Newsletter September 2025

Welcome to my newsletter for September 2025

Strengthening Workers’ Rights

Labour is proud to be driving forward the Employment Rights Bill, a major step toward improving working conditions and protecting working people across the country.

The Bill includes vital measures such as:

• Ending exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices
• Establishing day-one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave
• Strengthening statutory sick pay, including extending it to 1.3 million of the lowest earners

These reforms are part of the biggest overhaul of employment law in a generation. Despite scaremongering and resistance from some quarters, Labour is delivering on its promises. This Bill is another promise made and another promise kept.

This is a major step forward for fairness, dignity, and security in the workplace, and a clear signal that Labour is putting working people first.

Celebrating a Successful Annual Funding Day

It was a pleasure to host my annual Funding Day, which brought together funders, local organisations, and community members from across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. The event provided a valuable opportunity to share ideas, explore funding opportunities, and strengthen support for the incredible work happening in our communities.

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Merthyr Town FC for kindly hosting the event, and to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day such a success.

UK Economy Leads G7 Growth 

Official figures show that the UK economy grew by 1% in the first six months of 2025, making it the fastest-growing economy in the G7. This is a promising sign that Labour’s economic strategy is beginning to deliver results, not just nationally, but for communities like ours here in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.

We won’t reverse a decade of stagnant growth overnight, but there are clear signs that the economy is beginning to recover, and that Labour’s plan is working.

• Interest rates have been cut five times, easing pressure on households and businesses.
• 380,000 jobs have been created since Labour took office.
• Business confidence is at a 9-year high, according to Lloyds.
• A record £120 billion of private investment has come into the UK this year.
• Wages have grown more in Labour’s first ten months than in the previous ten years.

Here in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, these national gains matter. They mean more opportunities for local people, more support for small businesses, and a stronger foundation for long-term prosperity in our communities.

Labour is committed to delivering an economy that works for everyone

Aberdare Food & Drink Festival: A Celebration of Local Flavour

Aberdare truly served up a treat at the Food & Drink Festival, with a fantastic turnout and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the best of our local produce, showcasing the talent and creativity of businesses across the area.

Huge congratulations to the organisers for delivering such a well-run and enjoyable event. It’s clear that Aberdare knows how to celebrate community, culture, and great food, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival!

Justice and Accountability: Proudly Delivering the Hillsborough Law

The Labour government is proud to have introduced the long-awaited Hillsborough Law, a landmark piece of legislation that ensures truth, transparency, and accountability in public life.

The Bill includes:

• A statutory duty of candour requiring public officials and authorities to act with honesty and integrity during investigations and inquiries
• A new offence for misleading the public, with criminal penalties
• The largest expansion of legal aid in a decade, ensuring bereaved families have non-means-tested legal representation at inquests

This legislation is a direct response to decades of campaigning by families affected by Hillsborough, Grenfell, the infected blood scandal, and the Horizon Post Office case. It marks a major step forward in protecting victims, empowering families, and ensuring the state can never again hide from those it serves.

The Bill has been championed by Alex Davies-Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Victims, whose leadership and commitment ensured the voices of campaigners and families were heard throughout the process. Her work has been instrumental in shaping a law that honours their fight for justice.

Residents Visit Parliament for PMQs

It was a pleasure to welcome Valda and David from Aberdare to Parliament for Prime Minister’s Questions.

Longstanding Labour Party members and proud community champions, Valda and David were warmly received in the office of the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, and also had the opportunity to speak with the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

It was a proud moment for two individuals who have given so much to our movement and to the local community.

Merthyr Tydfil Leads the Way in Early Years Support

Merthyr Tydfil has become the first county borough in Wales to offer Flying Start childcare to every child aged two, marking a major milestone in early years education.

Thanks to investment from the Welsh Government and the leadership of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, over 530 children are now benefiting from free, high-quality childcare across the borough.

What’s Included:

• 2.5 hours of free childcare per day, five days a week (term time)
• Support for early learning, development, and school readiness
• Access to Welsh and English medium settings
• Participation from 24 approved childcare providers

This initiative lays a strong foundation for lifelong success and reflects Merthyr Tydfil’s commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.

Supporting Local Banking in Aberdare

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Nationwide Building Society branch in Aberdare, where I met with staff to learn more about the work they’re doing to support thousands of local customers.

It was encouraging to see the team’s commitment to keeping face-to-face banking accessible and valued in our community, especially at a time when many high street services are under pressure.

Thank you to Aimee and the team for the warm welcome and for the vital role they play in helping residents manage their finances with confidence and care.

Reviving Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute 

Joined by Dave, Jon, and Ryan, a recent visit to Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute offered a glimpse into the inspiring plans to restore the building to its former glory.

It was great to hear more about CISWO’s role in the early stages of the restoration project, supported by a range of funders. We toured the hall and discussed the exciting vision for bringing this much-loved Grade II listed building back into full community use.

The plans reflect a strong commitment to preserving and revitalising a space that holds deep significance for the local community.

Join Us for a Cuppa

On Friday 26 September, I’ll be joining Dawn Bowden MS at our annual coffee afternoon fundraiser in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. It’s taking place from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at The Church Hall, High Street Baptist Church in Merthyr Tydfil.

It’s a chance to come together, enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, and show support for those affected by cancer. Whether you stay for a while or just drop in, it would be lovely to see you there, and feel free to bring friends or family.

Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events

• Street Surgery with the team in Town Ward, Merthyr Tydfil.
• Joined Labour colleagues and former Coalfield MPs in Parliament, to discuss a range of issues affecting former coalfield communities.
• A sunny Street Surgery in Cwmaman, Aberdare, alongside Cllr Julie Cook BEM and Cllr Tina Williams.
• Free educational tours of the UK House of Commons are now open for booking for schools across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.

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].