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Newspaper’s bid to back city wins parliamentary praise

Parliamentarians have praised a regional daily’s efforts to promote the city it serves amid fears that it will be ‘talked down’ in the wake of Brexit.

HTFP reported last month on the ‘We’re Backing Newport’ campaign launched by the South Wales Argus, which aims to be positive about the city and explain why it’s a “great place to live”.

It has highlighted the city’s success stories in a series of articles all looking at different aspects of Newport life.

Local businesses have signed up to support the campaign but it has also featured everything from the city’s tourist attractions to its sporting heroes and on the army of volunteers who help make the city tick.

The campaign was launched by the Argus last month

The campaign was launched by the Argus last month

On Wednesday, Parliamentary under-secretary of state for Wales Guto Bebb, praised the campaign in response to a question by Newport West MP Paul Flynn, who asked: “Will the minister pay tribute to the magnificent tourist attractions in Newport, Tredegar House, the wetlands, Celtic Manor, the splendid Roman baths and amphitheatre, all of which increased tourist numbers last year by up to 70 per cent?

“Will he confirm that visitors to all parts of Wales always praise the warmth of our hospitality?”

Mr Bebb replied: “I clearly agree fully with the comment about the welcome in Wales. In particular, I pay tribute to the South Wales Argus and its ‘We’re Backing Newport’ campaign, which highlights the fact that Newport is not just a great place to live, but a great place to visit.”

In a previous editorial, Argus editor Kevin Ward said: “Of course, Newport has its problems. But so does every major town and city in the United Kingdom. Negativity breeds negativity – and we think it’s time to change that, hence the We’re Backing Newport campaign.

“It is a city I’ve been proud to call my home for nearly 30 years. I am passionate about this city. And I genuinely believe there has never been a better time to live, work and do business in Newport.”