After a busy summer in the constituency, this week was the first back at Westminster. I know that since my last roundup, lots of things have changed with regards to the Coronavirus regulations, and like many of you I’ve really enjoyed meeting up with friends and family – in a socially distanced manner! – often for the first time in many months. It’s your hard work and commitment in following the guidance that has enabled the Welsh Government to relax some of the regulations, and I would urge everyone to respect the guidelines so that we can continue to tackle the virus together. The up to date guidance from Welsh Government can be found at https://gov.wales/coronavirus.
It’s been brilliant to see our children and young people start to return to school this week. It has been an incredibly difficult few months for teachers and students alike, and they have all adapted brilliantly to the circumstances. Mention must also go to those parents and guardians who juggled working from home, home schooling, and supporting the physical and mental health of their children. I hope this week’s return to a version of normality will allow you to take a breath and reflect on what a fantastic job you have done.
I was pleased this week to sign a letter urging the Chancellor to extend the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) for the aviation sector until March 2021. The UK Government’s ‘one size fits all’ approach to the end of furlough fails to recognise that some industries are struggling more than others. Unite the Union estimates aviation is one of the worst hit, with 60,000 jobs hanging in the balance. The UK Government must take action to protect this vital sector – doing nothing is simply not an option.
Wednesday saw the first PMQs of the new Parliamentary term – and I’m afraid I have to agree with those who said it was Boris’ worst performance yet. His Government have performed u-turn after u-turn on critical issues that impact people’s daily lives, and he seems to have no comprehension of the effect this has. Keir Starmer was absolutely right to call him out – and the Prime Minister had no answer.
Many of you have been in touch with me about the illegal rave that took place in Banwen last week. It was so disappointing to see a selfish minority behave like this with no respect for the health and safety of others, and I’m glad that the police have been able to identify some of those responsible and issue fines. I’ve been in touch with our Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as the local Neath Port Talbot County Councillor for the Onllwyn ward, to discuss how we can best prevent these events from taking place or manage them safely if they do. Thanks must go to our local police force for their efforts to keep everyone involved safe as well as protecting local residents.
As always, if you have any questions or issues and want to get in touch, please do not hesitate to drop us an email on christina.rees.mp@parliament.uk or call us on 01639 630152. My staff and I are here to help. Please do keep respecting social distancing and washing your hands – together, we’ll keep Wales safe.
