Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), 18 March 2026

298 contributions from 39 members. The official report.

1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The first item on our agenda this afternoon is questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales. The Cabinet Secretary isn't here. [Interruption.] The Cabinet Secretary has just arrived. [Laughter.] Therefore, the Cabinet Secretary arrived in time to answer questions posed to him this afternoon. And if I may also say—

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

I was also ever so slightly late, and I think the same issue has confused both you and me, in that the bells are not working, as we've come to rely on them. I think it's a permanent fault that we will have to live with until the end of the Senedd now, so note to self is to look at my watch or my phone, as it is these days, rather than depend on the bell. Anyway, we will now start.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales is our first item this afternoon. The first question is from Julie Morgan—

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

who is here.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

1. What plans does the Welsh Government have to improve transport access to hospitals? OQ64015

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Our Wales transport strategy sets out a very clear plan for improving transport access to all key services, including hospitals. To deliver this, we're funding councils to deliver their regional transport plans, prioritising access to essential services.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

Thank you for the response.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

As you know, the University Hospital of Wales at the Heath is in my constituency. It's incredibly busy and it's often described as being impossible to park there. And there's been a hospital park and ride operating in Cardiff east, which has been very successful, but the word is now that that is going to close and there won't, any longer, be that possibility for patients and staff in order to access the Heath. So, I wondered if the Government had any plans to tackle this issue, because it will cause a major problem.

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Julie Morgan for her question and for raising this important matter? I understand that the public have responded in force over this issue, and I'm aware that Cardiff Council is in the process of considering the planning application for redevelopment of the Heath hospital site, which doesn't include a park and ride. But I understand that council officers meet regularly with the health board to discuss matters including this, and they're working with them to ensure that a park-and-ride facility is maintained at an alternative site.

I think, longer term, we must embrace the opportunities that bus franchising will present us—we'll be able to better design a network that connects communities with hospitals. In the meanwhile, we're using the TrawsCymru services right across Wales to better connect communities with our hospitals.

Peter Fox (Conservative, Monmouth)

Cabinet Secretary, as you know, one in four people who use buses are either older or disabled and often don't have access to a private vehicle. You also know that there are over 220 fewer bus services across Wales, compared with five years ago. Now, I know that, in my constituency, there are many people who are concerned that they can't easily access a bus service to get to hospital. So, with that in mind, what steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that elderly and disabled patients in rural areas, who disproportionately rely on buses, are not left isolated due to the reduction in the bus networks when travelling to hospital appointments?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

I think Peter Fox makes an important point that rural services have been particularly hard hit under the system that we've had in place since the 1980s, which will shortly be coming to an end as a result of the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026.

We already operate a number of TrawsCymru services, as I've already outlined to Julie Morgan, that connect communities better with hospitals. They include the T1 bus, the T2 bus, the T3 and the T51. But moving forward with franchising will enable us to better design a network that meets the needs of the most vulnerable people. And the Member is absolutely right, there is a huge number of people that don't have access to a private car, and bus franchising will enable us to ensure that the bus network serves their needs rather than, under the current system, prioritising profit.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Cabinet Secretary, I've also raised with you the park and ride. I was very grateful for the answer I received from you. Many people are struggling to access emergency departments, and that's certainly true about people in the Vale of Glamorgan. From Sully, it can take an hour and a half to reach the University Hospital of Wales by public transport, one hour and a half also to the Princess of Wales Hospital, and over two hours to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Such significant challenges would be reduced if we used our minor injury units more. In Barry, which is only 4 miles from Sully, 100 per cent of patients were seen within the four-hour target. So, they're a real success, these minor injury units. Will you discuss with your Cabinet colleagues about how maybe we can better use our minor injury units, which can be accessed far easier by public transport, so people don't have this barrier to have the emergency services they need? Diolch yn fawr.

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Yes, absolutely. I think the Member makes a really important point—that we shouldn't just consider our major hospitals in terms of the design of the network, we also need to factor into this minor injuries units and, indeed, general practitioner practices as well. We need to be able to take the strain off hospitals wherever we can. So, being able to put together a network that responds to patients' needs, regardless of where they're trying to get to, is going to be vitally important.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire)

2. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve the road network in Preseli Pembrokeshire? OQ63990

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Our transport strategy sets out our ambition for a better, more—[Interruption.]—a better, more connected transport system across Wales. In Preseli Pembrokeshire, we will deliver projects through our national transport delivery plan. We support local leadership through regional transport plans, enabling communities to shape priorities that reflect their needs.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

It does sound like a reversing lorry, somewhere, but I'm not too sure what it—. I'm sure it will be resolved quickly. Carry on with your supplementary.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Diolch, Llywydd. I'm grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. As you will be aware, I recently met Welsh Government officials with the Ceredigion Preseli MP, Ben Lake, and Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, to discuss the long-standing road issues facing the community of Lower Town Fishguard. We had a very positive site meeting, and as we gathered for that meeting, a lorry actually became stuck, causing traffic to back up in both directions. So, if there ever was a real-life demonstration of the problems that the community are experiencing, then this was it. So, Cabinet Secretary, it's important now that meaningful action will be taken to address the problems facing the local community, particularly as officials have now seen these issues for themselves. Therefore, can you tell us how the Welsh Government is progressing these matters following the recent site visit, in order to support the local community?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Paul Davies for the question, and also for working so constructively with Ben Lake? It is always helpful when you can work across political parties on issues such as this. I am aware of the incident that took place during that visit. I was pleased that officials from the transport department were able to accompany you to Lower Town, Fishguard.

Now, as you've outlined, the issues there are long standing. They're incredibly complex and are rooted in legacy infrastructure challenges that we need to overcome. There's no single immediate engineering fix without huge intervention. However, on the immediate situation, in terms of blockages, we do recognise the seriousness of this matter. Officials, having recently visited the site, are well aware of the physical constraints and the need for a measured and evidence-led approach. So, following that site visit, we've identified funding to ensure that we carry out exploratory work. We'll be monitoring the area so that we can objectively understand vehicle movements and target interventions effectively. We're going to be looking at enforcement as well, and also we'll be working on the footbridge issues that have been raised. So, a huge package of work will be taken forward as a result of the issues that have been raised across the Chamber.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Questions now from the party spokespeople. The Plaid Cymru spokesperson first—Peredur Owen Griffiths.

Peredur Owen Griffiths (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Diolch, Llywydd. The Welsh Government's road map to bus reform states that, on the initial phases of roll-out, there will be a series of franchise opportunities made available in each franchise zone. Could the Cabinet Secretary explain how these franchise opportunities within each zone have been designed and packaged, and what criteria were used in determining their structure?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Yes, of course. The franchise zones and the packages are being designed, in conjunction with bus operators, by, of course, Transport for Wales. They're best placed, as the experts in this field, to be able to design a system that doesn't just meet the needs of passengers, but which also provides maximum opportunity for existing operators in Wales.

Peredur Owen Griffiths (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Thank you very much for that explanation. I understand that the packaging process has been assessed through a number of lenses, including the integration of small and medium-sized enterprise providers and the provision of learner travel. During the passage and scrutiny of the legislation, I raised concerns about ensuring that bus reform in Wales supports the viability of those SME bus operators, particularly given the experience of franchising in Manchester. Similarly, Plaid Cymru consistently called for school transport to be incorporated within the Bill. Could the Cabinet Secretary outline how the packaging of franchise opportunities has been designed to support the viability of local SME bus providers, and how this approach is working in practice so far in south-west Wales? And in addition, how has the need for learner transport been reflected in those packages of contracts, and what contingencies are in place if existing school transport providers are unable to continue operating under the new arrangements?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Well, there are many questions in this, and they are very, very valid questions. I'll try to unpackage what the Member has outlined. First of all, the viability of SMEs is going to be based on their ability to be able to deliver a package of routes and a package of services. So, TfW are keenly looking at the existing landscape in terms of the routes that exist as the base network, and also the existence of SME operators and, of course, the larger operators, to be able to design packages that suit the needs and the opportunities of all businesses.

During the passage of the Bill, a lot was discussed and debated about home-to-school transport. The Bill, through amendments, recognises the need to ensure that the network responds to the need to be able to move people between essential care, essential healthcare, and, of course, education—not just schools, but higher education and further education as well. And it will be for TfW to ensure that the network, the base network, does exactly that, and that SMEs are enabled and empowered and supported to be able to bid for those contracts, and then to discharge their responsibilities accordingly, in a sustainable way.

Ultimately, it's going to be for the next Government to determine the level of funding that will be applied to the network across Wales. I hope whoever is elected in May will commit to substantial sums for the bus network, because, as Peter Fox has identified today, and as many have identified over the years, the most vulnerable people are the people who rely on our bus network the most. And so it requires, and deserves, in my view, substantial support.

Peredur Owen Griffiths (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Thank you very much. More generally, then, has the Government—and, obviously, through TfW and your conversations with TfW, and holding TfW to account—encountered any challenges during that early phase of roll-out of bus reform in south-west Wales? And in light of that experience in south-west Wales, would you consider making any changes to those packaging or tendering processes ahead of the next phase of roll-out in north Wales? And then, specifically, have there been any aspects of the tendering process in south-west Wales that the Government has had to revise or revisit? And if so, what were they, and how have you managed to work with TfW to iron those things out?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Thank you. If you would just indulge me, can I just thank Peredur, and also Delyth, for being opposition spokespeople during my time in this job? There have been some moments of confrontation, but, on the whole, I think we've worked collaboratively, and I am incredibly grateful for the challenge that you've applied, but also the support that you've given on key areas of delivery, not least the bus Bill.

I think it's largely for TfW to be able to answer those questions concerning delivery. I would say, at this moment in time, that it's probably too early to say what lessons could be learnt from the south west of Wales, because the process is so, so early in the stages of procurement. So, we will, obviously, or the next Government, obviously, will be keeping Members updated on the process as it unfolds. But at this moment in time, I think it's too early to say.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Welsh Conservative spokesperson, Gareth Davies.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Thank you very much, Llywydd. The A55 corridor is the economic spine of north Wales, with the cross-border economy, stretching from Anglesey, through to Cheshire, and Manchester, supporting thousands of manufacturing and logistics jobs along that route. But the productivity in north-west England, Wrexham and Flintshire, which is above the UK average, is not carried along the A55 corridor. Economic productivity in Conwy and Denbighshire is just over 71 per cent of the UK figure, which is the fifth lowest in the UK, and it's even lower in Gwynedd, at just below 70 per cent.

Under a Labour UK Government, we've also seen a vast increase in universal credit claimants, from 6.9 million to a record high of 8 million. In September last year, the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee reported that, since it was launched in 2020, the north Wales growth deal, or ambition north Wales, has created only 35 jobs to date and attracted just £1.8 million in private investment. These results are shockingly poor, and to call it falling short of its ambition would be an understatement.

So, can the Cabinet Secretary explain how the Welsh Government is responding to lowering productivity and rising state dependency in north Wales, and, if he were to continue in his post after the election, how is he going to reverse that trend?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I start by thanking Gareth for the period that he's been shadowing me? Also, I know Sam's not here today, but also thanks to Sam, and of course Natasha as well. Equally, you've applied—. Oh, and Sam too. And yourself. Yes, all of you. [Laughter.] You've applied productive challenge at every opportunity, and I am sincerely grateful for it.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire)

I feel left out.

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

And you of course, Paul. I think, Gareth, actually you raise a really important point about the link between public transport, or transport in general—transport infrastructure and transport services—and productivity and economic inactivity as well. There are far too many people—I think about 20 per cent in the area that you identified of young people—who don't have access to or can't afford public transport at present to get to job interviews. Now, that's totally unacceptable. You can't have young people's ambitions locked out because of a lack of public transport. So, improving the bus network is going to be vitally important.

Now, we have seen investment in the Wrexham and Flintshire investment zone that is unlocking a package of support for bus services, which will link those areas that have been poorly served to date by bus travel with the areas of highest employment opportunities, i.e. Wrexham industrial estate and Deeside industrial park. That will make a significant difference in north-east Wales. But, as we travel further west, it's vitally important that the A55 resilience study is completed as soon as possible for the incoming Government to be able to act against, and that we make good progress on rail as well.

In terms of rail, I'm delighted to say that the commitment that was made less than two years ago by the UK Government has been fulfilled. As a result of that, we will see 50 per cent more rail services from TfW from May. That will make a major difference. It's the biggest increase in Transport for Wales rail services in the north in recent memory, and it will give greater opportunities for people to be able to access jobs.

Of course, we've also got the AI growth zone, and we've got the free port, and we've got small modular reactors coming to Ynys Môn. So, in terms of productivity, those high-value jobs, they will be available, and, in terms of accessing them, we are making that historic change to improve public transport, whether it be by rail or by bus.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Thank you for that comprehensive response, Cabinet Secretary. One of the biggest barriers that's been faced in recent times under the new TfW bus service is the T51 service from Rhyl to Wrexham, which obviously goes through St Asaph business park, but what it does is it doesn't go through the lower end of St Asaph. It's been quite well publicised locally within that area and in wider communities how the T51 service isn't going through some of the major settlements of that route, which is obviously stifling people's ambitions, if it were to be the case that somebody would endeavour to look at that route to bridge the gap of employment opportunities, training, education et cetera. So, what discussions are you having as Cabinet Secretary with officials in TfW to make sure that we can fine-tune those services better within north Wales, that the routes can actually be reflective of people's needs, and be a very live situation, in that if there are problems then they can be remedied quite quickly?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Gareth makes a really important point, that you've got to be responsive when you're operating a bus network and you have to make changes if changes are necessary. As I've already outlined, the T51 already provides good access to secondary healthcare facilities, but, if there are issues concerning lower St Asaph, I'm happy to raise them with TfW. I'm conscious that we'll have dissolution soon, so we'll do that as a matter of urgency, and perhaps arrange a meeting with yourself to discuss whether the T51 bus could be better aligned with those communities along its route.

We do endeavour, through Transport for Wales, to serve the needs of communities through engagement with local authorities as well, and it's within councils—this is something that Carolyn Thomas has regularly raised—it's within councils that we've got the expertise, which then informs the bus networks. So, we will attempt to facilitate that meeting with Transport for Wales, and potentially with the local authority as well.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Thank you very much, again, Cabinet Secretary. The north Wales economy is fundamentally tied to the rest of the United Kingdom. A quarter of employees in the region cross the border to work and businesses rely on seamless trade and supply change—chains, I should say—with major economic centres in north-west England. Manufacturing and tourism in north Wales all depend heavily on those cross-border connections, and any barriers to trade movements or investment would create real uncertainty for businesses and workers alike and create further disincentives to invest there.

