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We could do with more of a debate about the powers that sit at the sub-national level in Wales - a debate that gets swamped by the fashion for seeing everything through a Cardiff vs London lens.

This is of course not new to the UK: “All of this would be a sea change for an uber-centralised state like the UK, but it would broadly build on the devolution given to Scotland and Wales a quarter of a century ago, which no one would consider rolling back today.”

Here’s the argument I made for it in Great Britain? back in 2024: “if a substantial share of the income tax receipts paid by residents went to the mayor rather than the Treasury, that would encourage cities to embrace the disruption involved in becoming more productive.”

The WRU need to do what they have repeatedly promised and failed to do: put in place a genuinely fair and transparent process to decide the future of Welsh rugby. Supporters deserve nothing less - so I’ll keep standing up for the Ospreys and against the WRU’s stitch-ups.

This chaos is all the harder to stomach given the Ospreys have shown the WRU what can be achieved when they’re given the chance to succeed. In recent months we’ve seen a new funding agreement signed, the exciting redevelopment of St Helen's begun and record season tickets sold.

www.ons.gov.uk/businessindu...

If you didn’t make it along today, don’t worry. I hold these coffee mornings regularly across Swansea. Email torsten.bell.mo@parliament.uk to register your interest in the next one.

Swansea has a proud tradition of community spirit and solidarity. We'll hear from community leaders, trade unionists and campaigners about their work to bring people together across Wales – and talk about how we can build on what’s already happening here in Swansea.

Not in Uplands? Never fear. I hold these coffee mornings regularly around Swansea so keep an eye out for an event near you soon.

The UK Government is slashing VAT on children’s meals, cinema and theatre tickets, and attractions like zoos, fairs and museums to make family days out cheaper. The Secret Bar & Kitchen are taking part, offering £5 Kids Trays from now until September 1st.

I met them at the launch last week. Their talent and imagination blew me away. Go and see this free exhibition, on throughout the summer.

If you care about your area and want to help shape its future, get involved: www.torstenbell.org/pride-in-pla...

2/2 Now we owe the whole country a redoubling of our efforts to build a better Britain. More of this Parliament lies ahead of us than has passed and there is much more of the change that we promised to deliver

We also help keep inflationary pressures and interest rates down by ensuring borrowing falls. The UK borrowed more than the G7 average in EVERY year of the Conservative government. This year we are set to borrow less.

Inflation of course remains too high and will be pushed up by the rise in the energy price cap in July. That is why we are supporting households by taking £150 off energy bills and extending the freeze on fuel duty.

2/2 This decision wasn't made in London: people across Swansea were part of it too. Throughout the consultation, our community called for a ban and a tougher approach to the tech companies themselves. Today that call has been answered. swanseabaynews.com/social-media...

SOCIAL MEDIA BANNED: Under-16s to be blocked from popular apps — here's what it means for Welsh teens - Swansea Bay NewsUnder-16s face being blocked from social media by spring 2027. What the ban means for Welsh teens — and why Swansea was already debating it.swanseabaynews.com

Don't worry if you didn't make it along on Saturday. To register your interest for my next coffee morning, just email torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk with your name and postcode.

It was great to hear views about the challenges facing Swansea + the best bits about living here: unbeatable natural surroundings, community and culture. I’ll keep working to make sure we tackle the problems our communities face and protect the things that make us proud.

I’m going for a long jog tomorrow morning. That was a lot of chips…

Come in for a coffee and a proper chat - be happy to talk. If you email Torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk we will book it in on Monday