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Weekly Parliamentary Diary
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Celebrating 20 Years of Welsh Devolution
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This week we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Welsh Devolution. Devolution has empowered the Welsh people to shape their own destiny, with the Welsh Labour Party bringing forward a raft of ground-breaking policies and laws which have ensured that Wales had led the way for the rest of the UK and made Wales a better, more equal place to live.
The Welsh Government has brought forward pioneering legislation in a number of policy areas, from recycling and waste to areas to creating a truly equal society. I am proud that the Labour party has been central to these achievements.
Prior to being elected as the MP for Cardiff North I worked extensively to further the aims of the Welsh Assembly, particularly in working to establish globally leading recycling standards. On this anniversary let’s continue to present a progressive example for Britain and push for further ground-breaking policies in the future.
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With registrations to vote ahead of the European Elections closing earlier this week, attention now turns to supporting the Labour slate of candidates for the election that will take place on Thursday 23rd May. The Labour list is headed by Cardiff's own Jackie Jones, who will be a great advocate for Wales in the European Parliament.
It is important for the Cardiff North constituency to up the ante to ensure a strong Labour voice for Wales on the European stage. All four of Labours Welsh candidates are standing up for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal to ensure the people have a final say with the option to remain. It is important that we support them in their endeavours to display that this is the most democratic way to break the current parliamentary deadlock over Brexit.
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This week in Parliament, I stood up against the Tory Party decision to take away free TV Licenses for the over 75's. TV is much more than just a box in the corner, it can be a lifeline for many. You can see my full perspective on this issue in the video above.
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On Monday I spoke to BBC Five Live about the current state of Labour's negotiations with the government over the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. I reiterated my position that Labour must demand a confirmatory vote on any negotiated deal as a basis for these negotiations. This is the only democratic way out of the ongoing parliamentary deadlock. You can hear my interview from 1:20:43 here.
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Environmental Audit Committee: Achieving UN Sustainability Goals
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On Wednesday I spoke in the Environmental Action Committee's voluntary national review of UK progress against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. I argued that the Tory Government should follow Wales's lead in taking tangible action to reach these fundamental goals. More must be done to reach these goals, the Welsh Governments Future Generations Act ensures that we take action and I suggested the UK Government take this as an example to work from, placing these goals at the heart of its policymaking. Please see my intervention above.
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Earlier today I had the pleasure of visiting Vision 21, a local charity which provides vocational training for those with learning disabilities. The centre runs a number of training and vocational courses which aim to bring those with learning disabilities into the labour market. Vision 21 is underpinned by the notion that everyone with a disability should have access to a diverse range of training opportunities that are designed for them to flourish in the workplace and I comprehensively support them in this aim.
During my visit I witnessed the work the charity and social enterprise does, providing vocational training and skills in catering, IT and woodwork.
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Climate Change and Environmental Discussion
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This afternoon Julie Morgan AM invited myself and Wales's Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe to hear young people's views on climate change and the environment at Whitchurch Community Gardens. The event had a great turnout with around sixty young people and members of community joining this interactive debate.
It was great to hear the informed and passionate opinions of our constituency's young people. As the school strikes for climate change have displayed, climate change is an issue which strikes at the hearts and minds of young people and it is our job to listen as they urge policymakers to take action. Young people are holding us to account on the actions we are taking on climate change. As was the case when I met climate change activist Greta Thunberg in Parliament a couple of weeks ago, we need to listen to the science and take tangible action.
I will continue to work to ensure that young people's views on climate change are not ignored in parliament.
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Cardiff North May Day Fundraising Dinner
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A big thank you to all of those who attended and contributed to our May Day fundraising dinner. It was a great event, with an excellent turnout, bringing together Cardiff North Labour Party members and supporters for a night of entertainment and speeches. The attendance of Julie Morgan AM, EU candidate Jackie Jones and Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford were greatly appreciated.
Thank you to our amazing opera singers Kirsty and Katy, who were superb and I was really pleased that Mike and Peggy Newman were able to join in with them!
Alongside myself, our First Minister Mark Drakeford made a great speech, celebrating the work of the Welsh Government on the 20th anniversary of Welsh devolution. He highlighted how Wales has been a progressive example for the rest of the UK and what we are capable of when we work as a collective.
It was great to hear from our Assembly Member Julie Morgan and EU candidate Jackie Jones. These events are vital to enable us to build upon our recent successes in Cardiff North and ensure we maintain a strong Labour voice in Cardiff North across all levels of government.
I would like to say a big thank you to the fundraising committee who have worked exceptionally hard to arrange what was a great evening!
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
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