IN THE weeks before a General Election, exchanges in the House of Commons chamber are peppered with tributes to MPs who are standing down. Few are so richly deserved as those offered to Torfaen MP, Paul Murphy, who has chosen to leave Parliament at the General Election.

Last week’s St David’s Day debate in the chamber was a chance to hear Paul at his best – characteristically wise, thoughtful and courteous. Having worked with Paul for many years I will miss his good advice and great company, but I do look forward to reading his biography on Leo Abse.

The debate was also a chance for me to raise again the issue of job insecurity and low pay that I hear from constituents. Those employed on zero hours contracts often experience heightened job insecurity as well as low pay. Many often find it difficult to make ends meet, with some resorting to pay day loans or food banks to cover basic household bills and to feed their families.

The TUC has found that those on zero hour contracts earn on average £300 less per week than those on permanent contracts. I was able to give examples of the reality of life for the many people who have been unable to find full time permanent work, so are in zero hours contracts, temporary or part-time work.

I also spoke about the transport issues which need to be resolved in the next Parliament. Tackling overcrowding on the commuter services from Bristol to Cardiff, which call at Severn Tunnel Junction, must be a priority for the Department of Transport as it considers the franchise, as should getting the Severn Tolls down when the bridges return to public ownership in 2018.

The news that Friars Walk will be opening in November has been welcomed by many I speak to, as we all watch the building work take shape. All credit to Newport council whose innovative approach to funding this project has made it happen. Friars Walk was just one of the Argus’ list of “15 things to look forward to in Newport in 2015” which quite rightly highlighted the positive change that is happening in our city.

Finally, I recently had the pleasure of joining the Mayor of Caldicot’s celebration evening for local volunteers. A well-deserved thank you for those who give so much time to help others in our communities, often unseen. From recent visits to the night shelters, the foodbanks, the passenger groups and sports clubs to name just a few it’s good to see and support those who are not doing it for the thanks, just for the good of the community.