It’s been another tumultuous week in Parliament.  The Government blocked Labour’s attempt to table a no confidence vote in Boris Johnson and his government this week because it cited the Prime Minister. Despite historical precedent showing this has been done in the past and the sitting government of the day giving time for the debate and vote. In a bizarre turn of events, the Government then tabled its own vote of no confidence which is due to take place this Monday. After speaking out about Boris Johnson’s unsuitability for office, the vote of no confidence would have challenged Tory MPs to stick to their words and put the country first.  This is a matter of principle.  After years of sleaze and scandal under Boris Johnson, he should not be allowed to govern for a moment longer.  It would be to the detriment of our country, and the public deserves better.

I had a meeting with Gwent Police alongside Nick Smith MP this week to discuss the use of off-road bikes and the potential danger they pose to residents.  The use of off-road bikes is a popular hobby, but one which needs regulation to ensure it does not impact the environment and local people.  Off-road bikes can travel very fast, so it’s important to ensure that people are considerate of pedestrians in the area so accidents don’t happen.

I met with Transport for Wales and Troedyrhiw residents on Friday to discuss disruption resulting from engineering work to electrify the railway line as part of South Wales Metro Improvements.  I heard about concerns from residents regarding noise, dust and timing of the works.  Transport for Wales explained that much of the metro improvements work is being done outside of working hours, sometimes until late at night, in order to minimise disruption to rail services in the day and prioritise safety for staff working on the lines.  I appreciate this could be very disruptive for those living close to the works, however, and have raised these concerns directly with Transport for Wales.  The works are due to conclude later in the year.

It was good to support constituents at two advice surgeries this week.  It’s always valuable to talk to local people and hear their views and concerns so I can best represent my constituents in Parliament.  Not only that, my surgeries offer support. Be it chasing the Home Office on passport delays, unlocking that social security payment the DWP has wrongly refused or seeking a solution to a local issue. A lot of people are understandably concerned about the cost of living crisis, and I want to ensure I’m doing everything I can to support constituents on this.  I will continue to press the UK Government to take more action to ease the impact of the cost of living crisis, but in the meantime the Welsh Government has a number of schemes to support people through this difficult time.  You can find up to date guidance on how to get help with the cost of living crisis in Wales here.  I’ve also had a number of constituents discuss difficulties with getting a new passport, with some people waiting longer than the advised time for their new passport to arrive. This is an issue I have raised in Parliament with the UK Government.  They have pledged more staff for the Passport Office to address this problem, but this is too little too late, and we are yet to see the promised number of new staff begin work.

As we head into the weekend with temperatures set to soar, I just wanted to remind constituents to be safe in the sun, and take extra precautions to protect yourself and those more vulnerable such as children, older people and pets.  Taking steps such as using suncream with an SPF of 30 and above, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm, and staying home if you’re vulnerable to the heat will help keep you safe.  Walking dogs in temperatures above 20 degrees could put them at risk of heat stroke, so it’s safest to keep them at home during the day.  Public Health Wales is on hand with more information and advice here. Stay safe everyone!

If there are issues you want to raise with me as your local MP, please get in touch by emailing gerald.jones.mp@parliament.uk or by calling on 01685 383739.