Newsletter December 2025

Welcome to my Newsletter for December 2025

Image of a Christmas card designed by Max Roberts of Ysgol Maesgwyn School.

Christmas in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare is always special, with communities, schools and choirs making it a season to remember. I’ve loved joining so many carol services already this year, it’s been a bumper season with concerts and fayres bringing our communities together.

As the year draws to a close, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. My office team will be taking a break over Christmas, and we’ll return on Monday, 5 January 2026.

If you need assistance during this period, a list of emergency contact numbers is available below.

Best wishes,
Gerald

Emergency Contacts

A Labour Budget with Labour Values

The November Budget is built on Labour values and focused on the priorities that matter most to our communities. It tackles the cost of living by easing pressures on households, invests in the public services we all rely on, and creates good jobs while boosting wages.

At its heart, this is about fairness, security, and opportunity, delivering real change for people here in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.

Find Out More

Scrapping the Two-Child Benefit Cap: A Huge Step Forward for Families

Labour is delivering on its promise to end child poverty. By scrapping the two-child benefit cap, we’re making a real difference for families across the country.

In Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare alone, over 2,590 children will feel the benefit of this change, helping to ease financial pressures and give every child the best possible start in life.

This is a bold step towards fairness and opportunity, and it shows Labour’s commitment to supporting families, tackling inequality, and building a future where every child can thrive. Labour promised, Labour delivered.

Find Out More

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Passed

Parliament has passed the Employment Rights Bill, marking the biggest upgrade to workplace protections in a generation. The new legislation introduces day one sick pay, stronger safeguards against exploitative zero‑hours contracts and fire‑and‑rehire practices, and improved rights around pregnancy, maternity and paternity leave.

This is a transformative step forward for working people across England, Scotland and Wales, ensuring greater dignity, fairness and security in the workplace. Labour promised, Labour delivered.

And the Winner Is… Max Roberts from Maesgwyn School!

Image of Gerald Jones MP with the entries.

Image of Gerald Jones MP with the winner, Max Roberts.

It was a pleasure to visit Maesgwyn School, Cwmdare to present a special gift to Max Roberts, whose fantastic design won my Christmas Card Competition.

Max’s artwork will feature on my official Christmas card this year, heading to some very important places, including Buckingham Palace for the King!

A huge congratulations to Max, our brilliant runner-ups, and everyone who took part. The entries were full of imagination and festive spirit, making it a tough decision to choose a winner.

This is a proud moment for Maesgwyn School, and I’m thrilled to celebrate Max’s creativity and talent. Well done, Max!

A Visit to Merthyr Tydfil’s Royal Mail Sorting Office

Image of Gerald Jones MP with Dawn Bowden MS and the post workers.

Great to visit the Royal Mail Sorting Office in Merthyr Tydfil alongside Dawn Bowden MS to spend time with our dedicated local posties as they prepared for the busy Christmas season.

Every card and parcel that arrives at our doors is thanks to their hard work and commitment, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Their efforts keep our communities connected, and we are truly grateful for all they do. On behalf of our community, I’d like to wish all postal workers a very Happy Christmas!

Celebrating UK Parliament Week in Our Communities

Image of Gerald Jones MP with pupils at various schools.

This year’s UK Parliament Week was a fantastic celebration across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, with 28 local schools and youth groups taking part. It was great to see so many young people engaging with Parliament, asking thoughtful questions and showing real curiosity about our democracy.

At visits to Cwmdare, Trelewis, Bedlinog and Hirwaun Primary Schools, pupils showed sharp thinking and real enthusiasm for learning. Their energy and interest remind us that future leaders are already in the making.

A huge thank you to all the staff, pupils, and organisations who took part, their commitment made this week a true celebration of democracy in action.

Supporting Connectivity and Local Jobs

I recently visited EE in Merthyr Tydfil and had the chance to catch up with the team. It was great to see the effort that goes into supporting local customers and keeping services running smoothly.

Reliable connectivity is vital for families, businesses, and community groups across our area, and it’s clear the team takes real pride in making that happen. A big thank you to everyone at EE for the work you do to keep our community connected while supporting local jobs and strengthening the local economy.

Christmas Concert at St Elvan’s Church

Image of Gerald Jones MP, the Mayor and Gareth.

St Elvan’s Church provided a wonderful festive setting for the Cwmbach Male Choir Christmas Concert, with a lively Hawaiian Christmas song adding extra sparkle to the evening. The children of Town Church in Wales School Choir were fantastic as special guests, bringing real joy to the celebration.

It was also a pleasure to catch up with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Mayor Cllr Sheryl Evans and choir member Gareth Thomas as we count down the twelve days to Christmas.

Everyone Deserves a Christmas 2025

Our annual Everyone Deserves a Christmas campaign is happening soon, bringing festive support to families across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. This project makes a real difference at what can be a difficult time of year, ensuring that no one is left behind during the Christmas season.

There’s still time to get involved. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact my office on 01685 383739 or email [email protected]. Your support will help make Christmas brighter for those who need it most.

Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events

Visit to Coco’s Coffee, Aberdare
Meet Your MP event at St Elvans’s Church, Aberdare
Welcomed students from Pen y Dre High School to UK Parliament
Welcomed learners from Aberdare Park Primary School to UK Parliament
Street Surgery in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil
Bedlinog at Trelewis Community Council Christmas Fayre
Advice Surgery in Bedlinog with Cllr Gillian Preston
Children’s SING competition at St Elvan’s Church with Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor Sheryl Evans and CLLR Julie Cook B.E.M Aberaman WARD

Advice Surgeries

As well as my work in Parliament, my team and I are available to help constituents all year round, with a range of issues, including for example benefit entitlements, HMRC issues, housing, Home Office, and passport issues.

I hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency. These are an opportunity for residents in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare to come and chat with me about issues I feel I could offer advice and assistance.

To discuss specific issues, and to book an appointment, please call my team on 01685 383 739 or email [email protected].

January, February & March Advice Surgeries