'It is still so important that we keep following the rules'

MP for Delyn

Well, what a busy month it has been since my last update. March is generally a time of year where the first flourishes of spring can be seen, and this year is no different. With lockdown measures being relaxed, some businesses being able to open, and the vaccine roll out programme still moving at pace it really feels like we are beginning to see the shoots of normality being to re-appear. It is still so important that we keep following the rules to maintain our safety.

Latest figures show that over 1.1 million people have received a COVID vaccination in Wales, so I urge you, if you get the call to go for your vaccine, go and have it. Although it is no magic wand, it certainly is helping turn the tide on COVID -19. If you think you have been missed off the vaccine appointment list go to https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed .

Earlier this month the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak set out his Spring Budget which I whole heartedly welcomed. The Budget he announced allocated £740 million to Wales, building on the £1.3 billion from the Spending Review. It is now more important than ever that the Welsh Labour Government ensure this money gets to where it is meant to be, to help those who need it most. This Budget provides businesses and families across Delyn the support and reassurance they need to get through the pandemic. In addition to the huge sums already being allocated by the UK Government, I was delighted with the news this week that an extra £400m will also be coming to Wales due to an increase in Health spending in England. I look forward to seeing where the additional £400m is spent and will continue to push hard for a reinstatement of hospital services in Flint upon which I campaigned in the election.

In Westminster this month I took part in the St David’s Day debate, the Budget debate, and spoke in the Second reading of the Debate on Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. I asked the Secretary of State for Transport to confirm that funding will be available to implement the recommendations made in the interim report of the Union Connectivity Review. He confirmed £20 million has been allocated to carry on the studies for improvements on nationally significant routes such as the A55 and North Wales Coast Line.

I also asked the Prime Minister to back my campaign to get CPR skills taught in Welsh schools as a mandatory course, which he did saying that “it should be adopted in Wales as well.” I am thrilled to announce that following my campaign, the important work undertaken by the Maguire family, and a lengthy campaign in the Senedd by Suzy Davies the Welsh Government have made CPR lessons mandatory in schools in Wales.

In the constituency this month I launched a competition to find Delyn’s Favourite Butcher. The competition is free to enter and the butcher with the most nominations will win. Nominations are open until Friday 2nd April at 5pm (and for postal nominations 5pm on Monday 5th April). The winning butcher will get a whole host of goodies plus an special invite to the next Taste of Delyn event I host in Westminster.

It was a momentous occasion this month, I recorded my 6,000th piece of casework. It is a privilege to be able to help so many people with their problems and I look forward to helping many more. Of course, some cases are more straight forward than others, which mean the more complicated ones take more time to resolve. However, my team and I stand ready to deal with whatever problem you have no matter how complicated or dire the situation may seem.

This is just a snapshot of what I’ve been doing over the last month, if you would like to read more about my work you can go to my website and sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter. Go to www.rjroberts.co.uk .

I will continue to be a strong voice for Delyn. Keep following the COVID-19 restrictions and stay safe. If you, a friend, or a member of your family need my help please email me on rob.roberts.mp@parliament.uk or call 01352 710 232.