Welcome to my August 2024 Newsletter
As we enter August and the Senedd is now in recess, I look forward to spending more time in Montgomeryshire, and hope to catch up with many of you at events and local shows over the Summer.
There has been much political change over the past few weeks, but my role as the Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire continues. I want to set out the latest changes in politics and update you on my work as a Senedd member.
As ever, if you want an update on something not mentioned in my newsletter, or I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
New First Minister and political change
July was a month of big political change. We have a new UK Government, a new MP locally, and we will have a new First Minister of Wales.
Following Vaughan Gething’s announcement that he will be resigning as the First Minister of Wales, a new First minister will be in place next week. I think he made the correct decision, as he had lost the confidence of the Senedd, including several Ministers that resigned from his government. The Senedd has been recalled next Tuesday (6th August) to vote for a new First Minister,
Following the election of Eluned Morgan MS becoming the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party, it is expected, due to the political arithmetic of the Senedd, that she will become Wales’s new FM.
I believe the new FM will need to focus on getting NHS waiting times down, which are currently the longest in the UK, Improve education standards, and improve the economy and take-home pay in Wales. Trust also needs to be re-built with farmers and rural communities.
The public also voted in the General Election. We have a new Labour UK Government. I have written to Steve Witherden to offer my congratulations on him becoming the MP for the new constituency of Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.
I pay tribute to Craig Williams for his work in Montgomeryshire. He had energy and focus on doing the best for our area. I also want to pay tribute to Craig’s office team based in Welshpool and London. I know how hard they have worked supporting many constituents.
I continue my work locally in serving the people of Montgomeryshire in the Senedd and hope to soon meet with Steve Witherden MP as I seek to work with him.
Challenge on Air Ambulance decision
Russell George MS challenges the First Minister, Vaughan Gething MS on Wales Air Ambulance.
Following a fundamentally flawed decision taken by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) in April to close and centralise the Caernarfon and Welshpool Air Ambulance bases, campaign groups in both areas have been working together to challenge the decision.
Earlier this week, along with other local campaigners, we put out a statement that confirms that an application for judicial review has been issued at the High Court. You can read the full statement by clicking ‘read more’
Also, As a member of a committee that scrutinises the First Minister. We met in July with the focus of the meeting being on Rural communities. I used my allotted time to question the First Minister on why the Welsh Government supported the decision which would see the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool close, I also asked the First Minister to consider a new model across Wales for providing Air Ambulance cover. You can watch my exchange with Vaughan Gething MS above.
Future of Farming
Last week I was pleased to meet farming unions and other organisations at the Royal Welsh show to discuss my and colleagues’ proposals for a new Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme. This initiative is designed to be an alternative to the Welsh Governments current Sustainable Farming Scheme.
I also had the opportunity to me to discuss other priorities that both farming unions and the myself want to see addressed.
I also had the opportunity to discuss other priorities that both farming unions and the myself want to see addressed. This includes changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme, NVZs and action on Bovine TB.
Save Our Surgeries
Last month, I sponsored an event in the Senedd held with the British Medical Association (BMA) Wales, as we united for a cause that is so important – the "Save Our Surgeries" campaign.
Our GP surgeries are more than just buildings, GPs are often the first point of contact when people have a health concern.
There is a critical need for investment in our healthcare infrastructure and it is of critical importance that we ensure that our surgeries have the resources they need to serve communities across Montgomeryshire effectively.
Over recent years I have spoken to GP’s locally who have outlined to me directly the pressures they are under, and I am fully aware that many practices do not have the full complement of doctors that are needed to serve the population.
The BMA are calling for the restoration of NHS funding for general practice before we see a total collapse of this service in Wales.
Tourism Week
In Montgomeryshire we have a strong tourism industry, but it needs support from the Welsh Government to help it thrive.
As well as celebrating Wales Tourism Week in the Senedd, it's also important for me in my role to visit businesses within the sector. Last week I visited Angie and Lyndsey Price who manage the Riverbend Caravan near Llangadfan. (Pictured with them above) Angie and Lyndsey gave me a tour of their fantastic park which is set on the banks of the River Banwy.
I also attended a reception in the Senedd to celebrate and champion the Tourism sector in celebration of Wales Tourism Week. Issues discussed included Welsh Government proposed tourism tax.
Championing Local Produce.
As the North Powys sustainable food champion, I was pleased to attend the launch of the Bywd Powys Food Strategy and Action Plan for Powys at the Royal Welsh Show.
As an advocate for local produce in my role, I was pleased that Izzy's butchers, had been recognised nationally for going the extra mile within her community supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.
I had the opportunity to give my congratulations to Izzy’s Butchers in person at the Royal Welsh Show for winning at the Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’ awards night in London. Izzy’s butchers are based in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant,
A huge achievement by Izzy and my thanks again goes to her for all of her work within the community.
August Advice Surgeries
Whilst the Senedd is in recess, this gives me the opportunity to meet constituents over the summer, if you would like to meet with me please contact me.
I will also be attending various summer shows each Saturday throughout August. I have listed the shows where I will have a stand at the bottom of this newsletter, but I will also be attending other shows, such as Dolfor show this Saturday.
Please do call by my stand or approach me if you believe I can help in any way.
Please let me know if you would prefer to receive my newsletter in Welsh.
