Last week the UK Government announced two new investment programmes for North Wales – while the announcement of a new small modular nuclear reactor at Wylfa is good news for jobs on Anglesey, the government also revealed plans for a North Wales AI Growth Zone. The AI Growth Zone is a partnership between Stena Line, Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities, Menai Science Park (M-SParc) and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and it’s predicted to create 1,200 jobs and has the potential to widen AI investment across the region – including in the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone. These announcements are a double win for Wales and represent a step into the future offering secure jobs and secure energy for the next generation.

I have asked many questions about AI in the Senedd in recent months and it’s such an important issue for us all, from workplaces to how our services are delivered and how our democracy works. AI is one of the defining issues of our time – it can bring many new opportunities for us here in Wales, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. While it’s right that we explore how new technology can support the work we do, we need to develop our AI industry with strong ethics, transparency and proper oversight at the heart of it. AI must support, not replace, workers and job opportunities and there needs to be strong protections if it’s to be at the heart of Wales’ future.

It is not right that anyone should face abuse – physical or verbal – while they are doing their jobs. Last week was Respect for Shopworkers Week and I am standing once again with USDAW Union – which represents retail workers – in its Freedom From Fear campaign. Retail staff do so much, serving our communities, keeping essential services running and showing up day after day. But too many still face abuse, threats or violence in their workplaces and that simply isn’t acceptable. That’s why I am supporting USDAW’s campaign again this year, to stand up for shopworkers’ safety, dignity and respect – everyone deserves to feel safe at work.

Regular readers will know that I recently had the chance to visit and take a tour of Polly’s Brew Co just outside Mold, a local business that’s making its mark in the drinks sector as well as making a difference to its workforce. Many people locally will also be familiar with the brewery’s tap house – Polly’s Social in the heart of Mold – and I spoke in the Senedd last week about the need to push for more support and a level playing field for the small, independent cafés, bars and breweries that are the making of our town centres here in our community and across Wales. I raised Polly’s and its approach to fair work and staff wellbeing in parliamentary questions because when we back local, independent hospitality, we’re backing our town centres, people and communities.

This week is HIV Testing Week in Wales and there is some real progress to celebrate – new data from Public Health Wales shows new HIV cases fell by 20% last year, with more people than ever being tested – more than 133,000 across Wales. It’s great to see our nation moving closer to the goal of zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, but testing, prevention and tackling stigma remain key. Getting tested has never been easier. You can order your free, confidential home test kit today and help Wales stay on track – you can find out more at about HIV Testing Week at https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/wales-hiv-testing-week.

Finally, Flintshire County Council has recently opened up a consultation on the future of public toilets in Holywell, Mold and Talacre. Having accessible public toilets matters to residents and visitors alike, as well as both businesses and community groups. I am committed to continuing to explore any additional support that might be available in order to secure these services well into the future, for people who live in our area and those who come to visit. I know that this is something that so many people care about and it’s important that all views are fed into the consultation process. The consultation runs until December 2nd and I would very much urge as many residents as possible to give their views at www.flintshire.gov.uk/PublicToilets2025.

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.