This year we commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the decades-long Troubles in Northern Ireland that fractured communities along sectarian lines and claimed thousands of lives.
As we mark this historic agreement, I believe it is important that we reflect on the progress that has made in the previous two and a half decades. The legacy of peace secured by the Good Friday agreement surely establishes it as not only one of the greatest achievements of any previous Labour Government, but perhaps one of the greatest achievements of any British Government during the second half of the 20th century. Decades of confrontation and division were ended because at its heart, the Good Friday Agreement brought people together and sought to build trust and cooperation between communities. This commitment to dialogue and compromise, and a willingness to listen to the concerns and aspirations of all sides allowed peace and prosperity to win the day. The keen Parliament watchers among you will know that in conjunction with my role as your MP in Gower, I am also the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland. In this role I am afforded the privileged opportunity to scrutinise Government policy on Northern Ireland directly from the dispatch box, but it has also allowed me to speak directly with residents about their experiences living through the Troubles. On visiting Northern Ireland, I’ve met people who well remember the darkest days of the Troubles, as well as the young adults and children who never had to live through them. I’ve spoken to people from both communities, and all walks of life, but the common denominator is that none take peace for granted. That is testament to the hard work and strength of everyone who played a role in securing the agreement. The Troubles may be in the past, but the significance of the Good Friday agreement is still shaping lives today. We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland to push forwards building that brighter and more hopeful future for all. I wish to end with a quote from Mo Mowlam’s book. As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the time, she played a vital role in securing the agreement. This quote aptly sums up the peace process and is one that we should also apply to our lives today. “People working together can overcome many obstacles, often within themselves, and by doing so can make the world a better place.” Just 2% of Swansea’s veterans have received their promised ID card from the UK Government26/4/2023
Just 2% of Swansea’s veterans have received promised ID card
Just 2% of veterans in the region have received Government ID cards to help them access the services they need, as Gower MP, Tonia Antoniazzi has organised a Veterans’ Voice event to hear local concerns. In Swansea just 155 veterans ID cards have been rolled out to 8000 veterans. The Government promised to provide every veteran in the UK with a card in 2019, designed to provide speedy access to health, housing and charity services. But figures from the ONS confirm there are more than 1.8 million veterans in England and Wales, and just 56,000 ID cards have been given out since 2018, meaning just 3% veterans have been given a card in five years. In December, Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer has promised to rollout all remaining ID cards by this summer. However, analysis conducted by the Labour Party also showed that at the current rate of delivery, it will take more than a century to give every veteran a card. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has accused the Government of failing veterans prior to holding an event with former personnel as part of Labour’s Veterans’ Voice campaign. Tonia is holding a Veteran’s Voice event in Gowerton Rechabite Hall on May 31st at 6.30 pm. Veterans’ Voice is Labour’s nationwide listening campaign to link up with veterans and their families and shape the party’s plans for the next general election. Shadow Veterans Minister Rachel Hopkins said: “The Conservatives like to talk up their support for our forces, but it’s clear that they are failing our veterans. “The veterans ID card is supposed to help our society keep its promise to those who serve by ensuring quick access to services like healthcare. But Conservative ministers have delivered just a fraction of the cards needed. “Our veterans don’t need empty promises, they need action. That’s why Labour has launched its Veterans’ Voice campaign to hear directly from former personnel and their families, and put their lived experiences at the heart of our future policy offer.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “It is crystal clear that this Government is letting down veterans in Swansea. Ministers make sweeping promises about support they will deliver but it’s all talk. “Labour’s Veterans’ Voice campaign will listen to veterans in Swansea and Gower carefully. We will step up where this Government has failed.” Tonia Antoniazzi, Member of Parliament for Gower, is set to host a grant event funding advice day for her community groups, clubs and residents in Gower. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday 19th May at Gorseinon Institute between 10 am and 12 pm.
