Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

I attended the meeting of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Cavan in Ireland on the 23-25 of October.

As you can imagine, the focus of the discussions was on restoring a government in Northern Ireland and concerns about the need for another election there if there is no agreement. The effects of Brexit continue to worry many, including what effect issues around the protocol could have on the Good Friday agreement.

In October, Plaid Cymru held its annual autumn conference in Llandudno. A key theme for the conference was how we can respond to the Cost of Living crisis with Plaid Cymru launching its radical ten point “Peoples Plan”. This plan will protect the most vulnerable during this worsening crisis.

During the weekend I also had the honour of chairing the discussion between Northern Irelands First Minister Elect, Michelle O’Neill and Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price MS. It was inspiring to hear Michelle O’Neill’s vision and ambition to create a fair and just Ireland and how we can learn from each other to better support the people we represent. The session can be viewed here: Michelle O'Neill, Adam Price, Heledd Fychan in conversation on the future of Wales and Ireland - YouTube

The 9th – 15th October marked Babyloss awareness week. Too often people suffer in silence and feel completely isolated after losing a baby. More must be done to end preventable baby loss and ensure bereaved parents are supported during the most challenging of times. It was a true honour to be able to meet with bereaved parents during this week to learn more about the invaluable work they do to support bereaved parents across Wales.

Local Plaid Cymru political representatives have expressed their anger and disappointment after the Welsh Labour Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, supported the appeal to extend the life of the Craig yr Hesg Quarry, as well as the area to be quarried. 

Both Heledd Fychan, Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central, and Dawn Wood, Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor for Pontypridd Town Ward are also Town Councillors and represented the views of local residents during the appeal hearing earlier this year. Both have also consistently opposed the proposals, with Heledd Fychan speaking at a number of RCT Council Planning Meetings whilst she was a County Councillor.

Last week, I had the honour of being selected to be part of the Senedd’s delegation to the British Islands and Mediterranean Region Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference in Gibraltar. This year’s theme looked at how we can Attract and Retain Effective Women Parliamentarians.

Yesterday, I was one of thousands that marched in Cardiff to support independence for Wales. It was the first march I was able to join since before the pandemic, and the atmosphere was positive and uplifting – a stark contrast to politics as a whole in the UK at present.

Today, I joined, Joe from Sustrans Cymru during Great Big Green Week to explore one of the many active travel routes in my region. After visiting one of the local routes, it’s clear that the Welsh Government and Local Authorities need to think more creatively about how they approach active travel plans.

With the rise in the cost of living hitting communities in Wales hard this winter, I am inviting organisations from across the region to come together share their experiences of how the crisis is hitting those they support and what impact this is having on their organisations’ ability to provide this support. This is the third such event organised by myself and my team in 2022, and previous attendees as well as new are all welcome.  

Imposing his son as Prince of Wales the day after the death of his mother was a power move like no other by the new King.  

Such a blatant political statement, at a time of official national mourning, had obviously been planned years in advance. So too was the King’s well-rehearsed bilingual speech to the Senedd, in which he referenced Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales. The fact it was delivered on Owain Glyndwr Day only added to the drama. In case you missed it, here’s the relevant extract of the speech: 

“That ancient title dated to the times of those great Welsh rulers like Llywelyn ap Gruffydd whose memory is still rightly honoured, I now pass to my son William…” 

I had the honour of visiting Ty Hafan’s children hospice in Penarth. Ty Hafan aims to meet all of the needs of life-limited children and young people in Wales free of charge.