Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter.

 

BUDGET EXPLAINER

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget this month was focused on reducing
the cost of living, investing in public services and reducing the
national debt.

Last year’s budget stabilised the economy, but the legacy of Tory
and Lib Dem austerity, Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit deal and the
pandemic, along with very difficult global events like US tariffs and
Russia’s war against Ukraine all continue to have an impact on our
UK economy.

Labour’s budget was rooted in fairness and responsibility: every
pound spent must deliver value, the cost of living must be reduced and
on tax, the wealthiest should pay the most, but everyone needs to
contribute. 

LOWERING BILLS AND RAISING LIVING STANDARDS

There will be a discount on energy bills of £150 next year, for the
average household, with many low-income families saving up to £300. I
joined Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on a visit to Citizens’ Advice
in Barry, to meet energy debt advisers and local residents to hear
more about how this discount will help.

Train fares have been frozen for the first time in 30 years, cutting
the price of getting to work, education and leisure opportunities.
This will apply to cross border services like GWR and Cross Country.

Inflation is expected to drop by 0.4%, which matters because lower
inflation helps bring down interest rates, making home ownership more
affordable and easing pressure on renters. Already since the general
election, we have had five cuts to interest rates.

We’re increasing the minimum and living wage again, building on last
April’s record rises that helped 160,000 Welsh workers. Those
working full time on the National Minimum Wage will get a rise of
£900 per year and 18–20 year-olds working full time on the National
Living Wage will see an increase in their pay of £1,500 a year. 

 

CHILDREN

 

The two-child benefit cap will be scrapped, lifting 69,000 children in
Wales out of poverty. Combined with the introduction by the Welsh
Labour Government of universal free school meals, this will deliver
the biggest fall in child poverty on record.

 

It’s a stain on our country that by the time children start school,
inequality is already blighting many children’s lives. Penalising
children at the beginning of their lives for decisions that are not
made by them, is wrong. That’s why we have scrapped the two-child
benefit cap.

 

PENSIONERS

 

On pensions, we are renewing our commitment to the triple-lock by
increasing the basic and new state pension by 4.8 per cent. Any
pensioner whose sole income is the state pension will not be required
to pay the income tax that arises from reaching the income tax
threshold.

 

We are also addressing injustices suffered by the British Coal staff
superannuation scheme pensioners by transferring the £2.3 billion
reserve fund to its members, which will increase pensions for 4,000
pensioners in Wales.  And we are indexing pensions in the protection
fund to inflation, so no one loses out due to insolvency. This will
benefit 11,000 Welsh pensioners, including Allied Steel and Wire
pensioners in Cardiff East.

 

FAIR TAXES AND RESPONSIBLE SPENDING

 

Every pound of taxpayers’ money will be spent wisely. Wasteful
contracts are being scrapped, and funds lost to Covid fraud reclaimed.
Tax reforms will make the system fairer. Landlords will pay their fair
share, luxury properties in Kensington and Chelsea won’t pay less in
council tax than a terraced house in Adamsdown anymore, and electric
vehicle drivers will contribute to road maintenance. These changes
deliver fairness without resorting to austerity.

We are also freezing tax thresholds, a decision we did not take
lightly, but are doing so alongside reforms that make sure the
wealthiest contribute the most. This approach means we can cut
borrowing (reducing the cost of servicing national debt), keep
interest rates low, and still invest in the public services people
rely on.

 

BACKING JOBS AND GROWTH

We’ve already confirmed that Wylfa on Anglesey has been chosen as
the site for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear
power station. This is one of the most significant industrial
investments in Wales for a generation.

The project will create up to 3,000 skilled jobs during construction
and deliver billions of pounds of investment, securing long-term
opportunities for local people.

Two brand-new AI Growth Zones, one in North Wales and one in South
Wales, will also bring thousands of good jobs, attract billions in
investment, and put Wales at the forefront of the AI technologies of
the future.

By combining world-class research, advanced computing power, and
strong partnerships with industry and universities, the Growth Zones
will drive breakthroughs that improve lives and boost economic growth.
They will support businesses from start-up to scale-up, create
long-term career opportunities, and ensure communities across Wales
benefit from the technologies shaping the future.

The budget also included £10million for the Southeast Wales
semi-conductor cluster, £4.23million for cleaning up land in Port
Talbot next to the Celtic Freeport so businesses can set up and create
jobs there, and £25 million for the Anglesey Freeport.

