Before we sign off for the Christmas break....

John,
Before we sign off for another (Covid) Christmas I wanted to drop you a quick line....
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For nearly two years now, all of our lives have been dominated by the battle against Covid.

We are all too familiar with the ‘Covid dashboards’ - the collections of figures and statistics which have dominated our televisions, computers, and smartphones since March 2020.

While such efforts seek to offer objectivity in the midst of uncertainty and fear, we must not forget that each number represents a loss, an absence most keenly felt at this time of year.

We also remember the achievements – the unswerving resolve of our frontline NHS and caring staff who continue rising to the challenge, the retail and supply-chain staff working overtime to keep shelves stocked, the army of volunteers and kind neighbours checking in on those who might otherwise slip off the radar.

And in coordinating the response to Covid-19, the UK Government has also achieved success, even though it didn’t always feel like that.

The vaccine programme and booster rollout are truly game-changing, and the financial support produced by the Chancellor at such short notice has saved many a job and business.

But I know only too well that there have been moments of anxiety and frustration too.

Did we lock down too late? Were the restrictions too harsh? Was our medical profession properly prepared for such a risk?

These are all legitimate questions, which will I hope be dealt with fairly and squarely at the public inquiry. Through thick and thin, our guiding objective has been to save as many lives as we possibly can.

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Aside from Covid, we have scored some great successes in Wales too.

There are now more people in work than there were before the pandemic.

We have invested more money in Wales at this year’s spending review than at any time in the last 25 years.

We are increasing our military footprint in Wales with the return of the Queens Dragoon Guards, and we have announced the first ever Veterans Commissioner for Wales.

We have launched a hydrogen hub on Anglesey and a rail research centre in Ystradgynlais – and even negotiated the exporting of Welsh lamb to the United States after many years of a ban!

Here’s a round-up of some of the other things I’ve been doing - here, and around the country - over the past few weeks:
At Home...
Argyle St Surgery

After a recent uptick in constituents raising concerns, I convened a meeting where Samuel Kurtz MS and I met with the practice leadership, along with representatives of Hywel Dda Health Board and the Chairman of the Patient Participation Group.

It was a good opportunity to raise concerns brought to us by constituents and to hear from the Argyle St doctors team about what is being done to improve the service.

The Argyle St Patient Participation Group is looking to recruit new members to help work with the practice to improve the patient experience.

If you have ideas to contribute, and would like to get involved with this important work, please get in touch with the chairman Mr Dennis Evans by clicking here (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Argyle%20St%20Patient%20Participation%20Group%20&body=Hi%20Dennis%2C%0A%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20find%20out%20more%20about%20joining%20the%20Patient%20Participation%20Group.%0A%0ARegards%2C)

Sam and I visiting Argyle St Surgery

Valero Meeting

I met some of the Valero team to discuss the current employment environment - including their exciting apprenticeships, as well as action on net-zero and their contribution to our local economy and good causes.
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Pembs College's Military Prep Alumni Wall.

A real joy to open this 'wall of fame' which celebrates former students now serving across UK Armed Forces.

Instructor Andrew Desborough and the college have clearly made a significant contribution to our military, as well as the lives of many students given their start since 2001.
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Some Great Local Grub!

Enjoyed a fantastic Sunday roast at The Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan. Three young friends took it over just before lockdown and I was delighted to see them going strong more than a year later.
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'MP's Joy As Nine-Year-Long 'Temporary' Lights Fixed For Christmas'
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READ MORE ([link removed])
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NRW Meeting - Carmarthen Flooding

I am disappointed that very little has been achieved by way of progress since our last meeting.

The NRW repeated that Welsh Government policy was to protect homes before businesses and because this is an area that consists of shops, offices and restaurants, nothing will be done.

What is particularly frustrating is that this was not highlighted as an immovable barrier when we met seven months ago.
Away...
36th British-Irish Council Summit

In November I attended the BIC summit, an organisation formed in 1999 as a result of the Good Friday Agreement.

It was a productive summit, where we reflected on the latest political developments across our jurisdictions and took the opportunity to engage on a number of topics of mutual interest, including the economy, trade, ongoing relations with the EU and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

We discussed the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the progress of post-pandemic recovery programmes, and policy approaches relating to Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used Languages (IML) and Early Years Policy.
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Remembrance Day

It was a sombre day representing Wales at the Cenotaph in London, alongside nations from across the globe - a service that never loses its significance or poignancy.
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COP26

The experience of speaking at COP26 in Glasgow will stay with me for a long time. The sheer scale of the Conference was incredible. I spoke about the UK's transition away from coal, and future job opportunities associated with renewable energy production - especially in coastal areas of Wales like ours.
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Finally...

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Here's wishing you and your family a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS
& peaceful new year.
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P.S. If you would like to keep up with the Conservative Party locally, click the button for our Facebook page:
Like The Facebook Page ([link removed])

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