In the Senedd last week, the Welsh Government brought forward the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, which follows an extensive public engagement programme, including a petition signed by more than 35,000 people calling for an end to greyhound racing in Wales. If passed, the legislation will create two new offences for operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly permitting its use for greyhound racing and organising a greyhound race anywhere in the country.

This Bill reflects growing recognition that greyhound racing is incompatible with modern animal welfare standards and will bring an end to this cruel and unnecessary practice. And Wales is once again leading the way – Scotland is considering a similar ban, while England has ruled out any legislation for the time being. I’ve long campaigned for legislation on greyhound racing, joining the RSPCA in their calls for the sport to be banned – according to the organisation, 2,700 greyhounds were killed and more than 26,500 were injured from greyhound racing in Britain between 2018 and 2023.

More than a decade ago, I successfully campaigned to establish the Agricultural Advisory Panel in Wales – an organisation which promotes agricultural careers and advises about wages in the rural sector – after the then UK Coalition Government abolished the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales. Today, it still plays a crucial role in making sure rural workers in Wales have fair pay, fair conditions and a clear path to progress. Recent calls to abolish the panel are a real step backwards, so I was pleased to get confirmation that the Welsh Government is committed to supporting a better deal for agricultural workers when I raised the importance of protecting the panel in the Senedd last week. You can see my contribution at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

At the beginning of last week, I dropped into the UK Labour Conference in Liverpool – it’s always great to catch up with friends and colleagues from across our movement. While at the conference, I visited the Guide Dogs stand and met Pebble the guide dog, as well as talked to the team about the impact of pavement parking on people with sight loss – something many residents have contacted me about as it not only affects those with guide dogs but also those with prams as well as wheelchair users. If you would like to find out more about the organisation’s Streets Ahead campaign, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaigning/our-current-campaigns/streets-ahead.

Towards the end of last month, I joined colleagues and volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support for its annual coffee morning in the Senedd. We discussed the work Macmillan does here in Wales in raising awareness for people living with cancer and how the organisation supported more than 20,000 people last year – from vital information services to helping families access financial support, to offering a friendly voice through the ‘buddy’ scheme while people are living with cancer. Many people across our communities and the country as a whole have helped set up coffee mornings to support Macmillan – diolch yn fawr to all the volunteers and campaigners who make it possible!

Back at home, I had the chance to join the Mayor and Mayoress of Flint along with a range of representatives to attend the official opening of the new step-free access at Flint Station, thanks to £5.5m worth of investment. Over the years, I’ve campaigned alongside local councillors and the former MP David Hanson for much-needed improvements like this and it’s fantastic to see the work now complete with new lifts, a footbridge and safer, more accessible platforms. Flint is currently the only train station in the constituency and these changes will make the difference to passengers, helping more people travel with confidence and independence.

Finally, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) is holding a funding fair on October 15 at Ewloe Sports and Social Club between 3pm and 6pm. If you work with a local group or organisation or know of any projects looking for funding, it’s worth dropping in – the funders expected at the event include the National Lottery, Sport Wales and the Parc Adfer Community Benefit Fund, as well as others. More details can be found at www.flvc.org.uk.

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.