We are now at the mid-way point of this Senedd and potentially just over a year away from the next general election. While there will be plenty of time to focus on both of these challenges, the current recess period has given me the opportunity to be back home in the constituency and meet with many of the constituents I have been fighting for down in Cardiff Bay.
What has taken me back more than anything is the success of the summer show season here in Brecon & Radnorshire. We’ve already seen a fantastic showcase of our rural communities, giving local food producers the opportunity to once again demonstrate the high industry standards they set in Wales for food and drink and how the nation has the potentially to continue growing in this market. It has been refreshing to learn that last year, Welsh food and drink exports neared £1bn in export revenue. It continues to show that events such as the Royal Welsh Agriculture Show, which is the biggest in Europe, play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success of our small to medium sized companies.
In looking forward, I’m pleased that I’ll be meeting with elected members from across Europe in September. I will discuss the ongoing work of the Senedd and how we can address shared challenges. I will also take the time to meet with Members of the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss future generations and the role our rural communities have in providing careers for our young people in rural areas.
More than anything else, summer recess has given me the opportunity to meet with residents, and spend time with friends and family around the summer shows and local events such as Brecon Jazz.
I always count myself extremely lucky to represent my home in the Senedd. It’s always an honour and a privilege to represent the place you were born and raised.
