Member of Parliament for Swansea Westhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mtmbmqquo226After the storms21 Aug 2026 17:23 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtmbmqquo226https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mthkx3jmyk2bThis “plan” assumes there is never another global energy shock that causes a global gas price spike. It is not a plan. It is wishful thinking. [contains quote post or other embedded content]19 Aug 2026 20:27 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mthkx3jmyk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mtgj7w45ec2eWednesday walk19 Aug 2026 10:23 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtgj7w45ec2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msy7aml4lc2uWeather forecasters? Right Economic gloomsters? Wrong13 Aug 2026 17:47 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msy7aml4lc2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msxwp5ml222oAnd the strongest gdp/capita growth for the first half of a year for near a decade [contains quote post or other embedded content]13 Aug 2026 15:14 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msxwp5ml222ohttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msx4aiclbs2oUK economy has been far more resilient than the commentators/gloomsters/forecasters thought. Strong start to 2026 continues despite the headwinds of the Iran conflict - GDP growth of 0.4% in 2nd quarter. What matters most (gdp/capita) is also up 0.4%, and has risen 1% on the year13 Aug 2026 07:21 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msx4aiclbs2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msj5tgjq2s2wThanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat at Swansea Market this morning.07 Aug 2026 18:12 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msj5tgjq2s2whttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msindzotcc2jJuly was nearly as busy as it was hot. Read all about what I've been doing to stand up for people in Swansea in the latest edition of my newsletter. And don't forget to subscribe! https://torstenbell.substack.com/p/standing-up-for-swansea-july-202607 Aug 2026 13:17 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msindzotcc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msiffgkwxc22People in Swansea rely on bus travel to get to work, stay in touch with friends and family, and bring customers to their businesses. Sign my petition to cap fares at £2 across Wales to give people breathing space on the cost of living. https://www.torstenbell.org/petition-for-cheaper-bus-fares07 Aug 2026 10:55 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msiffgkwxc22https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msghc6s5g224The Green Party: opposed to… green energy. Again. https://www.ft.com/content/6fe70fa1-1173-4f7b-9eb9-d8ad9b2f5694 [contains quote post or other embedded content]06 Aug 2026 16:23 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msghc6s5g224https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3msdg7quhik2cThis is a big moment for one of the UK’s most promising start-ups [contains quote post or other embedded content]05 Aug 2026 11:26 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3msdg7quhik2chttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mrx6xreevs2sA share of locally raised Income Tax will be assigned to England’s mayors from 2028 - making the pro-growth choice. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g3eyg60e0o https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g3eyg60e0o?xtor=AL-71-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_link_id=72FBE96A-8C5E-11F1-A62F-ABEDB1CB2503&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_link_type=web_link&at_medium=social&at_format=link&at_campaign_type=owned&at_link_origin=BBCNews31 Jul 2026 14:44 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrx6xreevs2shttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mru4rsglxs24The WRU are like a crook returning to the scene of the crime. Just months since they were forced to abort their attempted stitch up of Welsh rugby, they’re privately telling journalists that their new plan is to... double down on the failed old plan. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wru-announce-cardiff-dragons-safe-3437205730 Jul 2026 09:27 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mru4rsglxs24https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mrepjpxs6k2zThe Iran war poses real economic challenges but UK consumers continued their strong start to 2026 - retail sales rose 0.6% in the second quarter. Consistent growth now for two full years after flatlining throughout the entire last parliament.24 Jul 2026 06:20 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrepjpxs6k2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mqr4mktlnc2lStay up to date with what I’m doing to support our local community by subscribing to my newsletter Standing Up for Swansea. Get it delivered straight to your inbox by signing up here: torstenbell.substack.com/subscribe16 Jul 2026 11:21 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqr4mktlnc2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mqmj5mndvc2kI know people are concerned about the rise of division and intolerance in our politics. So I want to bring together everyone in Swansea who believes we have more in common. To book a seat, send your name and postcode to torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk. https://swanseabaynews.com/swansea-mp-calls-cross-party-community-meeting-to-tackle-division-in-politics/ https://torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk14 Jul 2026 15:22 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqmj5mndvc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mqemeymstk2fA big thank you to everyone who came along to my coffee morning in Uplands today. I really enjoyed hearing about people’s favourite things about Swansea (nature and community came through strongly) and have some good discussion about what needs to change.11 Jul 2026 11:59 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqemeymstk2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mq7o3klymc25Really sad to hear about the passing of an icon from South Wales. From the valleys of Swansea, Bonnie Tyler’s incredible voice has be heard across the globe. I’m sure her music will continue to power dancefloors for many years to come. