Parliamentary Diary

Dear Friend,

I hope you and your families are staying safe and well during these challenging times.

Last week, with the historic inauguration of US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the world was able to turn the page on darkness and division and face the future together.

Keir Starmer rightly said the inauguration is a "victory for hope over hate and a real moment for optimism in the United States" as we saw the first ever female Vice President take office. I have no doubt that this optimism and source of hope will reverberate across the world as Biden’s empathic leadership restores balance on the global stage once more.

The impact of Biden-Harris leadership on the UK and here in Wales cannot be underestimated. The impact on our shared efforts to tackle Covid-19 across the world and the deeper, graver climate emergency. A progressive global leader who embraces internationalism and equality and doesn’t shy away from standing up for his values, rather than one who stokes hatred, division and seeks to trample on the values we hold dear acts as a beacon of hope for us all.

And in these chaotic and unprecedented times, our anchor is our values.

Trump may have left the Whitehouse, but Trumpism remains. Together we can work to rid the forces of division and hatred from our politics, our society and wherever we may find it.

As ever, my team and I are here for you. If you're struggling please remember to reach out to friends or family and please do not hesitate get in touch with me if I can help on
[email protected]. (mailto:[email protected])

With very best wishes,
Anna McMorrin MP
Covid-19 Restrictions Remain in Place
Today the Welsh Government announced Wales will remain at level 4 Covid-19 restrictions for a further three weeks.

The vaccine programme is going from strength to strength with more than 362,000 people having had their first dose and last week someone in Wales was vaccinated every 5 seconds. We’re seeing steady falls in cases as a result of our sacrifices but our NHS is still under considerable pressure. It’s too soon to start lifting lockdown restrictions- keeping these measures in place will enable rates to reduce further alongside the vaccine rollout and ensure that our hard work and sacrifice over the winter is not lost.
* Shielding is extended for those extremely clinically vulnerable until March 31^st.
* We will continue to stay at home and work from home.
* From tomorrow, two people from different households can exercise outdoors together.
* Guidance will be published to help those who need to change their support bubble because circumstances have changed.

The First Minister confirmed intentions for children to return to school after half term from 22^nd February if infections continue to fall. This process will start with the youngest children in primary schools.

More information on the funding available to businesses can be found on the Business Wales website.

Our continued efforts and sacrifices are driving down infection rates. Together we can change the course of this pandemic in Wales.
Standing in Solidarity
on Holocaust Memorial Day

We marked Holocaust Memorial Day a little differently this year due to Covid but it was humbling to join a moving Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ceremony this week. It was a day to reflect - to remember the 6 million Jews who were murdered for who they were, the victims of genocides across the world and those who endured unspeakable suffering.

History has shown us that standing idly by only allows hatred to flourish. We choose hope over hate and stand in solidarity with those still facing persecution. We lit a candle to remember the unimaginable suffering and to signify choosing light over darkness.
Ripping Up Employment Rights

[link removed]

On Monday the Labour Party forced a debate and vote to stand up for workers' rights that the UK Government threatened to diminish. The UK Government had broken their promise on protecting workers' rights post-Brexit by seeking a review on protections which could see the end to break entitlements, the 48 hour week and current holiday entitlements.

Ripping up workers' rights, especially at a time of such insecurity for families is disgraceful and shouldn’t even be up for discussion. On Wednesday it was
announced ([link removed]) that the review was axed in a sudden U-turn. The government has failed to bring in the employment bill that it promised would protect and enhance workers’ rights and Labour will keep pushing for the protections employees deserve.
Environment Bill is a Missed Opportunity
Find out more ([link removed])

The Environment Bill returned to Parliament this week for its Remaining Stages. It was a missed opportunity to bring forward the urgent step change needed here at home to help meet the scale of the climate crisis we face.

When fires have raged, floods have battered our communities and wildlife is on a downward spiral, it's incumbent on UK Government to show ambition on our environmental standards. Instead, the Bill fell woefully short of the urgent and lasting action the UK must take to enable our future generations to lead healthy, more sustainable lives.

The Labour Party put forward a series of amendments to rectify the Bill’s shortcomings for e.g. to stop the government from lifting the ban on bee-killing pesticides and to bring air quality limits in line with the World Health Organisation. The Government sadly voted against these amendments and delayed the Bill for the third time until the Autumn, despite being in a climate emergency.

Labour will be the Party to expose the empty rhetoric and press for meaningful climate action that we’re all crying out for.
Whitchurch Flooding
View Full Update ([link removed])

We know that the recent storms and heavy rain have been an unwelcome reminder of the flooding that some local residents went through last year and continues to be a worrying time.

Julie Morgan MS and I have been regularly meeting with NRW and representatives of flood-hit local residents since the flooding last year in Whitchurch to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent any future flooding. We met again last week with NRW and Transport for Wales who has now commissioned a study to evaluate the impact of silt-build up under the railway arches with a view to remove it as swiftly as possible if the study demonstrates there is a benefit.

Julie and I will continue to work with NRW, TfW and local residents to ensure we achieve a positive outcome at this very distressing time.
Fossil Fuel Pledge: Reading the Small Print
View Article ([link removed])

The climate crisis is wreaking havoc on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities wherever they are in the world. Whether droughts in Madagascar or floods in Merthyr Tydfil - it’s the climate crisis that binds us together, despite the distance between us.

The slew of UK dirty investment continues despite the announcement to end them. The Government is still openly considering funding fossil fuel projects in the oil and gas sector, meaning 17 fossil fuel projects currently under consideration could receive the green light and funding.

Click the link to read my piece for Left Foot Forward.

South Wales Police Update
Many thanks to South Wales Police's Chief Constable, Jeremy Vaughan, and Alun Michael, the Police and Crime Commissioner for their meeting and update on policing during this very challenging time.

South Wales Police continue to balance the increased pressures due to the pandemic as well as dealing with day to day policing matters.

Enforcement of covid regulations continues to be a priority and the police are appealing to all to follow the strict rules and guidelines. In Cardiff North we have seen some people driving to exercise. I raised this with the Chief Constable and he was clear that, in the interest of public safety, they are working closely with Cardiff Council and will be issuing fines if people are seen to have broken the rules.

South Wales Police will continue to work hard to keep us safe and thank you for your continued efforts to keep you and your loved ones safe too.
Vaccine Scam Alert!

There is a false text message circulating inviting people for a coronavirus vaccine. If you're eligible for a vaccine you'll only be contacted by the NHS, usually through a phone call or a letter and they'll never ask for your bank details.

If you receive one of these texts, please report to Ofcom on 7726.

As always, please get in touch with your feedback!

Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd

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