The advice day will focus on helping local community groups and organisations in Gower to access funding opportunities that can support their projects and initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with experienced advisors who will provide guidance and support on a wide range of topics, including identifying funding sources and compiling successful grant applications. Organisations in attendance will include Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, Sport Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, Great Western Railway, Pobl, the Community Foundation Wales, Cwmpas, and the Lloyds Bank Foundation. Speaking before the event Tonia Antoniazzi said, “This event will be an excellent opportunity for local groups and organisations to receive the advice and support they need to secure funding and bring their ideas to life. "There are so many talented and dedicated community groups and organisations in Gower and Swansea that are doing fantastic work to improve the lives of our residents. This event will provide them with the tools and resources they need to access funding opportunities and make their projects a reality." The event is free to attend, and registration is not required. All community groups and organisations in Gower are invited to attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has called on the Government to bring in a regulator as quickly as possible, following the football white paper which was published in February.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP has raised her concerns after Swansea City secured an historic “double doube” over local rivals Cardiff City in the latest south Wales Derby. Tonia Antoniazzi MP had welcomed the white paper’s publication but was frustrated saying it is already long overdue. The fan-led review of football governance was published over a year ago. It made a suite of recommendations for better governance in football, including stronger owners and directors tests, fairer distribution of funding down the football pyramid, and a seat at the table for fans, through a shadow board and ‘golden share’ in significant club decisions. Labour called for the recommendations to be implemented in full. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said, “I welcome the publication of the football white paper, but it’s long overdue. Fair financial distribution must be sorted before a regulator comes into force. The failure of the Premier League and EFL to reach an agreement on football finances means lower league clubs will miss out on £365m this season, including Swansea City which will miss out on £15 million. “It’s been a good couple of weeks for Swans and Wales fans, with derby wins over Bristol and Cardiff, good performances against Coventry and Huddersfield, and that has come on top of a good international break for Wales too. You can see the impact that these successes have had on people in the city. If we want to see more of that success on the pitch, we need to put the interests of football fans first off the pitch. “Football fans are asking for an independent regulator and a proper voice which clubs will listen to. “We can’t have any more dithering – the Government should bring in the legislation needed to establish a proper regulator urgently.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP has today pledged support for the Long Live the Local campaign to help pubs and breweries in Gower recover and thrive. Tonia Antoniazzi joins over 170,000 members of the public who have signed the petition so far, including 188 in Gower.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP is calling on the Government to take action to reduce the burden of taxation on brewers and pubs. Businesses still recovering from the pandemic have been thrown headfirst into an energy crisis which, combined with ongoing inflation across supply chains, is having a devastating impact on brewers and pubs in communities throughout the UK. Pubs and breweries in Gower support 1344 jobs and contribute £29.4m to the local economy. With one in every three pounds spent in UK pubs going directly to the Treasury, British drinkers and pub goers are some of the most taxed in Europe, and this is hampering the recovery of our cherished locals and Britain`s brewers. Commenting on the campaign, Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “Pubs are at the heart of communities across Gower, throughout the pandemic they demonstrated great resilience and innovation, however the aftershock of the pandemic combined with the energy price and cost of living crises means many pubs remain at risk. That is why I am supporting the Long Live the Local campaign and calling on the Chancellor to consider reducing the burden of taxation on pubs and brewers. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “The Long Live the Local Campaign not only celebrates the important role pubs play in Britain but also seeks to remind people that we cannot take them for granted. That is why we are calling on the Government to invest in pubs and breweries through the reform of the unfair tax burden - specifically lower VAT & Business Rates for pubs and extending the freeze on beer duty. This will help pubs and brewers thrive in coming years. “In turn, this growth will create more connected and vibrant communities, local investment and vital employment and ensures our rich pub and brewing heritage continues for future generations to enjoy. “We are very grateful to Tonia Antoniazzi for supporting the Long Live the Local campaign, and hope that the Government listens to MPs across Parliament and the thousands of people across the country who are calling on the Chancellor to help brewers and pubs.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower, celebrated the importance of reading for pleasure on World Book Day.
