The View from the Senedd with Matthew Jones MS

With the Senedd still in summer recess, I’ve been grateful for every opportunity to meet residents across Monmouthshire and dealing with casework. This has included hosting some of my first surgeries in Abergavenny and Caldicot.

The cooler weather has brought some much-needed relief to the fire services, armed forces and local farmers who have worked so hard to tackle, control and extinguish the wildfires. The Welsh Government has worked closely with emergency services, local authorities and local communities, and I am keen to continue conversations with the government to ensure support for those affected, future-proofing the fire service, and addressing the causes of these fires.

Between wildfires at home and ongoing war in Europe, I was glad to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day in Abergavenny, last week. It was a particularly meaningful occasion for the Ukrainians who have made their home here in Monmouthshire.

Wales and Ukraine have a long-shared history, from Welshman John Hughes founding the city of Donetsk to Ukrainian miners sending financial support to their Welsh counterparts during the 1984 strike. That solidarity matters just as much today. As Ukraine fights for its freedom, we must continue to stand with its people, particularly when some on the far right in Wales are calling to ‘Defund Ukraine’. I am proud that Plaid Cymru remains unapologetic in its support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

Everyone in Monmouthshire and Torfaen has felt the financial effects of Putin’s war. But for so many of the people I've spoken to, this war is not just a financial pressure, it's far more personal. It's about loved ones, neighbours, and a culture facing existential threat.

This week, I was also glad to see the Welsh Government complete Plaid Cymru’s First 100 Days Plan, an important milestone. I was especially pleased that, as part of this, work has begun on Wales’ first Climate and Nature Action Plan. It must succeed if we are to tackle the effects of climate change that we have seen this summer, and will no doubt see again.

The government has also taken the first step towards establishing a Welsh Flood Forum. Communities such as ours, which have been badly affected by flooding, must be at the heart of this work. If successful, the forum will help communities across Wales prepare for flooding and support the Welsh Government’s work to tackle its underlying causes.

Finally, I’d like to wish everyone starting or returning to school, college or university over the coming weeks the very best for the year ahead. My thanks, too, go to the teachers and staff who will be there to support them. Pob lwc i chi gyd!