Tonia Antoniazzi, Member of Parliament for Gower, has joined over 150 MPs and Lords in signing a letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, urging the government to take decisive action in support of Hugh’s Law which would ensure parents of seriously ill children receive support from day one.
 
The letter, coordinated by Chris Hinchliff MP and backed by the “It’s Never You campaign”, marks a significant moment in the fight to improve support for families facing the unimaginable challenge of caring for a seriously ill child.
 
It welcomes the government’s recent announcement of a stand-alone consultation, but calls for greater clarity and commitment, including co-production of the consultation’s terms with the “It’s Never You” campaign, a clear timeframe for the consultation process, a commitment to legislate for Hugh’s Law in the next King’s Speech, and a roadmap for implementation of any resulting legislation
 
Hugh’s Law would introduce a non-means tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, filling a critical gap in the current welfare system. While support exists for new parents through maternity and paternity leave, there is no bespoke provision for families facing long-term or life-threatening childhood illness except for the limited Neonatal Care Act, which applies only in a child’s earliest days.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said “Families caring for seriously ill children are facing unimaginable stress and heartbreak — the last thing they should be worrying about is financial survival. Hugh’s Law is about compassion, dignity, and fairness. I’m proud to support this campaign and urge the government to act swiftly. We must ensure that no parent is left without support at the moment they need it most.”
 
Chris Hinchliff MP, who organised the letter, said as the letter states, the welfare system “should respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need.”
 
“Hugh’s Law is about compassion, dignity, and fairness. No parent should be forced to choose between financial survival and being at their child’s bedside. Our welfare system must respond to moments of crisis with immediate, unconditional support.”
 
Ceri Menai-Davies, Co-Founder of It’s Never You, added “I’m incredibly moved by the support we’ve received. Over 150 MPs and Peers have now joined us in calling for change. This letter represents more than signatures. It represents a shared belief that parents of seriously ill children deserve better.”

Tonia Antoniazzi MP has thanked residents across Gower for their overwhelming support of this year’s Summer Stationery Campaign, which has once again provided vital school supplies to children in need.
 
With the school year now underway, thousands of donated items including pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, and stationery sets have been distributed via local schools, food banks, and charities to help ease the financial burden on families preparing for the new term.
 
The campaign was supported by Gower’s libraries, which hosted drop-off bins and helped coordinate collections. Libraries in Fforestfach, Gowerton, Gorseinon, Oystermouth, Pennard, Killay, and Pontarddulais played a key role in the campaign’s success.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said, “This campaign is about making sure no child starts school feeling left behind,”
 
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who donated and supported the campaign. Your generosity has made a real difference to families across Gower, and I’m incredibly proud of the way our community continues to come together to support one another.”
 
“I’m also incredibly grateful to the dedicated staff at Gower’s libraries. Their enthusiasm and care made a huge difference, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
 
Broadcaster and community champion Kev Johns MBE also lent his support, helping raise awareness in the final days of the campaign. “Children deserve the best equipment so they can learn with confidence when they return to school,” said Kev Johns. “This campaign is a simple, practical way to support families.”
 
Rebecca Evans MS also praised the community’s response and thanked Kev Johns for his support.
 
“It’s been wonderful to see the people of Gower come together to support this campaign. For families facing financial pressure, these donations make a real difference.
 
“I’m incredibly grateful to Kev Johns for his continued support in helping us raise awareness of the campaign and encouraging the community to get involved.”
 
“I’d also encourage anyone who may be struggling to explore the Welsh Government’s School Essentials Grant, which offers support with uniform and other school costs.”
 
The Summer Stationery Campaign will return next year, continuing its mission to ensure every child in Gower has the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.

Swansea broadcaster and community champion Kev Johns MBE has given his backing to this year’s Summer Stationery Drop campaign, organised by Tonia Antoniazzi MP and Rebecca Evans MS, to help families prepare for the new school year.
 
The campaign has seen residents across Gower donate thousands of stationery items to help parents meet the rising costs of getting children ready for September. With just a few days left until donations close on Friday 29th August, people are being encouraged to make a final contribution.
 
Donations of new pens, pencils, pencil cases, erasers, rulers, notebooks, sharpeners and stationery sets can be made at libraries across Gower, including Pennard, Oystermouth, Killay, Fforestfach, Gowerton, Pontarddulais, and Gorseinon.
 
Kev Johns said "Children deserve the best equipment so they can learn with confidence when they return to school, but for many families the cost is overwhelming. This campaign is a simple, practical way to support them. Next time you’re shopping, please just pick up a few extra items and drop them into your local library bin. Every donation makes a difference."
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said "I’m so grateful to Kev Johns for helping us shine a spotlight on this campaign. The rising cost of living means too many families are feeling the pressure when the new school year comes around. By donating, we can ease that burden and make sure every child in Gower has the tools they need to thrive in the classroom."
 
"We’ve seen incredible generosity in past years, and we know this year’s campaign will once again show the strength of our community. Whether it’s a ruler, a notebook or a full set, every item goes directly to helping local families prepare for the year ahead."
 
Rebecca Evans MS, said: “Getting kitted out for the new school year can be really exciting, but with it comes with financial pressure. Our local stationery campaign is a great way to help with some of that. I would urge families on lower incomes, and who qualify for certain benefits, to find out more about the Welsh Government's School Essentials Grant. Depending on the year the child is going into, you could be eligible for either £125 or £200 to help with the cost of school uniform or other essential kit. You can find out more on the council's website."
 
The campaign runs until 29 August 2025, with donations being distributed to families in need ahead of the new school term.

Parliamentarians welcomed representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to Westminster on 17 June 2025 for a special showcase of their successful ‘Fit, Fed and Fun’ initiative.

Delivered in partnership with Wales’ four regional rugby teams, the WRU’s free holiday camps aim to keep children from some of the most under-resourced communities in Wales active, engaged and well-nourished during school breaks. Alongside rugby-based games and activities, the camps provide every child with a healthy breakfast and lunch, offering not just physical exercise but vital support for families.

The programme has already reached nearly 12,000 children across Wales in 2025, with strong uptake in areas where holiday hunger and lack of access to sports are real concerns.

Legendary Welsh international Ken Owens joined WRU colleagues at the event in Portcullis House to speak with MPs about the importance of the camps in supporting children’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Working in partnership with Ospreys Rugby, the WRU has delivered 63 camps so far this year across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend, reaching over 2,700 children with fun, friendship and nutritious meals.

Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Member of Parliament for Member of Parliament for Gower, praised the initiative:

“It’s inspiring to see the WRU and the Scarlets using the power of sport to support families who need it most. These camps offer children more than just fun—they create a safe, supportive space to make friends, stay active, and feel valued. I’m proud to support this initiative and look forward to working with the WRU to help it grow even further.”

The WRU’s ‘Fit, Fed and Fun’ camps will continue throughout the year, with even more locations planned to ensure no child misses out on a healthy, active holiday.