January 2007
At the beginning of every year I wish all Tribune readers a peaceful, prosperous and secure New Year and I do so again this year. Locally there is of course uncertainty over the future of the steel industry with rival bids from India and Brazil companies for Corus.
As the Member of Parliament for one of the great steel constituencies in the country I am committed to emphasising the strategic importance of the industry for the Welsh and British economies. I am also, along with all the other steel MPs, committed to improving the safety, wages and pensions of all steel employees and will work with unions, management and Government – local, Welsh and UK, to achieve that.
'Think global, act local' appears nowadays to be everyone's guiding principle. Climate change has become one of our top global and local priorities. The Prime Minister has reminded us that global warming and security of supply are key factors in our future energy policy. Wherever we turn there are issues of planning, environmental protection, renewable sources of energy and even the re-emergence of coal, all impacting on our daily lives. From the Aberavon seafront to Croeserw and from Margam to Baglan face us all in our daily lives. It is important therefore to have an informed, intelligent and respectful debate to secure the planet and also the quality of our local environment.
In Parliament, I shall be looking forward to debating many issues in the coming months. One of my priorities will be to support, as a co-sponsor, of a Private Member's Bill entitled 'Disabled Children (Family Support) Bill. This has cross-party support and seeks to give better respite care for families with severely disabled children. As Chair of the All Party Carers Group I shall be speaking with the full weight of all political parties behind me, in the same way that I in turn received cross- party support for my Carers Equal Opportunities Act in 2004.
Over the Christmas break I was pleased to meet with a number of voluntary groups which work hard for the community. I was particularly impressed with Briton Ferry RFC which does a great deal for local youngsters. I was delighted to present, on behalf of BT, a cheque of £500 to social secretary Viv Jones, to support the Club's community activities. Well done Briton Ferry RFC!
