Ceredigion AM and MP have warned that Welsh farmers face a "perfect storm" without urgent intervention by the Welsh Government.

Plaid Cymru’s Ben Lake MP has called on the Prime Minister to support vulnerable people who are stuck in self-isolation and unable to secure food delivery slots in the final PMQs scheduled until at least after Easter.

Mr Lake highlighted the case of constituents who had been in contact, concerned that they could not get access to food deliveries until 16 April. The couple who had been in touch live in a rural area and are taking ‘shielding’ measures due to underlying health conditions.

During the PMQs session, Mr Lake also thanked “health workers, social care workers, teachers, cleaners and everyone fighting this virus on the frontline.”

A large number of people across Ceredigion have been working extremely hard over the last 10 days setting up local volunteer groups to support vulnerable and self-isolating people in our communities.

Ben Lake MP and his team want to share as much information as possible with those vulnerable people who get in touch with his office, and as such we are currently gathering as much information as possible about the local volunteer networks and their contact details.

In response to the UK Chancellor's statement on 20 March 2020:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-chancellor-rishi-sunak-provides-an-updated-statement-on-coronavirus

Statement from Ben Lake MP:

Statement from Ben Lake MP:

"I have received a number of messages from individuals and businesses concerned about the financial impact that the unfolding crisis will have on them, and several questions about the assistance that is available to them.

We are expecting the UK Chancellor to announce further measures this evening to mitigate the financial impact that the new social-distancing measures will have on the economy, and as soon as I have further detail I will provide a further update. It is important to stress that I believe the Government needs to go much further to offer support to those affected by COVID-19, and I am making these representations to the UK Government.

Statement from Ben Lake MP:

"I know that many residents are deeply concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, and are increasingly anxious for clarity on how best to react, and what actions to take.

The coming months will be difficult for us all, and this crisis is likely to place public services and society alike under acute strain. It must be stressed that following the expert advice of official bodies such as Public Health Wales and the NHS will be crucial as the situation unfolds.

Under European Law, a number of the UK’s food and drinks products are granted Protected Geographical Status; to protect the reputation of regional products, promote traditional and agricultural activity and eliminate non-genuine products, which may mislead consumers or be of inferior character.  

The All Party Parliamentary Group was set up to promote and protect the UK’s Geographically Protected Foods as our departure from the European Union. 

Ben Lake MP joined patrons to celebrate the reopening of The Rhydypennau Inn on Wednesday evening. The pub was closed on 12 January for over a month for a £346,000 refurbishment by Heineken owned Stars Pubs & Bars.  10 new jobs have been created, including a role for a second chef on the back of the investment which will see the wet-led community pub upgraded and transformed into a top-quality village pub offering stand-out, food, drink and service.

The refurbishment of The Rhydypennau Inn is a part of Star Pubs & Bars’ £50 million nationwide investment in pubs and bars in 2019.

In a statement today Dafydd Llywelyn has officially announced his intention to stand for re-election as the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Dyfed Powys Police area. 

Dafydd Llywelyn was first elected as the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner in 2016 and during his 4 year term in office he has managed to increase officer and staff numbers, reintroduce a modern CCTV system across the Force and retain low tax rates which are the lowest in Wales.

Elin Jones, the Assembly Member for Ceredigion, has raised concerns about proposed changes to the out of hours GP services in the south of Ceredigion.

The health board has proposed that from the 9th of March patients living in the Llandysul and the surrounding area will be asked to attend out of hours base at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, should they need to see a clinician.