Gerald Jones MP Putting and Rhymney

at the heart of Parliament November 2020 Newsletter Calling for further support for Welsh businesses and communities during the pandemic

So far during the pandemic, the Welsh Government has done everything it can to support Welsh businesses and communities, and ensure they have what they need to get through this hugely challenging time, working closely together with local authorities and the third sector throughout. This is in stark contrast to what we’ve seen so far from the UK Government, however, and speaking in Parliament last month I praised the inclusive approach taken in Wales and called on the UK Government to step up and provide further much-needed support for communities in Wales and right across the UK. Calling on the Chancellor to bring forward urgent further support for Both Scotland and parts Welsh businesses and communities, 22nd October of northern England have had the same treatment as Wales, denied additional help or flexibility with support schemes as stricter lockdown measures have come into force, and I’ve called on the Government several times in the past few weeks to ensure there’s equality across the UK and nobody’s excluded from help who needs it. Despite this, however, our communities have shown huge resilience and spirit to support each other, with the voluntary and housing sectors also doing incredible work to help and protect those most in need, and speaking in Parliament last month, I paid tribute to all the amazing efforts and community spirit we’ve seen so far. Now, though, as we go into winter the need for further support is more urgent than ever, and action from the Government must be forthcoming sooner rather than later. Over 30 attend successful virtual Funding Fair There was a great turnout for the annual Funding Fair earlier this month, which Dawn Bowden and I have now hosted for five years running. While we obviously couldn’t hold the event in person this year due to the pandemic, it was great to see so many representatives of community groups and organisations taking part to find support with funding for their projects. We had a wide range of voluntary and funding organisations giving presentations about funding opportunities, and I’m grateful to all those who gave up their time to give advice and support, after already doing so much for our communities throughout the pandemic.

Calling for historical recognition for Merthyr Tydfil boxer Cuthbert Taylor in Parliament

Last month in Parliament, I held a debate to call for historical recognition for Cuthbert Taylor, a mixed-race boxer from Merthyr Tydfil once called ‘the best in Europe’ who was prevented from competing for professional titles in the 1920s and 30s because of his skin colour. Cuthbert Taylor was born in Georgetown in 1909, and during his career won a wide variety of amateur titles, and even represented Great Britain at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. However, due to a rule in place at the time, which stated that fighters had to have two white parents to compete for titles, he was prevented from challenging professionally – despite his ability – and during the debate, during Black History Month, I urged the Government to take action to help achieve recognition for him. While other former boxers from our area are renowned as legends, such as , Johnny Owen and , there is nothing to recognise Taylor despite his remarkable ability, simply due to his skin colour, and I was pleased to secure a commitment from the Government after the debate to write to the British Boxing Board and call for an apology and true historical recognition for him. Remembrance Day: remembering those who have fallen and supporting our veterans

This year’s Remembrance Sunday was unlike any other. While we were unable to commemorate the occasion together as we normally would, it was uplifting to see people from across our communities coming together virtually and in spirit to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and for the freedom we all enjoy today. I joined Dawn Bowden MS and colleagues to attend cenotaphs across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency to lay a wreath and pay my respects - remaining socially distanced - and remember the bravery of our Armed Forces men and women, their families and all our veterans, both this year and all the years before. We also paid tribute to veterans in the UK today, Joining colleagues to lay wreaths at cenotaphs across the constituency many of whom are experiencing a very difficult time during the ongoing pandemic, with the task of transitioning back into civilian life following military service only becoming harder with the impact of lockdown. Defence Questions: calling for urgent support for veterans’ charities Veterans’ charities such as Help for Heroes and Combat Stress provide invaluable support for former Armed Forces personnel struggling with their mental or physical wellbeing, although due to the financial impact of Covid-19 many charities are at risk of closure or shutting down recovery centres and support networks. In Defence Questions earlier this month, I called on the UK Government to provide additional support to charities urgently, to help them continue essential welfare services for those who’ve given so much for their country. Demand for support from veterans has greatly increased since the beginning of lockdown, and more funding must be forthcoming from the Government now to ensure veterans get the help they need during these difficult times. Gerald Jones MP Putting Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney at the heart of Parliament Gerald Jones MP

Member of Parliament for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

Virtual advice surgery Friday 20th November

3pm — 4pm

To make an appointment, please contact my office using the details below:

gerald.jones.mp @geraldjoneslabour @parliament.uk

www.geraldjones.co.uk /GeraldJonesLabour

01685 383 739 @GeraldJonesLAB Get in touch Although my office currently remains closed to visitors, my team and I are still working hard to support constituents. Telephone and virtual support is available, and for any queries or concerns you feel I can help with, please get in touch using the contact details above.