FORMER Conwy MP Betty Williams joined in the Westminster celebrations of women’s suffrage, met old Parliamentary friends and helped promote a Welsh heritage railway during a recent visit to London.

During her lifetime in politics, the 73-year-old, former Labour MP from Talysarn, near Caernarfon, had an interest in campaigning to improve career prospects for young women, particularly in ‘STEM’ subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.

So, she was keen to join in the events at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, February 6, marking the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which gave some women the right to vote for the first time.

It was also an occasion for Mrs Williams, who was the Conwy MP for 13 years, to meet up again with the Speaker of the House of Commons The Rt Hon John Bercow MP and other female colleagues of several parties including Prime Minister Theresa May. Mrs Williams also visited Kings Cross Station where the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways had two engines on show.

Mrs Williams, who is married with two sons, said: “It was a wonderful day to be part of the celebrations and to meet up with old colleagues. Although 1918 and 1928 were significant milestones for women, as recent events including BBC pay have shown, women still do not have equality with men.

“As an MP I always took a particular interest in encouraging girls and young women to seek careers in the STEM subjects. Some improvements have been achieved but girls and young women are still missing out. The trip also gave me the opportunity to see the Ffestiniog Railway engines Hugh Napier and Velinheli originally used in Bethesda and Llanberis slate quarries. The engines were a splendid addition to Kings Cross Station Ticket Hall and the accompanying video had superb views of North Wales.”