One consistent theme which has featured time and again in my inbox this month has been the tragic events in Israel and Palestine, so I will start there. Amid the backdrop of such appalling violence and chaos, it was an honour to partake in a moving vigil for peace at St Mary’s Church in Brecon and to read a prayer, joining I am sure a great many across Brecon and Radnorshire in praying for peace.
Back from conference recess we have made progress on a number of things in the House in the past weeks, such as a draft order of the Criminal Justice Act which will ensure that foreign national offenders serving time in UK prisoners can be more effectively deported.
More happily, I was pleased to welcome Cascave Gin to Parliament for the amazing Taste of Wales event. Based at Glwydcae Newydd Farm at Crai, their gin with its origins in the cave water of Dan yr Ogof was really thoroughly enjoyed, and a fantastic example of a forward-thinking family diversifying their agricultural business.
Back in Brecon and Radnorshire there has continued to be the steady beat of shows and most recently I very much enjoyed the wonderful vintage tractors on show at the Rhosgoch YFC Tractor Run on what was a very crisp autumn morning.
There has been unfortunately more disappointing news on river water quality, with new analysis showing that there have been 52 illegal sewage spills at Brecon and 99 at Builth Wells over recent years. I will continue to call for the Welsh Government to do as the UK Government is doing and crack down on water companies not complying with the law.
The House is currently prorogued awaiting the King’s Speech on the 7th November, but before then, my wedding on Saturday! Wish me luck!
