Campaign Responses

Every day, I receive dozens of campaign emails from constituents concerned about a huge variety of national issues. While individual constituency enquiries will be answered by email or letter, due to the vast increase in the volume of campaign emails now being generated, I can no longer guarantee replying to these individually and am therefore posting my responses on this section of my website.

 

Campaigns

Dyslexia Revolution by Jamie Oliver

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Dyslexia Revolution by Jamie Oliver. It is the belief of the Welsh Conservatives that every child, no matter what challenges they face, should have access to a world class education that sets them up for life.

Cuts to disability benefits by the UK Labour Government

 Thank you for writing to me concerning the cuts to disability benefits by the UK Labour Government. I note that the Impact Assessment on the UK Government’s welfare Green Paper shows that an additional 200,000 people will be pushed into absolute poverty as a direct result of their policie

Support safer streets and cycle routes designed for women

 Support safer streets and cycle routes designed for women   Thank you for contacting me regarding safer streets and cycles routes for women in North Wales.It’s vitally important that women and girls feel safe and secure when undertaking activities like cycling.All people should

Corridor care

Thank you for writing to me concerning corridor care.I recognise the immense challenges hospitals are currently facing with capacity, bed space and patient flow following 26 years of Labour mismanagement, but this does not change the fact that it is unacceptable for patients to be treated in such un

pylons through Wales’s National Parks

Thank you for your correspondence concerning the proposed installation of pylons through Wales’s National Parks.While Welsh Conservatives are supportive of small-scale renewable energy initiatives, such as wind turbines erected by family farms for personal or community use, I strongly oppose the dev

Transform the Water Industry to End Sewage Pollution

  Thank you for contacting me regarding sewage pollution in the Water Industry.The Environment Act 2021 places a legal obligation on water companies to progressively reduce the frequency and impact of discharges from storm overflows into rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

Chronic conditions

Thank you for contacting me regarding chronic conditions.The Committee’s report laid bare the scale of the challenge.

Fraudulent Science of Animal Testing

Thank you for contacting me regarding Fraudulent Science of Animal Testing.I welcome that the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) provides protections for animals bred in the UK for use in scientific procedures.I am aware that all establishments licensed to breed protected animals under

Re-mining of coal from disused tips

Thank you for taking the time to write to me and to share your concerns regarding the potential re-mining of coal from disused tips in Wales.As you will be aware, planning matters are dealt with by local authorities rather than Members of the Senedd, and so decisions about whether or not to permit d

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Thank you for your email regarding the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.Whilst I support the global efforts to phase out fossil fuels eventually, measures must be fair, attainable and sustainable, and must support the economy.

Bangor University’s financial difficulties

Thank you for contacting me about Bangor University’s financial difficulties.  I understand your concerns regarding Bangor University’s funding, especially after the recent announcement that the University is planning to cut around 200 jobs.  Labour’s National Insurance hike cont

Winter fuel payments on pensioners

Thank you for contacting me regarding the impact of cuts to winter fuel payments on pensioners.Most pensioners lost their winter fuel allowance last year when the Labour UK Government began means testing the payment, leaving hundreds of thousands of Welsh pensioners without as much as £300 a year –

Making stroke a priority

Thank you for contacting me regarding making stroke a priority.Stroke continues to have a devastating impact on the people of Wales, with it being the fourth leading cause of death In Wales and the single largest cause of complex disability.

Welsh wildlife ingesting rat poison

 Thank you for contacting me about Welsh wildlife ingesting rat poison.   Since 4th July 2024, the sale of rodenticides containing bromadiolone and difenacoum for use in open areas (away from buildings) has been illegal.

DARC radar in Pembrokeshire

Thank you for contacting me about the proposed DARC radar in Pembrokeshire. As you might be aware, defence is not a devolved issue, and therefore is outside of the Senedd’s remit.  As Welsh Conservatives, we believe that it is vital for the UK and our allies to ensure that we have the

HS2 funding

Thank you for contacting me about HS2 funding. My Welsh Conservatives colleagues and I have long stated HS2 should have been regarded as an England-only project. It is disappointing to note that in  the Autumn 2024 Budget, the UK Labour Government made no mention of HS2 funding being

Unfair import competition for Welsh farmers.

