New MPs relishing Westminster roles
SOUTH Wales's new MPs have faced a "steep learning curve" in their first term in Parliament.
The House of Commons rose for its summer break this week, more than two months after the General Election which returned two new representatives for the region.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr's Plaid Cymru MP, Jonathan Edwards, was taking his seat on the famous green benches for the first time.
Labour MP for Swansea West Geraint Davies was returning for the second time, having represented an English seat for eight years until the 2005 election.
"I'm happy to have been able to hit the ground running and be as active in the House of Commons as any other MP," said Mr Davies.
"I was able to raise local issues including the Earlsmoor respite care home, schools funding and funding for the police in Swansea within the first two weeks."
He went on: "I took the lead in a debate about giving anonymity to those accused of rape, arguing that their identity shouldn't be hidden, and the Government is clearly now in retreat.
"I also delivered on my election pledge to put forward a bill to penalise credit card companies for the downloading of child pornography.
"And I've been busily involved with the community in Swansea. So all in all I've had a very busy and fulfilling first few months addressing the priorities of the people of Swansea, and I've started off how I mean to continue."
Former Carmarthen councillor Mr Edwards took over from one of Plaid's most high-profile politicians, Adam Price, and now speaks for his party on finance issues at Westminster.
"One of the highlights for me has to be delivering my maiden speech in the House of Commons," he said.
"I was able to pay tribute to the excellent constituency of Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and to raise the plight of a local issue which is very close to my heart — fuel poverty.
"Recently I've been campaigning to stop the closure of the Ammanford court, something I will keep challenging.
"All in all, it's been a steep learning curve. I'm looking forward to continuing to fight on behalf my home communities for as long as I retain the faith of the people of Carmarthenshire."
3 Comments
by fred, Llanelli
Monday, August 02 2010, 1:16PM
“Well what a odd ball Carmarthen East and Dinefwr's Plaid Cymru MP, Jonathan Edwards is, He moans about every thing , the other day he said on T.V about MP. members that they have a go at each other in parliment , then in the night have a drink together, i wonder if he drinks alone,. Now he is on about making a pact with the Tory AMs next, so where do Plaid stand at the moment, and do not give me any bull s..t over the best deal for the welsh nationalist's, we know where they stand. even their chairman stood down ...?.”
by Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones, Neath
Sunday, August 01 2010, 7:37PM
“Lets hope these new welsh MPs do do something for Wales as I'm sure Jonathan Edwards will and the other Plaid MPs I'm sure will guide him”
by Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones, Neath
Sunday, August 01 2010, 7:08PM
“Let's hope these new MPs do remember that they are representing Wales and don't just sit on your fat arses and do nothing for us I know that Jonathan Edwards and the other few Plaid members will fight for us”