ALONG with all of Newport’s politicians, I’m fully supportive of the Argus campaign “We’re backing Newport” to promote and highlight the very best of our city.

I’ve certainly seen that in the last few weeks on my visits to local businesses like Bisley, and at events like the fantastic Newport Council-backed Food Festival, at the International Peace Day at Eton Road’s Community House and more. Newport is certainly a city on the rise, and it’s been a real pleasure to talk to so many constituents about it this autumn at my surgeries, the excellent Over 50’s Information Day held last week, and the many Macmillan coffee mornings held this month.

 In Monmouthshire it’s also great to see Magor’s AB InBev expanding.

It was a real pleasure to open the new warehouse recently with John Griffiths AM – a warehouse that will shortly be housing up to 3 million

cans and bottles in time for Christmas.

Work is also progressing at pace on the new build Caldicot School which will open in September 2017, with the Welsh Government’s 21st Century School’s programme delivering state of the art facilities.

As the key issue which is set to dominate politics, last week Parliament turned to Brexit, with Labour’s Keir Starmer leading a debate on parliamentary scrutiny of leaving the EU.

The question on the ballot paper on the June 23 was whether the UK should remain or leave, and the result was clear. However, the next question is on what terms we should leave.

Labour wants to ensure that our communities, key industries and small businesses are protected, along with important rights at work and environmental standards.

I look forward to contributing to these debates on behalf of Newport East and as always I’d be very pleased to hear views from constituents.  

 I also supported a smaller but very important debate on Police Officer Safety. 

There were an estimated 23,000 recorded assaults on Police Officers across the country last year, and as was made clear in the debate, the Police have had to weather huge cuts at a time when their caseload is becoming increasingly complicated.

A final big thanks from me to my neighbour Paul Flynn for his work as Shadow Secretary of State for Wales this summer.

As the Welsh Whip I know just how hard he and his staff worked to help Labour scrutinise the Wales Bill in the Commons, which he did with his customary good humour and dedication. Diolch Paul.