Congratulations to the World Deaf Rugby Champions

AS ANOTHER very busy term in Parliament draws to a close, the summer recess beckons which means I will be back in the constituency full-time. But there has been a lot to reflect on over this past term –particularly in the way that the UK Government is helping to support families and businesses through the difficult economic picture which continues to be challenging.

The UK Government is still spending enormous sums of money to ease the pressure on high energy costs and the wider impact of inflation. There is a plan in place to tackle the challenges, and time is now needed for it to make an impact.

During the summer recess last year, I met with several local businesses who alerted me to the extraordinarily high price quotations they were getting from their energy suppliers. Myself and other MPs moved quickly to urge Ministers to put together an emergency support package. Although not perfect, the Government deserves recognition for the measures they have taken. There is still more work to be done on this as I know that many businesses will have been committed to contracts when energy prices were at their highest.

Manifesto, people were too quick to dismiss its meaning. It is about boosting deprived areas, increasing opportunity and investment, as well as increasing pride in local communities right across the UK. To support the ‘Levelling Up’ Agenda, the UK Government launched four investment programmes: 1) UK Community Renewal Fund, 2) The Levelling Up Fund, 3) The Community Ownership Fund, and 4) The UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

When the Government announced these new pots of money, I promised to do everything I could to put Pembrokeshire at the front of the queue and to get our fair share. From securing investment targeted at revitalising Haverfordwest Town Centre, supporting multiple community benefit projects through the Community Renewal Fund, and even saving important rural community assets like the village pubs in Hayscastle Cross and Crymych from closure. And hot off the press this week – securing funding for Pembrokeshire’s fishing sector from the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme with two projects each receiving over one million pounds, there is certainly a lot to be grateful for.

WALES’S deaf rugby World Champions were celebrated at the Senedd this week after the women and men’s historic double win at the World Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup.

Team members, including captains Sarah Harper and Jon Cudd, along with members of the coaching staff were at the Senedd, on Tuesday 11 July, to mark their remarkable feat at the competition held in Argentina in April.

The men defeated Australia 20-5 in the final match to successfully retain their World Cup trophy and the women beat England 32-0 in their first-ever final.

The Wales women’s team were competing at the Deaf Rugby World Cup for the first time.

Captain Sarah Harper said it was an important milestone for the women’s game in Wales.

Sarah Harper, Wales Deaf Rugby Women’s team captain said, “It was a massive achievement for the women’s team to go to Argentina, to represent the country for the first time. And to not only win, but to win unconceded! It was not an easy ride; we didn’t have much time for ourselves, and it was challenging trying to keep in touch with family back home. But we overcame! Without the support of the backroom staff and coaches we wouldn’t have achieved what we did, with both men and women returning home as World Champions!”

During the event, the team recalled memorable moments from the tournament and the Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS, the First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS, and Members of the Senedd took the opportunity to extend their congratulations.

Llywydd of the Senedd, Rt. Hon Elin Jones said, “We are always proud of our national athletes, and all are equally important.

But, right now, the Wales deaf rugby teams are a little bit more important because they are double world champions, men and women, you cannot get any better than that!

“It was our honour to welcome the teams and their support staff to the Senedd, to congratulate them for being at the top of their game - indeed, on top of the world.

“It was an opportunity to recognise not only their achievement at the competition, but for the weeks, months and years of effort that has gone in to becoming international players and becoming the best in the world. We are all very proud of you. Llongyfarchiadau!”

The Government has been helping Pembrokeshire in other ways too. I am pleased to have been part of the team that has secured Freeport status across the sites of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, which will boost local investment and employment opportunities. I have also been focusing on issues with a Pembrokeshire connection in my Welsh Affairs Committee, important inquiries have taken place on topical issues such as grid capacity, water quality issues, and investigating Wales as an international tourist destination.

One of the most exciting developments for Pembrokeshire, over the past year, is the funding we have successfully secured to ‘Level Up’ our community.

When ‘Levelling Up’ was included in the 2019 Conservative Party

I have really enjoyed working alongside local businesses, local stakeholders and local community groups to put together bids to UK Government. I am delighted to see that these efforts have not gone unnoticed, and that Pembrokeshire has secured the funding that it rightfully deserves - it has certainly been a rewarding term in Westminster.

Talking to local businesses over the last few weeks, we are expecting another very busy summer holiday season in Pembrokeshire which is good news for local jobs and hospitality businesses. Fingers crossed for lots of sunshine, and I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible at the Pembrokeshire County show and other community events over the summer months!

Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP

PUBLIC transport is an essential component of any thriving society, facilitating mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability. However, in Pembrokeshire and Wales as a whole, we need better public transport that is seamless between buses, trains and active travel.

One of the biggest issues we face is a poor, unreliable and old rail infrastructure network. HS2 (the high speed rail project in England) is currently classified as an England and Wales project despite the fact that there is not a single inch of track being developed or built within Wales. If HS2 was classified as an England only project, Wales would see an additional £5 billion of investment in its rail network, that’s almost £1600 per person for each individual who lives in Wales. Whilst Welsh MP’s lobby for this change, I want to talk about what should happen locally when it comes to our public transport.

Firstly, we need to prioritise efficiency, improving the efficiency of existing public transport services is crucial, especially when dealing with funding constraints. Investing in technology to optimize routes and schedules, incorporating smart ticketing systems between providers, and employing sustainable energy sources can reduce operational costs and enhance the overall functionality of public transport networks. By focusing on efficiency, the Welsh Government can maximize the value derived from limited funding while ensuring seamless travel experiences for passengers.

Secondly, while immediate funding challenges need addressing, it is equally essential for the Welsh Government to adopt long-term investment strategies. Establishing ring-fenced funds or specific levies dedicated exclusively to public transport projects can ensure the availability of continuous financial resources. By adopting such measures, the government can plan ahead, allocate resources efficiently, and implement sustainable improvements without relying solely on external funding. This is important for communities who need a reliable service.

Finally, sustainable transport options, such as electric buses, trams, and trains, can not only enhance public transport but also align with environmental goals. We need to explore partnerships with private companies and community groups whilst aiming higher for grants from environmental-focused organisations which could help fund the adoption of greener transport alternatives. The Welsh Government can prioritise sustainable transport initiatives, incentivise their usage, and raise public awareness to demonstrate its commitment to improving public transport despite financial limitations. I take public transport a lot of the time, and it doesn’t work as well as it should. Enhancing public transport in Wales while considering the lack of funding from the UK government is indeed a challenging endeavour. However, by fostering collaboration, prioritizing efficiency, promoting sustainable transport, and adopting long-term investment strategies, the Welsh Government can overcome these obstacles and create a more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly public transport system for the benefit of all.