Cynon Valley Leader column – 8th June

Since I was first elected, I’ve campaigned for snares to be banned. They are vicious, cruel and indiscriminate, trapping domestic, farm and protected animals alike. I am pleased that a ban on both snares and glue traps will be contained in the Welsh Government’s Agriculture Bill, which will also create a new made-in-Wales system of financial support for farming and sustainable land management. During the latest stage of the Bill’s legislative journey, an attempt was made by Opposition politicians to water down the ban by permitting so-called ‘humane cable restraints’. I spoke against this attempt, which I am happy to say was defeated. Making snares a thing of the past in Wales has moved a step closer.

It’s important to preserve our local history, including women’s history which can often be overlooked. The purple plaque campaign aims to make sure the contribution of women to Welsh history is not obscured. Last month, I attended the unveiling of Cynon Valley’s first purple plaque (pictured), in honour of Rose Davies. Rose was the first woman member of Glamorgan County Council, being elected to serve the Aberaman ward in 1925. She played a significant role in local and national politics, including writing education policy for Labour leader Keir Hardie. The plaque is located at Cynon Valley Museum, so make sure you don’t miss it next time you visit and ensure the remarkable life and works of Rose are not forgotten.

The Senedd has established a Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee to consider the reports produced at each stage of the UK’s Covid-19 Inquiry. I am really pleased to have been elected by colleagues to become a member of this new cross-party committee. Our remit will be to identify any gaps in the preparedness and response of the Welsh Government and other Welsh public bodies during the pandemic that should be subject to further examination. I’m looking forward to contributing to this important work.