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-music-legend-bonnie-tyler-34262269.amp09 Jul 2026 12:46 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq7o3klymc25https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mq54lvpn522xI know people are concerned about the rise of division and intolerance in our politics. So I want to bring together everyone in Swansea who believes we have more in common than that which divides us. To book a seat, send your name and postcode to torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk.08 Jul 2026 12:28 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq54lvpn522xhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mq3ij6i6ss2oBrilliant news about a brilliant economist. You always learn something from a conversation with Silvana. And usually have a lovely time doing so https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/07/07/pr26241-imf-md-kristalina-georgieva-names-silvana-tenreyro-economic-counsellor-and-head-of-res-dept07 Jul 2026 20:56 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq3ij6i6ss2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpy7dwmfuc2zI fought for this £20 million Pride in Place funding because it gives us the chance to show that no part of Swansea can be written off. Please do get involved. 👇 https://swanseabaynews.com/dyfatty-want-a-say-in-how-20m-transforms-your-neighbourhood-applications-open-for-the-board-that-decides/06 Jul 2026 13:34 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpy7dwmfuc2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpxtmzyvk22vCome and have a cuppa with me in Uplands this Saturday ☕ You can learn about my work in the community, tell me what you think I should be focusing on in the years ahead, or just say hello. Email torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk with your name and postcode to reserve a seat.06 Jul 2026 10:04 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpxtmzyvk22vhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpv2zpveq22tHe literally took undeclared donations from a criminal - never mind “breaking rules” Farage has tried to ignore them entirely for personal gain. And he’s done it over and over again https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0424end7vo https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0424end7vo?xtor=AL-71-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_format=link&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_medium=social&at_campaign_type=owned&at_link_type=web_link&at_link_origin=BBCPolitics&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_id=A81B25D0-7812-11F1-B15A-E97EF6321810&at_ptr_name=twitter05 Jul 2026 07:38 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpv2zpveq22thttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mptgfs2h622bI was elected MP for Swansea west two years ago today. It was the honour of my life, and I promised to work hard every day to deliver the change people voted for. Here's what I've been doing to make good on that promise.04 Jul 2026 15:57 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mptgfs2h622bhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpszfcnfk22zI’m concerned there appears to be a fire in central Swansea in the city church area - advisable to stay away until it’s clear what’s going on. I’m contacting the emergency services and council and will be follow the situation closely. Stay safe.04 Jul 2026 12:04 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpszfcnfk22zhttps://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mplne634rk22Securing £20m to make exciting plans for Swansea's Civic Centre become a reality has been a highlight of my year so far. Have your say on the latest proposals, which could see an aquarium and roof terrace built on this iconic building 👇 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/roof-terrace-sundeck-part-ambitious-3421604701 Jul 2026 13:40 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mplne634rk22https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpjhkwr55226Brilliant to celebrate Great British Summer Savings with Lucy Hole from Swansea's Secret Bar & Kitchen and Chancellor Rachel Reeves in No.11 Downing Street last night. The scheme will be a boost to families in Swansea and beyond, making summer more affordable for everyone. 👏30 Jun 2026 16:51 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpjhkwr55226https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mpgs7pj54223My latest newsletter is out! Read about my work in Swansea West to: 👉Revitalise our city centre 👉Stand up to the Welsh Rugby Union 👉Make sure Swansea has a strong voice in the social media debate Subscribe so you don't miss another update. https://torstenbell.substack.com/p/standing-up-for-swansea-june-202629 Jun 2026 15:23 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpgs7pj54223https://bsky.app/profile/torstenbell.bsky.social/post/3mp4eijftgc2cGreat news for families in Swansea! From today, the UK Govt have slashed VAT on kids meals, cinema tickets, and attractions like zoos to make summer more affordable. And with Swansea Council's free summer bus services, getting there will be cheaper too. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/tax-cut-make-summer-more-3418392925 Jun 2026 11:51 +0000at://did:plc:5p2w2yql5sovot63pdsyd5dc/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4eijftgc2c