The long-awaited autumn Budget from the UK Government has been making the headlines in the last week – but what does it mean for Wales? First up, the Chancellor announced an extra £508m for Wales, including money for a North Wales AI Growth Zone as well as support for the new modular nuclear reactor at Wylfa on Anglesey. I’m particularly pleased to see the removal of the two-child cap on benefits which will directly help around 70,000 children in Wales – that Conservative policy pushed so many families in the UK into poverty and it’s something that the Welsh Government has been calling to be reversed, so it’s right that it’s finally been abolished.

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage were also increased, which will directly benefit 160,000 workers in Wales, as well as a new package of relief for many families’ energy bills, cutting energy costs for millions, with households saving around £150. This Labour budget means more money in the pockets of people who need it the most and it’s a step in the right direction from our UK Government – and once again shows Labour governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay working together for the people of Wales.

Last week, it was great to hear the First Minister share the fab work of Holywell Town FC in the Senedd, following on from our recent visit there. We saw first-hand how the investment the club has received from Ynni Cymru and the Welsh Government is helping the club’s staff bring people together to create real opportunities for young people, from improving facilities to providing a more tailored approach for local pupils who benefit from different ways of learning and developing skills. Clubs like Holywell can often reach young people in ways that other services can’t, offering support, structure and a sense of belonging that goes well beyond the pitch. Diolch to Holywell Town FC for hosting us and for the work the club does for our communities!

Last week also saw the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where we encourage and empower individuals and organisations to take positive action to challenge harmful cultures and behaviours that lead to violence against women and girls. This year’s focus was on the digital world – the UN reports that 85% of women have personally experienced digital violence or have witnessed it against other women. I’ve spoken in the Senedd about the use of AI and issues such as ‘nudification’ – where AI tools are used to create sexualised images of women and girls – and it’s vitally important that governments step in and others step up to create a safer world for everyone. We all need to play our part to end digital violence – and all violence – against women and girls.

I was pleased to be able to host the Unite Wales Women’s Committee in the Welsh Parliament last week – it was a chance for union activists to get a real taste for what happens within our devolved democracy, taking a tour, hearing from women members and watching proceedings. As a proud trade unionist and advocate for trade unions and a better deal at work, it was a real honour to be able to welcome long time comrades and newer members to my workplace!

Regular readers will know I’ve been learning Welsh for some time and last week I reached a 1,000-day streak on Duolingo. Welsh was my Taid's first language but my Nana was from Liverpool and they didn't speak Welsh at home – so my dad never learnt Welsh. I started learning Welsh again as an adult because I want to use it in my professional life as well as at home – at the moment I have lessons in the Senedd and, of course, I do Duolingo every day. Welsh is our language and part of Wales’ heritage, it belongs to us all – Cymraeg yw ein hiaith ac mae'n rhan o dreftadaeth Cymru, mae'n perthyn i bob un ohonom.

Finally, There’s still time to have your say on the proposed new national park for our corner of North East Wales. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been asking for your views into the proposed Glyndŵr National Park – plans for which have been revised by NRW based on responses to last year’s consultation and a detailed evaluation by the Welsh Government. The national park could attract visitors from all over the UK and it’s vitally important that residents, businesses and farmers have their say in how it’s set up. You can take part in the consultation at https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/consultation-opens-on-the-proposed-glyndwr-national-park – the consultation closes on Monday, December 8.

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.