MY FEET haven’t touched the ground since the election – it has been straight back to business and I have been helping many of the new Welsh MPs find their feet in Westminster. It only feels like yesterday since I was elected in 2010, but my second term is already well underway.

The new Conservative Government will get on with securing the recovery and this week, the Prime Minister used the Queen’s speech to set out a “clear vision for what the country can be”.

The Queen’s speech is a fantastic spectacle and it is a privilege to watch, but it also plays such an important role in setting out a plan for the country. I share the aims of David Cameron to deliver an agenda for working people and to continue on the road of creating a job for everyone who wants one – in other words full employment.

We are seeing the recovery continue at a fast pace in Barry – the Island was very busy over the half term holidays, and a number of investment proposals are being made in the local area. The Government has pledged to increase the number of apprenticeships, and ensure that people earning the minimum wage don’t pay income tax. The combination of businesses choosing to invest in Barry, and ensuring that employees can keep more of their wages is the key to an economic recovery that benefits everyone in the community.

Since 2010, over two million jobs have been created and in Barry unemployment has fallen significantly – I am determined to see school and college leavers be presented with a range of life opportunities. I believe young people should have a real choice when deciding on a career.

For many, university is the right option – however, a real improving economy creates different opportunities and as new industries develop locally, a choice of skilled apprenticeships become an option. Over the next few years, our children and grandchildren will benefit from choices in career options in Barry and the wider Vale.