Every year, World Book Day creates bespoke £1 books for children and young adults across the UK and Ireland, to promote the power of imagination and the importance of reading. Through World Book Day, every child in Gower is given a £1 book token, which they can take to a bookshop or supermarket to get their free World Book Day book. Tonia Antoniazzi MP joined a Parliamentary drop-in to champion reading for pleasure in Gower. They are calling on teachers, carers, and parents to ensure that reading for pleasure is encouraged as much as reading attainment. While reading was the only core subject which saw attainment levels improve in 20224, the number of children who say they enjoy it is in serious decline. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success–more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. However, reading for pleasure is at its lowest levels in 18 years and many children have limited access to books. 500,000 (one in 15) children in England aged 8–18 say they don’t own a single book, which rises to one in 10 for those eligible for Free School Meals. One in five pupils receiving Free School Meals said that the book they ‘bought’ with their World Book Day book token was the first book of their own. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said, “It is a pleasure to support World Book Day. It is so important that every child and young adult in Gower has the opportunity to have a book of their own that they have chosen for themselves–and I am delighted to celebrate my own love of reading through the World Book Day campaign." March is Endometriosis Action Month – a time to raise awareness and drive change for the 1.5million women with endometriosis in the UK.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP has pledged support for the 1.5million living with endometriosis in the UK, as new statistics show that 75% would not go to a doctor with potential endometriosis symptoms. The research also shows that just 49% of the public are aware that endometriosis is a gynaecological health condition – a figure which drops to just 31% of men. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “Endometriosis affects 1.5million women in the UK, yet just 49% of the public are aware that endometriosis is a gynaecological health condition – a figure which drops to just 31% of men. Awareness is vital to ensuring everyone recognises the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, and when and how to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms”. The data, from a survey of 2,000 UK respondents conducted by Endometriosis UK, is being released to mark the start of Endometriosis Action Month (March 2023). Among those who said they would put off going to see a doctor in this situation, 24% said it was because they considered painful periods to be a normal part of life, while 23% said they would think it was “not serious enough to bother a doctor with”. Chronic pelvic pain and painful periods that interfere with your everyday life can be symptoms of endometriosis. This common, sometimes debilitating but often-ignored disease affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, and can impact all areas of life include mental health, career and relationships. Common symptoms include: · chronic pelvic pain; · painful periods; · pain during or after sex; · painful bowel movements · pain when urinating · fatigue; and · difficulty getting pregnant. Those with one or more of these symptoms may want to keep a pain and symptoms diary to help them in discussion with their doctor to help diagnosis, Endometriosis UK advises. Getting an earlier diagnosis of endometriosis allows access to treatment and management options; without this, the disease may progress. The data also shows that half (51%) of women and those assigned female at birth would feel comfortable talking about periods with their parents or guardians. The figures varied when it came to talk to their spouse (73%), friends (67%), colleagues (33%), medical professionals (72%) or ‘someone I have just met’ (15%) - meaning many feel uncomfortable with such discussions. The symptoms of endometriosis can begin at puberty, and in some cases the impact may last for life, including after the menopause. Faye Farthing, Head of Communications at Endometriosis UK added: “Currently, it takes an average of eight years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK; without a diagnosis, treatments can't be accessed, and the disease may progress. While the taboo around menstrual health, and a lack of awareness of endometriosis, may contribute to this, it’s also essential that the Government takes action to ensure that healthcare practitioners recognise the symptoms, and that pathways and services are improved. We’re incredibly grateful to [Insert Name] MP for sharing their support during Endometriosis Action Month and pledging support to ensure all those with endometriosis have access to the right care at the right time”. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has welcomed the House of Commons passing the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, introduced by Crawley MP Henry Smith last year to legislate for a historic ban on trophy hunting imports into this country.