WELSH LABOUR GOVERNMENT FUNDING

This Budget gives the Welsh Labour Government nearly £1 billion in
additional spending power to invest in people, public services and
business support in Wales.

We have delivered another of our manifesto commitments; to make
changes to the Welsh Government funding framework (known as the fiscal
framework) having agreed more flexibility for Welsh Ministers to
borrow and invest in vital services, increasing borrowing limits and
reserves as well as updating them in line with inflation. 

This is a Budget rooted in Labour values: fairness, contribution, and
opportunity for all. 

 

Read more about what’s in the budget in my blog here
[[link removed]] or
watch my recent Budget interviews here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM CARDIFF EAST

 

CARDIFF EAST REMEMBERS

It was an honour to join serving and former armed forces personnel,
veterans, cadets, and their families at Remembrance events in Cardiff
East and at the National Service in Cathays Park.

At Beaumaris Road, Rumney, William McCarthy led a moving service
reflecting on the street’s proud connection to the armed forces. I
also joined John Wall, Secretary of the Rumney Branch of the Royal
British Legion, and Troopers Arwen and Isikeli at their annual Poppy
Appeal at Sainsbury’s on Colchester Avenue. John’s dedication is
unparalleled. He has raised over £14,000 for the Legion this year
alone, supporting veterans and their families.

 

It was fitting that John led the veterans at the National Service of
Remembrance in Cathays Park, where I had the privilege of laying a
wreath as Secretary of State for Wales. 

I am proud to stand with our armed forces and veterans. We must never
forget the sacrifices they made to keep us safe. 

 

ROLLS ROYCE SUBMARINES EXPANSION IN ST MELLONS

I opened the new Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Division office in St
Mellons, with the First Minister and leader of Cardiff Council, Huw
Thomas. This development will create over 100 highly skilled and well
paid jobs in engineering and technical roles, supporting the
Dreadnought programme and the AUKUS partnership, which powers the
Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

 

This significant local investment wasn’t secured overnight. Working
with Vaughan Gething MS and our Trowbridge & St Mellons Labour
Councillors, Bernie Bowen-Thomson and Michael Michael, we’ve
championed St Mellons as a hub for innovation and industry.

 

The Cardiff Parkway project is central to that vision, improving
transport links and connectivity so businesses like Rolls-Royce can
expand and Cardiff East residents can access new high skilled,
well-paid jobs.

 

Cardiff Parkway will transform travel for our community, cutting
journey times to Cardiff city centre down to just 7 minutes. It will
transform Cardiff East and that’s why I was so pleased to see the
Chancellor confirm in the budget that the UK Government recognises the
jobs and economic growth potential of Cardiff Parkway and will work
with Welsh Government and the private investors to deliver it.

 

RHYDYPENNAU PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Exciting plans are underway to transform the children’s play area at
Rhydypenau Park.

 

Inspired by our local reservoirs and lakes, the design has been
developed in collaboration with pupils from Rhydypenau Primary School,
who have also had input on the equipment that will be installed.

The new space is expected to welcome children from early next year, as
work continues on site.

 

INTERFAITH COUNCIL EVENT

It was great to spend time with local faith communities in Cardiff
East during Interfaith Week, celebrating the values that bring us
together.

These events are a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections,
share experiences, and promote understanding across different
traditions. A big thanks to the Interfaith Council for Wales for
fostering this continued dialogue between our communities.

 

TESCO WINTER FOOD COLLECTION IN ST MELLONS

Last year, Tesco customers donated more than 3.1 million meals worth
of food to the Winter Food Collection which is supported by Trussell
Trust, Cardiff Foodbank and FareShare Cymru.

It was brilliant to join volunteers and staff at Tesco’s in St
Mellons to help those who are struggling this Christmas.

 

NEWS FROM ACROSS WALES

 

KING CHARLES OPENS TRANSPORT FOR WALES HUB

I joined King Charles, on his birthday for the official opening of the
new South Wales Metro Depot in Taffs Well. This new hub which has
received £100 million investment will be the home of 36 new
tram-trains and over 400 jobs, supporting the South Wales Metro
project.

The Metro will make travel easier, greener and more reliable,
connecting communities across the South Wales Valleys and Cardiff,
opening up opportunities for work, education and leisure.

