Here's the latest Argus column by Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith:

WE ARE living in truly unprecedented times and this is a frightening and uncertain period for most.

The coronavirus outbreak has radically altered much of normal life, including Parliamentary work but I am continuing to do all I can to help people in Blaenau Gwent and challenge the government.

For example, over the last few weeks my work has included urging the government to make sure that criminal proceedings against violent offenders can continue without delay, to better protect domestic abuse victims, to protect charities, to indefinitely suspend the removal of free TV licences for all over-75s and to provide adequate PPE to our hospitals and those in the care sector.

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I have been receiving an enormous amount of emails and messages from local people who need support and clarity during this time and I will be continuing to urge the government to secure the financial well-being of all workers – especially those who have fallen through the gaps in the available assistance packages.

I am also in regular correspondence with the local authority, the local health board and Gwent Police to discuss their responses to the crisis and ask important questions.

I believe that, in the circumstances, there is a tremendous amount of fantastic work being carried out right across Blaenau Gwent, by all of those services and also by local volunteers.

As worrying a time as this is, it is bringing out true community spirit and a clearer understanding of what matters most in our society.

What will get us all through this is the hard work, bravery and determination of our amazing NHS staff and care workers, our cleaners, shop staff, teachers and other key workers.

This has made crystal clear how important those workers who hold together the fabric of our daily lives are.

It has exposed the gaps that many low-paid workers and vulnerable people can fall into without the necessary support.

The Labour party’s priority at this time is to work with the government to get us all through this crisis, while continuing to scrutinise decisions and, where necessary, to shine a light on failures.

The weeks ahead will be difficult, and things are likely to get worse before they get better but we will get through this.

And when we do I hope this government will be more prepared to listen to our arguments about why so many people deserve so much better.

  • You can get in touch with me by calling my office on 01495 313167 or emailing nick.smith.mp@parliament.uk