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said; “I’m delighted that the House of Commons has backed the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill. “Our country does not want to be part of a trade in the body parts of endangered species. “This important piece of legislation supports conservation and animal welfare and would ban body part ‘trophies’ of endangered and vulnerable animals from being brought into Great Britain. “I know many Gower residents back the Bill – the House of Commons has been crystal clear in its support.” Henry Smith MP said; “My thanks to Tonia for their support in highlighting the need for a ban on imports of hunting trophies of endangered animals. “The House of Commons passing this legislation marks an important moment in ensuring that this pledge to support conservation becomes a reality. “I’m grateful to the Government for supporting my Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill and I look forward to it now progressing through the House of Lords. “On this day, my thoughts are very much with the family and friends of our late colleague, Sir David Amess, who was taken from us far too soon. “Sir David was a tireless campaigner for the banning of trophy hunting imports. I hope that he would have been proud of this legislation being passed by the Commons today.” The Crawley MP and the Government accepted two amendments to the Bill at report stage; including the introduction of an Advisory Board on Hunting Trophies. The Bill will protect animals listed by the internationally agreed Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The legislation would ban British hunters from bringing body part ‘trophies’ of endangered and vulnerable animals into Great Britain. Being approved by MPs at report stage and third reading today marks the conclusion of the Bill’s passage through the Commons, ahead of it being scrutinised further in the House of Lords on a date to be confirmed. This follows the Crawley MP introducing the Bill in the Commons on 15th June 2022, it passing second reading on 25th November, and passing committee stage on 25th January of this year. The International Biodiversity Minister, Trudy Harrison, said; “This is a pivotal moment in delivering one of our key manifesto commitments on international conservation and animal welfare. “Using an internationally agreed list of species, this will play an important part in helping reverse the decline of wildlife across the world. “I look forward to it becoming an Act of Parliament.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP attended an RSPCA cost of living advice event at the House of Commons on Wednesday 8th March, to better understand how to support struggling constituents and their pets.
The RSPCA is working hard to keep pets in loving homes as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. But as the number of abandonments soar, the animal welfare charity has asked MPs to reach out and support local pet owners. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and I will be doing my bit to ensure that the right help, support and information is available to all of my constituents in Gower. The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on us all and we must all help each other through this difficult time. “It was wonderful to hear about the cost of living assistance the RSPCA is offering - including financial support for many organisations, a dedicated cost of living hub and a new helpline - and I will be sure to relay this to my constituents. “It was devastating to find out that almost 80 percent of RSPCA rescue officers have reported seeing animals suffering as a result of the cost of living crisis. I would urge anyone who is struggling with pet care and the cost of living crisis to use the resources the RSPCA has on offer to get the support they need. Keeping pets in loving homes is a definite priority and I am keen to help signpost to places of support.” Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, added: “We’re really pleased that Tonia attended our drop-in event to find out how she can support her constituents with pet care during the cost of living crisis. Now is a time where compassion and support are needed the most, so it was wonderful to see so many influential and eager to help faces at our event. “The cost of living crisis is the singlest biggest challenge for animal welfare right now and we are sadly seeing an increasing number of abandoned pets. Money worries mean even the most loving owners are concerned about caring for their pets, and in the worst cases are having to make the heartbreaking decision between putting food on the table and keeping their beloved pet. “Recently, we have seen a shocking 25 percent rise in the number of abandonment incidents being dealt with by our rescue teams, and a 13 percent rise in neglect incidents. In addition to this, rehoming is slowing down as people begin to cut back on spending. The number of animals leaving our centres for new homes has fallen by 8 percent. “We are determined to do everything we can to help, but our centres are already full. There are approximately 700 pets waiting to come into our centres right now, and we’re paying huge amounts on private boarding facilities due to these capacity challenges and slower rehoming rates. “However, there is hope and the RSPCA is working tirelessly to provide support and keep pets in loving homes. We’ve committed £1.5million of extra funding to crisis measures; launched a new cost of living hub and a dedicated telephone helpline, while our pet food partnerships right across England and Wales continue to go from strength to strength.” Pet owners can find a range of practical help and advice on the RSPCA’s cost of living hub. The charity has also launched a dedicated phone line for those looking for support (0300 123 0650). To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give. What help can the RSPCA offer? Pet Health Care Costs
Pet Food Bank Partnership ● The RSPCA is collaborating with a range of charities across England & Wales. Use the RSPCA Foodbank map to find a local pet foodbank: https://www.rspca.org.uk/costofliving/foodbank National & Regional
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