Torsten’s August Report

We all look forward to a less rain and more sun come the summer, but what will stay with me from this summer is walking in our own city and seeing wildfires lighting up the evening, and travelling down the M4 and seeing the same happening in the hills above Port Talbot. The volume of climate change deniers might be down these days, but the volume of climate change impacts is sadly heading up and much closer to home. A huge thank you goes to our firefighters , who have worked incredibly hard in difficult conditions to tackle fires and keep people safe across South Wales this summer. We’re incredibly lucky in Swansea West to have the coast, parks and green spaces woven into our communities, and protecting them for the future matters to all of us – which means tackling the causes and consequences of climate change.

Alongside having a badly needed break, August meant no Parliament and more time for visiting some of the brilliant organisations that make Swansea the city it is. I’ve also been holding events and a stall in Swansea Market, and working with the team to make sure we keep helping hundreds of constituents with problems big and small.

Parliament is of course now back, with international affairs dominating debates – from Iran, to global economic challengers and the Middle East. Heartbreaking developments in Gaza and the West Bank have been front of my mind, especially horror at the increasingly settler violence that seeks to drive Palestinians from their homes and must be condemned. Another red line has been crossed with the issuing of tenders for the E1 settlement, something that would cut through the middle of the West Bank. That risks fatally undermining the potential for the two-state solution we are committed to support, which is why so many countries have opposed the move alongside the UK. The Foreign Secretary has since announced tough new sanctions, with an important message too: Britain will not be silent in the face of deep injustice, and nor are we powerless.

As always, please do get in touch with me at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk if there’s anything you want to talk about or something I can help with.

All the best,
Torsten

Swansea United. The turnout for my recent ‘Bringing Swansea Together’ event was so encouraging to see. And so was the thoughtful and constructive discussion about how we tackle division and strengthen the things that bring our communities together. We heard from speakers who work across Wales fighting hatred, and who deliver projects on the ground in Swansea. The number of people who showed up demonstrated just how concerned many of us are about growing division, but also something much more hopeful: there is a real determination across Swansea to push back against those that want to divide rather than strengthen our city.

My next public meeting, ‘Turning the Tides’, will take place on Thursday 8th October, from 7–8.30pm, focusing on the quality of the water in Swansea’s sea and rivers. We’ll be joined by a panel of experts to discuss the challenges facing our waterways, what is being done to improve them and what more needs to happen. To reserve a place, please email torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk with your name and postcode.

Mega market. I normally hold surgeries in the likes of libraries or community centres, but it was great to spend a whole morning at Swansea Market recently, giving people the chance to stop by for a chat and raise the issues that matter most to them. From the future of the Ospreys to the cost of living and local services, there was plenty to talk about. Thanks to everyone who came over to say hello and to the stallholders who fitted me in for a chat (and a welsh cake) between customers. Getting out and hearing directly from people across Swansea is one of the most important parts of my job.

Local legends. We’ve welcomed four new members to the North Gate Swansea Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. Heather Allen, Gareth Richards, Rhianydd Herdman and Timm Dadds each bring something different to the table, whether that’s running a local business or school, or directly strengthening communities through years of volunteering. That local knowledge really matters. Over the next 10 years, North Gate Swansea will see £20 million of UK Government investment across Brynmelyn, Waun Wen, North Hill, Dyfatty and Hafod. The people who know these neighbourhoods best will decide how that investment is used. We’ve held the first board meeting and I can’t wait to see us turn that opportunity into practical improvements that make a difference to people’s lives. If you want to get involved there will be another chance to join the board in a few months, and loads of opportunities for residents, community groups, businesses and organisations to shape this project.

Swansea Centre for Deaf People. Swansea has some brilliant community organisations, and the Swansea Centre for Deaf People is certainly one of them. It was great to visit and hear more about its remarkable 120 year history - growing from a small mission into the thriving charity it is today, with BSL courses, community groups, cafés, events and much more. A real Swansea success story, built by generations of people giving their time and energy to support others. We need to keep it thriving.

Brilliant Bingo. A few weeks ago, I had a great visit to Castle Bingo in Morriston on a Thursday night. It’s much more than just somewhere to play bingo – it’s a real community hub, bringing people together for fun, friendship and, importantly, some very tasty food. Try a bingo night out if you haven’t for a while – after all one big lesson post-pandemic is that everyone needs to get out of the house to spend time with other people more.

Bonnie Tyler. It was an emotional few days as Swansea said goodbye to Bonnie Tyler. Seeing the streets filled with people wanting to pay their respects and show just how much she meant to them was incredibly moving, and a fitting tribute to someone who meant so much to our city and far beyond.

I was glad to add my own message to the Book of Condolence at Y Storfa, alongside hundreds of others sharing their memories and tributes. Her memorial brought Swansea together to celebrate a remarkable life and career, and the warmth shown over those few days said everything about the place Bonnie held in the hearts of so many.

FirstPort. We all need security in the place we call our home. Since becoming an MP, I’ve been working with residents being let down by mismanagement agent FirstPort, holding the company to account and demand the improvements they so desperately need. More recently, I held a meeting with First Port Senior Managers and property owners at Swansea Marina where these concerns were presented in person, with a number of positive actions agreed to make progress. I’ll be following up to make sure those promises are delivered.

Casework Spotlight. Over the past month, we’ve opened more than 100 new cases for constituents and resolved 130 existing cases. That includes helping a resident in Townhill who was struggling with her housing situation. We supported her to secure a new home where she can be secure.

Residents have also been getting in touch about the big national issues being debated in Parliament. Assisted dying and the need to improve palliative care have been among the most common issues raised, alongside animal welfare.

Whether it’s helping with an individual problem or making sure Swansea’s voice is heard on the big national issues, please keep getting in touch at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk. Thanks for reading.