Democracy and Open Government
I have been campaigning for a long time to ensure that all public bodies operate in an open and transparent way. I have been supportive of the efforts of local bloggers and citizen journalists to film and record the proceedings of Councils and other public bodies. I raised a Statement of Opinion on the issue of broadcasting the proceedings of National Park Authorities in June 2011 - click HERE - which I am pleased to say has now been implemented by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
Farming and Rural Affairs
As a farmer myself, I am committed to the future of the Welsh family farm. As a member of the National Assembly's Environment & Sustainability Committee, I have been actively involved in the Assembly's work in relation to the forthcoming European Union review of both the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). In particular I have been pressing for the continuation of LFA payments to upland farmers.
I have also been actively involved in campaigns to improve public transport in rural areas, particularly rural railway services, where I have been pressing for the re-opening of the stations at Carno, Bow Street and St Clears.
Planning
One of the main issues I deal with from constituents across the Region and at my surgeries, is planning. People often feel that the planning system is arbitrary, complicated and unfair. Many local businesses feel that it takes far too long for applications to be processed and that this slows down business development or stops it altogether. I am leading a campaign for a major reform of the planning system for rural areas and rural businesses. I have also called for a review of the Welsh Government's TAN 8 planning guidance.
Sport
Sport is important to us all. At a personal level it promotes personal health and wellbeing. At an all-Wales level it can help to promote the Nation and act as a catlyst for economic development. I currently Chair a Cross Party Group on Sport within the National Assembly and have led the call in Wales for the Euro 2020 football championship to be co-hosted by Wales, Scotland, N Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.