our own publicly owned rail
operator, many cross-border services are still run by private
companies like Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast. That
means that the companies keep the profits, but the taxpayer takes the
hit on the liabilities. That’s about to change.

All passenger rail services are expected to return to public ownership
by the end of 2027. By the middle of next year, more than 80% of
passenger journeys will be under public control.

Our two Labour Governments are investing in a railway system that
works for passengers, reversing years of decline and neglect. We’re
building a network fit for the future, with public ownership at its
heart.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

ACTION ON COVID FRAUD

The Tories oversaw widespread Covid fraud, wasting billions through
cronyism and the VIP lanes.

The UK Labour Government promised action to get this money back and we
are delivering. At UK Labour Conference, the Chancellor announced a
new fraud hit squad to recover money lost to pandemic-era waste and
flawed contracts.

The unit will stop fraudulent Covid loan claimants from becoming
company directors, pursue criminal investigations, and issue
compensation orders.

We are already seeing results. PPE Medpro, a company linked to Tory
peer Michelle Mone and fast-tracked through the Tory VIP lane, has
been ordered to repay £122 million for supplying faulty PPE.

The money must go back to where it belongs; our schools, our NHS and
across our public services.

 

EU YOUTH EXPERIENCE SCHEME

Labour is ambitious for our young people, so we’re taking action to
deliver the opportunities they deserve.

We’re working to secure a new Youth Experience Scheme, giving young
people the chance to travel, work, and learn across the EU.

Under the scheme, young people from the UK will be able to spend more
than three months in EU countries, far longer than current limits
allow. This means more time to explore, experience different cultures,
and build language skills that will benefit them for life.

The UK Labour Government is committed to restoring our relationship
with our EU partners and expanding horizons for the next generation.

 

FORCES’ FIRST HOMES

The Tories left Armed Forces housing in a terrible state, hammering
morale and driving a recruitment and retention crisis in our Forces.

Labour is sorting out the mess, starting with a major renewal
programme in our first year.

We’ve reversed a failed privatisation by buying back 36,000 military
homes, saving taxpayers billions.

Our new ‘FORCES FIRST’ approach prioritises service families and
veterans for high-quality housing and homeownership on Defence land.
Backed by a new Consumer Charter and Defence Housing Strategy, Labour
is showing forces families: we’re on your side.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

REFORMING INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN

The last Tory Government eroded public trust in the immigration
system.

This UK Labour Government committed to a fair and managed new system
that can be trusted by the public.

The Home Secretary has announced new proposals on the residency
requirement for indefinite leave to remain based on the value of
contribution. There will be a consultation on the proposals, but you
can read about them here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM ACROSS WALES

 

TRAILBLAZER SCHEME SUCCESS

The new Trailblazer employment scheme is helping people across Blaenau
Gwent into work by providing tailored support and guidance to those
who need it most. Funded by the UK Labour Government, in partnership
with Blaenau Gwent Council and the Welsh Labour Government, the scheme
is making a real difference in people’s lives.

From confidence-building to skills development, Trailblazer is helping
individuals overcome specific barriers and take the steps towards
obtaining employment for the long term.

This approach is already producing good results for people in Blaenau
Gwent, and I look forward to seeing further benefits as the scheme is
rolled out to other communities in Wales.

 

Read more about the scheme here
[[link removed]]
and watch Wales Football legend Neville Southall explain why it has
been such a success here
[[link removed]].

 

TATA TRANSITION BOARD DELIVERING FOR OUR STEEL COMMUNITIES

One year on from the UK Labour Government’s £500 million investment
towards the building of an electric arc furnace at Tata Steel, I
visited Port Talbot to see how our £80 million support for
steelworkers and supply chain businesses is making a difference.

The funds have helped protect 5000 jobs, retrain and reskill workers
helping them into new jobs, grow local businesses, start up new
businesses and support regeneration of the town and local area.

We’ve also funded mental health support, because this transition is
about people as much as it is about steel.

This UK Labour Government is investing in our steelworkers and our
steel communities.

 

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

WOMENS INSTITUTE TURNS 110

This month marks 110 years since the first ever meeting of the
Women’s Institute (WI), held in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll in September
1915.

Founded to support women during wartime, the WI has grown into the
UK’s largest voluntary women’s organisation, empowering
generations through education, community action, and campaigning.

I paid tribute to the WI and its members as they celebrated this
important milestone. As we look to the future, I gave my thanks to the
women who built the organisation and the thousands of women throughout
the generations who have made it what it is today.

Watch my celebratory message here [[link removed]].

 

DEFENCE JOBS FOR WALES

Wales will benefit from a new Defence Growth Deal, part of a £250
million UK-wide investment to support jobs, businesses and research.

This deal will help Welsh companies and universities work together to
develop cutting-edge technology for our Armed Forces and industry more
generally, creating skilled jobs and boosting the Welsh economy.

Wales already leads in areas like drones and cyber security, and this
investment will help us go even further.

Read more here
[[link removed]]
or watch my video about how the growth deal is supporting our defence
sector here [[link removed]].

 

PIONEERING CARBON CAPTURE PROJECTS TAKE A STEP FORWARD

Construction has started on two major carbon capture projects,
bringing 500 skilled jobs to North Wales and the North West.

At Padeswood in Flintshire, the UK’s first carbon capture cement
plant is being built, alongside a new waste-to-energy facility in
Ellesmere Port. These projects will cut OVER 1 MILLION TONNES OF CO₂
EVERY YEAR and protect jobs in key industries.

Backed by £9.4 billion from the UK Labour Government, they’re part
of our clean energy mission to make Britain a global leader in green
technology. As someone who grew up in North East Wales, I am proud to
see the region leading the way, creating good jobs, cutting carbon
emissions, and building a cleaner, more secure future for working
people.

Read more here
[[link removed]].

 

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