March 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to my March 2024 Newsletter
Last week we saw the largest ever protest held at the Senedd, with thousands of farmers and others who care about our rural communities descend of Cardiff. My newsletters provides an update on this and other issues.
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.
Supporting the Farming Industry
Farmers are being asked to do more for less, with reduced support from the Welsh Government despite growing environmental demands. The industry is now at breaking point.
Last month, I joined famers in Newtown as they seeked to meet with the two candidates who want to be the next First Minister, I joined the Prime Minister as he met with farmers in Llandudno , and last week I joined and spoke with those who came to protest at the Senedd, in what was the largest ever protest seen in Cardiff Bay.
Road Improvement schemes
February marked 5 years since the opening of the Newtown Bypass.
The bypass has been positive for mid Wales. Since the bypass opened, there have been other important schemes that have been delivered, such as the Dyfi bridge which opened last month.
Other schemes I am pursuing include at Caersws, a road improvement scheme is greatly needed on the A44 Llangurig to Aberystwyth to improve safety, repairs at Talerddig, and working with Craig Williams MP for road Improvements at A458 Middletown, and not to mention the Pant–Llanymynech Bypass.
Importance of Apprenticeships
Alongside Craig Williams MP last month, I visited Carpenter & Paterson in Welshpool. Established in 1956, the business designs and manufactures products for a variety of industries including power generation, renewable energy and nuclear.
The Welshpool firm’s workforce is currently made up of over 12% of apprentices, many of which are currently working on a project that supplies products to the Hinkley Point C project that is seen as vital to the UKs future energy needs.
On their visit, we were also joined by Nick Jones of Myrick Training Services. The charity helps connect employers, colleges, and apprentices to support the workforce.
It was good to meet some of the apprentices currently working for the company, and to congratulate Calum Greatorex who recently won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for Skills Academy Wales as a level 3 Myrick apprentice.
There are concerns with how cuts to Apprenticeship programs will have a negative impact, points I was able to raise points raised with me directly with the First Minister.
Children Waiting: NHS waiting times and how to close the gaps
Last month I sponsored an event at the Senedd and joined with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) to discuss trends in waiting times for children across Wales. The event was to encourage members of the Senedd to find out innovative solutions for not only tackling the backlog but also reducing the number of children needing treatment in the future.
I discussed with paediatricians their experiences of caring for children and how they believe Wales can deliver the best possible care in the future.
The RCPCH also launched their report. The report provides an analysis of waiting times data in Wales. The report contains recommendations for the Welsh Government, Health Boards and Health Education and Improvement Wales, which if fulfilled, will support the child health workforce to provide safe, timely and effective care. I will continue to promote the report and its recommendations. Getting waiting times down for treatment in Wales has to be the top priority for the Welsh Government.
Countryside Alliance Awards in the Senedd
The Countryside Alliance Wales held its annual ‘Rural Oscars’ awards ceremony in the Senedd last week. Congratulations to Izzys butchers, Llanymynech Village Shop, Bunners in Montgomery, Dolau Inn and Mantles Village Shop for being winners, runners-up, and receiving high commendations at the Countryside Alliance finals at the Senedd this week.
I was pleased to attend the event, and awards were presented by Gareth Wyn Jones and Director of the Countryside Alliance Wales Rachel Evans.
Please let me know if you would prefer to receive my newsletter in Welsh.
