MARCH 2010

On March 10th 2010, to mark the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising, I joined members of the APPG for Tibet to lay a wreath at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial at Westminster Abbey.

MARCH 2010

I discussed new jobs with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson.

FEBRUARY 2010

I met with a delegation from the Royal British Legion in Westminster to get behind the charity’s call to support the whole Armed Forces family.  I pledged my support for the ‘Time to do your bit’ campaign.

FEBRUARY 2010

I was happy to attend Cancer Research UK’s event in Parliament and support the Commit to Beat Cancer campaign. I signed a Cancer Commitment to make the UK’s cancer outcomes amongst the best in Europe.

JANUARY 2010

It was lovely to meet David Tennant in the House of Commons in January. He was at the Performers’ Alliance Parliamentary Group to discuss key issues facing performers, such as public support for theatres and fair pay for those who work in the sector.  

JANUARY 2010

As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, I signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who died in the Holocaust. The APPG on Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform also held a vigil to remember the thousands of Gypsies who were killed in the Holocaust.

JANUARY 2010

I went along to support the Network for Animals campaign to stop the commercial dog meat trade in the Philippines.

NOVEMBER 2009:

I met with Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to show my support for keeping a ban on fox hunting. Were the Conservatives to win the next election, their plan is to dedicate Government time to abolishing the ban. I voted for a ban on fox hunting and strongly support keeping it.

NOVEMBER 2009:

I met with Ruth Marks, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, at the launch of the Commission’s first Annual Review. It’s wonderful that Wales is leading the way with this independent champion for older people who are aged 60 and over. It is a world first that we can be proud of.

OCTOBER 2009:

I was very pleased to be able to support the RSPCA’s Freedom Food Simply Ask Campaign. It urges customers to ask about animal welfare when eating out – with an initial emphasis on eggs. 80% of eggs used in food service still come from battery hens. We can all make a difference by asking and raising awareness about animal welfare.

JULY 2009:

I met with Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs, to discuss the importance of good home insulation. Kevin came to Westminster to kick-start a green refurbishment programme for the UK.  With good insulation, we can not only cut our energy bills, but also reduce carbon emissions.

JUNE 2009: I welcomed Lyn and Edith Clark to the House of Commons. Edith accompanied me to Number 10 for a reception saluting volunteers. She volunteers as a bereavement counsellor at George Thomas Hospice Care in Cardiff.

JUNE 2009:

I met up with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to support  the Changing Places campaign in its call for more Changing Places toilets. These provide improved toilet facilities for disabled people –  improvements include more cubicle space and equipment such as hoists and adult-sized changing benches.

JUNE 2009:

I met with young Welsh volunteers from the British Heart Foundation.

MAY 2009

I met with Geri Halliwell to promote the fight against maternal mortality  along with Angela Gorman from Llanishen, a neo-natal nurse at the Heath Hospital and Chair of Hope for Grace Kodindo.

APRIL 2009: I met with young people from Wales, including two from Thornhill, to discuss tightening tobacco legislation and discouraging smoking.

MARCH 2009: Supporting the work of the RNIB at a briefing in the House of Commons.