 Thank you for contacting me about unfair import competition for Welsh farmers.  The Welsh Conservatives have always been supportive of Welsh farmers, and will continue to fight for them, but this cannot be said for Labour. Along with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Sc

Labour Government’s family farm death tax.

Thank you for contacting me about the Labour Government’s devastating family farm death tax.  The announcement from the UK Labour Government to introduce a family farm tax will be detrimental to the future of farming in Wales.

Welsh wildlife ingesting rat poison

Thank you for contacting me about Welsh wildlife ingesting rat poison.   Since 4th July 2024, the sale of rodenticides containing bromadiolone and difenacoum for use in open areas (away from buildings) has been illegal.

UK Labour Government’s employer national insurance changes

Thank you for writing to me concerning the potential impact of the UK Labour Government’s employer national insurance changes on general practice in Wales.I am extremely disappointed with the decisions made by the Labour UK Government in its new budget.

The impact of the Budget on dentistry

Thank you for writing to me concerning the impact of the Budget on dentistry.My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I are extremely disappointed with the decisions made by the Labour UK Government in its new budget.

Children’s literacy rates in Wales

Thank you for contacting me about children’s literacy rates in Wales.  The Welsh Government claim that improving the literacy of school pupils has been one of their priorities since 2009 Program of International Student Assessment (PISA) resulted provided the-then Minister for Education wi

Fireworks

Thank you for contacting me regarding the impacts of public firework displays. I recognise that the majority of those who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner.

Epilepsy

I understand that every person’s experience with epilepsy is unique, and with over 32,000 people in Wales having the condition, it is vital that the proper accommodations are made and public misconceptions and knowledge gaps are tackled.In Wales, England and Scotland, the Equalities Act means that i

Dementia

Thank you for writing to me concerning dementia.Dementia is Britain’s biggest killer, with more people dying of the condition in Wales and England than any other cause.

Gaza

Thank you for contacting me about the conflict in the Middle East. The events which have unfolded in the Middle East since 7 October have been unbearable to witness, and we all want to see an end to the conflict.

Ovarian Cancer Champion

Thank you for writing to me concerning ovarian cancer and for inviting me to become an Ovarian Cancer Champion.I am currently already a Ovarian Cancer ChampionAs was highlighted by the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee’s report: ‘Unheard: Women’s journey through gynaecological cancer’, the s

funding of local services

Thank you for writing to me concerning the funding of local services. As you will be aware, these matters are devolved here in Wales, and therefore the funding of Councils is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.

blood cancer

Thank you for writing to me concerning blood cancer.I fully sympathise with those affected by blood cancer in all its forms and recognise the profound impact such conditions have on the lives of individuals and their loved ones.The action plan set out by Blood Cancer UK is welcome and highlights the

Planning Policy Wales

Thank you for contacting me regarding Plaid’s motion to update Planning Policy Wales. My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I will be supporting Plaid’s debate motion on Wednesday 12th June which asks the Welsh Government to update Planning Policy Wales paragraph 5.7.9 to remove the existing caveat

Factory chicken farming.

Thank you for writing to me concerning factory chicken farming.   I am aware of the legal challenge that was brought forward by River Action concerning pollution in the River Wye.   I would like to assure you that my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I take issues of animal welfare and

Criminalisation of homelessness

Thank you for contacting me regarding the criminalisation of homelessness. Homelessness is a big issue facing many people from all walks of life. There is a firm commitment across the UK Government to end rough sleeping once and for all.

Deepfakes

Thank you for contacting me about ‘deepfakes’. As you may know, a deepfake is when technology or artificial intelligence (AI) is used to create a fake picture, video or audio recording. Typically, these have been used maliciously or to spread false information.

Access to public toilets

Thank you for contacting me regarding the lack of provision of, and access to, public toilets. I completely agree with you about the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to appropriate toilet facilities. Public toilets are a key part of public health.

Endometriosis Action Month

Thank you for writing to me concerning Endometriosis Action Month.   My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I share your deep concern for the poor provision of care for endometriosis here in Wales.   Endometriosis is a complex disease that can vary in symptoms for different people, makin

Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

Thank you for writing to me in relation to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).   As you’ll be aware, the Welsh Government’s SFS will result in 122,200 reductions in Welsh livestock numbers, 5,500 jobs on Welsh farms lost, and a £199m loss to Wales’ rural economy.  