Read more about the South Wales Metro project here
[[link removed].].

 

SUPPORTING WELSH STEEL

I visited Tata Steel’s world-class galvanising facility at Llanwern,
Newport, to see the product being manufactured and meet management,
union reps and steelworkers. I reaffirmed the UK Labour Government’s
commitment to the future of steelmaking in Wales and across the UK.

We discussed the global market challenges, but also the opportunities
facing the industry, including trade defence measures, energy costs,
and the transition to green steel.

The galvanising facility at Llanwern is a vital part of the UK’s
steel industry, supplying high-quality steel products to sectors such
as automotive, construction, and engineering.

Steel remains a cornerstone of UK manufacturing and a key driver of
economic growth. We are determined to work with industry and unions to
deliver a competitive, sustainable future for Welsh steel.

 

FLOODING IN MONMOUTH

Storm Claudia caused terrible flooding, but the way people in
Monmouthshire have come together to support each other has been
incredible. Volunteers, council teams and emergency services have
worked day and night to help residents and businesses clean up and
begin the recovery.

I went to Monmouth to meet the Council leader, Chief Executive and
Council staff to thank everyone who’s pitched in, particularly
volunteers running the Humanitarian Centre at Shire Hall who are
providing critical support to affected residents.

Alongside Monmouthshire Labour MP Catherine Fookes, I visited
residents who were still cleaning up flood water and assessing damage,
as well local businesses like Little India and Adrian Gaunt Jewellers
on the High Street. Their determination to get fully back to business
is inspiring.

 

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people can now travel for just £1 for a single fare or £3 for
a day ticket on bus services across Wales. The scheme is open to
everyone aged 5–21 and will run until August 2026.

 

Since launching in September for 16–21-year-olds, the scheme has
already been a success, with nearly a quarter of a million journeys
made. Extending it means more children and young people can access
school, college, work, and leisure affordably.

 

This support helps families keep more money in their pockets and makes
it easier for people to choose buses over cars, cutting emissions and
helping us reach our climate goals.

 

Find out more about the scheme here
[[link removed]].

 

TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS

It was brilliant to attend the opening of the new High Value
Engineering (HiVE) facility in Ebbw Vale this month. Delivered by
Blaenau Gwent Council and Coleg Gwent, and backed by over £15 million
from the UK Labour and Welsh Labour Governments, HiVE is equipped with
cutting-edge robotics, advanced manufacturing technology and immersive
digital tools.

This centre gives students practical experience and the skills they
need for careers in aerospace, automotive, motorsport and advanced
materials manufacturing. It will also help tackle Wales’s science,
technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills gap, creating a
pipeline of talented young people ready for the new jobs we are
creating.

Watch my video from the visit
[[link removed]] or read more here
[[link removed]].

 

800 MILITARY HOMES UPGRADE

The UK Labour Government is delivering the biggest upgrade to Armed
Forces housing in more than 50 years. Over the next decade, more than
40,000 homes will be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt, including 801
here in Wales. Families will see real improvements like new kitchens,
bathrooms and heating systems. At the heart of these improvements will
be a new, dedicated Defence Housing Service which will put their
voices at the heart of the decisions.

This transformation builds on the landmark deal earlier this year to
bring 36,000 military homes back into public ownership - saving
taxpayers money and reinvesting those savings into fixing forces’
housing.

“Homes fit for heroes” has been promised before. We’re making it
happen. Our Armed Forces and their families deserve nothing less, and
it’s our duty to deliver.

 

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

 

EURO 2028 MATCHES TO BE HELD IN CARDIFF

It’s brilliant news that Cardiff will host the opening match of Euro
2028 at the Principality Stadium. In total, six games will be played
here, including group fixtures and a quarter-final bringing tens of
thousands of visitors and boosting our local economy.

Major events like this are massive for Wales, showcasing everything we
have to offer and creating unforgettable moments. I’m proud that the
UK Labour Government supported this successful bid and I can’t wait
to welcome fans from across Europe.

Watch my video celebrating the news here
[[link removed]].

 

TRANSCEND PACKAGING

Transcend Packaging in Caerphilly, has developed a widely recyclable
and home-compostable coffee cup in partnership with Starbucks.

