Joel James MS had a busy bank holiday weekend as he attended the star-studded Welsh Conservative Party Conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales in Newport.
Over the course of two days, Joel James listened to speeches, met with charities and organisations, participated in a panel discussion, and hosted his first fringe event with Hub Cymru Africa. Joel was particularly pleased to have met the Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservatives, Rishi Sunak MP.
Day One of the conference saw delegates treated to an array of fantastic speeches and panel discussions, including the long-awaited speech by the Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies. In his speech, Andrew highlighted the failures of the Welsh Labour Government and how they are out of touch with the desires of the people of Wales.
Before listening to the Prime Minister’s speech to delegates in the afternoon, Joel ensured to visit the charitable exhibitors that had attended conference, discovered their key messages, and understood how he could help. Some of the charities and organisations Joel met included Carers Wales, Tenovus, the British Medical Association (BMA), Diabetes UK and Community Pharmacy Wales.
Ahead of ‘World Asthma Day’ on Tuesday, 2nd May, and the launch of their latest report, during conference Joel held a meeting with Joseph Carter – Head of Devolved Nations at Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, to discuss the state of asthma care in Wales. During this meeting, Joel learnt how 314,000 people in Wales are affected by asthma, and only 24% of those diagnosed receive basic care.
On Friday afternoon, Joel listened to an inspiring speech by The Prime Minister as well as a discussion with the Chancellor of the Exchequer - Jeremy Hunt, highlighting the importance that Wales plays within the UK economy.
The second day of conference was Joel’s time to shine, with him sharing a platform on the main stage with fellow Senedd Members – Darren Millar and Mark Isherwood, along with Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party – Lee Anderson MP, where they discussed a quarter of a century of Labour failure in Wales. During the panel discussion, Joel James MS accused the Welsh Government of having the “arrogance of power” and “prioritising socialist utopian ideals” citing the £1,600-a-month Universal Basic Income trial.
Joel also commented on the Welsh Government’s proposals to increase the number of Senedd Members to 96, costing the Welsh taxpayers £100 million every five years. He said, “Never have I heard a response on the doorstep for more politicians”.
Following his panel Joel hosted his first fringe event with Hub Cymru Africa. The event covered the future of Welsh-led international development, and it provided Joel with the opportunity to share stories about his recent trip to Uganda.
Despite his packed agenda, Joel was available for a meeting with David Morgan from Centrica as well as listening to a captivating Q&A from UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat.
Reflecting on another successful party conference, Joel stated:
“I had a wonderful time at The Welsh Conservative Party Conference on the weekend, and it was great to see so many friendly faces attend.
Conference provides an incredible opportunity to reach out to different charities and discover their main concerns and establish a dialogue. It is also a great chance for the whole party to come together, unify and celebrate our shared values.
This year we have had remarkable guests like the Prime Minster, The Chancellor, Tom Tugendhat, and David TC Davies.
I was also really pleased to take to the main stage this year and host a fringe event. Both topics that I discussed this weekend are significant for Wales and Welsh policy and I am honoured to have been able to share that with others.
I am already looking forward to conference next year!”
