October 2019 Newsletter

From Unlawful Prorogation to a Cynical Queen’s Speech
 

If September started with extraordinary scenes in Parliament, it only got more and more remarkable as the days ticked by.

The Supreme Court judged that the Prime Minister’s advice to the Queen to prorogue Parliament was unlawful, and that the suspension itself is therefore void and of no effect.

It was then dismaying to see the debate in Parliament unfold when MPs returned from the unlawful prorogation.

Politicians need to be aware of the impact their language has. We can have a robust political debate, but we can’t be personal, politicians need to moderate their language.

Parliament returned to hear Johnson’s cynical Queen’s Speech that was nothing more than a naked pre-election, Tory stunt. It reflects a shambolic, ‘zombie’ Tory administration which has recently lost 22 more of its MPs and has a majority of -42!!

Johnson’s agenda lacks both vision and substance. For instance, while they talked tough on criminal justice there was absolutely nothing on eradicating poverty and tackling other causes of crime. There is a reason that this hopeless Prime Minister has lost his first 7 major votes of his tenure.

Orb Steelworks
Before Parliament was prorogued for a second time Jessica Morden secured a debate on the future of the Orb steelworks in Newport.  I pressed the Minister on the British steel industry being completely undermined by the energy price disparity, and the  Government’s utter failure to do anything about it. I also called on the Government  to back a plan to support the steel industry: the Syndex plan.

1950s Women Pensions Judgement
It was disappointing news that 1950s women lost their judicial review. It’s now time for the Government to step up to the plate and do the right thing: deliver justice for the 1950s Women. I fully support the APPG on this & I continue to stand with Neath Port Talbot 1950s Women.
 

• I joined David Rees AM and Councillor Rob Jones at a coffee morning in Margam, and we were joined by representatives of Tata steel. It was an excellent opportunity for local residents to raise questions with senior Tata management  about environmental issues.

• After returning from conference it was great to take part in Afan Arts’ very first podcast alongside Nia Trussler Jones, talking about bullying, cyber bullying and whether politicians are aware of the impact their language can have.

• I then headed up the Afan valley for a surgery in Noddfa Community Centre, Glyncorrwg.

• Saturday kicked off with our great Aberavon Labour activists out knocking doors in Port Talbot. We had lots of good conversations on the doorstep!
• I was delighted to visit Cwmafan Market and chat with stall holders. As always there was a great community spirit on show in Cwmafan!
• It was then back down to Taibach to celebrate the Port Talbot, St Theodore, Girl Guides 60th anniversary. It was great to see the photos tracing their history, and to meet some of those who were there when it all started, back in 1959!

• I attended the latest Business Improvement District steering group meeting as we approach the crucial vote on establishing Port Talbot’s BID: Viva Port Talbot.
• It was really great to be at 'Our House' at the Princess Royal Theatre. A brilliant production, great music by Madness, well done Briton Ferry Musical Theatre Company!
• The following morning it was great to be out knocking on doors in Margam. Lots of good discussions, plenty to follow up on!
• I then headed down to Swansea for  My Life My Say Democracy Café to talk with young people about the future of democracy in Wales and the UK.

• Saturday again kicked off with our Aberavon Labour activists door knocking in Baglan.
• This was followed up with a coffee morning in Baglan Library.
• I then joined a panel for Unison’s Question Time event about fair funding for local government . Wales needs a fair funding settlement so councils can continue to provide the vital services we all rely on! 
• On the Saturday I met with NPT 1950s Women following their judicial review.
• I then went to Newport to march in support of Orb steelworkers

Media Highlights

Amid the chaos of the unlawful prorogation of Parliament I was interviewed on Week In Westminster and spoke about the best way to leave the EU is with a deal. I also went on Newsnight to talk about whether a deal to leave the EU could be achieved.

I recorded the Political Thinking With Nick Robinson podcast talking about politics, family, Brexit, Europe, how Labour has to change to win and how the country needs to rediscover the lost art of compromise.
 
 

At  Party conference I did lots of TV and radio interviews including LBC Radio, Channel 4 News (2), Sky News with Kay Burley, Newsnight, Sky News, BBC News and the Sharp End.

Sky News joined me in Port Talbot for an interview for their How Brexit Changed Britain programme.
I was interviewed on Pienaar’s Politics about the Brexit situation.