Newsletter July 2025

Welcome to my newsletter for July 2025

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

The House of Commons held the final debate and vote on the Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, more commonly known as the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’.

I want to sincerely thank the many hundreds of people who have taken the time to contact me over recent months to share their views on this deeply personal and important issue.

Please see my full statement.

Warm Home Discount Scheme Expanded

Next winter, 2.7m more households across the UK – 110,000 in Wales will now receive £150 off their energy bills.

This Labour government is expanding the Warm Home Discount to bring down bills for good and deliver real financial support for families who need it most.

Care Home Open Week at Meadowlands, Aberdare

It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit to Meadowlands in Aberdare as they prepared for their Hawaiian-themed Care Home Open Day. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with the team putting the final touches on a day of activities and entertainment.

A huge thank you to all the dedicated staff for their warm welcome. It was also a pleasure to sit down for a lovely chat over a cuppa with residents Dilys, Gwyneth, and Phyllis.

Meadowlands is a truly vibrant and caring home, and it was heartening to see the passion and dedication that goes into everything they do.

Industrial Electricity Prices Slashed

This Labour government is slashing industrial electricity prices by 25% for the businesses that are the backbone of Welsh manufacturing, while investing in long-term clean energy security.

This Industrial Strategy delivers the long-term certainty and direction Welsh businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs, that put more money in people’s pockets.

National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

It was a pleasure to welcome Revd. David Powell to Westminster Hall for the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast—an inspiring annual event that brings together MPs, Peers, and faith leaders from across the UK.

The gathering offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect, pray, and connect with colleagues from all political and faith backgrounds. I was especially heartened to see so many Welsh representatives in attendance, showing strong support for this important occasion.

Parental Leave Review

Labour has launched the first ever comprehensive review of Britain’s parental leave and pay system, recognising that our current approach isn’t working as well as it should for modern families or our economy.

The review is part of the Plan to Make Work Pay, kicking-start economic growth and deliver improved living standards for hardworking families.

Meet Your MP at St Elvan’s Church

It was a real pleasure to welcome both familiar and new faces to our recent ‘Meet Your MP’ coffee morning at St Elvan’s Church. Thank you to everyone who joined us to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas over a warm cuppa.

Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the strong community spirit that thrives here in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. Your input and presence truly make a difference.

We’re already looking forward to the next gathering—watch this space for details!

Eyes Down for a Full House

It was a real pleasure to return to Castle Bingo Merthyr Tydfil as part of National Bingo Week. I had the honour of calling one of their charity games, a highlight of a truly enjoyable evening.

The atmosphere was as lively and welcoming as ever, and it was lovely to catch up with familiar faces and hear about the team’s incredible ongoing fundraising efforts. Well done to everyone involved!

Celebrating Success at The College Merthyr Tydfil

I had the pleasure of attending an inspiring evening celebrating the outstanding achievements of learners at Y Coleg Merthyr Tudful / The College Merthyr Tydfil.

From personal milestones to innovative partnerships with employers and organisations, the college continues to be a driving force for opportunity, growth, and pride in our community.

Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees, your hard work and dedication are shaping the future of Merthyr Tydfil.

Pride Group of the Year at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun

It was a real pleasure to visit Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun this morning to present the Just Like Us Pride Group of the Year award to their fantastic student-led group, Perthyn.

From mentoring younger pupils and creating allyship badges to tackling period poverty and organising inclusive events, their work is thoughtful, creative, and making a real difference in their school and community.

I even had the chance to join in and make badges with the group, a small part of the big impact they’re having.

Merthyr Science Festival

I had a brilliant time at the Merthyr Science Festival, joining Claire Price and a host of talented young science minds for a day full of discovery and fun.

The atmosphere at Christ Church on Aberdare Road was fantastic, with hands-on experiments, creative displays, and activities for all ages. It was great to see so many people getting stuck in and celebrating the power of science in our community.

A huge well done to everyone who helped make the event such a success!

Celebrating 200 Years of Cyfarthfa Castle

It was a brilliant day at Cyfarthfa Castle as we marked 200 years of history and heritage in Merthyr Tydfil.

The celebrations had something for everyone, from children’s activities and live performances to exhibitions and local traders. It was a great way to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes our town special.

It was lovely to catch up with Dawn Bowden MS and to see town crier Huw Williams keeping tradition alive in style!

Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare Win!

Good news for bus users!

Following concerns about the removal of a key bus stop between Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil, I raised the issue with Merthyr Tydfil Council. Thanks to positive talks with Stagecoach, two new bus stops have now been installed, one in each direction.

Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events

• A morning chatting with residents in Penywaun, Aberdare with Vikki Howells, Cllr Louisa Addiscott and the Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare Labour Party team.
• Met with Welsh rugby legend Ken Owens and representatives of the Welsh Rugby Union in Parliament, to discuss how Fit, Fed & Fun is making a real impact.
• A sunny street surgery in Parc Aberaman alongside Cllr Julie Cook, Cllr Tina Williams and Cllr Sheryl Evans.
• Welcomed the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Cllr Sheryl Evans and her family to Parliament.
• A wet morning of conversations on the doorstep with Plymouth Ward Councillors Anna Williams-Price, Brent Carter and Gareth Lewis and members of the Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare Labour Party in Abercanaid.