Wrexham’s local MP, Sarah Atherton, reflects on her first year in Parliament.
Sarah Atherton was elected in December 2019, becoming the first Conservative MP for Wrexham, and the first female Conservative MP to represent Wales.
Commenting on her first year in Parliament and the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Sarah said:
"This year has been like no other. The busy task of establishing both my Westminster and Wrexham offices, alongside my other duties as Member of Parliament took up much of the first few months. When the pandemic hit in March, like many others my team and I had to adapt to virtual working.
"Despite this, I have been able to meet with community groups, charities and residents using Zoom, and I look forward to the day where we can meet in person. I’ve responded to over 5,000 pieces of casework helping residents with their issues, and spoken up on behalf of our town in Parliament. Indeed, Wrexham was mentioned 123 times over the past year in the House of Commons chamber.
"This year our community spirit has shone brighter than ever. From producing face visors to caring for our neighbours, it is safe to say that 2020 has brought out the very best in us and I am extremely proud to represent our town."
During the height of the pandemic the former nurse and social worker returned to the frontline having upskilled and re-registered as a staff nurse at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, donating her salary to a local charity.
"Following the outbreak of the pandemic I couldn’t sit back and watch coronavirus devastate our community and let former colleagues take on that burden alone. I felt it only right to utilise my skills as a former nurse, to help the community I was elected to represent."
One of Sarah’s key election pledges was to ‘Get Brexit Done’. Having delivered on that promise and secured a trade deal worth £668 billion, Sarah spoke of her delight:
"Having walked the length and breadth of Wrexham knocking on the doors of residents, the people were clear; they didn’t just want Brexit to be delivered, they wanted faith in democracy restored and to have a representative that respected their vote. We have delivered Brexit after 3 long years, so we can now move on and focus on the priorities of Wrexham residents."
Since her election Sarah has been a strong voice for Armed Service Personnel and has shown support for the introduction of a veteran’s railcard and the Overseas Operations Bill. She sits on the Defence Select Committee, which scrutinises the military and the Government’s defence policy decisions. Sarah is currently chairing a sub-committee into the experience of women in the military, which saw a record-breaking 4,106 service personnel lodge evidence during its evidence gathering stage.
"Having served in the Armed Forces, I know all too well the burden it can place on family life, and have seen the first-hand the challenges that military personnel face, particularly during their transition into civilian life.
"I want the UK to be the best place in the world to be an Armed Forces veteran, and I will continue to champion this cause throughout my time in Parliament."
Looking ahead to 2021, Sarah added:
"I will continue to use my experience to scrutinise health service provision on behalf of constituents, which has been the main concern for many weeks now and support our hardworking frontline staff, and to use my role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Wales to ensure that North Wales gets its fair share of support as we build back better from coronavirus.
"I’d like to thank everyone across Wrexham and the whole of the UK for the part they played in our fight against this virus. The crisis is by no means over, but the roll-out of the vaccine provides fresh hope and I am confident that we will overcome whatever obstacles come our way."
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