CEREDIGION’S new MP Ben Lake made the case for greater opportunities for young people in his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday.

Mr Lake, speaking during a debate to commemorate the Third Battle of Ypres during the First World War, said that Ceredigion faces a challenge of depopulation with young people forced to leave the area due to a lack of jobs and affordable housing.

“During my time in this place, I will strive to ensure that the best interests of the rural economy and higher education are at the forefront of the minds of Government ministers as they conduct Brexit negotiations,” he said.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be forgotten.

“Decisions taken in London have long overlooked the rural economy, with public investment too often bypassing the hinterland.

“For too long, amenities considered essential to the urban economy are dismissed as mere luxuries in more rural areas.

“Several of my predecessors in this House have pointed to the tragic irony that Ceredigion bestows upon its youth an unrivalled education, but offers them a paucity of job opportunities and affordable housing.

“For decades, our county has lost the potential and the vitality of its youth. Around half the young people leave the county by the time they reach 25 years of age.

“Many of the young who have left are Welsh speakers; which has meant that in my lifetime – which, I am sure Hon and Rt Hon Members will agree is not particularly long - the percentage of people living in Ceredigion that can speak the language has dropped from around 60 per cent to 47 per cent.

“This steady, silent haemorrhage, saps the life of nearly every town and village the length and breadth of the county.

“During my time in this place, I look forward to working with those across the political divide to refocus the attention of Government to the challenges facing rural areas, and encouraging greater efforts at developing our economy.”

He told fellow MPs that he was “truly humbled that the people of this great constituency have put their faith in me to speak for them in this place".

“I am looking forward to working hard on their behalf, to serving them well, and to be worthy of their trust,” Mr Lake said.

“My immediate predecessor, Mark Williams, was elected in 2005. He gained the respect of this House, and the affection of the constituency, thanks to over 12 years of tireless service.

“Thousands of people from across the county have benefited from his advice and assistance, and I hope to continue with his good work. I wish him, and his family, the very best for the future.”

Watch Mr Lake’s full speech below