We all know that Plaid Cymru's ultimate goal is Welsh independence and that they are keen to start that 'journey', as they call it, and the economic and cultural impact of what would be devastating for our area. At a time when the Welsh economy already faces productivity and investment challenges, the last thing communities in north Wales need is the threat of separatism. With our net fiscal deficit of £21.5 billion, it would cause public sector cuts the likes of which we would never have seen before. Welsh families would be an average of £11,000 a year worse off. So, does the Cabinet Secretary share my concerns about the separatist threat to our region? And does he agree with me that the most destructive policy that could be enacted for north Wales would actually be Welsh independence?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

It's a pleasure to end with opposition spokespeople in agreement. I would—[Interruption.] No, I would agree. I would agree that those cross-border movements are absolutely vital for our economy, and you're right, that proportion of the workforce does cross, every single day, that border. We cannot allow a slate curtain to be drawn across the border. We cannot allow services to be withdrawn on a cross-border basis. That's why we're pushing ahead with direct metro services between Wrexham and Liverpool. That's why we're pushing ahead with the smart electrification of the north Wales main line, we're dealing with the blockage at Chester station, and the electrification of the Marches line as well.

I know that there has been criticism in this Chamber of investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail. But the fact of the matter is that Northern Powerhouse Rail will slash the journey times between north Wales, Manchester Airport, Liverpool airport and key locations in the north-west of England that we rely on and that we work with for economic prosperity. So, Northern Powerhouse Rail, whilst it might not be in Wales, will undoubtedly benefit the people of Wales, and to complain about that, I think is to be rather churlish, and rather insular, and rather dangerous. [Interruption.] Gareth Davies does point to the cost of—and Mike Hedges has just amplified it again—the cost of independence. I would agree that the cost of independence would be prohibitive. Whether or not it's a good idea in terms of our national security, which is what I am most concerned about right now, the cost of independence would be prohibitive.

Natasha Asghar (Conservative, South Wales East)

3. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve the transport network in South Wales East? OQ63988

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Well, we're taking significant and tangible steps to improve the transport network in south-east Wales. Six new railway stations will be built in south-east Wales, as part of an historic £14 billion funding commitment from the UK Government. And today, I announced approximately £50 million for council transport ambitions in the region.

Natasha Asghar (Conservative, South Wales East)

Thanks ever so much for your response, Cabinet Secretary, and also thank you very much for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure working with you for the short period that we worked on transport together.

This Labour Government, quite frankly, has done very little, in my opinion, to improve the transport network in my patch. In fact, it has actually made things worse, especially in Newport. We have ridiculous and unwanted plans to rip out the Old Green roundabout in the city centre and to replace it with traffic lights and a controlled junction. We have a ludicrous project in the pipeline to reduce traffic lanes on the A48 between Newport and Cardiff to make way for cycle and bus lanes. We have 20 mph speed limits in places where they really shouldn't be. Put simply, I feel that Labour politicians, with the help of their pals in Plaid Cymru, have been waging war on motorists for far too long, and now Reform have joined that attack against motorists.

Reform pledge to build an M4 relief road, but they are going to clobber drivers by stacking tolls on top, whereas, in stark contrast, the Welsh Conservatives have promised a raft of transport improvements, including an M4 relief road, and we won't be squeezing cash out of people to use it. So, Cabinet Secretary, given that Labour and Plaid can't be trusted to deliver transport improvements, and Reform clearly aren't on the side of motorists, do you agree with me that the only way to get Wales moving again is to return a Welsh Conservative Government to Cardiff in May?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Sorry, I can't agree with the Member on this occasion. But, no, I do find that interesting. The Conservatives are promising to deliver an M4 relief road, but haven't been able to cost it yet, and it would come with a huge price tag. Reform are promising to deliver an M4 relief road that will be paid for by motorists. We have secured the funding to be able to deliver a sustainable alternative, and we are powering ahead with the delivery of those new stations and those new rail services. We've got the new six stations that are going to be built in south-east Wales, alleviating congestion on the M4, but crucially as well—crucially as well—we are commencing that M4 resilience study, which will inform the next Government on what more can be done to address congestion on the M4 and to futureproof it in terms of climate change.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Cabinet Secretary, this will likely be the last question I ask you in this current Senedd, so I do want to thank you for your engagement on many issues, and particularly on the issue that I'm about to ask you about, which is transport accessibility. Public transport should be accessible to everyone, but too often a lack of adequate street lighting can put women in vulnerable positions, stopping them from using these services. Similarly, a lack of audio announcements on buses or badly designed stations can make people who are blind or partially sighted more vulnerable, and a lack of lifts can exclude people in wheelchairs from being able to access the network safely. In all of these instances, a vulnerability or an exclusion is created by how our society is designed. There is nothing inevitable about that vulnerability, that exclusion; our choices create them. And there's so much we can do to change them as well. Do you agree with me that TfW, our bus network, local authorities and the next Government must do all that they can to change this and to challenge those assumptions about who is vulnerable in our society and make changes so that public transport truly works for everyone?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

I'm delighted that Delyth has tabled this question, because it gives me another opportunity to thank her for all that she's done. We've worked very well together, I think, on the 'Travel for all' agenda, and we've had numerous meetings about accessibility, and I'm pleased with the progress that we've made. But that progress must be maintained beyond May. I had a quadrilateral meeting earlier this week with other Ministers. Fiona Hyslop is the transport Minister in Scotland and is retiring at this election. I've worked closely with her in this area and, of course, with Heidi Alexander at Westminster. One of the agenda items was safety on public transport. We are all concerned, not just about safety for passengers but also safety for the workforce. I met recently with Unite the Union, who raised concerns about safety for bus drivers and, whether it's perceived or real, it's a major barrier and deterrent for women to become bus drivers. Only 7 per cent of bus drivers in one of Wales's largest bus fleets are women. The fear of going to work should not stop somebody from applying for a job, and so we committed in that quadrilateral to work together beyond elections to ensure that we prioritise safety for passengers and for the workforce.

We've got the access and inclusion panel in place at TfW, we've empowered it as well in the past 24 months, making sure that it's at the centre of all design and delivery, and we're looking at how we can improve safety at and safety to the 23,000 bus stops and bus shelters that we have across Wales. We're carrying out that audit at the moment and, as a result of some of the changes we made around regional transport grants, and specifically active travel grants, more has been done this year on the ground to make important changes, whether it be to apply more tactile paving or improve street lighting, or even some of the simpler things, like making sure that you've got seats along the route to a bus stop—it all makes a difference. Again, whether it's real or perceived, the threat of being abused or attacked is a major barrier to people accessing public transport that we must prioritise and do more on through the coming months and years.

John Griffiths (Labour, Newport East)

Cabinet Secretary, I'm aware that the leader of Monmouthshire County Council wrote to you, I think at the beginning of this month, about the need for a small link road connecting the M48 with the Severn Tunnel Junction park-and-ride train station in Rogiet in my Newport East constituency. That Severn tunnel station is not fully utilised at the moment, and in fact there's quite a big, newly built car park that is largely empty. A link road would make it a much more practical and attractive option for people in south Monmouthshire, particularly, commuting to Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester. I know that you're aware of the issues, Cabinet Secretary, and indeed you've expressed support for such a link road in the past. I just wonder what you can say about next steps that you might take in Welsh Government, working with Monmouthshire County Council, to make that link road a reality.

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

I thank John Griffiths for his question. I'm very supportive of this measure and I have met with the leader of the council on a number of occasions, and the lead member for transport as well. The next stage will be to carry out detailed design before construction. Of course, it will be for the next Government to provide the support for that, but I am very supportive, and I hope that whomever is transport Minister after May will take this work forward at maximum pace, because it is an essential piece of infrastructure and an essential project, I believe, not just for the local authority, but for the wider region as well.

Laura Anne Jones (Reform UK, South Wales East)

Firstly, Cabinet Secretary, can I say ‘thank you’ for the interest you've shown and work you've done on specific issues in my region on transport? It's been great to work with you.

But I'm also glad that you agree with me that this is back-of-the-fag-packet economic policy that we've just heard from the Tories, isn't it? Reform are a party preparing for government with a credible costed plan that is serious about delivering the long-awaited M4 relief road.

'We'll need some sort of relief road'—

words not from me, Cabinet Secretary, but from your own Labour leader of Newport City Council. Many that use the M4 don't have any other option but to use that. For freight, for tourism, for inward investment, for jobs, it is a vital road. This part of the M4 in Newport is the economic gateway, it's the main artery into Wales. We need to unclog it, we need to open it up and provide an M4 relief road that will deliver economic benefits, jobs and ease to my constituents and the people of Wales. Reform will deliver it. Your own party spent millions preparing to build it and then wasted millions of taxpayers’ money when you pulled the plug on it. Don't you agree with me, Cabinet Secretary, that there can be no more delay? We need an M4 relief road in Newport to ensure prosperity, and we need it now. Diolch.

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Laura Anne Jones for her question and also for the many questions and challenges that she's given me over the years, and for organising one of the most interesting site visits that I've had? It was a very, very interesting active travel project that Laura Anne Jones showed me last summer.

Look, I've had some really weird dreams in recent months, but nothing compares to what I've just been seeing between yourself and the Tories, the attack and the counter-attack. When it comes to the M4, this debate has been and gone, and we are ploughing ahead with hugely ambitious plans to improve connectivity by public transport, sustainable connectivity. The cost of building an M4 relief road right now would be enormous, and it does need to be a costed proposition, I believe, and it can't be, whether it's from yourselves or the Conservatives, a back-of-the-fag-packet proposal. And when it comes to making pledges, from Reform there have been so many pledges and then corrections made by Nigel Farage that it seems it's only Nigel Farage that really has a say over policy, and that includes policy here in Wales, I'm afraid.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

4. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve road safety in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr? OQ64006

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

We work closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to improve road safety. Through our grant funding, we are supporting road safety infrastructure schemes, education schemes, and also safer conditions for active travel. We are also progressing work on safety improvements on the trunk road network.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

The A48 between Cross Hands and Carmarthen has an incredibly poor record when it comes to safety. In the 10-year period until 2018, for example, there were almost 900 road traffic collisions recorded, and I've written to the Cabinet Secretary many times on this. Statistically, things are getting worse. There's an average now of about an incident every other day. I find it incredible that it has been six years since the Welsh transport appraisal guidance stage 1 process started in relation to this road. I use these junctions. It is an absolutely frightening experience when you're on your own, and when you have kids in the car as well, it's just completely unacceptable.

The options study was published last week, and that is welcome, but given how slow the process has been to date, when can my constituents in Carmarthenshire expect those options to be acted upon, so we can improve the safety on this road?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Adam for his question? I’d just remind him that over £900,000 has been provided to Carmarthen to deliver road safety capital schemes in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since 2018. That includes on the A485, the B4333, and numerous other roads, and, on top of that, we've also provided revenue funding as well to Carmarthen to deliver road safety initiatives. The Member is absolutely right, it was some time ago that the WelTAG study into the safety of this section of the A48 was commissioned, but I am pleased to say that, as a result of the work that's been carried out, officials are currently appraising a series of road improvements on the A48 between Cross Hands and Carmarthen, and I hope that the next Government will deliver them at pace.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

5. How is the Welsh Government working to improve traffic flow on the M4 around Swansea? OQ63984

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

We're progressing the major asset renewal scheme at junctions 45 to 46 and undertaking a wider M4 resilience review to identify longer term improvements for reliability and congestion. These measures are supported daily by Welsh Government traffic officers, who patrol the M4 and manage incidents quickly to keep traffic flowing around Swansea.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

Can I thank you for that response, Cabinet Secretary, and thank those M4 traffic officers for their work? They do a fantastic job. You will know that I have asked you on a number of occasions about the proposed junction upgrades along the M4—at 45 in Ynysforgan, at 47 in Penllergaer, and at 48 near Pontarddulais—that were promised as part of the M4 relief road package, and then when the M4 relief road was cancelled by the Welsh Government, these junction upgrades in the Swansea area, and in other places along the M4, did not go ahead. I've asked you over the past couple of years, since you've been in this role, to look at that decision again, so that even if the M4 relief road project isn't revitalised by this Welsh Government, these junction upgrades can be, because many of my constituents sit in traffic, in places like Penllergaer and Ynysforgan roundabout, because of the capacity issues that currently exist at those junctions, and that is why these junction upgrades were part of the plan to upgrade the M4 before the M4 relief road project was cancelled. So, given that this is the last question session we have before the Senedd election, you've said in the past you'll look at it, what's the answer?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Well, I'm pleased to say that design and development work is continuing at junctions 45 and 46. In terms of elsewhere on the M4 around Swansea, of course, we've got the resilience study that's going to be informing the incoming Government. In addition to this, we now have a commitment to deliver the Swansea bay and west Wales metro, which will see a series of railway stations opened, and smart electrification across that region, which will help, in turn, alleviate congestion on the roads, not just the M4, but also local roads.

Mike Hedges (Labour, Swansea East)

Motorway traffic flow is affected by junctions, hills, slow-moving lorries and the number of lanes. Where you have hills, only two lanes and junctions close together, you get slow-moving traffic. Around Swansea, there are junctions for the city centre, for Swansea bay and the enterprise zone, at Llandarcy there's the Heads of the Valleys interchange with the M4, and at Ynysforgan, the motorway interchange with the road to the Swansea valley. I have previously suggested that lorries at peak times should not be allowed to use the second lane. Something that would help improve traffic flow is the long-awaited resurfacing of Llangyfelach to Ynysforgan. Is there a date for this resurfacing to take place?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Mike Hedges? He's absolutely right: there are a number of factors that impact on motorway traffic flow, including, as he's outlined, road condition. We, as a Government, have spent considerable sums of money in the past financial year improving the condition of the strategic road network, and indeed local roads as well. We fixed or prevented 200,000 potholes. We know, because of the peak in potholes recently, had we not carried out that work, the roads would have been in far worse condition. So, it's absolutely vital that whomever is elected post May continues that good work in improving road surfaces.

The road surface work that Mike has identified is going to be part of the major asset renewal programme and, once design work has been completed, I will provide specific dates for the resurfacing works to commence. Some sections, particularly between junctions 45 and 46, have been resurfaced recently, specifically the main line eastbound approach and the westbound departure from junction 45, but we're keen to make sure that the condition of the entire stretch is improved.

Vaughan Gething (Labour, Cardiff South and Penarth)

6. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the impact that the approval of the business case for the Cardiff and Newport industrial strategy zone will have on the Cardiff Parkway proposals? OQ63986

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Yes, of course. We're taking forward work in conjunction with the UK Government and with Transport for Wales to deliver this and the other stations across south-east Wales as part of the Burns recommendations. I look forward to working in the future with the region, with the local authority, Transport for Wales and UK Government to see these huge aspirations realised.