Undercover action taken by Israeli operatives

   Thank you for writing to me concerning the undercover action taken by Israeli operatives in Jenin Hospital, Gaza.    I understand that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF)  have claimed that the targeted attack was against a member of Hamas who had planned an attack inspired by

Funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). 

Thank you for writing to me concerning the UK Government’s decision to temporarily suspend future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).  I am appalled by allegations that agency staff of the UNRWA were involved in the heinous acts of terrorism committed against Israeli

Postgraduate funding cuts

Thank you for writing to me concerning Postgraduate funding cuts.    I am aware of the many disappointing cuts that feature in the Welsh Government’s 2024-25 Draft Budget, and that Postgraduate grants and bursaries feature among them.

Crohn’s and Colitis

Thank you for contacting me about support for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis and to invite me to attend the Crohn’s and Colitis UK Awareness Week drop-in event in the Senedd. As you have outlined, research shows more than half a million people could be living with Chron’s Disease or Ulcerat

Bovine TB

Bovine TB has been a scourge on Welsh agriculture for well over a decade, and successive Labour governments here in Wales have failed to get to grips with the disease.

Junior Doctor Strikes

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the Junior Doctor Strikes Everyone working in the Welsh NHS is being asked to do more and more, and with a recruitment crisis plus a year of budget cuts from the Welsh Labour Government, its unsurprising that staff absences are increasing - with

Childcare Costs

Thank you for contacting me about the soaring costs of childcare. Amid the cost-of-living crisis  so many people are being forced into impossible dilemmas, I empathise with families like yours that are faced with giving up work or continuing to pay through the roof for childcare. You may be a

Pay rise for educational psychologists.

Thank you for writing to me concerning a potential pay rise for educational psychologists.   Evidence provided to the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee by experts in the sector has demonstrated the deep systemic issues present in the field, and the clear efforts that mus

Pupping Smuggling

Thank you for writing to me concerning the smuggling of pups.   The smuggling and illegal farming of puppies are morally abhorrent practices, and I regret that they have become more prevalent since the pandemic.   Welsh Conservatives welcomed the Welsh Government’s action in 2021 to cr

Age Cymru, NSPCC and Target Ovarian Cancer Event

Thank you for your e-mail.   I regret that existing events next Tuesday lunchtime are likely to make my attendance at this event impossible (Age Cymru, NSPCC and Target Ovarian Cancer).   Please note that my Shadow Ministerial colleague Samuel Kurtz MS, Shadow Minister for Rural Affair

Saving General Practice in Wales

Thank you for writing to me concerning the recent GP contract negotiations.    A quarter of a century of Labour at the helm in Cardiff Bay has left the Welsh NHS suffering from the very tangible impacts of chronic underfunding.

World Arthritis Day

Thank you for writing to me concerning World Arthritis Day and waiting lists.    As you have outlined, the picture of waiting lists for life-changing orthopaedic services is an alarming one.

Right to roam campaign in Wales

Thank you for writing to me regarding the right to roam campaign in Wales. As you know, in Wales everyone has a right over ‘access land’ under the Countryside Rights of Way Act.

HS2

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding HS2. My Welsh Conservatives colleagues and I have long stated HS2 should have been regarded as an England-only project. Welsh Conservatives do not believe the Welsh Government should receive the consequentials directly, instead the funding shou

legislative protection of farmed fish

Thank you for writing to me concerning the legislative protection of farmed fish.    This is a matter which falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and has done so since the devolution of animal health and welfare powers in 2006.

funding of local services

Thank you for writing to me concerning the funding of local services.    As you will be aware, these matters are devolved here in Wales, and therefore the funding of Councils is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.

Nature crisis in Wales

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the nature crisis in Wales. I share your concerns surrounding the nature and wildlife of Wales.

Slaughter of racehorses for their meat.

Thank you for writing to me concerning the slaughter of racehorses for their meat.   I would like to assure you that my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I share your high regard for the welfare of racehorses and other animals.

182-day let threshold

Thank you for contacting me regarding the 182-day let threshold. I share the frustration of the tourism sector over the implementation of the Welsh Government’s 182-day rule.

