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South Wales Argus Author

South Wales Argus Author

South Wales Argus

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Transport is an incredibly hot topic in Wales at present

Last week I was delighted to discover amid the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet reshuffle that after requesting to stay, I’ll be remaining in my...

latest 0

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Monmouthshire does not meet the assessment criteria for a banking hub

Back in 2017, I started raising concerns about the way in which ideology was trumping common sense when it came to issues around people identifying as...

monday 10

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

I watched the new Frozen stage show and the young cast were outstanding

Fresh branding in place and new directorial team firmly at the helm, Perform Chepstow’s Academy and Advanced Youth Theatre groups gave five...

21.04.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Community buzzing with excitement ahead of 2024 festival

The first events of 2024 Caerleon Arts Festival are about to start and it is brilliant to see the community buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting...

18.04.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Schools in Islwyn get positive Estyn reports

Last month Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament elected a new First Minister, Vaughan Gething. As the first Black head of Government in Wales, the UK...

16.04.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

There is nothing dignified about animal trophy hunting

THERE is nothing dignified about animal trophy hunting. That is why I spoke from the Labour frontbench in Parliament about the importance of finally...

15.04.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Celebrating the Senedd at 25

Next month the Senedd will celebrate 25 years. Twenty five years is a milestone worth marking - a time to reflect and a time to look forward. It is...

11.04.2024 7

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Ballet dancers set to perform on international stage after winning contest

A TEENAGE ballet dancer from Newport is set to dance at a major competition in the USA. Charlie-Beth Smith was selected to represent Great Britain...

10.04.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Devolution means that different choices and decisions have been made

Every so often something we hear brings home how the NHS has the power to save and change lives. Our headlines are usually full of stories of the...

09.04.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

It's been a very busy time for Newport East MP

Thank you to Newport East Falklands veteran, Mike Hermanis, for asking me to join him, along with other ex-servicemen and bereaved family members in...

08.04.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Amy Dowden ‘grateful for another shot at life’ year after finding lump in breast

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has said she is “grateful” for being given “another shot at life” a year on from finding a cancerous...

05.04.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

"Monmouthshire is a caring county" - Mary Ann Brocklesby

If there are those who think that Monmouthshire is an oasis of privilege and wealth set aside from the rest of Wales, I am sorry to disabuse them. ...

03.04.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Invitation to bank's governor to visit Islwyn

Most people have heard of the Bank of England, but many might not realise what impact it has on their day to day lives. As the UK’s central bank,...

29.03.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Review: Bonnie and Clyde, Wales Millennium Centre

Bonnie and Clyde Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff "Another relaxing night of theatre" a man in the crowd remarked, following the unannounced...

28.03.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Students launch campaign on mobile phone use in schools

Congratulations go to our new First Minister Vaughan Gething, on becoming leader of Welsh Labour and the first black leader in Europe. This is a...

28.03.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Gaza vigil itself was a poignant one on Mother's Day

I had the honour of being invited to address a vigil outside Caerffili Castle in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The vigil itself was a poignant...

26.03.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Poverty must be centre of Gething’s agenda

As new First Minister, Vaughan Gething must put solving poverty at the heart of his administration. Gething is no stranger to poverty, having held...

25.03.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

"This wrongdoing must be made right\"

As this will be my first column since Mark Drakeford stood down as First Minister, I would like to thank him for his public service. While my party,...

21.03.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'Our citizens should expect no less than this from us'

Last week I was delighted to join staff, students and guests at USW Newport to learn more about investment in the new HYDRA Innovation and Research...

20.03.2024 7

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Is it any wonder farmers are up in arms?

Imagine a bunch of bureaucrats coming up to you demanding you relinquish 20 per cent of your – yes, your – property, no questions asked. You’d...

19.03.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

The Waterboys and World Party member Karl Wallinger dies aged 66

PRESTATYN-born Karl Wallinger, who starred in The Waterboys and then World Party, has died aged 66. The frontman formed World Party in 1986,...

13.03.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

I will continue fighting for better transport links in our city

After years of campaigning, I’m absolutely delighted to see the Newport to Ebbw Vale line re-open. It has been a long time coming, it will now not...

12.03.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Charlotte Church takes part in pro-Palestine march in London

Welsh singer Charlotte Church said she was spreading a “loving message” as she joined a pro-Palestine rally following the backlash she received...

10.03.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Review: Welsh National Opera's 'Death in Venice with No Fit State Circus

Welsh National Opera Death in Venice Wales Millennium Centre It is highly laudable for WNO to share the Wales Millennium State with No Fit State...

08.03.2024 10

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Ours budget builds on our strong principles of fairness

Like other councils in the area, we have been busy working to balance our books for the services we will continue to offer residents in the coming...

08.03.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

We shall never forget what happened in the miners' strike

March 6, 2024, marked 40 years since the start of the miners’ strike. As the Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd for Islwyn I know how powerful the...

