At last week’s First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd I asked about the action our Welsh Government is taking to build a truly circular economy, making the most of our resources, cutting waste and creating good, green jobs here in Wales. I also took the opportunity to share the brilliant work of the Ysgol Bryn Coch eco-council – I recently met them at their school and mentioned Finley, Thomas, Esme, Jack and Harri, who had got in touch with me to ask about recycling soft plastics at home. They were really pleased to get a response from the Deputy First Minister confirming that the Welsh Government is planning to introduce this in early 2027 and also about two pilot projects currently taking place. The First Minister recognised their efforts and agreed to link them up with a school in one of the pilot areas so they can share ideas.

The power of the public purse is one of the strongest levers we have here in Wales to drive the kind of change we want to see for our economy, our communities and our environment. In the Senedd last week, I asked about the next steps the Welsh Government is taking to strengthen public procurement following the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act. This legislation, which I was proud to lead on, is about putting people, purpose and partnership at the heart of how public money is spent. It means using every pound we spend as a force for good, supporting fair work, local businesses and a greener, more equal Wales. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Too many communities across Wales have been impacted in recent years by flooding, including here in our corner of North East Wales – from issues with surface water to rising river levels. We have a stunning coastline around our country, but with that comes the risk of coastal flooding – that’s why the Welsh Government has made significant investments to improve Wales’ coastal defence infrastructure in recent years, including along our coast in North Wales. Earlier this month the Deputy First Minister was in Rhyl marking the latest investment, following on from the coastal defence project protecting thousands of homes in Prestatyn. Overall, the Central Rhyl Coastal Defences combined scheme is the largest of the Coastal Risk Management Programme schemes that the Welsh Government has funded and it will protect homes, businesses and the tourist economy from flooding and coastal erosion well into the future.

We all know that flooding is just one of the issues linked with climate change, so I welcome the start of Wales Climate Week 2025 next week which gives us a powerful opportunity for us all to act together and continue the discussions on the opportunities linked to tackling climate change – and the trade-offs we all might have to live with. The Welsh Government is committed to reduce emissions in the next carbon budget period (2026–2030) and this year, more than ever, we need the input of as many people as possible. Tackling the climate crisis is fundamental to the future of Wales, but we need to do so in a way that improves the health of our nation, that protects our precious natural environments, that protects and creates jobs, brings energy security and puts money back in to people’s pockets. You can find out more about Wales Climate Week at www.climateaction.gov.wales/wales-climate-week.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where we stand together to raise awareness and show support for those living with and supporting those who have breast cancer. Cancer can affect all of us – my own mum was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer thanks to a routine Breast Test Wales screening, something I have talked about in the Senedd previously and I am now proud to be a champion on this. That’s why I joined in with the #WearItPink campaign last week, helping to raise funds for research, prevention and treatment of the most common cancer in the UK. It’s something that touches so many lives, friends, family, neighbours and colleagues, and by supporting campaigns like this we can raise awareness of those affected and how to identify the early signs of breast cancer. You can find out more about the campaign at www.wearitpink.org/about.

Back home I had the honour of attending the unveiling of the model coal mine at the Holywell and Area Community Museum – the model mine featured in the new series of the BBC’s The Repair Shop recently. My thanks to John Wiltshire for inviting me – the model was made by his grandfather in 1904 and he needed some help to get it working again so it could take up its place at the centre of the Point of Ayr Colliery exhibition. Like many in our area, I have family who worked at the Point of Ayr colliery – including my Taid and my uncle – so I’d like to once again pay tribute to John who has been instrumental in ensuring that our heritage is recognised and remembered. You can see John on The Repair Shop at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002kw0z.

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.