A lot has happened in the world of politics recently, but here’s a taster of what your local Senedd Member for Brecon and Radnorshire has been up to!
Recently, I took part in a debate in which Plaid Cymru tabled a motion asking the Welsh Government to update Planning Policy Wales (PPW), so that plans for new infrastructure to transfer energy, such as the proposed 60-mile route of pylons across mid-Wales, must be undergrounded as the default option, not ‘preferred’. Unfortunately, this was not agreed.
I am bitterly disappointed that these amendments were voted down. I have consistently voiced my opposition to these proposals. They would drastically change our beautiful landscape, and detrimentally affect our rural communities. I will keep raising this in Cardiff Bay and ensure the Welsh Government listens to concerns not only raised by you, but everyone across Wales.
As I’m sure most of you are aware, BT has plans to convert their entire telephone network from analogue to digital, leaving many vulnerable people worried as their home tele-alarms will no longer work. BT tell me they are taking these concerns very seriously. I urge any constituent to contact my office if you are worried about this change.
I am also very pleased that plans to reform the school summer holiday have been shelved until at least 2026 – meaning the annual tradition of school children and young people taking part in our brilliant Royal Welsh Show is set to continue! I believe changing the structure of the school year would negatively impact our tourism and hospitality industry, so I’m happy to see these plans shelved.
Finally, with the election now over, I am disappointed that I will no longer be working with my friend Fay Jones, but I will continue to stand up for the residents of Brecon and Radnorshire and ensure that everyone across rural Wales has that much needed voice.