07.03.2024 10

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Ministers need to stop this short-term, knee-jerk policy making

This week the Senedd will be debating the Welsh Government’s final budget, the final chance members to scrutinise the Welsh Government’s...

05.03.2024 2

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

The potential impact of steel job losses cannot be overstated

In February I was proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with steelworkers from Llanwern as they marched through Newport in protest of Tata...

04.03.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Cut in number of constituencies will result in 'a weaker Welsh voice', claims MP

A CONSERVATIVE former Welsh secretary said changes to the boundaries of MPs’ constituencies will result in “a weaker Welsh voice”. The number...

02.03.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Senedd refuses to back law banning councils from boycotting nations on moral grounds

THE Senedd voted to withhold its consent to an “ill-conceived” UK bill amid concerns it amounts to a gagging order and rides roughshod over rights...

01.03.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Thousands of farmers attend Senedd protest in Cardiff Bay

Due to the technical or legal reasons, readability mode is not available for this article. Thank you for your kind understanding.

29.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

The work of Tŷ Hafan is vital

As Torfaen MS, I recently visited the Tŷ Hafan charity shop in Cwmbran to hear how it raises money to support the incredible work Tŷ Hafan...

29.02.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Our Play Service provides hundreds of projects year-round

The Torfaen Play Service Volunteer Awards were held at Congress Theatre in Cwmbran last week. The awards celebrate those who give up their time to...

28.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'Our steel industry deserves better than this'

Recently, steelworkers from Llanwern and across the UK, along with Newport’s Labour councillors, Jayne Bryant and John Griffiths MS, Ruth Jones MP,...

26.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Wales' role in UK-EU relations 'greatly diminished' since Brexit, MSs warn

WALES' role in UK-EU relations has greatly diminished since Brexit, with open democratic debate replaced by diktat and decisions made in the shadows,...

25.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Tories need to ‘win confidence’ of voters after ‘challenging’ year, says Wales chief

THE Conservatives will need to “win the confidence” of Welsh voters ahead of an election after what has been a “challenging” year, the Welsh...

24.02.2024 2

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'We’ve got your back': Sunak backs farmers protesting against Welsh Government reform

RISHI Sunak has offered his support to protesting farmers in Wales. Farmers across Wales have objected to the Welsh Labour government’s proposals...

23.02.2024 3

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'Things are getting better': PM on 'green shoots' of recovery at Welsh conference

THE public are seeing the “green shoots” of the economy improving, the prime minister has  told supporters in Wales. Speaking at the Welsh...

23.02.2024 7

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'We all know the steel industry needs to transition'

Forty years on from the miners’ strikes, it’s hard not to conclude that history is in danger of repeating itself. A UK Government destroying our...

23.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Drakeford accused of breaking pay promise to homelessness and housing support workers

THE Welsh Government has been accused of rowing back on a promise to pay the real living wage to homelessness and housing support workers. Mabon ap...

22.02.2024 7

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Newport-born Hollywood star Michael Sheen faces ‘grilling of a lifetime’ on new show

MICHAEL Sheen will be interviewed by people who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled on a BBC show. The half-hour special called The...

22.02.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Our prosperity has long depended on trade

It’s St David’s Day next week; an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Welsh life and to show just how much Wales has to offer at home and...

22.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

PM Rishi Sunak slams the Welsh Government's new farm subsidy scheme

THE Welsh Government’s new farm subsidy scheme will “decimate farming communities in Wales”, Rishi Sunak has warned. Farmers will have to...

21.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Getting out into the constituency is vital

One of the key aspects of my work is getting out and about to all parts of the Caerphilly constituency. I have had the opportunity to visit some...

20.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

We need to safeguard the UK’s sovereign steelmaking capability

This weekend I was in Newport at a rally to support our steelworkers, including those at Llanwern. It’s been quite a month for the steel industry...

19.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Welsh Labour leadership race 2024: Who is education minister Jeremy Miles?

WALES’ education minister Jeremy Miles is one of the two men hoping to become the next first minister of Wales. As voting opens in the Welsh...

18.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

'I’d love it if it were true': Rob Brydon on Gavin and Stacey return rumour

GAVIN And Stacey star Rob Brydon has dismissed rumours that the British sitcom will be returning to screens, but said he would “love it if it were...

17.02.2024 6

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Polls open in race to succeed Welsh Labour leader and first minister Mark Drakeford

VOTING has begun on Friday for the two candidates vying to be the next first minister of Wales. Jeremy Miles, the current minister for education and...

17.02.2024 20

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Welsh Labour leadership race 2024: Who is education minister Jeremy Miles?

WALES’ education minister Jeremy Miles is one of the two men hoping to become the next first minister of Wales. As voting opens in the Welsh...

16.02.2024 5

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

Welsh Labour leadership race 2024: Who is economy minister Vaughan Gething?

VAUGHAN Gething, Wales’ economy minister, became the first of two men to declare they wanted to be the next first minister of Wales. As voting...

16.02.2024 4

South Wales Argus

South Wales Argus Author

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