Welfare of racehorses

Thank you for writing to me concerning the welfare of racehorses.   I assure you that my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I share your high regard for the welfare of racehorses and other animals.

cages for farmed animal

Thank you for writing to me concerning the use of cages for farmed animals.   As you know, animal welfare is devolved to the Welsh Government, with the welfare of all animals entrenched in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any animal.

Penrhos Coastal Park and red squirrels

Thank you for writing to me concerning the proposed development of the Penrhos Coastal Park and red squirrels.   As you know, red squirrels have disappeared from much of Wales and England, largely as a result of the invasive non-native species of grey squirrel outcompeting them for food

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Thank you for contacting me about support for children and young people living with cancer.    Childhood Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancers affecting children and young people. Greater awareness of symptom

Osteoporosis

Thank you for contacting me about osteoporosis.  I appreciate that this can be a debilitating and difficult condition to live with and I pay tribute to groups such as the Royal Osteoporosis Society for the support they provide and their important work to raise awareness. As you state in your

Hunting Act 2004

Thank you for writing to me concerning the Hunting Act 2004.    As you know, the Hunting Act makes it an offence to hunt a wild animal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions, and those found guilty under the Act are subject to the full force of law. &

Neurodiversity training in Welsh school

  Thank you for writing to me concerning neurodiversity training in Welsh schools. As you know, neurodiversity is an umbrella that covers numerous distinct neurological differences, which is why it is necessary to ensure that our teachers are equipped to include and support learners with them

Equality Act 2010

Thank you for writing to me concerning the Equality Act 2010.   I am aware there have been petitions to Parliament and a recent Westminster Hall debate concerning the potential amendment of the Act’s definition of sex.   As you know, as a piece of UK Government legislation this is a re

proposed legislation on Welsh language in education.

Thank you for writing to me concerning the proposed legislation on Welsh language in education.   The Welsh Conservatives are in favour of strengthening the Welsh language and working towards the target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050, as set out in Cymraeg 2050.

improving the diagnosis of dementia in Wales

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about improving the diagnosis of dementia in Wales.   Firstly, I would like to express my own and my Welsh Conservative colleagues’ agreement that everyone facing dementia deserves a timely, accurate and high quality diagnosis, as this will not only

UK Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the UK Government’s Illegal Migration Bill. The volume of illegal small boat arrivals has overwhelmed our asylum system.

Fair Pay

Thank you for contacting me regarding nurses pay in Wales. Firstly, I would like to thank all the nurses in Wales for their service, particularly during the immensely difficult circumstances over the last three years.

Ten Asks for Trees campaign

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Ten Asks for Trees campaign.   The Welsh Government set a target of 43,000 hectares of woodland to be planted by 2030, with approximately 5,000 hectares needed to be planted a year for this target to be met.

Improve healthcare in Flintshire

We know how hard our incredible NHS staff work. However, the people of North Wales have been let down for far too long by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Better rail services across North Wales

We can secure quicker and better rail services right across North Wales. But my Senedd colleagues and I need your help to do it. With the support of local people, we’ve been getting on with delivering our plan for North Wales. Already we have made progress.

compulsory microchipping of pet cats

Thank you for writing to me concerning the compulsory microchipping of pet cats.   The Welsh Conservatives have been long-running supporters of the microchipping of pets.

Nurses Pay in Wales

Thank you for contacting me regarding nurses pay in Wales. Firstly, I would like to thank all Welsh nurses for their service in immensely difficult circumstances over the last three years.

Legislative protection of farmed fish

Thank you for writing to me concerning the legislative protection of farmed fish.   This is a matter which falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and has done so since the devolution of animal health and welfare powers in 2006.

Funding of local services.

Thank you for writing to me concerning the funding of local services.   As you will be aware, these matters are devolved here in Wales, and therefore the funding of Councils is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.

Regulation of online marketplaces

Thank you for contacting me about the regulation of online marketplaces. I am familiar with Electrical Safety First's campaign for better regulation of online marketplaces.