Vaughan Gething (Labour, Cardiff South and Penarth)

Thank you for your response, Cabinet Secretary. Can I start by thanking you for your decency, integrity and friendship through my time in this place? Members will be familiar with the Cardiff parkway proposals, not just from my regular questions, but of course it's a business park enabled by a new mainline-access station within the industrial strategy zone. Importantly, it's backed by the Welsh Government, UK Government and the Cardiff capital region. It's now passed through the latest stage of the business case, and I'm keen to see progress made on the wider offer, which has the compound semiconductor cluster at its heart, opportunities here in south Cardiff for science and innovation, and indeed the parkway opportunity itself. The parkway funding confirmation between the UK Government and Welsh Government is hugely important and welcome.

Can I ask the Cabinet Secretary two specific points? The relief line alignment work is a reserved matter and will require partnership with the UK Government and Network Rail to be a success. Can the Cabinet Secretary set out when he expects more detailed design and delivery work to commence on this aspect of the proposal? And what work are his officials undertaking with the Cardiff capital region and Transport for Wales on the role that TfW can play in the delivery and operation of the new station, especially given the work that the award-winning team at TfW has already delivered on the south Wales metro project?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Well, can I thank Vaughan Gething for his question and interest and promotion of this scheme, and also thank him, as he leaves the Senedd at the next election, for his friendship and his enormous contribution over many years to Welsh democracy? The station that Vaughan has championed, Cardiff parkway, is vitally important to the economic future of the region. It will unlock huge job opportunities and provide better connectivity between key communities. I'm pleased to say that the business case is being finalised. I understand it's going to be submitted this month for final approval. Design work will happen and be completed this calendar year, and construction will take place between 2027 and 2029. Vaughan Gething is absolutely right that it will require a one-team approach. So, we've set up a single team to deliver this work, which will see Transport for Wales and Network Rail working together. Transport for Wales will take a particular leadership role in terms of station design. Network Rail, of course, with it being heavy rail, will take leadership of the actual line work, but they will be working seamlessly as one single team across the region.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Andrew R.T. Davies.

Andrew RT Davies (Conservative, South Wales Central)

Thank you, Presiding Officer. I took the chance that you weren't going to call me on that, because we've gone past question 5. Right, I better think—

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

I've caught Andrew R.T. Davies out at last. [Laughter.]

Andrew RT Davies (Conservative, South Wales Central)

Talking of business parks, transport Minister, it's good to hear that Cardiff parkway has made some progress, and not before time, but the key word that the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth used there was that the parkway was enabling the business park to come forward. In my region as a whole, there are several business parks that would benefit from improved transport links. In St Athan, I have pressed you on several occasions why the Welsh Government hasn't been more ferocious in its backing to put the station in the village of St Athan that would enable greater development of the RAF St Athan site and the old Aberthaw site. Now, sadly, the UK Labour Government has not taken any moves to progress this. Under Alun Cairns, the MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, the business case was being developed. After the general election, it was stopped. Why is Welsh Labour so against the station in St Athan?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Well, we regularly discuss this together, Jane Hutt and I, and I'm delighted to say that as a good result of the collaboration between Welsh Government and UK Government, we saw in the publication of 'Today, Tomorrow, Together' a commitment to take forward that station at St Athan. It will be incredibly valuable, again, not just for the immediate community, but for the wider region. I'm delighted that it's happening as a result of the UK Government commitment to deliver that £14 billion package of projects across Wales.

Lee Waters (Labour, Llanelli)

The Cardiff parkway proposals were supported by the Welsh Government on the basis that the rail elements would be fully funded by the private sector. As part of the recently announced shared vision for rail, the Cabinet Secretary announced that the Cardiff parkway will now be funded by the Welsh Government after all, alongside the UK Government and private investors.

In a written answer to me, the Cabinet Secretary said the funding contribution from the Welsh Government would be dependent on the development work. What are the assumptions of the proportion of costs that the Welsh Government has agreed to pay—I can't believe we've signed a blank cheque—and what is the rough working assumption of the amount of finance from the transport budgets that this will need?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

No blank cheque has been signed. It's a shame to be raising questions of this nature, because, actually, it's the jobs that count, it's the opportunity that counts, for people. This will be a major enabler for economic prosperity in the region. The approach that's being taken is an approach that will see private sector funding, UK Government funding and Welsh Government funding deliver. But, obviously, we are keen to maximise the private sector contribution and to ensure, through development work, that we minimise the cost to the taxpayer. But by working together across Governments and with the private sector, we will be taking forward not just five stations in south-east Wales, but six stations, alleviating congestion on the M4 and ensuring that we provide high-quality jobs for people who are currently locked out of the jobs market.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

7. How is the Welsh Government supporting the trunk road network in west Wales? OQ63993

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Our transport strategy sets out our vision to improve transport across Wales. We will deliver this vision in west Wales through the projects set out in our national transport delivery plan. We’re also empowering local leaders through regional transport plans to shape transport priorities that reflect the needs of their communities.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

Cabinet Secretary, you'll be aware that I've raised the A477 trunk road in this Chamber and with you on a number of occasions. It's an arterial route in and out of Pembrokeshire, connecting to key routes such as the M4 and the ferry crossing to Rosslare from Pembroke Dock. One of my proudest achievements during the sixth Senedd has been improving safety at the Nash Fingerpost junction, which, as you are aware, was previously the site of a number of serious accidents and fatalities. This followed persistent nagging from me and a petition with over 10,000 signatures. The smart traffic light system and improvements have been transformational. However, safety issues remain at other key points on this route: speeding at Milton, the Cosheston turning, and whether or not the new signage at the Red Roses junction will make a difference. This is why I've called for a full safety review of the A477 from Pembroke Dock to St Clears. In one of your possibly final acts as Cabinet Secretary for transport, will you sign off that review so that travellers along the A477 have reassurance that that road is safe?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Sam for his question? I'm delighted that this Welsh Labour Government has been investing so heavily in south-west Wales, and specifically in his constituency. Improving roads and fixing roads has been a top priority of the First Minister. As a result of that, we've not just seen new roads open; we've seen roads resurfaced, we've seen potholes fixed and prevented. I'm very pleased to hear what the Member has outlined about the benefits of the A477 Nash improvements. Obviously, a full post-construction monitoring and safety audit will be carried out, but the initial findings are very positive indeed, as the Member has outlined.

Elsewhere on the A477, at Red Roses, we've installed new safety measures at the junction, including, I believe, much improved signalling and signage. We've improved the markings and the bollards to highlight the junction. That's the first, actually, of its kind on the strategic road network in Wales, so it's going to prove to be a pathfinder for other areas. Construction of the speed enforcement lay-by to help reduce vehicle speeds on the road approaches is nearly complete and will be completed in this financial year. We'll carry out, again, a post-scheme monitoring exercise in 2026-27, in line with requirements and the road safety audit process.

Obviously, there are other areas of concern—the Member has outlined them—including the issue of speeding on the A477 at Milton. I believe that officials have confirmed already that a speed survey at that particular point has been funded, so we'll await work from that. Also, we'll be working with GoSafe to investigate whether a speed camera is required on the A477 at Milton.

Mark Isherwood (Conservative, North Wales)

8. What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning to coordinate support for households affected by increased energy prices across north Wales? OQ63998

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

I'm pleased to say that the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip issued a statement just this morning setting out how we're using our own budgets this year to increase support to people facing financial crisis right now, including uplifting the financial assistance that can be provided for off-grid fuel while prices are currently inflated.

Mark Isherwood (Conservative, North Wales)

Diolch. Of course, we go back to your days as senior reporter on the Flintshire Evening Leader. Last week, I was contacted on behalf of pensioners and low-income families in Trelawnyd and surrounding areas in Flintshire, whose heating oil price had risen from £300 to almost £800 for 500 litres, and who are struggling to fill their tanks. In Ynys Môn, 53 per cent of households, and in Gwynedd 49 per cent of households, are not connected to mains gas, many reliant on heating oil for warmth and hot water. Citizens Advice Cymru reports that one local resident in Ynys Môn was quoted £1,000 to fill their heating oil tank, up from £370 just two months previously. This is an overnight crisis for rural families.

The Welsh Government is now set to receive £3.8 million from the UK Government's new heating oil support package, and the Scottish Government said it will more than double the £4.6 million offered to Scotland. Yet the social justice Secretary here, in the statement you referred to, has stated only that the Welsh Government will develop options for deployment of this. How, therefore, will the Welsh Government target that support to reach those most in need? In what form? And will this be limited to those already receiving benefits, which may exclude people on similarly low incomes such as ill health pensions?

Ken Skates (Labour, Clwyd South)

Can I thank Mark Isherwood for his question? Of course, the reason that we're in this situation is because of the conflict that's taking place in the middle east. It's a conflict that I believe the Prime Minister was absolutely right not to commit British forces to. I know that the Conservatives have said that we should've been in there from the start; I believe Keir Starmer has made absolutely the right call in ensuring that British interests are served best.

In terms of the impact that it's having, there are approximately 100,000 households in Wales that rely on heating oil. Yes, many upland and rural communities, including those that Mark Isherwood has identified, are fully reliant on heating oil, including my family members in Cilcain and Pantymwyn, which I know the Member is very familiar with. The proportion across certain constituencies is pretty eye-watering: Isle of Anglesey 21.6 per cent, Gwynedd 16.9 per cent—huge numbers of houses that are dependent on heating oil.

My friend and colleague Jane Hutt will be answering questions shortly, but I can say that this was a subject of discussion at Cabinet on Monday. Jane Hutt is doing all she can to support households that rely on oil for heating and hot water, utilising the money that the UK Government has made available, but also utilising some of our existing funds, which have proven so vital over the years.

When I look to the role of the discretionary assistance fund during COVID, it was a lifesaver. That particular fund will be used, I believe, to deliver two things: the increase in financial assistance, and also they'll be looking at increasing the frequency that people are able to claim support from once to twice in a rolling 12-month period. That's going to be hugely important for households across Wales. But it's perhaps best for me to leave these detailed questions about this particular crisis and the Welsh Government's response to my friend and colleague Jane Hutt.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.

2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The next item will be the questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, and the first question is from Heledd Fychan.

Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

1. How is the Welsh Government supporting third-sector organisations in South Wales Central? OQ63992

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Heledd. We have provided £10.9 million to Third Sector Support Wales in 2025–26 to strengthen support for voluntary organisations across Wales. Of this, almost £800,000 has gone to county voluntary councils in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff and the Vale to help local groups with fundraising, governance, safeguarding and volunteering.

Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Thank you for that response, Cabinet Secretary. You'll be aware of the recent joint statement by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Cwmpas, voicing the clear warnings by Wales's voluntary and social enterprise sectors, which also echo growing evidence I'm hearing from local organisations, of a pending crisis in the availability of funding. Too many organisations who play such a vital role in providing services in our communities are warning that they may not be able to carry on, that they may have to close completely, and the impact this will have on those they support is unimaginable. So, what urgent steps are the Welsh Government taking to protect the third sector and prevent the loss of skilled staff and vital preventative services in the immediate future?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much for your question.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Of course, there's no question that the third sector provides such important and valuable services to communities and people most in need of support. We're aware that the third sector is facing increased demand for services, pressures on income, as you said, rising costs and challenges. I met with the third sector partnership council very recently, which I chair, and heard views from all of the sectors represented. Of course, what has been very important is that we've initiated and issued this new updated code of practice for funding, working to ensure that the third sector particularly benefits from multi-annual funding arrangements, not just from the Welsh Government in terms of the funding that I've already announced, but also encouraging all other statutory partners who fund the sector as well. This is something where I think our community facilities programme, providing capital grants, has been crucially important.

It is a matter of working with the sector to ensure that they can access the support, like the £1.5 million Newid programme. In fact, that is a partnership with the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, ProMo Cymru and Cwmpas to provide support, including coaching and mentoring, training and digital skills. Also, I'm very pleased that we've extended the community asset loan fund with £10.5 million of financial transactions capital. So, there are ways in which we're putting more funding into the third sector, but also stressing the need for authorities who fund the third sector to implement the code of practice.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

2. What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the impact on equality, poverty and prosperity of the rising number of young women aged 19–24 who are not in education, employment or training? OQ63991

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Rhys ab Owen. The Welsh Government delivers employability programmes for young women, such as Communities for Work Plus, Jobs Growth Wales Plus and the economic inactivity trailblazers. These programmes directly support young women by actively engaging with them and delivering tailored assistance to address barriers to employment.

Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Diolch, Cabinet Secretary. There's been good news, according to Welsh Government data, with regard to the number of young men not participating in the economy going down year on year since 2022, but that hasn't been the case when it comes to young women. That has risen year on year since 2022. The percentage of young women in Wales not in education, employment or training is now seemingly worse than it was during lockdown, according to Welsh Government provisional data.

We know, of course, that when women are in poverty, it doesn't just affect them—it's more likely to affect the whole family and lead to children living in poverty, something that we hear often in this place, about the number of children living in poverty in Wales. It will also, of course, follow them throughout their lives. It is estimated that, in the UK, the gender pension gap is twice as big as the gender pay gap. Does the Cabinet Secretary know the reasons for the trend in Wales for young women since 2022, and what is happening to tackle that economic inequality facing women in Wales that appears to be increasing? Diolch yn fawr.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr. The Welsh Government has gathered and reviewed evidence concerning the number of young women aged 19 to 24 who are NEET—not in employment, education or training—and we are considering the impact this trend has had on equality, poverty and Wales's long-term prosperity as we work on both current programmes and the new employability support programme.

I'm sure you're aware of Communities for Work Plus. The mentors that are working locally are proactively engaging with young women. They're engaging with them at leisure centres, school entrances, childcare facilities, family hubs, foodbanks and local events. That's a targeted approach to facilitate meaningful connections with women, particularly mothers and carers, who may face challenges attending scheduled appointments during standard operating hours. Of course, this is a joint effort with the UK Government in terms of the Department for Work and Pensions's responsibility for benefits, conditionality, Jobcentre Plus services, et cetera.

I think we have got some good case studies. For example, a 23-year-old long-term unemployed young woman was referred to Communities for Work Plus by the Rhondda Cynon Taf young adult carers support project. She had been a carer for her mother since the age of six and experienced low social confidence and anxiety about entering the labour market. Support was focused on helping her access voluntary opportunities to build experience, skills and confidence as a first step towards future employment.

But finally, I would say that the young person's guarantee is vital in terms of opportunities for those young people under the age of 25: flexible, tailored pathways back into education, training or work, and recognising that young parents and carers, of course, may need support in terms of access to childcare. And, of course, we have also done some gender budgeting on this with personal learning accounts.

Natasha Asghar (Conservative, South Wales East)

I thank Rhys ab Owen for asking this question, because, Cabinet Secretary, this is another damning indictment of the Welsh Labour Government's 27 years of failure. Not only do we have a health system on its knees, but our education system has geared young people up for unemployment through the lack of focus on attainment, vocational support, or support for their future careers. This is no reflection at all on the hard-working teachers who, day in, day out, do their absolute best for our children and young people, yet have faced untold pressures placed upon them by your Government's policies.

