NOW that the Prime Minister has begun to reveal the plans for Brexit, it is of utmost importance that we now work to secure the best deal possible for places such as Gwent.

I was one of the MPs who took part in the debate on the future of infrastructure in Wales last week, as EU funding is a key component of those plans at the moment.

The South Wales Metro scheme, which has seen improvements to the Valleys Line and more promised, is reliant on £125m of EU funding.

Though the Government has guaranteed funding up to a point, long-tail schemes like this might end up falling short if future guarantees of support aren’t given.

For the Government’s Brexit to work they must recognise this and make sure our region isn’t left behind in the years ahead.

As this column is published, the Steel 2020 report should have been released calling for a clear vision and a national strategy to save the industry and secure future prosperity.

We all know the struggles of the industry and how important it has been historically for this neck of the woods.

I’m warmly welcoming all efforts to get one of the backbones of our country back into good health. As we know very well in Gwent, once these industries go there is very little chance of them coming back.

Switching to new business, it is good to see Google coming to Blaenau Gwent to help companies keep up with the changing digital landscape.

Working with BG Effect, the January 24 event is taking place from 5pm to 7.30pm at the General Offices on Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale.

Previous events have helped plenty of businesses in the borough and I would urge anyone who could benefit to go along and take advantage of this opportunity.

I’ve talked about the problems off-road bikers have been causing for our countryside and farmers the past few months, so it is good that Gwent Police have been taking the problem seriously.

Police have been on patrol in vulnerable areas and there are further meetings to try to work out a long-term solution.

I’m glad action is being taken because most off-roaders respect the countryside – it’s just a few ruining it for us all.

Finally, by the time of my next column the Six Nations will be in full swing. Good luck to our Gwent boys in the squad and I hope we can bring home another championship.