Dear Friend, 

What an eventful few weeks we've had! A fantastic result for Welsh Labour here in Wales which saw the return of our First Minister Mark Drakeford and our very own Julie Morgan as Cardiff North's Member of the Senedd, following a campaign built on positivity and our strong record delivering for the people of Wales. 

In the run up to the Senedd Elections we were out knocking doors and speaking to local residents about what matters most to them. It was great to hear such swathes of support for the way Mark Drakeford has handled this pandemic and the trust the public has in him to keep us safe. I'm so pleased that the people of Wales have put their faith back in him to guide us out of this pandemic and Move Wales Forward.

I've been back up in Parliament this week challenging the UK Government on its shameful plans for voter suppression and disenfranchisement. Calling out the attacks that have endangered civilian lives as violence escalates in East Jerusalem and calling for strong diplomatic action.

Here's an insight into what I've been up to in Parliament and in Cardiff North. As ever, my team and I are here for you. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate get in touch with me on [email protected].

With very best wishes,

There are always organisations to help you along the way too. Here are some resources if you’re struggling:

Mind Hub -Mind Hub has been created by young people for your people with information and links to services in relation to your emotional health and wellbeing.

Mind - Mind has lots of resources and information on helping you understand mental health and wellbeing. There’s information on opening up and talking about your feelings as well as the services and support available.

CALL 247 - CALL 247 is a community advice and listening line if you’re struggling and would like to talk to someone. Call freephone 0800 132 737 or text help to 81066.

Samaritans Cymru 

The violence we are witnessing in East Jerusalem, in both Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods and at the holy site of Al-Aqsa mosque throughout Ramadan, is deplorable and rightly condemned by the international community.

Attempts by Israeli settlers to forcefully evict innocent Palestinian families from their homes breaks international humanitarian law under the Fourth Geneva Convention. As a Shadow Minister for International Development for the Middle East region, I have on many occasions raised with the UK Government the ongoing and increasing forceful illegal evictions of Palestinians, the seizure and demolition of land and property, and continued de facto annexation of the West Bank. Unfortunately the response from the Foreign Secretary and Ministers has been lacklustre.

I am appalled by the excess use of force and violence, the impeding of medical access and infringements of rights in East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities and I am horrified by air strikes on civilian areas in Gaza. The growing number of causalities and fatalities we are witnessing, including children, is shameful. The escalating violence on all sides must stop and the incendiary behaviour must end.

We now need to see leadership and swift diplomatic action from the UK Government and the international community. I will continue to press UK Government and the Foreign Secretary.

Our First Minister promised that the first decision made would be about extra financial support for Welsh businesses and he's done just that!👏

Businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions will be able to claim up to £25,000 more in support to help meet ongoing costs. Covid restrictions have kept us safe, but have had a big impact on our local businesses. This additional funding is available to support firms, safeguard jobs and is the first phase of an additional £200m earmarked for business support.

An eligibility checker will open on the Business Wales website at midday on 17 May. Find out more here. 

Before the election Julie Morgan MS and I wrote to the Home Secretary to voice our concerns about the unfair disadvantage club premises find themselves in under the Business and Planning Act 2020. We were approached by the manager of the Earl Haig club in Whitchurch as the club was not authorised under the Act to serve alcohol outdoors in its car park, while pubs nearby were able to open outdoors from 26 April.

This has meant that social clubs like the Earl Haig, which are hubs of the community, are losing out on valuable income after a very tough year. We ask that the Home Secretary reconsider the Act as it is putting so many small businesses and social clubs under unnecessary disadvantage.