On top of that, it has been shown that national insurance and minimum wage increases, introduced by your Labour colleagues in Westminster, have actually pushed young people out of employment, as employers seek to reduce their hiring costs by cutting back entry-level and part-time roles. Now youth unemployment in Wales stands at 16.3 per cent—up nearly 10 per cent from 2014.

So, Cabinet Secretary, in light of everything I have said so far, would you agree with me that both the Westminster Government and Welsh Government have hindered the outcomes of young women here in Wales? Thank you.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, I know that you're reading a script, which comes before every question from a Conservative, but I do wish, Natasha, that perhaps you'd listen to my answers to Rhys ab Owen, when I am talking about the proactive ways in which we are trying to address the really important issues. I know that we both share that concern about young women—we both share that. Now, let's move proactively and positively on to what we're doing about it. I've mentioned Communities for Work Plus, I've mentioned, of course, the young person's guarantee and the fact that we are working through our new employability support programme.

I think it's really important that we just look at the young person's guarantee, because it's ensuring that young women up to the age of 25 can access co-ordinated support, and it's about reflecting their individual circumstances. And overall, the young person's guarantee has supported 64,000 young people since November 2021, including 10,000 young people progressing into employment.

So, we do want to—. I'm sure that you want to see what is working and progress that. And I think, also, it's important if I just say that the economic inactivity trailblazers—that's working with the UK Government, Neath Port Talbot, Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent, and I know that you will be interested in that—are testing new approaches with young people. And they're looking at barriers to work, such as health conditions, and whether there are caregiving duties and health issues that can actually prevent them from going back to work. But I hope that you will see that, as a result of all these interventions, this is having a positive impact to enable young women to get into work and education.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Questions now from the party spokespeople. Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Sioned Williams.

Sioned Williams (Plaid Cymru, South Wales West)

Diolch, Llywydd. As this Senedd term comes to an end, one failure above all others, I believe, is a stain on its record: after more than a quarter of a century of a Welsh Labour Government, one in three of all children in Wales live in poverty. And the outlook is even more worrying. The Bevan Foundation's analysis in a report published this week shows that child poverty is projected to rise to 34.5 per cent by 2029, even after the welcome and long-overdue scrapping of the two-child cap, and notes that Welsh Government strategies have been too broad, outdated, unfocused and lack measurable targets.

The report also says that many of the most impactful actions taken by various Welsh Labour Governments have been the result of ad hoc agreements with opposition parties, often following public pressure, such as the delivery of universal free school meals for primary children with Plaid Cymru, rather than the result of a strategic approach. So, what does the Cabinet Secretary believe this Government should have done differently as regards its strategy to reduce child poverty?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you for that question, and I welcome the question. I have to say that, having had many, many questions over the years, it's really important to have scrutiny based on evidence and engagement, so I welcome the question, because I have also, obviously, seen this Bevan Foundation report. I always look to the evidence that we can get for those who are at the sharp end. I really do value the Bevan Foundation, and many other organisations, but it's a particularly important social research body that we look to.

I recognise the long way that we need to go in order to address child poverty. We're determined to do all we can to prevent people from falling into poverty, particularly children and young people. But obviously, I would also say that we have worked together very, very constructively, haven't we, in order to roll out free school meals for all our primary school pupils. It's not just that particular initiative, which was part of a strategic co-operation agreement—really important in terms of what that means to tackling poverty—but also, of course, I played my part with the UK child poverty taskforce, and pressed and pressed. I was glad I had support for that, from my Welsh Labour colleagues, and, indeed, from yourselves, and that we got rid of the two-benefit cap, so that 69,000 children now benefit from that and are being brought out of poverty.

So, yes, there is more we can do, but we have invested over £7 billion between 2022 and 2026 to support households, through programmes to alleviate financial pressures. It's very clear that our child poverty strategy, and having that strategy, came through our children's rights Measure, back in 2011. It is really important that we look to that child poverty strategy and deliver on it, because the evidence for those objectives and actions came from children and young people themselves.

Sioned Williams (Plaid Cymru, South Wales West)

Diolch. I want to turn now to this Welsh Government's progress on addressing violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. 'Ask and act' is a key, mandatory training initiative under the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, training public sector staff to identify and respond to abuse, and forms a key part of the Welsh Government's VAWDASV strategy. Freedom of information requests carried out by Welsh Women's Aid have found a huge and alarming inconsistency on take-up of 'ask and act' training across NHS Wales, ranging from 74 per cent in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to 2 per cent in Cardiff and Vale Health Board. Most shockingly, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said they were not aware of 'ask and act' training being available, and therefore had 0 per cent of staff trained. Have you been monitoring take-up of this crucial and mandatory training, and how did you expect your VAWDASV strategy to succeed, given this failure to ensure that staff across health boards are trained to recognise signs of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and to make targeted inquiries to support victims?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Clearly, the training is absolutely vital, because of the statutory duties that local authorities and health boards have under the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act. I think it's very welcome, just in terms of the women's health plan and the women's health hubs that are now being set up, that, in fact, domestic violence is part of the expectations of the health hubs, to look at this from a health perspective. But I think it is important to look at the national training framework, which is part of our violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy—the national training framework. We've provided £1.6 million via that framework for VAWDASV, to ensure professionals across the public and third sectors can access that relevant training. It's statutory guidance that they must address this training. Contracts have been awarded for the training for the coming year. Of course, 'ask and act' is the process of a targeted inquiry across the relevant authorities that are named in the VAWDASV Act. We've done an evaluation of VAWDASV, and have also developed, as a result of that, very bespoke bystander intervention programme training as well. Of course, working very closely with our specialist sector, Welsh Women's Aid, BAWSO, who sit on our national strategy board, which I co-chair with Emma Wools, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, we see where we need to ensure that we have comprehensive delivery, statutorily based, and, particularly, training is very important.

Sioned Williams (Plaid Cymru, South Wales West)

You didn't answer my question as to whether you would be monitoring whether that training had happened. Perhaps you can address that in your next reply.

One of the other main failures, I would say, of consecutive Welsh Labour Governments, which has contributed to the undermining of your social justice policies, has been the failure to devolve justice to Wales. We have often spoken, haven't we, Cabinet Secretary, in these question sessions, about the effect of the jagged edge on some of the most vulnerable Welsh citizens.

The Thomas commission on justice in Wales made 78 recommendations. Yet, as was highlighted in Dr Rob Jones's recent report, presented to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, which provided an update on the progress made against each of the commission's recommendations since 2019, only three have been fully implemented. Women in the justice system, as we know, are particularly affected. In 2024 38 per cent of women on trial in the Crown Court were remanded in custody—the highest rate since records began—while immediate custodial sentences for women rose by 13 per cent, and short sentences increased by 51 per cent.

In his conclusion, Dr Rob Jones states, and I quote:

'it is regrettable that the Commission’s report has not acted as a stronger intellectual basis and guiding influence over the Welsh Government's work on justice during the Sixth Senedd. Although its ambition to pursue legislative devolution has ultimately been frustrated by the UK Government’s unwillingness to engage seriously on constitutional matters, the Welsh Government’s failure to implement the recommendations that fall squarely within its remit undoubtedly represents a missed opportunity'.

Why, in your view, hasn't there been progress on this during the sixth Senedd?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, the progress that has been made, when it is a jagged edge, and you're quite right, justice is not devolved—. Where we do have responsibilities, we developed a blueprint, with the UK Government, and Ministry of Justice, to deliver a women's justice blueprint. And as a result of that, investment and support for women, to keep them out of the justice system, has been very effective.

But also I have to say Dr Robert Jones's last fact file showed very worrying trends in terms of women being caught in the justice system, particularly into remand and short-stay sentences, which are totally counterproductive in terms of women, their own circumstances, and particularly children. We then held a round-table, which Rob Jones—Dr Jones—spoke at, with people from the courts, from the police, from social services, from health, from the specialist sector, where we discussed how we could overcome these issues.

Of course, we are making progress with a residential women's centre in Swansea, and I hope you have seen the report that was published on Tuesday, in terms of the women's justice board, on which we had a Welsh representative, and some very important recommendations, which are very much in line with the issues that we want to address.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Welsh Conservative spokesperson, Altaf Hussain.

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, as this is the last time I will be questioning you in this manner, I just wanted to thank you for all the briefings et cetera over the years. And while we did not always agree with each other, our dealings have been professional and courteous.

In the closing minutes of the sixth Senedd, we should take an opportunity to look back at our achievements over the past five years. One of your priorities was making Wales safer for women and children. How do you think this has gone?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, and thank you for your kindness and courtesy, indeed, in your shadow role in terms of social justice, which has also been very beneficial, because we can always learn from each other and progress together.

I'm very frustrated in terms of the fact that we still live in a time when women continually—. Well, the state of violence against women is as bad as ever, if not getting worse. And I think this is a symptom of the society that we live in, and therefore—. And we've just had very relevant questions about our interventions in terms of, not only groundbreaking legislation such as the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, 10 years on, but statutory duties, monitoring, on every front, and I will say absolutely monitoring on training as well to all those who have statutory duties.

But it's actually also really important that we do see this as a priority. I think actually it is a priority that is shared across this Chamber—it has been—in terms of support for the White Ribbon campaign every year, and also recognising that this is something where we need to have local government, we need to have more powers in relation to justice, and also to the specialist sector, and of course funding to the specialist sector has increased year on year.

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Sadly, the evidence shows that Wales is not safe. Across the United Kingdom last year, 90 women were murdered by their partners; 10 of those were in Wales. We have seen an uptick in sexual violence in Wales, and over 40,000 women and girls falling victim to stalking and sexual harassment. One of the root causes is the huge rise in misogyny amongst Gen Z men and boys: 16 to 24-year-old men are far more likely to believe that women should obey them than any other current generations. This is partly fuelled by social media algorithms—the likes of Meta and TikTok algorithms—for their generation. With the likes of Meta and TikTok making decisions that allow more harmful content on people's feeds, after internal research into their algorithms showed how outrage fuels engagement and therefore bolsters their balance sheets, how are you working across Government to combat this worrying trend?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Altaf Hussain. Of course, it's quite clear that Welsh Government has always been absolutely committed to ending all violence against women and girls, and that's why we've got the programme of government commitment to strengthening the VAWDASV strategy. It actually includes a focus not just on violence against women in the home, but in the street and the workplace, to make sure that Wales is a safe place for women to live.

I think this is something where the interventions that we've been discussing are really important, like our Live Fear Free helpline, a free 24/7 service for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Also, it's raising awareness of stalking, harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls in all aspects of life.

But I'm glad you've also recognised and focused on the rise of misogyny. I've said this is a societal problem. I'm also pleased that we have invested in our Sound campaign, which is directly targeting men, engaging men, and young men particularly, to try and address this toxic masculinity that leads to misogyny and abuse of women.

I think this is something where—. Only two weeks ago, we were out on the steps marking the anniversary of the horrific killing of Sarah Everard. Only this last week, we saw the horrendous headlines of the young woman who was murdered by her husband out of jealousy and buried in the garden. I mean this is horrific for the twenty-first century and where we are today. But I'm glad you've mentioned those issues, because this is about education and ensuring that our children grow up to be ethical and informed citizens who respect each other. That is absolutely the point and the objective of our curriculum, which is now rolling out across Wales for three-year-olds upwards, and is making a difference.

Altaf Hussain (Conservative, South Wales West)

I'm grateful, Cabinet Secretary. Of course, the majority of levers to tackle the rise of sexual violence lie within Westminster. However, with a number of high-ranking Labour MPs currently being investigated for sexual violence or links to paedophiles, can we really trust them to address the issue head on? A whistleblower has highlighted how senior Labour figures prevented investigations into rape gangs in a number of cities across the United Kingdom. I believe the best way to protect women and girls is for an independent Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs. Cabinet Secretary, will you join me in supporting victims and survivors by calling on the next Welsh Government to urgently set up such an inquiry? Thank you very much.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

We've just launched our 10-year strategy for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. I hope you will have seen that. The focus remains on delivering the recommendations of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. It is important that we let that child sexual abuse strategy now be implemented.

Mabon ap Gwynfor (Plaid Cymru, Dwyfor Meirionnydd)

3. What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the provision of sexual assault support services in north Wales? OQ64003

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Mabon am Gwynfor, for your very important question.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Over this Senedd term we've provided over £1 million in funding for specialist violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence organisations in north Wales, as well as over £2 million in capital funding for the domestic abuse safety unit. In addition, we've provided over £3.8 million in core funding to the north Wales VAWDASV region.

Mabon ap Gwynfor (Plaid Cymru, Dwyfor Meirionnydd)

I've been made aware of cases in north Wales where victims, including children and young people, are having to travel out of area to Merseyside for forensic medical examinations following sexual assault due to a shortage of forensic medical examiners in north Wales. One recent victim was the subject of a drug rape on a Thursday, but couldn't attend the sexual assault referral centre until the afternoon of the Saturday, as there was no forensic medical examiner available in north Wales. This meant that she was not able to wash for 36 hours and no bloods were taken until the Saturday, which is crucial when drugs are allegedly used. Given the distress this causes and the barriers it creates to engage with the criminal justice system, what urgent action are you taking to improve access to sexual assault referral centres and, more importantly in this case, ensure sufficient FME provision in north Wales?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, it's very regrettable that you have to bring this horrific account that that survivor has suffered, and thank you for sharing it with us. It just shows the scale of the problem that we've got to address, and it is a serious problem where all in authority have got to take responsibility. I think, just in terms of north Wales, the Welsh Government provides revenue and funding to specialist organisations. I know you're aware of the rape and sexual abuse support centre and Stepping Stones. They offer dedicated support to survivors of sexual violence. But, again, for future funding—because funding is often also underpinning access to that support that that survivor needed—we're doing a Wales-wide review and mapping exercise of support services and access for victims of sexual assault.

