August 2007
I was glad to hear today that our new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown was looking at new ways of honouring local 'unsung heroes'. He said that flooding and terror attacks had highlighted the need to 'look at how our honours system can recognise those in our emergency services and members of the public.'
I am not a fan for honours for civil servants or politicians: so when local volunteers like Vickie Weekes who has raised so much for local hospitals are honoured I am especially pleased. I hope that the Prime Minister's initiative will mean more local volunteers get proper recognition.
There have been a lot of lobbies of Parliament recently. One I was pleased to welcome was organised by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU). Local union organiser, Ken Hanbury, (his office is in Briton Ferry) came to talk to me about the postal dispute. I was pleased to sign the Early Day Motion which is calling for the Royal Mail to enter into meaningful negotiations with the CWU.
I believe the Royal Mail provides a world-class public service largely because of the professionalism and commitment of its dedicated workforce. Postal workers are genuinely concerned about raising the value and status of their job and their pensions. They are also committed to modernisation and improving efficiency and rising to the challenge of competition. I hope our postal workers get the justice they deserve.
At this time of year I am pleased to get around the constituency to support local campaigning, fund raising and sporting events.
I was especially glad to give a good send off to the bike ride sponsorship for the 'Ann Davies Charity Cancer Appeal' from Portmeirion in North Wales to the Aberavon Harlequins Rugby Club.
Another excellent initiative which I always try to support is the Aberavon Green Starts 'Round the Pier Swim'.
Both are worthy causes and I hope lots of local people will be out supporting them.
