Many thanks to everyone who voted for me on Thursday!

This independent analysis clearly shows the priorities. It is not just the policy that is important but the way in which it will operate. The Labour policy is not only well thought out but can be implmented. It works with the current situation and builds the points based approach which has been successful in other countries.
Labour will improve the future for all  citizens and use their skills to improve the economic recovery

In Blaenau Gwent we are vulnerable to this perhaps more so. We need more jobs and more training opportunities for our youngsters. Sometimes in the heat of the Election it is difficult to understand the differences between the parties. It is all about the specifics and how Labour will continue to lead us forward and build the recovery.

The BBC article shows clearly the key differences and how Labour will maintain the help for the elderly, the support for children and develop a future for everyone not just benefit a few with higher inheritance tax allowances.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8515961.stm#subject=economy&col1=conservative&col2=labour&col3=libdem

Following the TV debates this week we can see that Labour supports the less advantaged and pledges to maintain support for children. That is something that is particularly important to me. Offering a good start in life is central to my views. That is one of the key things I will be supporting and working for more help for the youngsters and families in Blaenau Gwent.

We have a really good community on Facebook, over 700 Friends now. Come and visit and help us to make it the biggest Labour campaign on Facebook

It is Nick Smith for Blaenau Gwent

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=122196429916&ref=ts

All credit to Stephanie Wall who created the movie
Many thanks

For those of you who read my blog you will know that I am also a local lad being brought up in Tredegar and now living in Nantyglo. My views of politics were shaped from an early age in local Labour party events. Living in the valley and seeing the efforts to improve the lives of local people has given me my Labour values. I am proud of the area and want to do so much more to help.

I feel that there are great big shoes to fill, by following the likes of Michael Foot and Nye Bevan. To listen to Neil who spoke with such passion, was a great boost to me personally and also to my supporters who are working to bring Blaenau Gwent back to Labour.

He talked about the role the Labour Party has in offering opportunity for people. This includes going to university, to have a minimum wage and to enjoy a national health service. All of these achievements are the foundation of the Party and the base for the future.

Watch the video here

The voters talk about jobs and concerns for the future. We are able to show the Labour policies that will take us forward and out of recession. Doing more for the youngsters to help establish a start to their career and also for pensioners to keep warm in the winter. In between these age groups people are worried about schools and the health service.

Aneurin Bevan founded the health service, so it is fitting that the new hospital in Ebbw Vale is in his old constituency. Also the new Learning Campus of the University being developed in the Borough.

I enjoyed the debate on ITV the Sharp End, see it here and let me know what you think about the key issues

http://www.itv.com/wales/sharp-end-campaign-201037435/

In visits to Cardiff and Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent, Mr Johnson said Labour is the only party committed to maintaining spending on frontline policing.

Alan Johnson was accompanied on the visits by Secretary of State, Peter Hain, and by local Labour candidates – Kevin Brennan in Cardiff, and Nick Smith in Blaenau Gwent.

Mr Johnson said,

“The choice facing voters in Wales is very simple when it comes to policing. Labour will ensure that frontline policing is protected – but the Tories refuse to match that commitment. David Cameron refused again to match our policy in the TV debate when challenged directly by Gordon Brown.

“We know that there is still much to do, and although crime fell in Wales again last year, people’s perceptions remain important. We want people to feel safe in their communities – and that’s why Labour will give the police the tools they need to fight crime, including DNA and CCTV. Without the DNA database, thousands of crimes would go unsolved and many serious and dangerous criminals would be walking our streets. The Tories say they would limit CCTV and the ability of the police to use DNA to catch criminals.

“The new Policing Pledge sets out clear minimum standards for what people can expect from their local police, including new guarantees on response times and monthly beat meetings to set local priorities. But all the progress we have made; increasing police numbers, involving local people and making our streets safer, will be put at risk by a Tory Government that will not protect police spending.”

Peter Hain said,

“Crime is down in Wales. Through Labour’s investment we have record police numbers on the streets – and the only way to secure that work continues, is by voting Labour on May 6th. The Tories have made it very clear that they will not match our commitment to protect police spending.”

Pensioners and youngsters are key to our communities and by helping people, for example with support for winter fuel and training places for the younger generation we will build for the future. This is key to the future of the community and will help to build the economy from the ground up