My first year as an MP has been one of the most turbulent in modern political history. There are so many key moments and turning points, but I would highlight three in particular: the steel crisis, the EU referendum, and Labour Party in-fighting.
On steel, we have exposed the incompetence and indifference of this Tory government, but we must now continue to keep the pressure on, to ensure that promises are kept. We must also keep a very close eye on the potential joint venture between Tata Steel and Thyssen Krupp, to ensure that jobs and investment are protected and bolstered, as pre-conditions for any deal going ahead.
The result of the referendum was a bitter disappointment, but we must now accept it and work to secure the best possible deal for the British people, and for the people of Aberavon. This means that we must seek a sane and balanced Brexit, that reconciles the need to establish better management of immigration with the need to secure maximum access to the Single Market. The Tories are split down the middle on this, and it is now up to the Labour Party to focus on holding them to account, if we are to avoid a chaotic Brexit that could end up wrecking the economy.
Thirdly, on the troubles in the Party, we must now put all this conflict and confrontation behind us, so that we can once again become a credible opposition and government-in-waiting.
Finally, I wanted to say a word about the tragic death of my dear friend and colleague, Jo Cox. It is impossible to find the words to describe what her loss means to me, and to the entire Labour family. Her warmth, passion and energy will never be forgotten.