Can I just draw attention briefly to the independent sexual violence advisers? They're vital in supporting victims of sexual violence through the criminal justice system. They are there with the survivor. And just to say, of course, as I've said, tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence has to be a shared responsibility. It has to have sustained commitment and investment from all partners, including policing, the courts and the justice system.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

There were profound concerns around mass redundancies and closures of rape crisis centres, which were facing a funding cliff edge in March 2026. There I should make it clear—. These, I should make clear—sorry—are funded by the UK Government through the Ministry of Justice. Thanks to the work of campaigners, they were able to secure funding for a further two years, but this highlights the importance of the Welsh Government plugging gaps left by the UK Government through the sexual assault referral centres, or SARCs, funded through the NHS. Sadly, the depressing trend shows demand on sexual assault support services rising, and waiting lists for counselling can be lengthy. Third sector organisations, such as RASASC, or Stepping Stones for child victims, provide essential support and it's vital and sometimes life-saving that support is provided to victims immediately. So, how is the Welsh Government supporting the work of charities in north Wales supporting victims of rape and sexual assault and ensuring that victims are fully aware of and referred to the help that's available to them?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you for that very important and relevant follow-up question, Gareth. In this financial year, we've allocated over £10 million in revenue and £3 million in capital to support violence against women and sexual violence services. We must go back to statutory duties here. It is the statutory duty of the local authorities in north Wales and the health board, Betsi Cadwaladr. They’ve got a legal duty. And this is not often recognised—30, 40 years ago we had none of these legal duties, so groups just had to campaign. We have legal duties on these bodies to assess and meet the needs of their population, and that does include the provision of sexual assault services. Now we want to strengthen and reinforce this responsibility, so we're consulting on statutory guidance, but, again, as I say, in north Wales, we do support revenue funding, as I said, to those organisations you've mentioned, RASASC and Stepping Stones.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

4. What discussions will the Cabinet Secretary have with the Counsel General and the UK Government following the Senedd vote on the LCM on the Crime and Policing Bill? OQ64010

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Adam. The Crime and Policing Bill supports crucial commitments that would benefit Welsh citizens, including respect orders, a stand-alone offence of assaulting a retail worker, and strengthens powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, crime and terrorism. So, it was disappointing that the Senedd voted against this Bill last week, which, of course, the Welsh Government supported.

Adam Price (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

Yes, but the question is: what is going to happen now, Cabinet Secretary? Because the Bill is at Report Stage in the House of Lords. If there are going to be changes, they have to happen now, in the next few days. So, can you tell us what discussions you've had with the UK Government? What suggestions have you made as a Government following the LCM vote as to changes that you are proposing? Will you bring a statement to the Senedd next week? Because, obviously, we're facing dissolution. And based on the discussions that you've already had with the UK Government, do you expect them to respect the Sewel convention? There are discussions about putting that Sewel convention on a firmer basis. Those discussions are ongoing, but they're not currently concluded. Is it your expectation that the UK Government, in this case, will respect the Sewel convention, and what options are you putting on the table in order to reflect the vote in the Senedd?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, of course, that vote was incredibly disappointing—incredibly disappointing—because it is those crucial commitments that will benefit Welsh citizens. I've mentioned already that I spoke with them last week. I was very disappointed, because I offered briefings, I met with colleagues. And this is something where, of course, it's for the Senedd Commission to contact the UK Parliament to inform them of the outcome of the vote. Officials have been in touch with UK Government counterparts to inform them of the result, and points that were raised during the debate, of course, have been shared with them and they'll be discussed. The other thing is that, as I said last week, I'm really grateful to the local government and constitution committees, because we went back and forth, we had supplementary LCMs, I responded to correspondence, and I really wanted to try and get this LCM discussed so that we could have those powers in Wales. Obviously, I listened to concerns and responded to them.

So, this is a very difficult place, but I have to say the worry is that this Bill was seeking to protect children and vulnerable adults, created new offences of child criminal exploitation, cuckooing and coerced internal concealment, new offences about taking intimate images without consent, making grooming behaviour a statutory aggravating factor—why was this not recognised across this Chamber? Very disappointing. Yes, it's something where we did debate, and I heard your concerns, but this Bill was something at the end of our sixth administration, sixth Senedd, that could have given more enhanced powers and reforms to policing accountability.

Tom Giffard (Conservative, South Wales West)

I appreciate, Minister, you're disappointed by the outcome of the vote, but Adam Price asked you about the consequences of that vote, and you went on to relitigate the arguments that we had had previously. The Senedd heard those arguments and decided not to provide consent to the Crime and Policing Bill. It does seem like the UK Government isn't going to change course in any way as a result of the refusal of the legislative consent motion here in the Senedd. It doesn't seem that the Welsh Government is making the case to put the Senedd's voice forward in order to do that either. It seems really clear that when this has happened in the past, there have been Conservative Governments in Westminster and Ministers in this Chamber have gone so far as to call the overlooking of an LCM by a UK Government an assault on devolution, but that language is completely absent in your response today and the response of the wider Welsh Government. So, why is it that you are so determined to pull your punches when it comes to standing up for Wales against a UK Labour Government?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Why is it that you did not discuss with me the issues? I'm really disappointed. I had a meeting with Altaf Hussain. No mention was made to me. No mention was made to me about questions. [Interruption.] No mention was made to me about questions. I'm really interested, because I do think we need to look at this. This is the end of this administration. I have to say, as far as the Lord's debate, the UK Government Conservatives, and the issues that Altaf raised, they just noted issues that were of concern. They did not make the points that were made last week, which came to me out of the blue. I had no previous discussion on these issues, because I would have wanted us to be able to agree to get this LCM through. Yes, we're in a very difficult situation, and it is now for the Senedd Commission, as I said, to contact the UK Parliament to inform them of the outcome of the vote. And, as I said, we are talking to the UK Government, but it's very difficult to know what we can do in the last few days.

Lesley Griffiths (Labour, Wrexham)

5. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on her discussions with the UK Government regarding a new approach to tackling female offending? OQ64001

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you, Lesley Griffiths. I meet regularly with the UK Government justice Ministers and consistently advocate for the opening of the residential women’s centre in Swansea. Positively, the recently published national women’s justice board report recommended to the Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor that the centre is a test site for accommodation at point of remand.

Lesley Griffiths (Labour, Wrexham)

I'm pleased to hear you're continuing to have those discussions, but it is incredibly disappointing that we still do not have a women's centre in Swansea. I heard you say in an answer last week, in your Trefnydd role, that the building and planning permission has been confirmed. I know this has cross-party support right across Swansea, and it is simply not good enough that we still don't have this provision in Wales. By now, I was hoping we would either have, or we would be planning, similar provision in north Wales. I know how committed you are to these services, and there is clearly something holding back progress. So, perhaps you could have a further discussion with the UK Government, in the last few days of this administration, because it is up to the UK Government to be responsible for ensuring provision extends to the whole of Wales.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you for that question. Over the last few days, I have been having discussions with the UK Government. I met with Lord Timpson two weeks ago and stressed the urgency about getting progress on the residential women's centre. Yesterday, I met with Ian Barrow, the chief executive of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service in Wales, and also, last week, I met with Lady Edwina Grosvenor and Claire Hubberstey of the Hope Street women's centre in Southampton, along with Bernie Bowen-Thomson, the chief executive of Safer Wales.

Actually, the Hope Street model is mentioned in the women's justice board recommendations, and this is something that is in the public domain, so I hope colleagues who are interested in this will have seen it. I was pleased to see that the residential women's centre in Swansea could be a test centre for women on remand. We've just got to make that progress now, and the strength of feeling in this Senedd, I know, is helpful to put that pressure on in the last few days.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Conservative, Aberconwy)

Of course, the UK Government did announce a boost of funding to divert women from a life of crime: a £31.6 million funding boost was used to offer drug, employment and housing support. We know that there are no prisons in Wales for women and there's a lack of specialised facilities, and this hinders rehabilitation. The Welsh Government and the former UK Conservative Government had been working to introduce a centre to house women sentenced to custody, with additional funding of £2.5 million being provided in 2020—so, almost six years ago. So, can you just answer me, for two years, now, you've had your Labour Government in No.10, can you tell me why you haven't progressed this initiative much sooner? It's a long time, two years, for those women whose lives could be turned around.

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Yes. I've mentioned the women's justice blueprint, and it was a blueprint where we worked with the former Conservative Government to develop both a women's blueprint and a youth justice blueprint, with five-year implementation plans. The women's justice blueprint has had some really important outcomes: diversion schemes for vulnerable women across all four police forces as a result of that investment. I've mentioned the domestic violence independent advisers. They are in the prisons outside of Wales—we don't have a women's prison and I hope that we will never have a women's prison in Wales—in HMP Eastwood Park and HMP Styal, so that women can get support. Also, in Wales, of course, we ensure that women serving custodial sentences can remain on Buvidal to treat opioid dependence. We've got an engagement programme with magistrates, sentencers and other key court professionals. And we have an all-Wales women in justice board.

I urge you to read this, Janet Finch-Saunders, because it will show you clearly the recommendations to the UK Government for action now, which I know the Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor have seen. It's an independent report, but published by the Ministry of Justice. I'm glad that the Welsh Government has funded the really pioneering Visiting Mum initiative and the family ties scheme at both HMP Eastwood Park and HMP Styal, which, of course, serves women from north Wales.

This is something where I'm frustrated that we haven't made more progress. The key thing—and I hope that everyone across this Chamber will back me on this—is that we should get some clarity about the opening of our residential women's centre in south Wales, and then we can go and make sure that that can be replicated in north Wales, as well.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

6. How is the Welsh Government alleviating fuel poverty? OQ63994

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Samuel Kurtz. The Welsh Government is here to help struggling households, and today, I issued a statement setting out how we're acting now to increase support for people in financial crisis, including temporarily uplifting the financial assistance for our off-grid fuel while prices are inflated, using our own budgets this year.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

Well, Cabinet Secretary, the ongoing conflict in the middle east has once again exposed how vulnerable heating oil prices are to external shocks, but I was pleased to see that even the RenewableUK chief executive has urged Ed Miliband to increase North sea oil and gas production.

According to figures from Citizens Advice, 75 per cent of households in Ceredigion and 41 per cent in Pembrokeshire are off grid, with the vast majority relying on heating oil to heat their homes. I've been contacted by constituents regarding the actions of BoilerJuice, which has confirmed orders, taken payment, and then cancelled deliveries, citing market movements, leaving customers without fuel they believed they had secured and potentially in breach of contract. For vulnerable and rural households, this is not only distressing, but risks pushing them further into fuel poverty. So, what work are you doing to lobby the UK Government to increase, firstly, North sea production and support off-grid homes from either price gouging or poor business practices?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Well, thank you for the welcome of the action—I presume you're welcoming the action that's been taken, the £3.8 million that's coming to help households in terms of access to their heating oil. Indeed, I met with the UK Minister for Energy Consumers today to express thanks for the funding that they're providing next year, to explain the support that is available here in Wales, and also to urge him to work with the CMA, the Competition and Markets Authority, about exactly the issues that you're raising in terms of, for example, the need for a regulator. There isn't a regulator for off-grid fuel, and I hope that you would agree with me that that's something that we should be calling for. I certainly was today.

It is important that we look at how we can reach out to those households that need support now. We can do that via our discretionary assistance fund. Just to say that I've allocated an extra £1 million to the discretionary assistance fund this year, it now totals £39.5 million, and that we will be increasing the number of payments in terms of access to the discretionary assistance fund, but also the Fuel Bank Foundation, to which we're allocating funding for their support. So, it's something where I'm sure that we can make a difference to meet the needs of those households. I, of course, totally refute your point about North sea oil. This is where we need to work on what we've got, and, indeed, our renewables are crucial.

Joyce Watson (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your answer, but also the UK Government for its swift action in this space and the £3.8 million that will now be available to support those in my area who are very dependent on oil, not just to heat their homes, but to fuel them absolutely in terms of cooking and all the other things. We know that the price cap for those who are on grid is already going to come into force, so those people have already been protected, but these people aren't protected.

I've had lots of people contacting me who are really nervous, and I've heard about people whose deliveries have been stopped, but were paid for, and people who are being held to ransom virtually by a threefold price increase. So, there are many aspects to this, but the greatest help that we can give is the help that we are giving. What I would like to know, because we are offering significant help with an uplift to £750 per person now, which is available to them, is: what are we going to do to inform those people of the help that is there for the most vulnerable who should be receiving it and who should be claiming it?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much, Joyce Watson, and thank you for that question. You raised it as a question earlier on this week, once the £3.8 million was announced. What is important is that I have issued this written statement today, and can I urge everyone to share that written statement as widely as possible, and encourage everyone who's struggling to contact Advice Link Cymru's 'Claim what's yours' helpline, checking what financial support they're entitled to? Of course, this is about not just access to the discretionary assistance fund, the Fuel Bank Foundation. On the discretionary assistance fund, we actually have 500 partners who are the partners who can refer people for application to the discretionary assistance fund, and they cover the third sector, local authorities, they include MPs and Senedd Members, organisations, welfare rights associations, and the voluntary organisations. So, this is now reaching everyone who's engaged with people who may be vulnerable, but I do ask colleagues across the Chamber to promote this written statement.

Just to again make the point that, for those who use off-grid fuel, we're temporarily uplifting the amount to £750 per award and increasing the frequency these payments can be provided from once to twice in a rolling 12-month period, a minimum of three months apart. Also, in terms of the Fuel Bank Foundation's national heat fund scheme, that's providing fuel vouchers for deliveries of oil or gas for those not connected to the main gas network. So, that should continue to support households in Wales, particularly in the rural areas that are affected.

Cefin Campbell (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales)

7. How is the Welsh Government supporting families at risk of poverty? OQ64005

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Cefin. We support families across Wales, including Mid and West Wales, targeting help to those in need. This includes investing in Flying Start, the single advice fund, the childcare offer, and the discretionary assistance fund. We’ve invested over £7 billion to ease financial pressures and boost household incomes, making a positive difference in people’s pockets.

Cefin Campbell (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales)

Cabinet Secretary, I'd like to discuss fuel poverty in particular, and follow on from the numerous points already raised by colleagues. In Caerfyrddin, around 57 per cent of households are not connected to the gas grid, including—I will declare an interest—my home in the Tywi valley, compared to the 15.7 per cent average across Great Britain. This figure rises to 72 per cent in Ceredigion Preseli. Inevitably, therefore, there will be far more families in west Wales dependent on heating oil, the price of which has, in many cases, more than doubled in the past week, as you know, because of Trump's reckless, aimless and illegal war in Iran. And let's not forget how quickly the Conservatives and Reform started dancing to the Trump war drum, going as far as calling for the UK to join in offensive attacks. I've got to be honest; this energy crisis is collectively theirs to own. We've already heard about the support made available by the UK Government for the most vulnerable households for heating oil, and it's welcome—

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

You need to ask the question now, please.

Cefin Campbell (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales)

I'm coming to the question.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Now, please.

Cefin Campbell (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales)

In terms of struggling families, does the Welsh Government therefore accept that those classed as vulnerable is insufficient to address fuel insecurity in rural areas, or are you content to allow families in these communities to be pushed further into poverty?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

I absolutely agree with you, Cefin, about the real risks in the communities that you represent. Just looking at the census for 2021, Ceredigion is the highest of those in terms of reliance on heating oil, at 35.30 per cent, Powys is at 27.70 per cent, Carmarthenshire 23.70 per cent, Pembrokeshire 22. West Wales is, as Joyce Watson has said, the most vulnerable in terms of those circumstances.

