Meeting arranged by Elin Jones and Ben Lake raises concerns with Minister and Openreach, directly.

Elin Jones AM & Ben Lake MP slam NatWest Mobile Banking arrangements

Elin Jones AM and Ben Lake MP have slammed NatWest’s proposed Mobile Banking arrangements for both Cardigan and Lampeter following the imminent closure of the town branches by July 2018.

It was recently announced by NatWest a Mobile Banking service would be present at Cardigan every Thursday from the 17th of May for 45 minutes and every Tuesday in Lampeter for 45 minutes from the 15th of May. The Mobile Banking service would also be accompanied by the services of a Community Banker available at both towns for one day a week, and a designated ‘TechXpert’ official for both communities.

The veterinary workforce perform an instrumental service for rural Wales, which in turn depends on the valuable efforts of vets trained overseas. At present however it is estimated that 100% of Official Veterinarians in Welsh abbatoirs are from overseas, mainly the EU, and public health veterinary services also benefit overwhelmingly from the work of non-UK trained vets, with around 95% of all veterinary posts in the meat hygiene sector being held by overseas graduates.

On 18 April, Ben Lake MP secured a Westminster Hall debate on the future of the veterinary sector in Wales in which he emphasised the importance of ensuring that the profession can continue to recruit and benefit from overseas-trained vets, and that losing just a fraction of the veterinary workforce post-Brexit could have serious consequences and increase the risk of food fraud in the supply chain.

Ben Lake MP expresses concerns about the consequences of a December roll-out

Ben Lake, Member of Parliament for Ceredigion has expressed his concerns following a recent announcement by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that the roll-out of the government’s controversial benefit payment, Universal Credit, will be fully rolled-out across Ceredigion in December 2018.

The payment, which is set to replace longstanding benefits such as PIP, ESA and Working Tax Credits, had initially been set to become active in Ceredigion in September 2018, however recent documentation shows the date has now been moved back to December 2018.

On 18 April, Ben Lake MP made his Prime Minister’s Questions debut raising the important issue of the future of Cardigan Bay’s lifeboat provision.

During his contribution, Mr Lake commended the valiant efforts of RNLI staff and volunteers at New Quay lifeboat station who have been safeguarding those who venture out into the bay, be it for work or pleasure, for 150 years. He also expressed concern at the possibility that there will no longer be an all-weather lifeboat in Ceredigion from 2020.

Hywel Dda Health Board plans looking to secure and develop health services in Ceredigion welcomed by MP and AM

Elin Jones and Ben Lake have welcomed the recommendations made by Hywel Dda Health Board regarding Ceredigion, as part of its Transforming Clinical Services and ‘Big Change’ consultation.

All three of the options being considered by Hywel Dda Health Board see Bronglais continue to be a fully functioning General Hospital, with a 24-hour A&E, intensive care, general surgery, general medicine, trauma and orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric, anaesthetic and diagnostic services.

Aberystwyth to Cardiff Bus service upgraded and fully reinstated following successful campaign by Elin Jones AM

Ben Lake said:

“The use of chemical weapons is simply unacceptable, and their use by the Syrian regime against innocent civilians is reprehensible. Any effort by the UK Government to prevent such atrocities must ensure a credible chance of bringing peace and stability to the country. I fear that the missile strikes of the weekend fall short in this regard, and, far from alleviating the suffering of the people of Syria, they instead risk a further escalation of the conflict.

Following calls from Elin Jones AM and Ben Lake MP a public meeting will be held to discuss broadband and connectivity in Ceredigion.

Julie James AM, the Welsh Government Minister responsible for the roll-out of broadband, will attend the public meeting giving constituents the chance to share experiences and ask questions regarding the current situation and the next phase of the Superfast Cymru scheme.

On 7 April, Ben Lake took on his second walking challenge of the year. Ben joined a large group of Ceredigion YFC members for their sponsored walk along the county's coastal path. With one group of walkers starting from Cardigan and the other group starting from Ynyslas at the break of dawn, both groups finished their challenge in Aberaeron Rugby Club as the sun was setting - a total of 60 miles.