This major breakthrough in sustainability is being used across the UK
and starting to be exported overseas. Supported by UK Labour
Government funding through the Cardiff Capital Region, it’s a
fantastic example of how investment in green technology and advanced
manufacturing creates jobs and puts Wales at the forefront of global
innovation.

 

TEN YEARS OF RENT SMART WALES

Ten years ago, Welsh Labour delivered Rent Smart Wales to make renting
fairer and safer. Since then, over 50,000 landlords have registered,
200,000 properties have been licensed, and hundreds of prosecutions
have been made to tackle bad practice. It’s raised standards,
improved enforcement, and given tenants confidence that they’ll get
the support they need if there are problems with their property.
Labour made this happen because everyone deserves a decent, secure
place to live.

The Welsh Labour Government has built on this success with the Renting
Homes (Wales) Act which has simplified rental agreements and
strengthened rights, with longer notice periods, better safety checks,
and protection from unfair evictions. Together, these changes put
renters first and make housing fairer for families across Wales.

 

Learn more about Rent Smart Wales here
[[link removed]].

 

NEWS FROM PARLIAMENT

 

ABOLISHING POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONERS

The introduction of Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by the last
Tory Government created a costly additional structure that hasn’t
delivered the accountability communities were promised. The role of
PCCs has never been well known or understood, reflected in the very
low turnout of voters in PCC elections.

The Home Secretary has announced new reforms, so policing is directly
accountable to local elected representatives. This will strengthen
oversight and ensure decisions reflect the priorities of the people
police forces serve.

The savings from scrapping PCCs will fund more neighbourhood police on
the beat, helping to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

The changes are about accountability NOT about the work of individual
Police and Crime Commissioners. I want to thank all current and former
Police and Crime Commissioners across Wales for their service. They
have worked hard for their communities, but it’s time for a system
that really delivers local scrutiny and accountability.

 

BANNING TICKET TOUTS

The UK Labour Government has announced plans to make it illegal for
tickets to concerts, theatre, comedy, sport and other live events to
be resold for more than their original cost.

 

Touts buy large volumes of tickets online, often using automated bots,
before relisting them on resale platforms at hugely inflated prices.
The new proposals will stamp out this practice, improving access for
genuine fans when tickets go on sale and ending rip-off pricing on the
resale market.

 

WELFARE REFORM

Disabled people will lead the first full review of Personal
Independence Payment (PIP) since its introduction over a decade ago.

This review will ensure PIP reflects the realities of life, from
rising mental health conditions to the growing number of disabled
people in work. It will look at how PIP supports independence and
participation in society, and how assessments unlock wider help.

Putting disabled people at the heart of this process means policy
shaped by lived experience. That will create a system that is fairer,
more responsive, and focused on dignity and inclusion.

 

COP30

The Prime Minister attended the COP30 summit in Brazil this month,
putting UK leadership at the heart of the global effort to fight
climate change.

This is about creating opportunities for the UK, good jobs, energy
security and sustainable growth. For Wales, it means playing a leading
role in the UK Labour Government’s clean energy plans for 2030, from
new nuclear at Wylfa to offshore wind and carbon capture. 

Global action and local investment go hand in hand. These commitments
will deliver skilled jobs and long-term growth for communities across
Wales, whilst driving the transition to cleaner energy. 

 

REFORMING THE ASYLUM PROCESS

The Government has announced the most significant reforms to the
asylum system in a generation, designed to make the system fair,
reduce dangerous small-boat journeys, and ensure support goes to those
who need it.

 

The new plans will speed up decisions, so people aren’t left in
limbo, expand safe return agreements, and stop legal loopholes that
frustrate removals. They will also tackle exploitation and illegal
work, while holding uncooperative countries to account.

The asylum system inherited from the Tories was unfit for purpose and
broken. Labour is sorting out the chaos that they left behind,
building a system that works, whilst ensuring fairness, security and
compassion.

 

UK SUBMITS BID FOR 2035 WOMEN'S FOOTBALL WORLD CUP

The UK has submitted a bid to host the 2035 Women’s Football World
Cup. This would be the biggest single-sporting event ever staged here.

Wales will play a key role, with Cardiff City Stadium, the
Principality Stadium and Wrexham Racecourse among 22 venues across the
UK. 

Hosting matches will bring global attention, inspire the next
generation, and boost local economies in North and South Wales.

 

[Labour Rose]
 

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