WE REACHED the first Parliamentary milestones in the Brexit process last week and this, with the publication and debate of the Bill to activate Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, to formally start the negotiating process to leave the EU.

I’ve had hundreds of emails from constituents, and I’ve been listening closely to the views of local people, businesses, and organisations.

I respect all constituents, whether they voted Leave or Remain. I have deep concerns about the way in which the referendum was fought – but accept we’re in a situation where the UK Government is seeking to give effect to the result.

I wasn’t prepared to support the government’s timetable and approach in the Parliamentary vote in December. Once it was published, I concluded that I would vote against the Article 50 Bill, and against the restrictive proposed timetable for debate - while supporting amendments that attempt to hold the government to account over the consequences and the process, and those that defend workers’ rights, environmental rights, and secure unfettered access to the Single Market (so crucial for the Welsh economy).

Whilst I respect the overall vote, I also recognise that in this constituency, a majority of people voted to remain part of the EU.

The prime minister’s approach is of deep concern – no attempt to unify or bring the country together, but a reckless attempt to pursue a Hard Brexit, whatever the cost to jobs, businesses and communities.

Brexit is not an abstract debate. It has real impacts on our lives in Cardiff and Penarth, in particular the future of funding for major infrastructure projects such as the South Wales metro, community facilities and our universities; our future trading relationships; and the status of EU nationals already in Wales.

The UK Government has so far failed to answer many of these crucial questions.

There will be many votes and debates ahead. You can be assured I will consider the views of my constituents, my conscience and the facts before me throughout the process.

I have been appalled by Donald Trump's words and actions in the last week, on Muslims, women and torture. While we must retain a relationship with the new administration, we must also speak truth to power.

I was embarrassed at the fawning of our PM and her failure to challenge him on key issues. We must not offer him the honour of a state visit.