Back in July, I was pleased to launch the Welsh Government’s consultation on banning the nine most commonly littered single use plastic items – an issue that I know many people feel passionate about. The single use plastics outlined in the consultation includes straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and the expandable polystyrene take-away containers and cups, that all too often we find on our streets and in our seas.
The consultation is open until 22nd October and I would urge Leader readers to take the time to share their views with the Welsh Government. Not only can you help to shape the future of Flintshire, but of all of Wales.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with members of the Welsh Youth Parliament on reducing single use plastic and tackling litter. During the Saturday session, I was able to hear directly from young people about how important protecting our planet and our local environment is for future generations.
Following on from this, I’ve also taken part in a number of ‘plastics summits’ hosted by fellow Senedd Members – it’s been great to not only hear the amazing action people are taking in their own communities, my own constituency included, but also suggestions for how we can go further in Wales to build on our record on recycling to go beyond that.
Last weekend saw the delayed publication of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, where the former Delyn MP, David Hanson, was awarded a Knighthood for political services. David was a true champion for Delyn and served our communities with honesty, integrity and diligence, and is thoroughly deserving of this honour.
Many others were recognised in the list, but I would like to pay particular tribute to Flint residents Alan Forrester and John Challenger on being awarded British Empire Medals. Alan has received his medal for services to Flint RNLI Lifeboat Station, whilst John was awarded his for his work with the Sea Cadets, particularly during recent months. It truly is fantastic to see members of our communities being recognised for going over and above to support others, not just during recent months, but throughout the year.
And locally I continue my focus on celebrating Community Champions across the constituency, for all of their efforts in recent months. It is great to see the number of nominations and awards continue to grow, and to date I have presented over 15 awards, with more to come! You can read more about the people and groups who have been recognised as Community Champions on my website – www.HannahBlythyn.cymru – and can nominate someone by sending me an email.
This week the additional restrictions which have been put in place in Flintshire will be reviewed by the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales, Flintshire County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr UHB. Any decision regarding the restrictions will be made based on the circumstances we find ourselves in. Whilst I write this column there continues to be a high level of new cases being reported on a daily basis, with cases per 100,000 being well above what we would hope for.
I will continue to do my best to remain aware of the situation we find ourselves in and be a voice for the people of Delyn. But we must work together, following the same rules, to ensure that we all do our bit in preventing a further spread of the virus.
We cannot be complacent and think “it won’t affect me”. We must consider the risk of placing additional pressures on the NHS and of unknowingly transmitting the virus to vulnerable individuals, with every action we take.
If you have any questions about the restrictions, my work, or if there is anything which I can be of assistance with, then please do get in touch by emailing Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or calling my office on 01352 762102.