I HOPE readers had a chance to relax over the long Easter weekend and catch up with friends and family.

I was utterly horrified, as were people the world over, to hear about the truly horrendous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

This sickening evil cannot prevail.

I was also deeply saddened by the senseless murder of journalist Lyra McKee – all politicians have a duty to ensure peace and progress must win in her memory.

Parliament returned this week after a shortened break, and we are straight back into business with debates, committee meetings and of course Brexit matters still to the fore – despite the extension to the UK’s leaving date, as I wrote about last week.

Preparations are now being made for the European elections on May 23, and I am looking forward to getting out there and campaigning for an excellent pro-European and pro-Final Say/People’s Vote Welsh Labour team of Jackie Jones, Matthew Dorrance, Mary Wimbury and Mark Whitcutt – from all over Wales.

I believe that Labour must put a public vote on Brexit at the heart of our European election manifesto.

Pro-European voters who in all other respects support Labour need to see that message loud and clear - otherwise we risk leeching support to other parties, and that can only benefit the divisive and irresponsible Nigel Farage and his forces, as they seek to sow yet further division and chaos in this country.

I would encourage all readers to make sure you are registered to vote by the deadline of May 7, by going to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

And if you are an EU citizen living here – and there are of course many here in Penarth and Cardiff - then make sure you fill in and return the extra form that should have been sent to you by the local authority electoral services team.

You can find out further information here: https://www.gov.uk/elections-in-the-uk/european-parliament

These are crucial elections, and as we enter them, we must remember what our membership of the EU has brought us in terms of human rights, environmental protections, and labour rights including what we consider as the basics now – such as maternity pay and leave, holiday rights and sick pay – but which were hard won over decades.

So much is at stake right now, which is why I continue to sincerely believe it is absolutely crucial that the public have a final say on the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal.