Members of the Welsh Assembly marked the beginning of the National Union of Journalists’Local News Matters Week with a statement of opinion, calling on local newspapers to be made community assets.

Labour AM for Mid and West Wales Eluned Morgan said: “Our local press is absolutely vital for local democracy. I was really pleased to attend the #LocalNewsMatters event at the Senedd to show my support.

“I’m grateful that our local papers like the Tenby Observer offer me and other Assembly Members the opportunity to contribute and share. Local newspapers are an important part of how we politicians engage with the people we represent.”

The NUJ urged AMs of all parties to sign the statement, which is the equivalent of an Early Day Motion in the UK’s parliament, in support of increasing investment, from a range of sources, for quality local journalism local news provision in Wales.