After a packed few months back in Westminster, the Senedd election seems like a lifetime ago, writes Fay Jones MP.

I was personally delighted that James Evans was elected as our new Member of the Senedd. He has shown his willingness to speak truth to power down in Cardiff Bay.

We are already working together on a number of local issues, including the unacceptable slated closures of three rural schools here in Brecon and Radnorshire.

Having visited Cradoc, Dolau and Llanbedr Primary Schools and spoken with parents, teachers, governors and pupils, James and I firmly support councillor Iain Macintosh in his fight to keep these schools open.

Local Liberal Democrats are beside themselves with glee at a potential split within the Powys Conservatives, but this issue shouldn’t be used for political gameplaying.

James, Iain and I are clear that we simply cannot accept the proposals put forward by council officers and we’ll be campaigning on a united front to save these schools, and others like it, from closure.

The UK Government has secured our first full and comprehensive trade deal since exiting the EU, with one of our closest allies, Australia.

Whilst the details of the deal have yet to be published in full, speculation has been brewing in full force. I remain committed to being the loudest and proudest advocate in Parliament for our farming community. I have been clear from the beginning that any trade deal must present positive opportunities to our community.

I’ve been working with colleagues in the Department for International Trade to ensure that this deal, and the others that follow, uphold our proud traditions and standards. So far, the only negativity I’ve seen comes from those who hated Brexit in the first place and did everything they could to stop it.

In marking Armed Forces Day on 26th June, I was honoured to lay a wreath in memory of personnel, both past and present, at the Memorial in Builth Wells. Armed Forces Day this year fell on what would have been the 100th birthday of Violette Szabo, whose daughter Tania now lives in Cilmery. Violette’s story is remarkable and one we all need to remember. I was thrilled to meet Tania and to honour her mother’s birthday along with a wonderful turnout in Builth.

We have a proud veteran community here in Mid-Wales and I have been using my position on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to call for an end to the malicious prosecution of our veterans. The Government is bringing legislation forward on this soon and I will be keeping their feet to the fire on this crucial issue.

My inbox is open to constituents; please get in touch if I can help in any way. My office in Llandrindod Wells is open, but I am eager to get out and meet wherever in the constituency may be most convenient. Please get in touch to book an appointment.