Dear Friend,
Hen Galan Hapus! Happy Welsh New Year for the 13th January and welcome back to the first Parliamentary Diary of 2020!
Parliament returned last Monday after a tumultuous period. This promises to be an equally testing time with the challenges a Conservative majority government brings. The first test was undoutedly the Withdrawal Agreement Bill debated last week. In one fell swoop, EU citizens, child refugees and our young people became the victims of Brexit, with countless amendments to secure their rights and protections voted down and lost.
This is what a Tory majority looks like.
Drawing third place for a Private Members Bill was the silver lining to a very difficult week. It presents an opportunity to effect real change for the country, particularly in this challenging Parliament. My Bill will be presented to Parliament on Wednesday 5th February.
For so long, Brexit has consumed our country and paralysed our politics. But the turn of the new decade has us all asking ourselves: what next? The unhealthy introspection brought about by our exit from the EU has meant we have neglected the biggest challenges facing us - such as the climate crisis or global security. In this new decade, we must come together to tackle the global issues which have been burning around us. Failure to do so will be catastrophic for our planet, our country and to the health, safety and livelihoods of Cardiff North.
The Tories may be forcing us out of the EU later this month, but there is also a battle ahead to ensure the values we hold so dear - our values of openness, internationalism and inclusivity are protected. That is why I will be continuing my fight, on Cardiff North's behalf. The fight to protect our values and our identity, to respond more urgently at home and abroad to the climate crisis and the key issues Cardiff North faces.
As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected].
With very best wishes,
Anna
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Reflections on the Election
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Firstly, can I thank each and every one of you who supported me in my election campaign. Who worked tirelessly, despite the often awful weather, to see me re-elected as your Member of Parliament.
When we launched the campaign, we envisaged it to be the most people-powered campaign in Cardiff North. We certainly achieved that and we absolutely could not have done that without you! So thank you for putting your trust in me and I promise, I won't let you down.
To say thank you, I'm holding an event this evening at Whitchurch Rugby Club 6.30-8.30pm. Please do come along so I can thank you properly.
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Queen's Speech - A Green Industrial Revolution
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The subject of Wednesday's Queen's Speech debate was rightly climate change and a green industrial revolution.
Our oceans are warming, the glaciers are melting, fires are raging. Time for real action is running out. We have seen nothing but abject failure from this Conservative government to take the Climate Emergency seriously. They are on track to miss all climate targets and continue to pump billions of taxpayers' money into fossil fuel projects abroad.
We need more than just warm words. We need a green industrial programme to deliver climate and economic justice and create a planet fit for our children and grandchildren. But what does a green industrial revolution mean for people and their families?
Watch a clip of my contribution below:
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"A key challenge for the next decade will be how we work together post-Brexit to retain our values and identity. We must end the division and re-approach the world stage to tackle the global issues which have been burning around us."
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Welsh Questions
"not a penny less, nor a power lost"
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I asked the new Welsh Secretary to commit to all powers and spending decisions staying with the Welsh Government post- Brexit.
There should not be a penny less, nor a power lost for Wales in the UK Government's proposed Shared Prosperity Fund.
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I've drawn third in the ballot for a Private Members Bill. This is a fantastic opportunity to effect real change at such a challenging time in Parliament. I want to hear from you about your ideas and what you think we need to change. Please get in touch!
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Australia is on fire. Indonesia is under water. This letter from my 9 year old constituent has never been so relevant.
We must take Climate Change seriously - our children and grandchildren's futures depend on it.
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Cardiff's Groundbreaking Transport Strategy
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Wales was the First Nation to declare a Climate Emergency in the UK and Cardiff Council's bold vision to transform our capital city's transport network, with climate change at the heart of the agenda demonstrates their commitment to helping tackle the climate crisis.
I welcome the ambitious ten-year strategy. Cardiff cannot continue on the path it's currently on and we need a complete step change in our transport system if we are to confront the serious challenges of climate change, air pollution and growing congestion. We must have an honest and serious conversation about the radical action we must take for our future generations and the solutions for a more sustainable, affordable public transport system. The Council's strategy has kickstarted that conversation.
As part of that honest conversation, the Council is exploring the option of a daily road-user charging scheme. This would go a long way to reducing the air pollution currently killing 2000 people in Wales per year. However, it is vital that this charge is only implemented following a significant improvement of the transport network so the public are provided with a viable, sustainable and reliable alternative to their personal cars.
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Jackie Jones MEP
Representing Wales One Last Time
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Despite the result on the 12th December, our Welsh Member of European Parliament, Jackie Jones has still been representing Wales on important International issues in Brussels. This week, however, marked Jackie's last week representing us in the EU Parliament.
I'm sure you'll all agree that Jackie has been a fantastic MEP and join me in wishing her all best for the future.
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APPGs - Net Zero and Plastics ♻️
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I was pleased to be elected Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Groups on both Net Zero and Plastics this week.
I'm looking forward to working across parties to accelerate net zero growth and help tackle the plastics and packaging crisis choking our planet.
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This week was a historic time in Wales as votes for 16 and 17 year olds reached Royal Assent and became law.
I have been a long supporter of the Votes at 16 campaign since my election in 2017 and I am very proud that our young people will now have their say in the 2021 Welsh Parliament elections.
I hope that England will follow suit - as my colleague Julie Morgan AM has consistently campaigned for over the years.
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Labour Leadership Contest
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Keir Starmer is principled, values-driven and trusted. Rosena Allin-Khan is energetic, hard-working and dynamic. I am proud to have nominated them both last week and both are on the ballot in the race to become the new Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
I trust that Keir Starmer will rebuild Labour's credibility, secure public trust and win power. You can read my Politics Home article on the leadership contest here:
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We've been busy catching up on casework since the election over the last couple of weeks. We've had lots of immigration concerns raised and I am pleased we've had some successful resolutions:
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Case #1
A family seeking asylum in the UK came to the office for help as their payment card had stopped working. The family had not received any money since the 13th December. They were relying on charitable donations for food. I raised this with the Home Office and a new payment card was sent to them within a few days.
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Case #2
My constituent's wife and young daughter were forced to leave the country as a result of a misunderstanding with the Home Office. The family were split and my constituent was finding it incredibly difficult. It took a year, but I am very pleased that the family have now been reunited back in the UK.
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd
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