OVER the weekend, I had the pleasure of welcoming the prime minister to the stage at The SSE Swalec Stadium, just down the road in Cardiff.

Here, she spoke of the Government’s Plan For Britain, and specifically of Wales’ imperative role in our united Britain.

The UK Government’s priorities are clear: to deliver a fair society where hard work is rewarded, and a strong economy which benefits all areas of a harmonious United Kingdom. As I continue to bang the drum for Wales in Westminster, I want to ensure that Wales benefits from all that the government’s plan has to offer.

Here in the Vale of Glamorgan we have a wealth of inspiring individuals who work tirelessly, and should in turn be rewarded by a fair society.

When I think of those resolute members of our community, Barry’s own Wendy Wilson comes to mind.

She unwaveringly leads the way in all aspects of ‘local’ life – whether it be the continuing effort put into her unfaltering service at the much loved Cwtch Coffee, or her tireless work in getting all local people to support the independent businesses gracing this town.

Society should reward the type of hard work demonstrated by Wendy and so many others in the Vale of Glamorgan.

From a modern day leading lady to a war heroine, Barry & District News readers will have seen on the front page of last week’s issue that I was privileged enough to visit Marjorie Sutton on the weekend of her 100th birthday.

I was inspired to learn of the work which she had carried out during the Second World War, and could not tear myself away as she recounted many a story from her time building navigation systems for the Halifax Bombers.

It was utterly captivating to hear her speak so powerfully of the pride which working gave to her. It is a work ethic like hers that needs to be replicated by future generations and nurtured by society in order that we are rewarded with that which we work for.

I was delighted to read of figures published last week showing unemployment in the Vale of Glamorgan down by 150 in comparison to this time last year. This means more people are earning success based on merit, as opposed to fighting restrictions imposed by circumstance or location.

We must work together to continue on this trajectory.