June is Pride Month, where we celebrate how far we’ve come in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and remind ourselves how far we still have to go. In the Senedd recently, I spoke about how the Pride movement was born out of protest, as a response to rights denied and to be seen, to be accepted and respected. From Stonewall to the heart of Flint, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay – the Pride movement is about visibility, community and progress.

Recently, Prestatyn celebrated its first ever Pride and, despite the weather, it didn’t rain on our parade. Pride belongs everywhere, including our small coastal towns and, as representatives, we have a responsibility to better support all members of our community. Pride is not a threat to a town’s identity – it reflects the diversity that already exists. Progress isn’t always easy, but we make the best progress together – this Pride Month and every month, we will march, we celebrate and we stand together.

Last week I was proud to take part in a panel at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association BIMR Conference at the Senedd, entitled ‘the importance of LGBT voices in Parliament’. The panel explored how openly LGBTQ+ politicians can increase acceptance, influence legislation and inspire others to step into public life. From Wales to the wider Commonwealth, LGBTQ+ representation in our democratic institutions matters – visibility brings change and amplifies the voices of those still fighting for equality across the globe. I also had the pleasure last week of speaking at the Flintshire Schools Pride 2025 event at Flint High School, which gave students the chance to learn more about diversity and equality and it was great to meet the young LGBTQ+ ambassadors from the schools which took part.

Last week was Independent Bookshop Week, a celebration of independent bookshops across the UK that aims to highlight the vital role independent bookshops play in our communities and town centres, as well as encouraging more people to shop in local independents for their summer reads. I’ve liked to read books since I was little and this year I’ve made it my mission to find time to read more – so what better way to support Independent Bookshop Week than to shop local and pick up my new book from the fabulous Mold Bookshop!

Recently in the Senedd, I contributed to a debate on the Green Economy, a chance to set out the opportunities for our people and places to bring benefits for both our economy and our environment. For me, this isn’t just about setting and achieving policies or targets, it’s about real projects providing positive change – for example, Hafod Renewable Energy near St Asaph and Holywell Town Football Club are now energy self-sufficient thanks to investment from Ynni Cymru, saving money and therefore allowing these organisations to reinvest in grassroots sport and skills programmes for local young people.

Areas in North East Wales such as the Port of Mostyn are key hubs for offshore wind. Already playing a crucial role in the next generation of offshore wind farms, the Port of Mostyn extension will create new jobs and unlock benefits for both our economy and our environment. North Wales has the potential to lead the way in the green industrial revolution, but we need to back that potential with investment, planning reform and support for small businesses and workers. You can see my contributions to debates in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Finally, Cadwyn Clwyd has opened a new £270,000 fund to support tourism in Flintshire, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund is available to tourism businesses in the county and provides grants up to a maximum of £17,500 towards costs relating to the introduction of new products or new processes and carbon-reducing technologies, improving the visitor experience and targeting new markets. If you run a tourism business, you can find out more at https://cadwynclwyd.co.uk/funding-areas/flintshire-tourism-growth-fund.

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/HannahBlythyn. 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.