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Dear Friend,
Once again, it's been a busy week in Parliament as the Government aims to get its disastrous Brexit deal through the House of Commons. I am clear that I will not be voting for the deal unless there is a legally binding clause that the deal must be ratified by the people. This is the only democratic way to break the impasse and resolve the Brexit issue for all sides.
Below is a brief selection of some of the things I have been doing in the last week, both in Parliament and around the constituency.
Anna
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I spoke in the Parliamentary debate on the Brexit deal on Saturday, arguing that Boris Johnson's sell out Brexit deal was created by the right, for the hard right. This Brexit deal is bad for jobs and communities in Cardiff North, Wales and the whole of the UK. I will not vote for a deal that will make my constituents poorer and threaten our hard fought for workers' and environmental rights.
I reiterated my position on the damaging Brexit deal on Newsnight this week. The Government is stuck at an impasse and we must resolve Brexit before a general election takes place. The only democratic way to resolve this stalemate is to put it back to the people for a final say. We can then move on to discuss the other vitally important issues our country faces which are currently being ignored.
You can see a clip of my comments to Newsnight below, or watch the whole episode on BBC I Player.
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Delaying Disruptive Gas Works Until Next Year
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I'm delighted that, following my intervention, Wales & West Utilities have postponed the gas pipe works on Merthyr Road and The Philog in Whitchurch until after Christmas.
I appreciate that these essential maintenance works must be completed, but this should not be to the detriment of hard-working local businesses at such a crucial time of the year.
I'm happy to have helped local businesses and I'll remain in discussions with Wales & West Utilities to ensure that disruption is minimised as far as possible when works commence in the New Year.
You can see my letter and Wales & West Utilities' response above.
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Public Meeting on New Housing Developments
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How will Brexit Impact the Least Fortunate in Wales?
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I questioned Alun Cairns MP, the Secretary of State for Wales, with the Welsh Affairs Committee in Parliament.
At a time when lots of people in Wales and Cardiff are struggling, a hard or no deal Brexit would cause such damage to their lives.
The UK Government have no plans to support those in poverty who this will impact the most
I used my time in the Committee to state that, whilst a there are a number of exciting projects coming to Cardiff and Wales, these do not address the big issues of inequality and poverty that many people are experiencing.
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Over 1 Million March for a People's Vote
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It was great to hear that 5 full buses from Cardiff made their way to the People's Vote March last week.
I managed to briefly join the march after the Parliamentary debate on the Withdrawal Agreement concluded.
It was fantastic to overlook the over 1 million people who turned up to have their voices heard. We came together to loudly and clearly demand a people's vote on the Brexit deal. Above is a picture taken of the crowd from my office which overlooks Parliament Square.
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Wales Leading the Way in Energy Transition
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In the Environmental Audit Committee this week we discussed how the government can achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050 target.
It was great to hear from the expert panel assembled that Wales is leading the way in the UK in funding the green energy transition. It was also good to hear that Energy Systems Catapult are working with Welsh Government, Cardiff University and University Hospital on this in our communities.
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Pledging to Divest Parliament
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I'm proud to be one of the 300 cross-party MPs backing Divest Parliament.
Climate breakdown is out of hand and our pensions fuel the fire while they remain invested in fossil fuels. We must withdraw all political and financial support for the fossil fuel industry and invest in green and renewable technologies.
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Showing Solidarity with Catalonian People
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I met with Alfred Bosch, the Foreign Minister of the Catalan Government, to express my solidarity with the people of Catalonia through the ongoing unrest and to discuss what Parliamentarians here can do to raise the plight of political prisoners.
I will continue to monitor this situation as it develops.
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Protecting Vital Services in our Communities
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Following our campaign to get Barclays to reverse their decision to end free cash withdrawal services from the Post Office, I'm delighted that they have now agreed to do so.
We must continue to act to ensure our high streets remain accessible to all.
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EU Citizens Advice Information Event
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Earlier today I hosted an information event for EU citizens applying for settled status in the UK at Llandaff North and Gabalfa Hub.
It was great to welcome representatives from Cardiff Council, Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale and Settled, who provided useful advice to all those who intended.
It is shocking that so many people who have made their lives in our communities are having to go through this complex process in order to protect their lives.
If you or anyone you know requires any information on applying for settled status, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
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Supporting Our Community Pharmacies
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It was great to visit A J Hales Pharmacy, a community pharmacy in Heath.
Community pharmacies provide an invaluable service to local people, providing assessments, advice and treatment whilst alleviating pressure on our overstretched A&E departments.
We discussed concerns regarding access to vital medicines in the event of a No Deal Brexit, which I raised at PMQs recently.
Our Welsh Labour Government is driving investment in these services. Whilst 233 community pharmacies in England have closed in the past three years, in Wales there have been no closures.
We must continue to support these pharmacies and enable them to deliver more valuable services to our communities.
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Tackling Loneliness Alongside Julie Morgan and Community Groups
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It was great to be a part of the Tackling Loneliness Event alongside Julie Morgan AM. Tackling loneliness requires a whole societal response to make the difference in our communities.
Huge thanks to all those who shared their stories and to all the organisations involved including Men's Sheds, Youth Cymru and Wales Online.
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
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