I can assure you that this extra money in this year and in next year, the £3.8 million, will be going to those households, who can access the support through the discretionary assistance fund and Fuel Bank Foundation. I can give you, and I will following this meeting, information about all of those who are authorised to ensure that households can contact them to get access to the discretionary assistance fund.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Finally, question 8, Paul Davies.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire)

8. What is the Welsh Government doing to support the voluntary sector in Preseli Pembrokeshire? OQ63989

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Diolch yn fawr, Paul Davies. We've have provided £10.9 million to Third Sector Support Wales in 2025–26 to strengthen support for voluntary organisations across Wales. Of this, £224,000 has gone to Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services to help local groups with fundraising, governance, safeguarding and volunteering.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Cabinet Secretary, at the end of last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, which, as you know, plays a crucial role in strengthening local communities in Pembrokeshire by providing advice, guidance and practical support to organisations and individuals who give their time to help others. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day in the lives of people across the county.

They are currently running a campaign to promote Village Halls Week, which, as luck would have it, is taking place this week and shines a spotlight on the contribution that village halls make to rural communities. So, Cabinet Secretary, will you join me in thanking the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services for the outstanding partnership work that it does across Pembrokeshire, and will you also join me in celebrating Village Halls Week by recognising the vital role that they play in our local communities?

Jane Hutt (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan)

Thank you very much. That is an extremely positive last question. I hope it is, Deputy Llywydd, my last question this afternoon. I absolutely join you in celebrating Village Halls Week and all the village halls across Wales. Can I just make one point? I mentioned the funding that we give to our county voluntary councils; there is no such funding happening anywhere else in the UK. In Wales, through thick and thin, through your austerity, for 14 years, we have continued to fund our county voluntary councils, and we've funded them because they do such good work. And can I just say, Paul, that I know you'd welcome—? Can I just say that Eglwyswrw Village Association, which is in your patch, was funded—? This is a very positive last message. It was funded £19,500 in September 2023 to refresh the old school building with new windows and doors to improve the energy efficiency. One of the project's key partners is Eglwyswrw Heritage Society. They were struggling to keep that village hall warm. I won't go on to all of the other village halls in your constituency, but that is the result of funding from the community facilities programme. I do encourage colleagues across the Chamber to continue to access the community facilities fund, because it makes such a difference to those village halls. Diolch yn fawr.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Although it might have been your last OMQ, I'm sure it's not going to be your last contribution in this Senedd.

3. Questions to the Senedd Commission

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 3 is questions to the Senedd Commission. I call on Samuel Kurtz to ask question 1.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

1. What preparations has the Commission made for supporting Senedd business, including Plenary meetings, in the Seventh Senedd? OQ63999

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

The Commission has undertaken procedural and practical steps to support the seventh Senedd in undertaking its business. Members will be aware of the work that the Business Committee has undertaken regarding changes to the Standing Orders and its legacy report. We hope that the report can inform the deliberations of the next Business Committee. As well, the work to complete this Chamber has been undertaken, and officials are continuing to work behind the scenes to monitor all aspects and further development of the facilities for the next Senedd.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

Thank you very much, Llywydd.

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

Recognising the work of the Business Committee and the work on the Standing Orders, I've learnt a lot over the last five years that I've been here, and I think there's a lot that this Senedd can do a little bit better to make sure that it represents Wales a little bit more. So, maybe I could share some of the thoughts that I have in how this place can do that little bit better.

I take the visit we had to the Dáil, at Leinster House, where the time limit actually clocks down, and the Ministers are timed, as well, in their ministerial replies, which I think would be quite welcome by some Members in this place. I think, for me as well, I would like to see the end of hybrid Chamber contributions, but at a minimum, I would want to see the end of Members coming in for First Minister's questions, getting their clip for social media, then being able to nip home and vote online. I think that does a disservice to the people who elect us to this place.

And finally, the working week. We meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 13:30. I think we need to extend that working week, going forward. I think we need to be meeting on a Thursday as we go forward. Other Parliaments in the United Kingdom sit for longer during those Plenary weeks. I think it's quite right that we, as a Welsh Parliament, sit longer representing the people of Wales. Just a few of my thoughts, Llywydd, for the seventh Senedd.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

I look forward to seeing those thoughts clipped for social media. As you say, it's becoming a habit of many Members in this Senedd. Thank you for your thoughts. Some of those thoughts have been part of our considerations as a Business Committee. Some of them, you'll be pleased to know, have made it into the legacy report of the Business Committee. The Business Committee is, in that legacy report, recommending—because we can only recommend—to the next Senedd that it meets on a Thursday as well, in a three-week cycle of meetings that includes Thursday for committee and for constituency work as well. I hope, possibly, that we'll both be returning to that Senedd. Before then, I'll see you on the streets and in the villages and towns of Ceredigion Penfro, where we'll be campaigning to make sure that we are elected into the seventh Senedd. As you know, Samuel Kurtz, they're your thoughts for now and they have been discussions we've had in the Business Committee, but they will be, finally, matters for the seventh Senedd. I might see you there, I might not.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

2. What plans does the Commission have to improve facilities for breastfeeding in the Senedd? OQ64016

Joyce Watson (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you, Julie, for that question, and for your continued pressure on us to do something about this, and from Jenny Rathbone, too. I welcome it, because the Commission is committed to ensuring the Senedd is welcoming and inclusive, and that of course includes breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on this estate and it's promoted on our website, but we have to recognise that the signage isn't clear, and that was brought up at our Commission meeting this week. So, there is a commitment that that signage will be changed.

There was also recognition that there is a breastfeeding room available—if you can find it, that is—and it is dedicated. The trouble is it's actually shared, and the only facility as far as I can see in it is a breastfeeding chair, which is wholly inadequate. What I would like to see as the Commissioner who's been responsible for this now for 10 years is a real commitment from the Commission to upgrade those facilities, to make them clearer, to put in, as my colleague who's talking over there, Janet Finch-Saunders, suggested, some washing facilities and toilet facilities as well for parents with their children that they're trying to breastfeed.

So whilst I can't change things now, I do strongly recommend that this issue is taken seriously. It's a recommendation in the family-friendly Parliament report that I chaired. We can't call ourselves truly inclusive if what we provide to mothers who are breastfeeding is wholly inadequate, and in my view it is wholly inadequate.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

I thank Joyce Watson very much for that response. I think she's made some very important points. I recently walked around the Senedd building looking out for anything that would make us think, ‘Oh, this is a breastfeeding-friendly building’. I know Joyce has already mentioned that there is a room, a quiet room with a chair in, but there is no way of anyone knowing that that chair is there, as far as I can see. There is no signage to say that if you need somewhere quiet for breastfeeding—although you are welcome to do it anywhere on the Senedd estate—there is a private place that you can go. I wondered if she had thought of signage to enable women to find the particular place. There is a sign in the Senedd cafe to say that breastfeeding is welcome, but personally I think that sign, although it is a universal sign, could be clearer. I also wonder if there is such a sign in the Members’ canteen, for example. I'm not sure there is a sign there either. I think it's absolutely right that there should be a real effort made now to ensure that everybody knows that this is a breastfeeding establishment, and that we really welcome breastfeeding, because—

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Thank you, Julie.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

—it's so important for our children.

Joyce Watson (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

I couldn't agree more, especially since there is now going to be a dedicated crèche facility onsite. It would be a good thing if we married both things up together.

Jenny Rathbone (Labour, Cardiff Central)

I'm very glad to hear that there is now a sign in the cafe that says that breastfeeding is welcome here. Clearly, it needs to be a bit larger, because I haven't yet spotted it. I think there are two things here. It's nearly 40 years since I had my first child. I was the shop steward in the television company where I worked and I was told that I wasn't to come back to negotiate with my daughter whilst I was discreetly breastfeeding under a shawl, which is completely ridiculous. This is a normal activity that all women who are having babies need to be doing. So, I do think there's a change of culture as well as a venue that should be available to those who wish to breastfeed privately. But it should be perfectly possible for people to be able to breastfeed either in the cafe or near the Lego, which is, if you've got an older child, obviously where you need to be. There are places where people should feel that it's a perfectly normal activity. And breasts are for feeding, not for selling newspapers.

Joyce Watson (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you for that, but that is the case on this estate. It is perfectly acceptable for people to breastfeed anywhere in the building. What is letting it down, in my view, is the signage, which isn't prominent, and also the facilities that are provided at the moment need improving—there is no getting away from that. And as I said, whilst I can't change those things now in this role, because I'm stepping down and away from it, I am supported by other colleagues who will be staying. And also, in terms of the 'Report of the Family-Friendly and Inclusive Parliament Review'—that highlights this as well.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

And question 3, Hannah Blythyn.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

3. Will the Commission provide an update on the Senedd's procurement and promotion of Welsh food and drink on the Senedd estate? OQ64013

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

Welsh produce is a requirement written into our catering services contract with ESS Compass, and we monitor performance on a regular basis. At present, 76 per cent of all food and drink on the Senedd estate is of Welsh provenance. We continue to work with a contractor to sustain and, where possible, improve that level while promoting Welsh food and drink across the estate. And we're confident that we will see progress and that a percentage of 80 per cent is achievable.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

Thank you for that response.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

We have a growing and fantastic food and drink offer here in Wales today, from some wonderful Welsh wines to the development of distilleries and microbreweries and more. And I know you have the award-winning Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard in your own constituency, Llywydd. I'd like to see us try and find opportunities to do more to support and showcase this sector on the Senedd estate. For example, why not have guest or featured products in the shop, rotating through the new Senedd constituencies during the course of the seventh Senedd?

We could also play our part in promoting Welsh wine and other products in what is served at events, and also when we have visiting guests from either here at home, or from further afield. We really should be shining a spotlight on Welsh products in our Welsh Parliament, and I think there's a huge opportunity here. So, I'd be grateful, Llywydd, if you could outline how and when will the Commission make this happen. Diolch.

Elin Jones (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion)

It seems to be a session for Members to suggest ideas for the next Senedd, and we're getting some great ideas. And, yes, as I said, we're working with the catering contractor to up the game again from 76 per cent, as I mentioned, in terms of food and drink products sourced from Wales, to beyond 80 per cent. I particularly like the idea that you've just mentioned of having guest products in a cyclical way, perhaps matched to new constituencies, and that that could be a way of highlighting new products and award-winning products, such as the Llaethliw vineyard in my constituency.

I'm perfectly happy to offer up Ceredigion Penfro as the first constituency to possibly be on that guest producers list, if I'm here, of course, to represent that constituency. But, yes, I agree that we need to be promoting food and drink from Wales more within our Senedd and more within Wales more generally and beyond.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Thank you to the Llywydd and Joyce Watson.

4. Topical Questions

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

No topical questions were accepted today.

5. 90-second Statements

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

So, we will move on to the 90-second statements, which is item 5. There is only one statement today, and I call on Heledd Fychan.

Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Last Friday night, I attended an evening to celebrate 75 years of Welsh education in the Rhondda, at the Rhondda Heritage Park Hotel. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that has been achieved, including the great many pupils who have benefited over the decades.

As we were reminded by Cennard Davies, the battle to establish Welsh language education was long and bitter, with the writer Kitchener Davies, and his wife, Mair, playing a key role in getting the council to agree to open Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen in 1950. It was only in 1988 that we got the secondary school. Thirty-eight children started on 27 June 1950; today, almost 2,000 children receive their education through the medium of Welsh. It was emotional to hear Megan Tudur, one of the original 38, and the daughter of Mair and Kitchener Davies, share her memories as part of the celebration, alongside Carys Whelan.

Despite the success of Bodringallt, Ynyswen, Bronllwyn, Llyn y Forwyn, and Llwyncelyn schools, and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, the battle goes on. Not all pupils, to this day, have the opportunity to pursue Welsh education. I would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has fought for Welsh education over the decades, and to the teachers, pupils and parents, especially those who are non-Welsh speakers, who have ensured that their children have the opportunity to learn the language.

I will conclude with the words of Tudur Dylan Jones, from his poem to celebrate the anniversary,

This aged, slender valley’s heart / now beats as healthy as the start, / each one of us, both young and old / require youth, it has been told, / in secret echoes, you will find / both Rhondda Fawr and Fach entwined.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Thank you, Heledd.

6. Debate on the Standards of Conduct Committee Report, 'Twenty fifth report to the Sixth Senedd under Standing Order 22.9'

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 6 today is a debate on the Standards of Conduct Committee report, 'Twenty fifth report to the sixth Senedd under Standing Order 22.9'. I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion—Hannah Blythyn.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. As Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee, I formally move the motion.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

The committee considered the report from the commissioner for standards in relation to a complaint made against Janet Finch-Saunders MS for the misuse of Senedd resources. The Standards of Conduct Committee gave the commissioner's report careful consideration, and our report sets out the committee's judgment that we consider the Member to have breached the code of conduct and should be censured. The facts relating to the complaint and the committee's reason for its recommendation are set out in full in the committee's report.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all Members of the importance of making sure we are familiar with the rules governing when and where Senedd resources can be used. It is incumbent on all of us, as elected representatives, to understand the distinction between party political activity and the discharge of our duties as Members. The motion tabled invites the Senedd to endorse the committee's recommendation. Diolch.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I have no other speakers. Therefore, the proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24, unless a Member objects, the two motions under items 7 and 8 will be grouped for debate, but with votes taken separately. I see that there are no objections.

7. & 8. Motion to approve the Code of Conduct for Members of the Senedd and Motion to approve the Guidance for Members of the Senedd on the registration, declaration and recording of financial and other interests

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Therefore, I call on the Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee to move the motions—Hannah Blythyn.

Hannah Blythyn (Labour, Delyn)

Diolch, Diprwy Lywydd. In moving these motions today, I am asking the Senedd to adopt the revised code of conduct and the revised guidance on the registration and declaration of interests, which were laid in the Table Office on 11 March 2026.

A central focus of the Standards of Conduct Committee throughout the sixth Senedd has been the development of a clearer, stronger and more transparent standards framework. The code of conduct and the documents that support it form a key part of this work. We were keen to ensure that the standards framework reflects not only best practice, but also the expectations rightly placed upon us as elected Members. Our work on dignity and respect, as well as the implications of the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill, have shaped these provisions significantly.

In updating the code, we have drawn on the committee's experience, on the standards commissioner's reports over this Senedd and on engagement with stakeholders, members of the public and Members themselves. Our aim throughout has been to remove ambiguity, strengthen accountability and directly address issues that have arisen during this term. The revised code continues to set out the overarching principles of conduct, still grounded in the Nolan principles, which guide the interpretation of the rules, and apply where conduct falls short, even if not explicitly captured by a specific rule. These non-exhaustive rules have been amended, clarified and, in some cases, expanded, with new rules introduced where necessary.

One of the most significant changes is the division of the former rule 2 into two distinct duties. Members will now have an explicit obligation not to make deliberately misleading statements, and a corresponding duty to correct factual inaccuracies at the earliest opportunity. This makes expectations around honesty more transparent and provides a clearer basis for assessing conduct where intent may be in question. We have also refined the rules on confidentiality. The updated code makes clear that confidentiality applies only while a complaint is under investigation. Once a matter has been concluded or dismissed, Members will be free to respond publicly to allegations in a proportionate and appropriate manner.

