'Trade deals will bring significant benefits to Newport East'
During May, I visited Flannery Plant Hire on Traston Road, a family-run, nationwide company whose only Welsh base is here in Newport. They shared with me the work they do with young people, helping them gain the qualifications needed to work in the construction industry, operating plant machinery to support infrastructure and housing projects.
I had the huge pleasure of meeting one of the young apprentices there, the brilliant Evie, who is a wonderful example of how industry can offer so much to young people starting out in the world of work.
As you may have read, the UK Government in Westminster has, over the past few weeks, announced a number of trade deals which will bring significant benefits to Newport East.
The UK/EU trade deal will save UK businesses millions, create jobs, and help reduce the cost of living for everyone, thanks to increased cooperation to bring down energy bills.
As part of this deal, discussions are also underway to allow UK citizens to use e-gates at European airports once again, making travel to the EU quicker and more convenient.
I've shared more detail on this, and on Flannery, on my website. Head to jessicamorden.com to read it in full.
Along with John Griffiths MS, I recently visited the new Blue Cross rehoming and animal behaviour centre in Langstone. The work the team there do to care for animals in need of a new home and to support pet owners is phenomenal.
As a charity, it takes a lot to keep them going, so if you're able, please consider donating to their animal food bank, which supports both the animals they care for and pet owners affected by the rising cost of pet food.
You can drop off donations at the Blue Cross site in Langstone Business Park or at Pets at Home in Maesglas.
Huge congratulations to the Urban Circle team on the opening of their new base at the Share Centre on Stow Hill. I popped in last week while workshops were running, and the whole place was buzzing. Find out more about what they're doing by visiting ucnewport.co.uk.
The issues you bring to me are the issues I raise in Parliament on your behalf, and I'm always keen to hear from as many residents as possible.
My team and I hold regular resident advice surgeries across the city. In May, I met with residents in Underwood and Maindee, and during June I'll be holding a resident advice surgery in the Stow Hill ward. If there's something you'd like to raise with me or think I might be able to help with, get in touch with my office to book an appointment by calling 01633 841725.
Recently, I launched a Newport East residents' survey to find out more about the things that matter to you.
Leaflets with more information will be distributed to homes throughout Newport East over the coming weeks and months, but if you'd like to share your views in the meantime, the survey is live on my website. If you're able, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with me by scanning the QR code on this page.
If you'd like to keep up with my work, you can also join my WhatsApp channel. Just search for Jessica Morden, Member of Parliament for Newport East under the Updates icon in your WhatsApp app.
And, as always, if there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to get in touch. My office and I can assist with a wide range of issues, from passports and immigration to crime and policing, pensions, benefits, and much more. You can reach us by phone on 01633 841725 or by email at jessica.morden.mp@parliament.uk.
Jessica Morden is MP for Newport East
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