My Week Archive

My Week 19th – 25th February In the Chamber On Monday I voted against the Government’s shameful cuts to the Employment Support Allowance and the Work Related Activity Group. The House of Lords had added amendments on to the Government’s Welfare Reform and Work Bill which would have protected both these things, but the Tories were insistent on having them … [Read more...]

Recess Week: My Week 12th – 18th February This week Parliament was in recess, but there was no relaxing as there was a very busy week in the constituency, with visits to many fantastic organisations and meeting extraordinary people. Friday the 12th February Friday … [Read more...]

I want to open this week’s My Week in tribute to the late Harry Harpham. Harry and I were both part of the new intake in 2015, and he was always so supportive and so positive. He was debating and asking questions in the Chamber until the last, standing up for his constituency of Sheffield, Brightside … [Read more...]

Rugby & Referendums: My Week 29th January – 4th February Out and about the constituency On Friday I attended a talk given by Derek Vaughan, our terrific Labour MEP for Wales, who gave us an update as the EU referendum approaches. Derek made a very convincing argument for … [Read more...]

NEATH MP HELPS CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARIES DAY The importance of libraries to the community was highlighted by Christina Rees MP, as she helped celebrate National Libraries Day 2016 (February 6th) Libraries play an important educational … [Read more...]

First time on the Frontbench: My Week: 22nd – 28th January In the Chamber On Friday the 22nd I stayed in London to try to pass through my bill to put mothers’ names on marriage certificates. Unfortunately, once again, the Tories talked out previous bills so we were unable to get to my own. The Bill will come before Parliament again on the 5th of … [Read more...]

My Week: 15th – 21st January In the Chamber On Monday I rushed up to Westminster to take part in the debate on the Urgent Question to Anna Soubry, the Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise over the sad news of job losses in TATA in Port Talbot which will also have a huge effect on the people of the Neath constituency. I asked her, ‘Job … [Read more...]