The code also reflects the realities of modern communication. Members will now be personally accountable for all content issued in their name, whether posted by themselves or by a member of staff acting on their behalf. This closes the gap identified in recent cases, and reinforces the principle that accountability cannot be delegated.

A further addition recognises the importance of Members' responsibilities as employers. A new rule requires Members to act as responsible employers, supported by guidance, and maintain staff codes of conduct, providing comprehensive staff handbooks and completing dignity and respect training. Failure to engage in this training may be taken into account in future standards cases.

We've also clarified the process for complaints relating to declarations of interest. While conduct in Plenary and committees remains a matter for the Llywydd or Chairs, complaints about declarations of interest will now be referred directly to the commissioner.

The rule on interference with complaints has been strengthened. Members must not discourage, influence or induce any person from making a complaint, nor prevent anyone from giving evidence. The rule now also makes clear that non-disclosure agreements must not be used to prevent staff, or former staff, from raising concerns about a Member's conduct.

Finally, the code now requires Members to declare relevant or registerable interests, not only during Senedd proceedings, but also when making representations outside formal business, for example in communication with Ministers, public officials or others involved in public policy. This brings us closer to practice in other UK legislatures, and enhances transparency in Members' external engagements.

Alongside the revision of the code of conduct, the Standards of Conduct Committee has updated the guidance on the registration of declarations of interest, reflecting reports we have produced this Senedd and the Standing Orders changes agreed last week. The requirements have been revised to simplify the rules and make the requirements around Members' interests clearer and more transparent. The categories have been redesigned to ensure that the register is easier to navigate, and a voluntary category has been added to allow Members to record interests not required by the register, but relevant to their work as Members of the Senedd.

This work has also simplified the declaration requirements under Standing Orders. Members are no longer prohibited from voting if they've declared a registerable interest under Standing Orders 2.6 and 2.7. This does not change the requirement to declare an interest, but removes a rule that has never been triggered and is inconsistent with practice in other Parliaments.

The revised guidance also clarifies the requirement on Members to declare relevant interests, and the level of detail required in such declarations, including when complying with the new Standing Order requirement to declare an interest when tabling Senedd business. Additional guidance has also been included for Members regarding the fact that this issue is considered when deciding if a declaration is required.

I would like to thank the members of the committee for their work, and committee officials throughout this Senedd, and all those who contributed evidence during this process. If agreed, the new code and guidance will come into effect from the first day of the seventh Senedd. Diolch.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Again, I have no other speakers. So, the proposal is to agree the motion under item 7. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

The next proposal is to agree the motion under item 8. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 9 is next. The Government Minister who is responding is not present in the Chamber at the moment. So, we'll suspend for five minutes to allow the Minister to attend. Thank you. We'll suspend for five minutes.

9. Debate on the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee Report, 'Mission Cymru: Principles for international relations'

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Item 9 on our agenda this afternoon is a debate on the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee Report, 'Mission Cymru: Principles for international relations'. I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion—Delyth Jewell.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. It's my pleasure to discuss our final report as a committee on international affairs, which is 'Mission Cymru'. I'd like to thank the committee team for their support, particularly Sara Moran for preparing the report, and also our clerking team, Richard and Haidee. Thank you very much to them, and to everyone who provided evidence.

Our international relations as a nation go back to a pre-devolution period, and before the formation of the kingdom that we are part of. We have an important role to play on the international stage, and we must take advantage of the opportunities that we have.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

As I have said previously in this Chamber, international relations may not be a devolved matter, but it matters. I invite Members to welcome the Irish Government's Consul General, Denise McQuade, who is in the public gallery.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

You're very welcome.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

We extend our gratitude to you for your contribution to this Senedd's work, and we wish you all the very best for the future as you move on from your role later in this year. On a personal level, I would like to thank you for your dedication, your steadfastness and your friendship. You will be missed.

The Welsh Government's joint working with the Irish Government is a positive example of meaningful co-operation, which demonstrates the value of our international partnerships. We were delighted to mark St Patrick's Day yesterday by publishing our second report on the relationship. My committee has always striven to make a positive and constructive contribution to Wales's international story, one that will stand the test of time. This report is based on evidence to this inquiry and on our own experience.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

Looking to the future, we set out 12 principles for future Governments here in Wales. I am grateful that the First Minister, in responding to our report, has accepted two and accepted the rest in principle. That is certainly to be welcomed.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

We believe that adopting 'Mission Cymru' would guarantee that Wales delivers on its international ambition and realises its potential. Its principles cover all aspects of the Welsh Government's approach: Cabinet responsibility, strategies, reporting, delivery and resourcing. We agree with those who argue that Wales should take more confidence on the world stage. This cannot be taken for granted nor left to chance.

Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru, South Wales East)

So, to our findings. The Welsh Government's international strategy and five action plans were published in 2020, and its international delivery plan published in 2025. Together they set out almost 300 commitments and aims. 'Mission Cymru' calls for a more focused approach. The Welsh Government does not report on its international activity in one place. Its reporting does not reference delivery of specific commitments and aims, and that has presented challenges in ascertaining what has and has not been achieved. Witnesses to our inquiry experienced sometimes the same challenges, illustrated by gaps in reporting and sometimes in low awareness.

For over 18 months, our committee requested an update on delivery, which was provided by the First Minister in November 2025. The benefits of having had contemporaneous updates throughout the sixth Senedd would have been obvious, of course, and numerous. We agree with witnesses on the importance of explaining international work to the public, including to foster confidence, support and to prevent misunderstanding from taking hold. It, of course, has been unfortunate that our committee's scrutiny has, at times, been hampered by efforts to obtain information. It is a shame that we have been denied the opportunity to support and to celebrate international milestones secured by the Welsh Government and partners. In 'Mission Cymru', we say that future Governments must not shy away from communicating efforts to showcase Wales on the world stage. The Senedd should be seen as an important ally.

Dirprwy Lywydd, you will recall that the First Minister has always been responsible for the Welsh Government's international relations, with the exception, of course, of a dedicated Cabinet post that was held by the current First Minister from 2018 to 2020. Now, we've heard about strengths and weaknesses of both models from stakeholders, and the First Minister sets out her own view in the response. Now, my committee has scrutinised a number of First Ministers, and we have, of course, criticised them for not appearing in person to give evidence outside of one annual scrutiny session, particularly in relation to budgets. Now, that no First Minister has seized the important opportunity to advocate in person for the Government's international relations in that way has been another barrier, I'm afraid, to our understanding of the Welsh Government's international delivery. In 'Mission Cymru', we reiterate our position that, as a matter of principle, if a First Minister chooses to take on those policy responsibilities, they should make themselves available to be held accountable for them in person.

But, Dirprwy Lywydd, the First Minister's covering letter, which accompanies the response, makes important observations. I would like to address some of them. It provides useful detail, including the First Minister's view that international delivery has gone from strength to strength. It does also set out where the First Minister believes that the work of the Welsh Government has not been represented clearly by my committee. I fear the letter might further illustrate some of these issues we've faced. For example, the letter explains that, on budgets, successive First Ministers have provided written and oral evidence on 14 different occasions. Now, that does highlight two of our main areas of frustration. Firstly, that written information was frequently incomplete, not always clear, and, secondly, that annual in-person appearances took place outside of budget scrutiny cycles. Now, as we say in 'Mission Cymru', while often useful, of course, scrutiny via correspondence is no replacement for in-person exchanges.

Dirprwy Lywydd, I am sure that Members will agree that it should be a matter for the Senedd, not the Welsh Government, to determine what constitutes appropriate and effective scrutiny and how such scrutiny should be conducted. Now, that is another key conclusion. We set out that principle clearly that, in the future, whoever the responsible Minister is who is responsible for this area should be subject to scrutiny for Wales's international relations in the same way as other portfolio Ministers.

But finally, Dirprwy Lywydd, on resourcing, the Welsh Government has a relatively small budget underpinning international activity. Stakeholders spoke about delivery on limited resources, which we believe could be addressed through pooling resources. This makes the financial information provided to the Senedd all the more important. Members will be aware that we've raised several issues. Indeed, my last comments in this Chamber on the topic were during January's budget debate, when I advised that a Government response had been received only two hours before I spoke.

We are of the view that, as a committee, we have at times been denied the ability to scrutinise over £58 million of public money allocated to this area with confidence. If adopted, the 'Mission Cymru' principles would transform the budget scrutiny process for a future responsible Senedd committee. But I would like to say, in closing these opening remarks, Dirprwy Lywydd, that we know that good work is happening. We have witnessed the significant amount of goodwill, passion and expertise that advances Wales’s international relations every day. As we enter a time of yet more turbulence in the relations that knit nations together, the need for clear principles for our own international relations activity has never been greater. Geography may have placed us at the corner of a continent, but Wales’s voice must never be marginal. I look forward to hearing Members' comments during this debate. Diolch.

John Griffiths (Labour, Newport East)

I'm very pleased to take part in this debate today. I well remember when devolution first came about in Wales some 27 years ago, Dirprwy Lywydd, when some feared that devolution in Wales would be inward looking and parochial, and I think that the experience has been anything but. It's actually opened up, or helped to open up, Wales to the world and the world to Wales. And that is so positive in so many ways. I was very pleased to hear the committee Chair mention the Republic of Ireland, because my mother was born in County Kerry in Ireland, and I think that that has been a long-standing, strong relationship, between Wales and Éire, and I hope that that will continue, and I'm sure it will, into the seventh Senedd, and strengthen in institutional terms, in governmental terms, in parliamentary terms, and community to community.

That sort of approach to international relations, I think, Dirprwy Lywydd, is very much there in Welsh Government's programme for Africa, which personally I'm very proud of. Quite early on in devolution, quite a courageous decision was taken, given that international development is a UK Government responsibility rather than devolved—a courageous decision, I think, was taken to establish a budget and recognise that Wales, the Senedd, Welsh Government, could add value in terms of international relations, and that, as part of the relatively prosperous, stable, peaceful world, we are so lucky, and it gives us a moral responsibility to help other nations that are less fortunate, for example in sub-Saharan Africa.

The aspect of international relations that I'm most familiar with is in Mbale in Uganda. I've been fortunate to go there twice and to see the very good work that takes place through Welsh Government: educational and health exchanges, so that there's reciprocal benefit, health professionals here and in Mbale have that enriching experience of exchange visits, friendships and ongoing communications; there are pupil exchange visits. It's grown so much into community development, agriculture and much else. And also, of course, the work of PONT in Pontypridd, Mick Antoniw's constituency, an amazing charity that has done so much. It's so heartening to visit Mbale and see that excellent work from PONT, again with health aspects, with educational aspects. They manufacture motorcycle ambulances to get up to the mountains and get people to hospitals and health clinics when it's an emergency situation, or indeed more routine. They have an eco village for tourism accommodation with animals, a zoo, there as well for educational visits and to connect local people to nature more. And that income then provides a lot of resource for the employment of local people around those projects. It's just absolutely amazing to see how that community-to-community relationship has grown over an extended period of time and is now stronger than ever.

I really do think, Dirprwy Lywydd, that the programme for Africa is one very worthwhile and good example of strong international relationships and all that can bring to Wales and the countries that we are linked with. I very much hope that, in the seventh Senedd, we see Welsh Government continuing and strengthening that programme for Africa, and in general we see the Senedd taking a leading role, helping communities in Wales to be part of those international links, because it could be, it should be, it is and it can be much stronger than institutional links, Government links, and parliamentary links. It needs to go far and wide throughout the fabric of our country here in Wales, to reach all parts of the community, and if it does that, and it has done to a considerable extent, it will be all the stronger, rather than be limited to any institution or any organisation.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

I want to start by thanking everyone on the committee for their work on the 'Mission Cymru' report. As the committee has had its final session last week, it's also right that I place on record my sincere thanks to all the Members who have served on it, and in particular the Chair, Delyth Jewell, for her leadership and commitment to the committee's work.

As it states at the outset, this isn't a typical committee report. It doesn't simply offer a list of recommendations for immediate action; instead, it seeks to establish a framework and set of principles to guide how future Welsh Governments approach international relations.

We on the Conservative benches support the principle that Wales should be outward looking, provided the Welsh Government doesn't overstep its devolved responsibilities. We should be confident on the world stage, building relationships, attracting investment, promoting our culture and attracting visitors. But confidence alone is not enough; you need a plan and you need accountability. What this report makes clear is that confidence must be matched by clarity, competence and, above all, accountability.

The committee is frank in its assessment that, since 2020, we've seen an international strategy, multiple action plans, a delivery plan and hundreds of individual actions—278 in total—followed by yet another plan. This creates a muddled and confused approach, lacking a clear direction and poor delivery of results. I'm afraid it has too often been the story of Welsh Governments: action plan upon action plan, celebrated for its intention, with a total failure in delivery, which is swept under the rug. If stakeholders, the public and, indeed, Members of this Senedd cannot easily understand what the Government's priorities are, then something has gone fatally wrong. [Interruption.] Yes, Alun.

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

I'm grateful to you for taking a short intervention. You said there were significant failures, which were swept under the rug, I think you said. Perhaps you could list to us those failures that you consider most significant.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Which failures? [Interruption.] I will expand more as I go through my speech.

As I was saying, if Members cannot easily understand what the Government's priorities are, then it is something that's fundamentally wrong. But perhaps the most serious concerns raised in this report relate to scrutiny and transparency. The report makes clear that proper scrutiny has not been taking place. The responsible Minister should be held to account like any other Cabinet Secretary, but international relations fall within the brief of the First Minister, with no Minister assigned to international relations that can be held accountable. The British Council gave evidence to the committee, speaking of the importance of having a dedicated international relations team within Government. The committee expressed its disappointment that all three First Ministers declined to appear before the committee to give oral evidence for draft budget scrutiny, and raises the need for a Minister responsible who can be scrutinised. If international relations are an area that the Welsh Government wishes to pursue, then they must be subject to the same level of scrutiny as health, education or the economy.

The concerns on transparency are, if anything, even more troubling. The committee was unable to obtain a complete list of the Welsh Government's international agreements, despite multiple requests, which is not acceptable. They should be published to allow the Senedd to scrutinise them properly, so that Welsh people have an understanding of how they are beneficial or not beneficial to their interests.

The same applies to spending. The committee has not been able to scrutinise over £58 million-worth of expenditure on international activity during the Senedd term, and that is a significant sum of public money. We also have a network of overseas offices, staff and operational budgets, and the Welsh Conservatives have pledged to close these, but if the Welsh Government wish to make an argument for their value for money, then they need to demonstrate this with a strong evidential base.

