As part of my summer constituency catch-ups, I have been meeting a range of people including Vale Council Leader, councillor Lis Burnett, to discuss local and national issues affecting Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully and Llandough constituents.
I also spoke with the police about a number of local concerns, including anti-social behaviour, and efforts being made to keep our young people safe during the summer months.
I am concerned at reports about dangerous and reckless behaviour at our local lakes and the shoreline, including at Penarth Pier and Cosmeston. We all need to make sure our young people know the risks of jumping in or entering the water at unsafe places – and urge anyone with concerns to call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
As well as representing and supporting the people of Cardiff South and Penarth, it was a huge honour to be re-appointed as Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by our new Prime Minister Andy Burnham – taking on responsibility for the UK’s work in the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and sanctions.
I will also be supporting our citizens needing consular help globally, and working with devolved governments, mayors and councils. I’m already working closely with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to ensure what we do abroad delivers security and prosperity for people at home.
It’s a change from my FCDO role over the past two years, when I was honoured to help reset Britain’s role globally as Minister of State covering Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories.
I’m proud to have worked to – among many other issues – reset our relations with the EU and agree a new Security and Defence Partnership; stand resolutely with Ukraine against Russian aggression; negotiate and sign the historic UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar; and reset our relationships across the UK Overseas Territories.
