It’s been a hectic few weeks in Westminster which have included meetings with representatives from Lockheed Martin, the Engineering Employers Federation, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and the Brain Tumour Charity.

In my Defence role, I visited Raytheon in Broughton, and MDBA in Stevenage, along with attending briefings by BAE Systems, and the Yorkshire Regiment

I attended the launch of a campaign for a National Sikh War Memorial

It was also a great pleasure to welcome Caerphilly Mayor, Councillor John Bevan, on his recent visit to Westminster.

In the Chamber I have spoken in debates on shipbuilding strategy and the future size and structure of our armed forces.  I was also able to ask a question on homelessness, citing the Wales Audit Office Report which stated its belief that the Westminster Government’s welfare cuts are having a detrimental impact on homelessness in Wales

In the Welsh Grand Committee I was heavily critical of the UK Government breaking its promise over electrification of the rail line from Cardiff to Swansea.

In the constituency, I attended meetings with residents in Ystrad Mynach over anti social behaviour, and the Cwm Calon estate over the poor service provided under the maintenance contract.

Having highlighted the problem of homelessness, I was pleased to be able to meet up with volunteers at the St Helens Roman Catholic Church Night Shelter in Caerphilly. The Night Shelter, run in partnership with Caerphilly Council and Cornerstone brings together 9 churches, along with volunteers, to provide shelter, hot meals, support and advice to the homeless during the most difficult months of the year.

It was pleasing to be able to take up the offer of speaking to local young learners at ACT Training in Caerphilly.

Finally I enjoyed a pleasant evening attending the Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Awards ceremony, and a fundraising concert for Caerphilly Children’s Centre in the Wesley Methodist Church in Caerphilly, with great performances by Rechoir UK and the BTM Brass Band.