At a time when every pound of public money matters, the lack of transparency is concerning. Wales should engage internationally, build partnerships and attract investment, but we must do so in a way that is coherent, has direction and goals, is transparent, accountable and cost-effective. That is why this report matters. The principles set out under 'Mission Cymru' point us back to the fundamentals of a clear and consistent strategy, proper and regular scrutiny, constructive co-operation with partners, including the UK Government, openness about agreements and activity, and a much stronger focus on measuring impact and value for money. These are the basics of good governance.

As we approach a new Senedd term, my hope is that this report will actively shape how international relations are conducted in the future, because this report is not about process for its own sake, but about ensuring that international engagement produces the best results for the people of Wales, and those efforts can be clearly understood and properly scrutinised. Thank you very much.

Mick Antoniw (Labour, Pontypridd)

This report is one of the most important, I think, to be laid before the Senedd this year. I will confine my contribution to a few focused points. The world is changing. Geopolitical forces are fractured. Long-established concepts of the rule of law, international law, and economic and cultural relations are changing. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the dysfunction of the United States of America's presidency, and the growth of the international far right and fascism at home and abroad is deliberately destabilising democracy. Brexit has not only had a disastrous economic and cultural impact on the United Kingdom; it has also had a disproportionate impact on Wales. We have also lost our sub-national status in the European Union, in a UK that has increasingly centralised governance.

The next Senedd will have a duty to re-establish our Welsh identity, economically, socially and culturally, internationally, as part of the UK, but with our specific Welsh interests and identity. The report is a framework for the next Senedd and the next Welsh Government, and I believe it is commonly accepted now in the majority of the population that we were misled in the Brexit referendum, and that Brexit will be seen to be an historic mistake of gross proportions.

I believe that the UK needs to rejoin the single market and commence discussions on rejoining the EU. I believe that we are moving closer and closer to taking these steps, and Wales must be prepared, therefore, to do our part. In the next enlarged Senedd and Government, we need to ensure that there is a Minister with specific responsibility for international affairs to promote Wales and to co-ordinate our international, economic, social and cultural engagement across Government. This, incidentally, is one of the recommendations of the Wales for Europe manifesto, launched today in Cardiff in conjunction with the Senedd cross-party group on Europe.

We need to raise our profile in Europe. There are so many opportunities emerging that we need a specific European strategy, and we need to seize the opportunities for research and innovation partnerships that will emerge, for the economic and technical opportunities that are emerging for the creation of an essential European defence strategy.

We are, of course, part of a broader UK engagement, but we must ensure that we are at the forefront of that engagement, so we must also have our own international and European strategy. We need to work with organisations like the British Council Wales, who have done excellent work in terms of that soft power of international engagement. I note that the committee has, of course, written twice to the Foreign Office to actually emphasise the importance of proper funding to enable them to carry on with that work.

Finally, as my last opportunity to talk about Ukraine in this Senedd, I want to thank the Senedd and Welsh Government for the important contribution we have collectively made to supporting over 8,000 Ukrainian mainly women and children who fled the Russian invasion, and also to the cross-party group, to Darren, to Rhun, to Eluned, and to all those who have collectively supported the Ukrainian efforts of the cross-party group, the delivery of over 55 vehicles, and millions of pounds of medical and strategic aid to Ukrainian trade unions and front-line defenders. And then, very finally, to the funding for the Gareth Jones memorial to be unveiled in Kyiv, in Gareth Jones Street, on the anniversary of the awful Holodomor, which will take place in November of this year. This will be a trilingual, 2m memorial in Welsh natural slate, which will be a long-lasting tribute to a Welsh hero who, through ethical, investigative journalism, exposed the horror of Stalin's famine. Dirprwy Lywydd, Wales remains the only Parliament in the UK that has declared the Holodomor to be an act of genocide. And I hope, First Minister, that you will be able to represent Wales at the unveiling of the Gareth Jones memorial in Kyiv in November, which will be a permanent tribute to the solidarity between Wales and the Ukraine. Diolch yn fawr.

Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central)

As a member of the committee, I'm pleased to take part in the debate today, and I would like to start by thanking everyone who gave evidence to the committee, and also the research team and the clerks who have supported us in our scrutiny work. I would also like to thank the First Minister for responding to our report and for being here today. It's good to have the opportunity to discuss international issues on the floor of the Senedd with the Cabinet Member who has responsibility for the brief. I'm very pleased that the Chair, at the start of the debate, referred to the fact that she was also the Minister with responsibility for international relations. I wasn't a Member of this Senedd at that time, but I do remember the excitement that there was that we were going to have an international strategy, and the commitment of the First Minister, as the Minister with responsibility at the time, to ensure that we did have an international strategy.

However, Dirprwy Lywydd, I can't welcome the fact that the response to the majority of our recommendations today is 'accept in principle', nor do I welcome some of the First Minister's comments to the committee in the letter that accompanies the response. Our intention was to be constructive and to conduct our scrutiny in a thorough manner. That has been difficult without an opportunity to meet with, and scrutinise, regularly. As has already been noted, the committee is calling for more clarity, more accountability and more consistency regarding how Wales operates on the international stage. But too often, the Government's response emphasises the flexibility of the action without appreciating also the need of the Senedd to scrutinise effectively.

Dirprwy Lywydd, let me turn specifically to the issue of ministerial scrutiny. The Government accepts in principle that scrutiny arrangements for international relations should have parity with all other portfolios, but it then defends an arrangement where the responsibility lies with the First Minister, which puts a practical limit on the time available to appear before the relevant committee of the Senedd. Scrutiny via First Minister's questions once a week is not the same as purposeful, detailed and topical scrutiny. As we've already heard, the committee's position is clear, and it's disappointing that the response does not move that discussion forward in a practical sense.

Likewise, in terms of reporting and evaluation, the Government accepts that there is a need for clearer reporting arrangements in the future, but again emphasises resource limitations as a reason for not doing more now. The committee fully acknowledges that resources are scarce, but that's exactly why we need a clearer system of prioritisation with targets that are measurable and transparent, so that the Senedd and the public understand where value is created.

In terms of bilateral agreements, the Government claims that information has been published, but the committee has been clear that the information is often incomplete, difficult to find, or lacks a clear context. Accepting in principle the need to improve the availability of information without a firm commitment to a clear framework undermines the purpose of the principles themselves.

I also want to address the tone of the response in some areas. It is worrying to see that democratic scrutiny is sometimes framed as a barrier to delivery rather than as an integral part of effective governance. This committee has operated constructively throughout the term and it's important that this is not portrayed as though we're only seeking to be awkward, as the response does suggest from time to time. There is a specific comment in the letter from the First Minister to the Chair regarding partnership, and I find that very disappointing, given that what we have highlighted in the report stems from what we heard from stakeholders, from those partners themselves. Yes, as the Chair acknowledged, there are great examples of collaboration as team Wales, but what we've heard from partners is that the situation could be better still if the Government acted upon what the stakeholders told us.

Dirprwy Lywydd, 'Mission Wales' offers a real opportunity, an opportunity to lay solid foundations for Wales's international relations for future Governments, whatever their political stripe. But that opportunity cannot be fully exploited if the Government chooses to continue to accept recommendations in theory without committing clearly to their implementation. It is clear from our scrutiny that there is a need for clearer and fairer scrutiny arrangements, more transparency on agreements and funding, and a strategic approach that is truly accountable to the Senedd. Wales deserves an ambitious international policy, but also one that is transparent, democratic and subject to meaningful scrutiny. That is 'Mission Wales'.

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

Like others in this debate, I'd like to start my contribution by thanking Delyth for her leadership over the last five years. I think we are the only two members of the committee who've served a full sentence. It has been a real pleasure. I also thank all of the committee staff who have served the work of the committee over that time.

In many ways, this isn't simply a report, it's a challenge. It's a challenge to everybody, it's a challenge to all of us, it's certainly a challenge to Government. But it's also a challenge to all of those people who have a narrow-minded view of Wales and our place in the world. There are probably very few places where it's more appropriate to have this debate than Cardiff Bay. Cardiff was the biggest coal-exporting port in the world and created and invented globalisation before we knew what the word meant. But whilst this is a very appropriate place to celebrate and to debate this report, we could also have chosen St David's cathedral in Pembrokeshire, where St David—and we celebrated St Patrick yesterday—would have recognised the same church and would have understood the same places. For them, the sea wasn't simply a barrier, but a bridge. The work that is done today recognises that great Christian heritage that we share with other Celtic countries.

I pay tribute to the work of Darren Millar with the St David's parliamentary prayer breakfast that he undertakes, which is one of the biggest international events in the annual Senedd calendar. But we might also have chosen Merthyr Tydfil, the biggest iron town in the world at many times, and the place from which John Hughes left in order to create the iron and steel industry of Ukraine. We could also have gone home to Tredegar, where Rhys Davies left in order to create the iron and steel industry on the banks of the James river in Virginia, creating, influencing and shaping Wales's place in the world.

Throughout all of that history, for most of our history, for almost all of our history, in fact, Wales's place in the world has been defined by Wales—not by Governments, not by Ministers, but Wales as a nation, as a country, as a people, putting ourselves, inserting ourselves, into history, making sure that, wherever there was an industrial complex being begun anywhere in the world, there was somebody from Wales there with the means to help develop that. That is an important history, because it places us in a particular place. It puts us as a country that is defined by our internationalism. That's why 'Mission Cymru' is so important: a vision of Wales in the world, a positive vision, and not the insular miserableism that I hear all too often from the right wing.

I want to see the Welsh Government putting Wales back on the world stage, more profoundly sometimes. But having said that, I enjoyed and was proud to be in Qatar in the world cup, watching Wales playing football, but also watching the work of the Welsh Government there, and what they were able to achieve. And the same in Switzerland last summer, celebrating Welsh achievements in the world of sport, but across the globe.

But also, one thing I wish the Welsh Government would do better is to celebrate the work of its international network of offices, which do deliver a sense of Wales in different parts of the world. It's something that I believe we need to do more often. It is this sense of positive, optimistic internationalism that I think can help define what we do in the future. There is a world—and Mick Antoniw has talked about it already—that is defined by a narrow-minded sense of intolerance, a small-minded sense of Wales as an insular country unable to look out. I don't believe that impresses anybody, but neither does it reflect our history. [Interruption.] I give way.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

Thank you very much. You talk about narrow-minded from the right and everything else, and elements of that. And you talk about Celtic nations, but you're happy to ignore England. Would you say that that would be classed to be narrow-minded?

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

Gareth, sit down, boyo bach.

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

Sit down, good boy—

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

It was a company, our neighbours, Dorman Long, who made the steel for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. So, where does that end? If Wales is going to be on a—. If we're going to talk about—

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

Gareth, it's an intervention, not a speech.

Gareth Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd)

—within the context of the whole of the UK, rather than try to cherry-pick certain Celtic nations that you may be able to align more politically with personally yourself.

Alun Davies (Labour, Blaenau Gwent)

The Deputy Presiding Officer will have noticed that intervention took over a minute, and we learned nothing.

In terms of where we're going forward, I hope that the Welsh Government will promote, as I've said, the success of its international network. I hope that the Welsh Government will continue to invest in an international vision, but one underpinned by a clear strategy of where we want Wales to be. At the moment, as has been said already in this debate, we need a strategy for the European Union. Myself and Adam Price were in Brussels this week representing Wales at the parliamentary partnership and at the Committee of the Regions. We need a clear strategy to ensure that the Welsh voice is heard in Brussels, that the Welsh voice is heard in the institutions of the EU, and that the Welsh voice helps shape policy in the future.

In that way, the work of the British Council that has already been referred to today is absolutely essential. I hope that the First Minister, in replying to this debate, will pay tribute to the work of the British Council in Wales and its ability to take our soft-power culture elsewhere across the world. And I hope, in closing, Deputy Presiding Officer, what we're able to do is not simply debate this report, but to accept its challenge.

Julie Morgan (Labour, Cardiff North)

Thank you for the opportunity to speak in this debate today on this committee report. I'm not on the committee. I have attended once or twice as a substitute, but I'm not on the committee. But I thought it'd really be a great opportunity to highlight, like John has done, some of the international work that has been done in the Wales and Africa programme.

Reading the report, I noticed it said that Claire O'Shea had submitted written evidence to the committee, but sadly died before she was able to give oral evidence. She was doing that in her role as chair of the Wales overseas agencies group, but I understand her evidence was used extensively in the report. I did mention in business questions yesterday the event organised at the Temple of Peace by Hub Cymru Africa, where there was a tremendous tribute to Claire, which showed her speaking about her work. But I thought it was worth saying that again—what a tremendous advocate she was for international development, seeing she has had a considerable influence on this report.

I think it's very important when we talk about international development that we do look—as well as at the offices, which I think are very important, and treaties—at the community-to-community work that John has already referred to. There are so many great schemes going on in Wales. I think that building of different individual small groups with other groups is a real way of making Wales's international links really meaningful.

John has mentioned the work in Uganda and the empowerment of women and girls. I'd like to mention Life for African Mothers, started off by the inspirational Angela Gorman, and where I was a trustee for many years, and PONT, which has, of course, been mentioned by John. All of these are absolutely fantastic programmes that I think are so important for Wales and so important for the world.

I'd just like to particularly mention another project, a fantastic project taking place that's tackling antimicrobial resistance in Malawi and Wales. The Wales and Africa programme has supported this partnership between pharmacy professionals in Malawi and Wales to train together and to tackle antimicrobial resistance through education and training. The project operates in multiple hospitals across Malawi and is led by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales, with participation by the Swansea Bay University Health Board and the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. I think that this project has enhanced Wales's role in global health engagement, and Welsh pharmacists have benefitted from professional development opportunities through this international collaboration.

I think that's such an important point: all these projects have had huge benefit for the Welsh professionals who've actually been involved in them. It's a mutual benefit, and I think it's so important that we talk about these projects, so that any public misunderstanding there is about them can be rectified, because they're of huge benefit to Wales, as well as benefit to the countries that we relate to. This particular project with pharmacists has showcased pharmacy practice in Wales, and pharmacists are being recognised as clinical leaders in this field. Those are just a few examples of some of the international work that I think is so important, and I wanted to have the opportunity to raise them today.

But I have to say that I was very struck, in the committee report, by the quote by Jan Morris, saying that Wales has got an open border and that Wales has got an open door to the world. That's how I think we should operate: as an open door to the world. Diolch.

David Rees (Labour, Aberavon)

I call on the First Minister, Eluned Morgan.

Mair Eluned (Labour, Mid and West Wales)

Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to start by thanking the committee for its final report on international relations and for its tireless efforts in scrutinising this important area of work. I'd also like to thank Delyth for her leadership of the committee. I know that that has been appreciated by Members.

In a period of uncertainty, conflict and division at a global level, Wales continues to send a clear and confident message that we are a nation that is outward-looking, is committed to international partnerships that are meaningful, and determined to ensure real benefits for our communities here at home.