Access to dental services

Thank you very much for getting in contact with me about access to dental services.  My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives are extremely concerned that dental services under Labour haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with Welsh dentists this year carrying out less than half of t

Avian influenza (H5N1)

Many thanks for contacting me in relation to the spread of avian influenza (H5N1).   The UK has faced its largest-ever outbreak of H5N1, which is why the Chief Veterinary Officers for Wales, England and Scotland have advised their respective governments to declare Avian Influenza Prevention Z

greyhound racing in Wales

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about greyhound racing in Wales.   These gentle, sensitive animals deserve our best protection – which is why both the Welsh and UK Governments must work in unison to protect and safeguard the welfare of these loving animals.   I understand

baby loss awareness

Thank you very much for taking the time to write to me about baby loss awareness.  I wholeheartedly agree that every woman and their baby should receive personalised, high quality care, and I understand that losing a much-loved and wanted child or having a sick or premature baby will ultimatel

Welsh Government’s Agriculture (Wales) Bill

Thank you for contacting me about the Welsh Government’s Agriculture (Wales) Bill. I appreciate you taking the time to notify me of your thoughts. The Agriculture (Wales) Bill is an incredibly important piece of legislation, which comes at a crucial time for our agriculture industry.

NHS Pay Rises

Thank you very much for contacting me about NHS pay rises.     Welsh Conservatives believe that the focus, dedication and commitment of people working in the NHS is exemplary.

safe staffing levels for nurses

Thank you very much for contacting me about extending safe staffing levels for nurses. My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives wholeheartedly support the extension of s.25B of the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016, to include community nursing and mental health inpatient settings. 

Senedd pension fund

Thank you for contacting me about the Senedd pension fund.   As a Welsh Conservative I am proud of the UK Government’s record on addressing climate change.

Mind Cymru’s “Sort the Switch” campaign.

Thank you very much for contacting me about Mind Cymru’s “Sort the Switch” campaign.  Despite the Labour Welsh Government claiming that the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is “a priority”, the reality is different.  Children and young people are waiting longer for

Leukaemia Care’s Left to #WatchWaitWorry campaign.

Thank you very much for contacting me about Leukaemia Care’s campaign Left to WatchWaitWorry.    I am concerned to read that many chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients are not receiving communication about their appointments, and that their appointments have been cancelled.

Cancer Research Campaign

Thank you very much for contacting me about a cancer strategy for Wales. Like Cancer Research UK, my colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives are deeply concerned that the Cancer Quality Statement published in 2021 lacks sufficient detail to properly address both the backlogs created by the COVI

Endometriosis UK’s

Thank you very much for contacting me regarding your concerns about endometriosis and Endometriosis UK’s campaign “End the Silence”.   My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives wholeheartedly agree that more must be done to ensure that waiting times for endometriosis treatment are re

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Thank you for writing to me regarding the recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).   While I welcome its publication, the report makes for very sobering reading, laying clear the stark consequences climate change is having on our planet and what will happen if de

 Snares and Game Birds

    Thank you very much for contacting me regarding snares and gamebirds. As I understand it, snares are controlled in England and Wales under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

climate change in Wales

Thank you for writing to me regarding the important issue of climate change in Wales.      As climate change is a devolved matter, it is vital that the Labour Welsh Government uses its powers to ensure that Wales plays its part in combatting climate change.

Glover Landscapes Review

Thank you for writing to me regarding the important issue of the Glover Landscapes Review.   As know, the reforms set out as a result of the Glover Landscapes report, by the UK Government  will play a vital role in meeting the UK Government’s international commitment to protect 30% of la

welfare of gamebirds

Thank you for contacting me about the welfare of gamebirds bred for shooting. I share your high regard for animal welfare.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and Bovine TB

Thank you very much for writing to me about Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and Bovine TB. I would like to assure you that my colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives are of the opinion that one environmental pollution incident is one too many.  However, we are not confident that designatin

Time to Talk Day

Thank you very much for contacting me about Time to Talk Day.   My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives fully appreciate that this has been a very challenging time for everybody and that the pandemic, along with the associated restrictions, has exposed the importance of improving m

climate change in Wales

  Thank you for writing to me regarding the important issue of climate change in Wales.   I am proud of the UK Government’s role in tackling climate change and the transition to “Clean Growth”, with the UK being the first country to legislate to eliminate our contribution to climat
See Also

Campaign Responses

Every day, I receive dozens of campaign emails from constituents concerned about a huge variety of national issues. While individual constituency enquiries will be answered by email or letter, due to the vast increase in the volume of campaign emails now being generated, I can no longer gu