Last week saw International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the world. This year, the theme is Accelerate Action and, ahead of the day, I used a short debate in the Senedd and drew on my own experiences as a woman to issue a call to arms to accelerate action to tackle sexual harassment in workplaces across Wales. Condemnation is not enough – it’s time for real change and we need to go from talking to properly tackling.
Sexual harassment is rooted in power, often leaving victims isolated and workplaces unsafe. Among other things, I spoke about the need for a zero-tolerance, all-Wales pan-public sector policy, stronger support for victims and the needs to put trade unions at the heart of tackling harassment. I also spoke about setting up a national whistleblowing service, designing some hard-hitting public campaigns and exploring how employment tribunals can be made more appropriate and accessible for sexual harassment cases. Sadly, sexual harassment is a societal problem and it is endemic – this issue affects every workplace, including our own political institutions. You can watch my short debate in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn.
As part of International Women’s Day, I joined Ramblers Cymru for a walk from Rhyl to Prestatyn on Friday to celebrate a new programme aimed at young women aged between 18 and 25 which focuses on three areas of North Wales – Wrexham, Rhyl and Holyhead. The Step Forward scheme is funded by the Actif North Wales’ innovation fund and aims to provide a sustainable walking programme to introduce young women to the benefits of walking. I’ve long supported Ramblers Cymru and I’ve spoken at length about how good walking is for your mental and physical health – and it’s great exercise for your dog too!
The budget was also approved in the Senedd last week, a budget which marks a turning point for Wales with an extra £1.6bn of funding – paving the way to recovery from years of austerity under the last Tory UK government. From the additional funding for childcare, extra money for social care, right down to the investment towards road repairs – it will make a difference to communities in Flintshire. However, 14 years of austerity can’t be undone overnight. I recognise the difference that the funding floor will make to local authorities like our own here in Flintshire, but the council still faces being in an unenviable position of having to make those difficult decisions when it comes to setting its budget. I’m calling on the Welsh Government to continue to work in partnership with councils to secure sustainable funding for our public services and those who deliver them.
I’ve made the case for the potential of the Port of Mostyn in my constituency since first being elected and, at First Minister’s Questions this week, I made clear how Mostyn is a key player in North Wales’ green industrial revolution. The port has been at the forefront of offshore windfarm construction and is set to play a crucial role in the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines – creating 130 jobs during construction and 300 permanent jobs when it becomes operational in 2027. North Wales has a proud industrial heritage – from coal and steel to iron – and now we have the opportunity to lead the way in the industries of the future. I asked the First Minister how the Welsh Government will work with industry, education providers and trade unions to ensure local people have the skills they need to secure good, well-paid jobs and unlock their potential.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) remains under special measures – with more work needed on cancer performance and urgent care, according to a progress report published last week. In the Senedd, I asked the Welsh Government to provide further assurances for constituents still facing long waits – while recognising the dedication of staff who provide excellent care, often under intense pressure. I’ve said before that the workforce must be at the heart of shaping improvements through partnership with trade unions.
Finally, if you run a small business in Flintshire, you might benefit from getting a smart meter – having one means access to free, regular data on your energy use which could help you with budgeting and planning. From October last year, energy suppliers have to provide your business with a smart meter if you request it, which will help to provide accurate meter readings and spread energy costs across the year. You can find out more at https://smart-meters-for-business.smartenergygb.org.
As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.