AFTER an absurdly short debate, with parliamentary rules preventing votes on many key issues - and crucially the failure of the Government to accept any amendments on issues like the single market, the final deal, funding for Wales, EU nationals and more - I voted against the third Reading of the Article 50 Bill last week.

I understand and respect the vast majority of those who voted to leave the European Union, including members of my own family and people here in Cardiff South and Penarth.

However, my constituents voted overwhelmingly to remain.

Because of my constituents, because of my conscience and because of the facts that I saw before me, I voted against the triggering of article 50.

I did that not out of disrespect, but out of duty: a duty to stand up for my constituents, to stand up for the 48 per cent, and to stand up in this sovereign Parliament and challenge the Government and their approach.

Even now, with the Bill making progress through Parliament, the Government have no plan. They have provided no guarantees that Wales will not be left worse off, and no guarantees of the unfettered access to the single market that is so crucial to businesses and jobs in my constituency.

They have provided no assurances that powers will not be taken away from Wales, or that our rights will not be removed. They have given no reassurances to EU citizens living and working in our public services in my constituency.

I have no doubt that the British and Welsh people will find their way through, however difficult things become - we have done that so many times before.

But I must be honest; I fear that the concerns that people rightly express about immigration are far from being resolved, and will not be resolved by our leaving the European Union; I fear that many who felt left behind will continue to feel left behind while we have a Government who are advocating a bargain basement, tax haven, race to the bottom economy and are running across to the United States and throwing themselves before President Trump; I fear that the poorest will continue to suffer, and what then - who will be blamed next?

It has never been more important that this Government are held to account – and that is what I intend to do in the months and years ahead.