I APPRECIATE some of the arguments behind the Assembly’s recent vote in favour of the minimum pricing of alcohol.

 This law has already been introduced in Scotland and I understand the UK Government has also indicated it will now be looking at it.

I’ve always been supportive of any measures which help to create a more even playing field for pubs across Wales - which currently find it virtually impossible to compete with some of the extremely low alcohol prices in supermarkets.

However, the new legislation is far from perfect and could create its own problems, so this will all need very careful monitoring.

 As the local AM I was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon at an event with a difference – a jobs fair at HMP Prescoed near Usk. The event organised by the open prison and Careers Wales brought together around  20 employers, including Business Wales and the Prince’s Trust, as well as representatives from education and business start-up organisations. 

The focus was on raising aspirations and enabling companies to speak about the skills, qualities and qualifications they are looking for in potential employees.

The jobs fair was an excellent opportunity for ex-offenders to make contact with employers in advance of their release so that they can plan for and readjust to life afterwards.

We all want to see re-offending rates at as low a level as possible and so I’m pleased Prescoed is making every effort to fully rehabilitate its ex-offenders.

 The 100  years since the founding of the Royal Air Force amid the turmoil and sacrifice of the First World War was recently commemorated at a special event at the Assembly.

It was an opportunity to reflect on the RAF’s history and achievements and an honour to be able to mark this anniversary with the servicemen and women and cadets who do so much to defend our country and safeguard our freedoms.

I was also delighted to be asked to share a cross-party platform at a “Pink News” event at the Senedd.

This brought together politicians and campaigners from across the political spectrum to recognise and celebrate the contribution made by the LGBT community across Wales.

Nominees for the public sector equality award for this year’s Pink News awards were also announced.

We are immensely fortunate to live in a free country.

Everyone living here should be free to be themselves without fear or intimidation.