Hot Seat

AM reveals idea for an economic strategy for the area

THE reason I put myself forward to stand for election was because I wanted to be an agent for change, to do my bit to reject the notion that things always have to be this way.

One of the reasons so many people in the Llanelli constituency voted for Brexit was that they shared a sense of despair at the status quo. “It can’t get much worse” many people told me when I campaigned in that referendum, and they hoped Brexit would ‘shake things up.’

It is easier to point to the negative consequences of globalisation than the benefits we have simply pocketed and moved on from. An undeniable negative consequence of global free trade is the weakening power of governments to resist economic forces. The cruel irony of Brexit is that we may become even more vulnerable.

I passionately and profoundly believe that we can turn things around, and that the key to our future is within us.

That’s why, this week I’m publishing my ideas for an economic strategy for the area outlining actions I think should be taken to rejuvenate the constituency, from Kidwelly to Tycroes, and Llanelli to Pontyberem.

There are enormous strengths in our local economy – we host national and international expertise in manufacturing, construction, transport and logistics, and sport – expertise that can be harnessed to energise positive change.

People look for simple and quick answers, there are none. The decline of our economy has taken place over generations and it will not be quickly reversed.