Please find below a report of my work last year, as the Member of Parliament for Newport East. A happy 2017 to you and please do get in touch if you have a case you wish me to raise or would like to let me know your views. Surgery dates are listed on my website www.jessicamorden.com and my contact details are listed below.  For updates on my work please do follow me on twitter @jessicamordenmp or facebook.

2016 was an eventful year in politics and a busy year in Parliament. As always, it’s a huge privilege to represent you in the House of Commons, a responsibility I do not take lightly. My thanks to my hardworking team who support my work in speaking up for you; over 2,185 constituents have contacted my office during the past year. As well as speaking up for you in debates and questions, and scrutinising Government Ministers on your behalf, I continue to serve in the Opposition Whips’ Office as senior whip with responsibility for Brexit, Wales, Women and Equalities, and PMQs.

On behalf of Newport East these are some of the issues I’ve campaigned on and raised in Parliament:

Brexit and Newport East

Many constituents have contacted me about Brexit.  Whilst I campaigned to remain, the result was clearly to leave and Labour accepts and respects the referendum result.  However, I believe it is hugely important we hold the Government to account on their plans, which we have yet to see. 

Steel

As an active member and Vice Chair of the All Party Steel Group, I’ve contributed to numerous debates and parliamentary question sessions in this difficult time for the industry. I have spoken about Llanwern, Orb, and Liberty Steel, all based in Newport East. Here’s my latest contribution.

 Rail

I’ve drawn attention to the cost, overcrowding, and improvements needed for commuter services, and have worked alongside local groups like STAG and MAGOR Rail to call for better services, and a new station at Magor.                                                                                            

Severn Bridges

Whilst I welcome the Government commitment to cut the tolls in half when the Bridges return to public ownership, this is not enough for hard pressed commuters and businesses who have paid through the nose over the years. This message came across loud and clear in the first Severn Bridges Summit which I organised in Parliament in June. Here’s my latest update.

I will continue to question Ministers on their future plans, for those who use the bridges, and those who work on them.  

 

Trade Union Bill

I was proud to serve as the whip on the Trade Union Bill and proud of the team on the Bill committee, who won key concessions from the Government.

Concentrix and benefit cuts

I continue to speak up in Parliamentary debates for those affected by Government cuts and policies, including most recently the failings of HMRC and Concentrix – the company they contracted to investigate tax credit claims.  The debates added to the pressure, culminating in the company’s contract being ended early. Here’s my latest contribution.

Women and Pensions

I strongly support the women born in the 1950s who face hardship through the acceleration of the state pension age. They have a very effective campaign known as WASPI.  I have spoken in debates about this issue, which affects 3,100 women who live in Newport East. Here’s a link to the recent debate.

Police cuts and numbers

I also contributed to a recent debate in the Chamber on the impact of cuts on Police Officer numbers and the quantity of assaults police officers are experiencing.

Ivory Trade 
 
Sadly, 33,000 elephants are still killed every year for their tusks-a death rate of one every quarter of an hour.  It is vital that the UK leads the way and help to secure a future for wild elephants while supporting the local communities that live alongside these extraordinary creatures. I spoke in the recent debate and called for a complete ban on the domestic ivory trade in the UK. 

Tidal Lagoons

At a time when we desperately need clean, secure, predictable and year-round energy, tidal lagoon technology is one of the ways of delivering a low-carbon energy future in Wales. We have to grasp that opportunity. I spoke in a debate which called for the Swansea Bay Lagoon to be built, leading to one in Newport further down the line which would bring construction jobs and the chance to use Welsh steel.

Other issues

Amongst other issues I raised in 2016 are Civil Service job cuts in Newport and the impact of scams on elderly and vulnerable people.  I have also campaigned for those who have been victims of sheep dip poison and the contaminated blood scandal.  

 Visits to Parliament

Its been a great pleasure to welcome groups from the constituency to visit including St Julians School, Newport Mind and Glan Usk Primary School.  If you would like to find out about how to organise a visit the Houses of Parliament please ring my office on 01633 841725.

 In Newport East

I live with my family in Newport East, and the views of constituents are at the heart of everything I do.  Over the last year I have visited many people and groups right across the constituency. There are too many to mention them all, but here are few examples: 

• Held regular surgeries and door knocking, taking up cases for over 2,185 constituents

• Visited local businesses including Llanwern, Orb, Liberty Steel, ABInbev, and Bisley

• Represented Newport East at Remembrance events in Newport and Caldicot, including Merchant Navy events

• Visited schools including the new Caldicot school site

• Gave talks on my role to local community groups

• Supported major local events like the Maindee Festival, Caldicot Christmas lights and Macmillan coffee mornings

• Visited churches and mosques

• If you would like me to visit a local group or organisation please call or email my office.

 

Contact Details

• Telephone 01633 841725 
• Email  jessica.morden.mp@parliament.uk
• Twitter @jessicamordenmp
• Write to Room 2, 7th Floor, Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport, NP19 7AA

National Assembly for Wales 
Does your issue concern Health, Housing, Local Government, Education, Economic Development, Transport, Rural Affairs, Arts, Sports or Culture? Then you may need to contact your Assembly Member, John Griffiths.  Jessica shares an office with John.  You can contact him in the following ways: 
Address: Room 2, 7th Floor Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport NP19 7AA. 
Telephone: 01633 222302
Email: john.griffiths@assembly.wales