Parliament rarely sits on a Friday, meaning most MPs are in their constituencies. It’s the day when I usually hold an advice surgery or undertake visits across Monmouthshire. But sometimes there are “sitting Fridays” when the House of Commons considers Private Members’ Bills introduced by backbench MPs. If these bills get the support of the government, they often go forward to become law. Last Friday, Parliament sat for good reason to discuss the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill. This new legislation will allow parents whose babies are born prematurely or require specialist care to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to other entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave, so they can spend more time with their baby at what is a highly stressful time. We also debated the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, which will ensure that all tips go to staff by making it unlawful for businesses to hold back well-earned service charges from their teams. These two excellent bills won the backing of the government and I very much hope they continue speedily through the parliamentary process.
I laced up my trainers to join the inaugural “Chippy Fields” parkrun in Monmouth on Saturday morning. As a keen runner, I was delighted to say a few words of encouragement at the start. Perfect weather mixed with a fantastic turnout of participants and volunteers meant it was the ideal launch. I am not quite as fast as I used to be (!) but this is a lovely flat course with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Keeping fit physically goes hand in hand with mental health and while there is plenty of science behind that, anyone who does a bit of exercise will instinctively know it to be true. A huge congratulations to all involved behind the scenes for bringing this free weekly 5k community event to Monmouth. If you fancy a bit of parkrun tourism, you will be spoilt with this absolute gem.
On the same weekend that Portskewett and Sudbrook FC hosted its first junior football festival, a mindless arson attack destroyed hundreds of pounds worth of equipment. Coaches and parents are understandably devastated. But community resolve has seen a JustGiving fund set up to cover the cost of the damage and give back to this wonderful local club, which offers free access to football for children under the age of eight. Please support if you can: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/portandsudcommunityfc
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon on 20 July 2022 and the Abergavenny Chronicle on 21 July 2022*