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Ruth Jones is the Labour Member of Parliament for the Newport West and Islwyn constituency.

It’s been a busy summer for me in Newport West and Islwyn, as I’ve spent every spare minute travelling up and down the constituency, visiting as many of you as possible.

One of my favourite trips however was to Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar, where I spoke to young carers from Heolddu Comprehensive School in Bargoed, who were taking part in a Gwent Police summer activity scheme called ‘Motivating Youth’.

Now in its 13th year, the programme has engaged with more than 1,600 young people from schools across Newport West and Islwyn – including Bassaleg High earlier this summer. 

Back on patch, a recent stop in Crumlin gave me the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the former colliery site. 

The trust currently in charge of the site have put forward some creative and ambitious plans, and I’ll be working alongside the council to help get them off the ground.

Just up the road in Blackwood, I held a productive meeting with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, who explained how much unused funding is available, and how former coalfield communities can benefit.

This is particularly relevant to the Islwyn side of the constituency, and I’ve already been in touch with those responsible for accessing this support. 

Earlier this month, I spoke at a poignant service at Tredegar House to mark Hiroshima Day. Alongside friends, councillors, fellow MPs, and Senedd Members, we came together to remember the 250,000 people who died in, or following, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

We also renewed our call for a broader peace movement – something we can all agree is urgently needed in today’s world. 

It has been great to see so many faces across the constituency this summer. As I prepare to head back to Westminster, you can still always get in touch by emailing ruth.jones.mp@parliament.uk, or by calling 01633 256268.

Finally, we were recently hit with the devastating news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Hefin David, Senedd Member for Caerphilly.

My thoughts go out to Hefin’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.