Newsletter October 2024

Welcome to my newsletter for October 2024

It’s been another busy month with Labour MPs keen to get on with delivering the change people voted for in July.

Change has begun. This Labour government is fixing the foundations as a rock-solid platform from which to rebuild Britain.

This will be a government of national renewal. We will break down the barriers to British prosperity by growing the economy, building the infrastructure we need, switching to clean energy and mending our public services.

We won’t let the £22 billion blackhole the Tories left behind stop us from delivering for working people.

We have already begun the change we set out in our national missions: making our economy stable, launching a new border security command, setting up Great British Energy, and giving working people better rights at work.

Just because Britain isn’t working at the moment doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed. The Tories beat the hope out of the country – but we will bring it back. For 14 years, they ducked difficult decisions and ran down public services. We will deliver for working people and, in doing so, show that politics can changes lives.

Don’t miss out: claim what’s yours!

Locally, I’ve been working with a wide range of organisations to help people claim Pension Credit.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 October) there will be drop-in sessions across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare from 10am until 3pm. You can find more information here.

As always, if you feel I could be of assistance, please get in touch.

Best wishes,

Gerald

Don’t Miss Out: Claim What’s Yours.

I want to make sure that everyone eligible for financial support claims what they’re entitled to.

For several years, I’ve worked with Citizens Advice to encourage people who may be eligible to Pension Credit to apply.

I’ve recently written to pensioner households across Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare inviting people to attend one of the four drop-in sessions taking place on Wednesday, 23 October 2024 between 10am and 3pm. No appointment is needed, just pop along.

Teams from Citizens Advice, Merthyr Valleys Homes, Care & Repair, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Trivallis, Age Connects Morgannwg, and the Department for Work and Pensions will be on hand to help.

Please don’t assume you won’t qualify. You could get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

You can find our more information by clicking the button below. If you can’t attend on 23 October, call Advicelink Cymru free on 0808 250 5700.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

I’ve received a large amount of correspondence from residents about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

This is a complex and emotive issue and I know there are strongly held ethical and moral views on both sides of the debate.

Successive governments, of both parties, have taken the position that the law on assisted suicide is a matter of conscience for individual MPs. The Prime Minister has confirmed that any change in the law on assisted dying will not happen via a Government Bill. A change can only be made via a Private Members’ Bill; that is a Bill introduced by a backbench MP or Peer. It is rightly a matter for individual MPs, rather than political parties, to decide the purpose of such Private Members’ Bills.

Such a Bill would be debated and refined on a cross-party basis with each Member free to speak and vote according to their own conscience. It would, of course, be scrutinised by both Houses of Parliament in turn. Therefore, changing the law in this area would not be a quick process but one that gave time for reflection and a considered discussion of the issues raised.

In my view, if the law does change, it is vital that it also includes strong and proper safeguards. Furthermore, any reform should recognise the concerns that many people have, including those who support reform in principle, to try to achieve the widest possible consensus.

If the law were to change, I believe that assisted dying should not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. People deserve dignity in dying, and each person nearing the end of their life should feel reassured and safe in the knowledge they will receive the very best care.

My colleague, Kim Leadbeater MP, introduced her Private Members’ Bill on 16 October 2024: the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, with the second reading due to take place on 29 November 2024. The detailed proposals are not yet available, but as your elected representative in Parliament, I assure you I will bear in mind the points raised by residents.

Treharris Power Outages

Treharris residents have been experiencing frequent power outages, and local councillors confirmed that this issue has become increasingly common in the area.  I reached out to National Grid to identify the root cause, which was found to be overgrown trees near power lines. Thankfully, these trees have now been cut back, and this should resolve the problem moving forward.

Urgent Same Day Care Survey

Have you had to visit A&E or Minor Injury Units between 30th September and 27th October 2024? Your experiences are important for enhancing emergency care in Wales. Cwm Taf Morgannwg Llais is seeking your feedback to help improve services.

