IN Blaenau Gwent we have enjoyed European funding for the A465, infrastructure funding for the works site and a single market supporting our local economy at companies like Continental Teeves and Eurocaps.

Strong economies should have decent rights for people at work. Many of the rights and protections British workers have, such as minimum amounts of paid leave, rights for part time workers and protections when companies are taken over by new owners, come from agreements reached at EU level.

We have enjoyed a good relationship with the EU in Wales and have benefitted from it.

This summer has seen David Cameron travelling around Europe seeking support for his new European agenda and with a referendum on our membership due to take place before the end of 2017, the debate about what EU membership means for the UK has never been more important

Europe needs reform, but let’s not lose sight of the big picture for our country.

I think it is in our best interests in South Wales to keep connected to Europe. Whether that be as part of the massive export market or keeping hard fought rights and protections for workers.

Turning to Parliament, the few weeks before conference season gets underway will be manic ones as a lot gets squeezed in.

I have been campaigning on reforming the secondary ticket market so internet touts stop ripping off ordinary fans. Sports and music fans are fed up of paying too much for tickets to see the big matches and concerts.

It might be too late for the Rugby World Cup, but I’ll be meeting with a Government Minister to see if the Government will begin to take this problem seriously.

I had a letter this week from an Ebbw Vale and Newport Gwent Dragons fan that summed it up for me: “Do we really want to alienate the true rugby fans and allow only corporate and hooray henrys to be allowed to enjoy what should be a celebration of our game.”

Finally, a big congratulations to Deighton Primary School in Tredegar for its inspection results.

The team there faced a big financial challenge and still raised standards to where the school has now been classed as a good one.

It’s definitely worth celebrating the efforts to give our children the best chance possible in life.