A view from Wrexham’s Member of Parliament
Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Assembly Members to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here.
Today, Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton writes…
Like so many other activities this year, national and local events to mark Remembrance Day have been drastically affected. Whilst we remember those who gave their lives in defence of our country slightly differently this year, the message and sense of gratitude remains the same. The sense of duty of all in the Armed Forces community will never be forgotten.
This is an important day for our Nation. A day to remember the Military family, those who have served, and have made the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars and more recent conflicts.
We will remember them.#LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/OuRa4kp4Xy
— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 8, 2020
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. With some people unable to leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy, and with many of the charity’s collectors unable to carry out face to face collections, the RBL have unveiled a range of new ways for people to show their support remotely. From donating online to undertaking a virtual Poppy run, there are many ways to support the Poppy Appeal from home. Service charities have been particularly hit by the pandemic as they are unable to fundraise as normal, impacting the services they can provide to those in need. I would encourage everyone in Wrexham to do their bit to support our service charities this year.
With some people unable to leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy, and with many of the charity’s collectors unable to carry out collections, @PoppyLegion have unveiled a range of new ways for people to show their support remotely ⤵️https://t.co/qsHOSyiLdH
— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 6, 2020
It is important that we not only look to the past to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in defence of our freedom, but we must look at how we can actively support our former and current Armed Forces personnel today.
I have spent the past month sitting on the Overseas Operations Public Bill Committee, scrutinising this important piece of legislation which will combat the cycle of reinvestigation and vexatious claims against those who have fought for our country, ensuring that they too do not fall victim to the stresses and strains of late and repeated allegations.
For over a decade after the British military were sent into Iraq and Afghanistan, troops were hounded by lawyers, chasing the money and putting our troops through hell once again. pic.twitter.com/4zNGxX7LAn
— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 4, 2020
Earlier this month Parliament Week was celebrated across the UK, an annual festival that engages schools and community groups in a UK-wide discussion about our democracy. I particularly enjoyed meeting with pupils at Ysgol Bryn Alyn to hear what is important to them and to explain the role Parliament plays in the country and in our community. I also took part in AVOW’s Q&A session along with Clwyd South’s MP, Simon Baynes to answer your questions on how Parliament works, in addition to a further Q&A session with the ‘Playwork Foundation’ to discuss childhood and the importance of play. If you would like to learn more about Parliament there are some fantastic opportunities online, from virtual tours to online workshops. For more information visit my website: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/virtual-engagement
Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s #ParliamentWeek
It has been a pleasure meeting schools & community groups from across #Wrexham
I particularly enjoyed meeting with @YsgolBrynAlyn to explain how @UKParliament works & to join in with @AvowWrexham’s Q&A session! https://t.co/RojBs4XcZf
— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 6, 2020
The UK Government continues to support the people of Wales through this pandemic and has given Wales an additional £5 billion since March to help people in Wrexham and across the whole of Wales. I continue to lobby the Welsh Government to allocate this funding now when it is needed most, ensuring it goes to support people and businesses in Wrexham. I am pleased that the Chancellor has recently announced that he will be building on our unprecedented package of economic support with the extension of the furlough scheme which will continue to support jobs and businesses until March 2020. Both myself and the Government are committed to doing whatever possible to protect lives and livelihoods as we fight against this virus.
Thousands of #Welsh jobs have been protected through the furlough scheme.@GOVUK is extending #furlough until March 2021, so businesses and employees in #Wrexham & across the UK have the certainty they need as we fight against #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OrQgPcHcha
— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 5, 2020
As always, if there is anything I can do to be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01978 291742 | 020 7219 4885
Post: 65 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1PF
For regular updates on what I’m doing to represent you in Wrexham and Westminster, sign up to my e-newsletter.
https://twitter.com/AthertonNWales/status/1323581071502512128?s=20
Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Welsh and UK Parliament representatives to write a monthly article with updates on their work and closer to home – you can find them all here.
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