You can share your thoughts in two ways:

1. Join a Zoom session (registration is available via Eventbrite).
2. Take their quick survey.

Your input is invaluable in shaping better health services for everyone.

Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil’s Annual Meeting

The Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil AGM was a great opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work of the staff and trustees. They provide invaluable support to volunteers and community groups, and their dedication and passion are truly commendable. Diolch!

Macmillan Coffee Morning 

Dawn Bowden MS and I hosted a Macmillan Cancer Support event, and I’m thrilled to share that it was a huge success! Thanks to the generous contributions, we raised over £400. Dawn and I want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved. Special appreciation to High Street Baptist Church, Merthyr Tydfil for hosting, and Tesco for their delightful cake donation.

Cwmaman Music Festival

I had the pleasure of attending Cwmfest at the Cwmaman Arts Centre alongside Sheryl Evans and Tina Williams, Councillors for Aberaman. This beloved annual event, now in its 15th year, is made possible by the hard work of dedicated volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team for once again bringing vibrant music and arts to our community! Your efforts truly enrich our local culture.

Aberdare Church In Wales Primary Visit

My visit to Aberdare Church in Wales Primary School was truly enjoyable. I had the chance to engage with the Squirrels and Foxes classes about the UK Parliament. Their enthusiasm and insightful questions were truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to the Headteacher, staff, and students for the warm welcome. I look forward to visiting again.

Cancer Aid

It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Tracey Burke from Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil. We discussed the excellent work they do in supporting cancer patients across our communities and the challenges they face in maintaining these vital services. Thank you, Tracey, for your unwavering dedication!

Aberdare Community School

Another enjoyable visit to a local school, this time at Aberdare Community School. It was a great opportunity to meet the new Headteacher, Richard Owen, and engage with some of the learners. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and the positive environment fostered within the school. Aberdare Community School truly is a credit to its dedicated staff, governors, and students. I wish them continued success in their important work!

Parc Taf Bargoed Litter Pick

It was beautiful weather for the litter pick at Parc Taf Bargoed in Trelewis. I joined Cllr Gillian Preston (Bedlinog and Trelewis), Cllr Gareth Richards (Treharris), and all the volunteers. It was lovely to chat with local residents and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Great to see the community coming together to help keep the park and lake beautiful.

 Diwrnod Shwmae Merthyr Tydfil

Diwrnod Shwmae was absolutely EPIC! It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with many children and schools taking part. Their singing truly made the day special. Huge thanks to everyone who participated—da iawn, diolch!

Zip World Tower Visit

I had the opportunity to visit Zip World Tower, a key attraction enhancing tourism in our valleys. The thrilling experiences they provide are remarkable, and I was delighted to discover a fantastic selection of Welsh products in their shop. Supporting local artisans is vital!

A big thank you to Marcus and the team for their warm welcome. I’m looking forward to my next visit to experience the zip wire!

Upcoming Advice Surgeries

I hold regular advice surgeries so constituents can speak to me in person. All advice surgeries are strictly by appointment only, and if you would like to book an appointment, please ring my office on 01685 383739 or email me at Gerald.Jones.MP@parliament.uk.

Date

Friday 8th November in Treharris

Friday 22nd November in Aberdare Town Centre

Friday 13th December in Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre

Out and about in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare

Here’s a selection of my other visits, events and activities over the past month:

• Attended Merthyr Performance Company’s production of Les Misérables at Canolfan a Theatr Soar
• Met with Inspector Collings of Merthyr Tydfil and Inspector Mitchell of Aberdare.
• Joined Cyfartha Community Group volunteers Castle Park to plant daffodil crocus bulbs.
• Joined Brent Carter and the Merthyr Tydfil Labour Group at their monthly door knocking session in Gurnos.
• Attended the Treharris Male Voice Choir Annual Concert together with Dawn Bowden MS Cllr Gareth Richards Cllr Gillian Preston Cllr Ernie Galsworthy .
• Held Advice Surgeries in Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre and Aberdare Town Centre.