July has been quite a month! Thank you to the people of Torfaen for their support in the election on July 4th. It is an extraordinary privilege to represent my home constituency, where I was born, grew up, and where I live with my family. I’ll work hard every day to repay the faith you’ve shown in me.

Following the election of a Labour Government after 14 years of the Tories, it was an honour to be asked by the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer to serve at the heart of Government. As Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, I will lead for the Government on constitutional issues and European relations.

I was proud to accompany the Prime Minister to meet the UK’s closest allies at the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit. NATO is a cornerstone of our country’s security, which is more important than ever in these difficult times globally.

At one point, the French Ambassador in Washington, Laurent Bili, asked to raise something with me. I wondered which policy issue he wanted to raise, but first he wanted to talk about rugby. It turned out he wanted to reminisce about his visit to Pontypool Park and the famous Pontypool Front Row! I will give Graham Price his greetings when I next see him.

After the Summit, it was deeply moving to visit the Arlington National Cemetery with the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary, to pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

The next week, I played a part in hosting the European Political Community 2024 Summit at Blenheim Palace. We hosted leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, working together to strengthen our security co-operation for a safer continent.

The work has not stopped locally either. One highlight was watching Torfaen Tigers RLFC in Cwmbran. Thank you for the hard work of all at the club, to give so many the chance to play across an impressive range of sides.

I attended Pontypool’s Party in the Park, which was packed and a real success story, thanks to the hard work of Pontypool Community Council.

I led the Heritage Parade in my hometown of Blaenavon, which is always a highlight of my year. I held surgery appointments to help those who need my assistance.

I also made it back home in time to Blaenavon Blues' first game of the season at the Memorial Ground. The visitors were Treharris Athletic FC: it was an entertaining 2-2 draw including a fine second half comeback for the Blues, ending with a penalty shoot-out victory to put Blaenavon through to the next round. Something to look forward to.

Nick Thomas-Symonds is the MP for Torfaen