Tomorrow is the last day of President Obama’s term in the White House. In 2014, he visited my constituency for the NATO summit at the Celtic Manor. Stephen Bowen, a school governor and Rogerstone community councillor, wrote a compelling letter to President Obama with an offer he couldn’t turn down: a visit to Mount Pleasant Primary School. The presidential car, fitted with US and Welsh flags, was a real sight to see. He welcomed pupils with ‘Bore da’, sat in on a lesson, talked, laughed and joked with the children, and gave them an opportunity to ask questions. For those children, along with the many hundreds who had gathered outside, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, never to be forgotten.

After the visit, US Ambassador Matthew Barzun said:

The warmth of your welcome not only demonstrated the best of Welsh hospitality, it was a testament to your great community spirit. It is exciting that it left a mark in the minds of the next generation.’

I understand that the President’s only regret was that he did not have the chance to play a round of golf at the Celtic Manor.

The President has left a great legacy: the introduction of Obamacare, progress in preventing climate change, the legalisation of same-sex marriage, and much more. All the while, he led with integrity, warmth and complete faith in the good of people. I’m sure the Chamber will join me in wishing him and his family the very best for the future. And he’s always welcome back in Newport for that round of golf at the Celtic Manor.