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Weekly Parliamentary Diary
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Demanding a Final Say on any Brexit Deal: EU Elections
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Ahead of the European Parliamentary Elections taking place next Thurday, 23rd May, I have been out campaigning for our brilliant Welsh Labour EU candidates.
I joined candidate Matthew Dorrance, Christina Rees MP and Julie Morgan AM and our hard working campaigners on the campaign trail on Saturday. We know the damage leaving the EU will do to jobs, services and our communities. That's why I and our four Welsh Labour EU candidates are all supporting a public vote on any Brexit deal.
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Earlier this week I spoke to BBC News. I restated that any Brexit deal needs to go back to the people for a final say. That is the only way we are going to bring the country together after this deeply devisive Brexit process. You can see my full perspective on this issue in the video above.
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Making the case for Devolving Justice to Wales
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On Tuesday I argued to the Minister of State for Justice, Robert Buckland QC, that we must devolve justice, prisons and probation services to Wales. We cannot continue with our currently broken devolved settlement. It is the only way to prevent the failures we are currently seeing. Whilst Mr Buckland failed to acknowledge the case for reform, I will continue to push for devolving justice to Wales. Please see my full intervention above.
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Universal Credit: The Story So Far
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This morning, Cardiff and Vale Citizens Advice hosted an event looking at the impact of Universal Credit in Cardiff and the Vale. The high turnout at the conference was a testament to the scale of UC’s impact. Equalities Minister Jane Hutt AM, representatives from Citizens Advice and UC claimants all discussed their experiences of UC and the changes that must be made in order to make UC a compassionate welfare benefit that acts as a safety net for working families.
Universal Credit is a broken system that is effectively breaking people and pushing them deeper into poverty. Its implementation has had a profound effect on claimants due to its deep, inhuman flaws. It is no coincidence that since the introduction of full service universal credit to Cardiff, foodbank usage has increased by 52%. This is unacceptable and I have raised this directly with the Secretary of State for the DWP on several occasions and unfortunately she feels that my concerns on behalf of my constituents do not warrant a response.
I was very pleased to hear the robust steps Welsh Government is taking to mitigate the impact of austerity here in Wales, investing in our vital front-line services to ensure more effective collaboration and high quality independent advice.
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Environmental Audit Committee: Toxic Chemicals
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On Tuesday, the Environmental Audit Select Committee questioned representatives of IKEA, Amazon and Kingfisher on their use of toxic chemicals in everyday life. More must be done to hold these companies to account for their continuing use of potentially harmful chemicals in products such as toys, furniture, kitchen equipment and televisions. I questioned whether businesses should be responsible for the potentially harmful chemical waste produced from their products.
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Coalition Response to DEFRA / Welsh Government Resources and Waste Strategy
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On Monday I submitted a response to the government's Resources and Waste Strategy Consultation.
The response mirrored what was proposed in my Extended Producer Responsibility Bill, which was brought to Parliament earlier in the year. The response calls for a radical overhaul of the plastics and packaging waste strategy, with producers paying 100% of the costs of collecting, transport, recycling and responsibly disposing of products and materials when they have reached the end of their lives.
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Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Ty Coryton Shool, a school for children with special education needs.
Whilst there I had the chance to see some of the fantastic work they are doing as well as what the pupils get up to! It was great to see such a pupil-centred learning environment, with a thriving democratic community of students aiming to have an impact on how the school is run through a number of student councils and committees.
It was delightful to meet all the staff and students and I am particularly thankful to Daniel and Dominic who invited me to their school!
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Tackling Air Pollution in Wales: Policy Discussion
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Earlier today I took part in a policy discussion event in Cardiff to explore the role of public transport in delivering cleaner air and lower carbon emissions in Wales. I was joined by Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council, Ruth Jones MP, Julie Morgan AM, and Jenny Rathbone AM. The event took place on one of Cardiff's new electric buses.
At the event, I made a speech which outlined my support for moves towards a decarbonised public transport system across Cardiff. Cardiff Council is looking to lead the way in clean transport and investing in a fleet of electric buses is a move towards this goal.
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National Lottery Funding Surgery
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The National Lottery Community Fund in conjunction with C3SC will be holding a lottery funding advice surgery in the constituency next week.
The event will take place on 21st May at Llandaff North and Gabalfa Hub. This is the perfect opportunity to seek expert advice for applicants looking for funding to bring their community projects to life! Pease see the information above to book an appointment.
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Alzheimer's Society Art Sale Fundraiser
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Next week marks Dementia Action Week. To celebrate there will be an Art Sale fundraiser on Tuesday 21st May between 10am and 2pm at the Ararat Centre for the Community, Whitchurch. The fundraising exhibition will showcase the paintings and cards of Pat Rayfield, a Wrexham pensioner who rediscovered her artistic talent whilst living well with dementia.
All funds raised will go to Alzheimer’s Research and the Alzheimer’s Society so please come along and show your support!
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Maes y Coed Advice Surgery
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It was a great advice surgery at Maes Y Coed Community Centre earlier today. Constituents and I discussed a range of issues, from housing to Universal Credit and Brexit.
Maes Y Coed have excellent facilities for the local community with a vast range of activities running on most days, including an honesty cafe where you can help yourself to tea, coffee and cake!
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Friday 24th May – 10.30-12pm
Whitchurch Constituency Office, CF14 1DJ
Please call to make an appointment.
Friday 7th June – 10.30-12pm
Coffee Morning
Thornhill Church Centre, Excalibur Dr.
CF14 9GA
Drop in surgery – no appointment necessary.
For further information or to make an appointment, please contact the office on 02920 624440.
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
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