Most people already know how passionate I am about cleaning up our rivers following years of pollution.

Our rivers are at the heart of Monmouthshire. They are a huge part of what makes our area so special, supporting our wildlife, our communities and our local economy. But after years of pollution, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect these precious natural assets.

One of my promises before becoming your MP was that I would do everything I can to help clean up our rivers and protect them for future generations.

That’s why, from the moment I became your MP, I have lobbied the UK Government relentlessly on this issue, raising the concerns of residents, meeting with ministers and even taking the opportunity to raise the issue directly with the Prime Minister.

While we have already made good progress, including through the Water Special Measures Bill which bans bonuses for polluters, and the £1 million secured to help clean up the River Wye, I know there is a lot more that needs to be done.

That’s why, while we await the Clean Water Bill being put forward by the Government, which promises to deliver the biggest shake-up of the water industry in a generation, I am urging the UK Government to use this legislation to introduce a Water Protection Zone along the length of the River Wye – for both the Welsh and English parts of the river.

This is one of the main calls from Friends of the River Wye, and I believe it would help tackle pollution, prevent soil erosion and better protect this iconic river for generations to come.

But I also know that, as your MP, I need to fully understand what is happening on the ground here in Monmouthshire.

That’s why I have trained as a citizen scientist and will be regularly out testing the rivers myself. It is important that I have a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing our rivers so I can make the strongest possible case for action.

This summer, I have also been touring our rivers and meeting with the campaigners, volunteers and community groups who are doing incredible work to protect them. I will be releasing videos from these visits on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Time is running out to save our rivers.

But I am determined to do everything I can to clean them up, protect them and ensure future generations can enjoy them just as we have in the past.