It’s been another busy month, both in Wrexham and in Westminster.
I have been elected onto the Defence Select Committee by my peers, a challenge I look forward to embracing over the coming months. I hope to use my new position to positively influence the policy direction of the UK on the global stage when it comes to our defence strategy.
Additionally, I have joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces, I will continue to stand up to ensure that our brave service personnel and veterans are represented, and that their valuable contribution to our country doesn’t go unrecognised.
I have been lobbying the Welsh Labour Government to extend the veterans railcard, introduced by the UK government, to veterans across Wales, improving the lives of military families whilst boosting job prospects for veterans.
Most recently, I have been appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Wales and the Wales Office. I look forward to working closely with Simon Hart to promote Wrexham’s interests and work on behalf of everyone in North Wales.
Meanwhile in Wrexham I have been busy talking to residents, businesses and organisations about issues that matter to them.
Having held numerous advice surgeries, a common issue that residents continue to raise is the mismanagement of our NHS by the Welsh Labour Government. I have been working closely with my North Wales colleagues to address some of the concerns, in particular the concerns surrounding the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. I have spoken up in the chamber, met with representatives from the health board and raised residents’ concerns directly with the Secretary of State of Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, ensuring Wrexham residents get they care and support they deserve.
Having met with numerous local business owners I am optimistic about the future of businesses in Wrexham. I recently visited Net World Sports, a fantastic Wrexham based company, and met with its owner to discuss what more can be done to support local businesses in our area. Whilst there I also met with some of their young employees to hear about their aspirations and to answer some of their questions about my journey into politics.
My team and I have been hard at work setting up an office in Wrexham for residents, I am pleased to say that the office will be fully up and running and open to the public shortly. In the meantime, I’m here to help if you have any queries or issues you feel I might be able to help with. Please get in touch via email: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk