Anna Nicholl

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language cy

   4. Sut mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn sicrhau bod cymunedau'n cael eu cynnwys mewn penderfyniadau ynghylch dyfodol ysgolion a gynhelir gan yr Eglwys yng Nghymru yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64786

   Official English translation

   4. How is the Cabinet Minister ensuring community involvement in decisions about the future of Church in Wales maintained schools in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64786

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language en

   Diolch, Cabinet Minister. I'm concerned about the low level of confidence that parents, staff and governors in Pembrokeshire have told me that they have in the council involving them meaningfully in big decisions about the future of their schools. Examples include but are not limited to church schools. I wrote to the council back in September around decisions on the future of Cilgerran school, and I'm glad this is now resolved. But, Cabinet Minister, public trust and confidence is easily lost. As Pembrokeshire County Council now consults on proposals to close Tenby Church in Wales VC Primary School and neighbouring Greenhill school, replacing them with a new three-to-19 community school, can the Cabinet Minister assure us that she expects these decisions to be based on the meaningful involvement of parents and the wider community, including open and transparent information on all options available?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   2. Sut mae'r Prif Weinidog yn cryfhau cydweithrediad â Gweriniaeth Iwerddon? OQ64788

   Official English translation

   2. How is the First Minister strengthening co-operation with the Republic of Ireland? OQ64788

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Diolch. I welcome the Ireland-Wales shared statement 2030, committing our nations to strengthening cultural partnerships and artistic exchange. In my constituency, Other Voices Cardigan has become one of the most vibrant and successful examples of that ambition. Since 2019, it has brought together Welsh and Irish artists, audiences and communities, thanks to support from the Welsh Government, the Irish Government and broadcasters. The festival has delivered significant economic benefits for Aberteifi, increased numbers visiting from Ireland to west Wales, and created lasting creative partnerships between musicians from both countries. Sadly, a late decision to reduce funding this year means the festival isn't taking place. So, a multi-year funding agreement is now vital to enable the festival to continue to plan for future years. So, will the First Minister explore this potential with his Irish counterparts to help secure the long-term future of Other Voices Cardigan and strengthen Wales-Ireland relations for years to come?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 8. Short Debate: Green across the aisle: Making environmental stewardship a common cause en

   I'd like to thank David Mills for bringing forward this debate and giving me a slot to speak. Environmental stewardship should be common ground across this Chamber, not because the challenges are easy, but because they affect every community in Wales. As a member of the climate change committee, I'm acutely aware of the scale of those challenges. Nearly one in five assessed species in Wales is now threatened with extinction, and species abundance has fallen by around 20 per cent in a generation. In Ceredigion Penfro, those pressures are felt in the rivers, peatlands and coastal habitats that define our communities. We're fortunate to be home to the Dyfi UNESCO biosphere, Cardigan Bay and some of Wales's most important marine and terrestrial wildlife habitats. They're not only environmental assets, they're economic assets too. This debate should not simply be about what we stand to lose; it should be about what we stand to gain. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents major opportunities for Wales—opportunities to create jobs, attract investment, strengthen energy security and support thriving rural economies. The same is true for nature recovery. Whether it is tackling agricultural pollution, restoring peatlands, improving river quality or supporting sustainable food production, there are solutions that can work for nature and for people. We need to move beyond denial, beyond blame and beyond the sense of hopelessness that too often creeps into these discussions. Instead, we need leadership, we need collaboration—and I agree that should extend to international collaboration—and we need the confidence to seize the opportunities that come from responding to the climate and nature emergencies together. Because, if Wales gets this right, environmental stewardship will not just protect what we value, it will help build a more resilient, prosperous and sustainable future for all our communities. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Wales's Transport Network en

   Diolch. Deputy Minister, thank you for your statement. Climate change is a current reality, and I was dismayed to hear earlier on in the week the irresponsible comments from the opposition ridiculing efforts to minimise the risks of flooding, heatwaves, storms and sea-level rises, despite the devastating impacts these are having on our communities, not least on transport. Wales needs strong leadership now that will stand up for our communities and protect them from these growing risks, and I welcome your statement. Deputy Minister, adapting our infrastructure is not just about big engineering projects. It involves difficult decisions that will have different impacts, costs and benefits for different communities. To ensure these decisions are fair and socially just, they need to involve communities. So, how will the Deputy Minister be ensuring that diverse communities are meaningfully involved in co-designing transport adaptations?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care cy

   1. Pa gamau y mae'r Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i gefnogi gofal integredig mewn ardaloedd gwledig? OQ64669

   Official English translation

   1. What action is the Government taking to support integrated care in rural areas? OQ64669

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care cy

   Diolch. Weinidog Cabinet, dwi eisoes wedi codi pa mor bwysig yw canolfannau gofal integredig wrth ddarparu gofal yn agosach i gartref. Ond gall system integredig ddim llwyddo heb isadeiledd gofal sylfaenol cynaliadwy. Yn rhy aml, mae meddygfeydd yn gweithio o hen adeiladau sydd ddim wedi eu dylunio ar gyfer gwasanaethau rydym ni bellach yn ei disgwyl. Ac mae fy etholwyr yn cysylltu nid yn unig ynglŷn â'r anhawster o gael apwyntiad meddyg, ond am feddygfeydd yn cau i lawr yn gyfan gwbl. Dwi wedi clywed y gofidion yma gan etholwyr yn Nhyddewi, Cei Newydd, Solfach, Doc Penfro, ac ar draws Ceredigion Penfro. O ystyried ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i atal a lleihau pwysau ar ysbytai, ydy'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn cytuno y dylid gweld buddsoddiad mewn gofal sylfaenol fel rhan greiddiol o ofal integredig?

   Official English translation

   Thank you. Cabinet Minister. I have already raised how important integrated care centres are in providing care closer to home, but an integrated system cannot succeed without a sustainable primary care infrastructure. Too often, surgeries operate from old buildings that have not been designed for the services that we now expect. And my constituents get in touch with me not only because of the difficulties in getting a doctor's appointment, but as a result of surgeries closing completely. I have heard these concerns from constituents in St David's, Solva, Pembroke Dock and across Ceredigion Penfro. Given the Government's commitment to preventing and reducing pressure on hospitals, does the Cabinet Minister agree that investment in primary care should be seen as a core part of integrated care?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice cy

   5. Beth mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn ei wneud i fynd i'r afael â'r heriau gwledig unigryw sy'n gysylltiedig â thlodi plant yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64603

   Official English translation

   5. What is the Cabinet Minister doing to tackle the unique rural challenges associated with child poverty in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64603

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice en

   Diolch, Cabinet Minister. A 2023 report by the Bevan Foundation found that Ceredigion ranks second in child poverty levels across Wales, with Pembrokeshire not far behind. Crisis has also highlighted that many families in my constituency face significant gaps between their incomes and essential living costs, leaving them at greater risk of poverty and financial hardship. Whilst child poverty exists across Wales, it's often less visible in rural and coastal constituencies. One example in my constituency is Aberporth, a beautiful and vibrant village that many Members might know as a holiday destination, but also where one in four children live in poverty. In these communities, community action can make a real difference to people's lives—for example, the incredible range of activities that are run from the renovated Aberporth village hall that provide not just practical support, but friendships and social support that are invaluable to people. So, will the Cabinet Minister consider what more can be done to strengthen our community infrastructure as part of your efforts to address child poverty?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 9. Short Debate: The importance of local services—Protecting the future of Withybush hospital en

   Thanks to Claire Archibald for tabling this important debate, and I agree with a great deal that's been said. Since being elected, I have heard again and again constituents' concerns about services being downgraded in Withybush and ever greater centralisation, particularly towards the outdated Glangwili Hospital. I'd like to thank the Save Withybush Campaign for raising these issues. A big concern for me is the low level of trust between Hywel Dda and communities. This has not helped when decisions are delayed. Residents in Pembrokeshire deserve state-of-the-art facilities in hospital and in primary care, but, under previous Governments, a new hospital was discussed for 20 years with no decision made. This cripples planning, and I hope this decision can finally be made with urgency. But to build trust and design better services, Hywel Dda needs to start genuinely involving communities and staff in co-designing solutions. And to close, I want to welcome the investments that are being made in Withybush, as Claire did, including the new £0.75 million children's out-patient facility, the Puffin centre, due to open in spring 2027. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 4. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care: Review of the Escalation and Intervention Framework en

   Thank you, Cabinet Minister. I welcome this new national accountability and support framework. In the past, we've seen organisations remain in escalation for years without it being clear that the intervention itself was delivering improvement. I'm particularly concerned about Hywel Dda health board, where finance, strategy and planning, and urgent and emergency care, have risen to level 4. Digital Health and Care Wales, which should be helping to transform services and deliver sustainable solutions, actually moved from level 1 in 2024 to whole-organisation level 4 intervention in April 2026. So whilst, Cabinet Minister, I welcome the emphasis on prevention, transparency and better outcomes, how will you ensure that this new framework creates the space needed for leadership and for investment for the long term so it does make meaningful, sustainable change for patients? Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy cy

   6. Sut y bydd y Gweinidog Cabinet yn sicrhau bod manteision strategaeth ynni genedlaethol newydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cael eu cadw o fewn cymunedau lleol? OQ64542

   Official English translation

   6. How will the Cabinet Minister ensure that the benefits of the Welsh Government's new national energy strategy are retained within local communities? OQ64542

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy en

   Diolch. I welcome this Government's commitment to a renewable energy strategy that retains value in Welsh communities. The net-zero economy is already a significant and high-value component of the Welsh economy. There are particular opportunities in Ceredigion Penfro, with 1,600 jobs in the sector in Pembrokeshire alone already, and billions set to be invested in upcoming projects. This ranges from successful community-owned projects, such as Cwm Arian, to large-scale initiatives, like the Celtic Freeport. Net zero is now an integral part of Welsh industry, and we've got huge potential to develop this further. The transition to net zero is a major economic opportunity, but I also welcome what the Minister has said here, that there needs to be a proper, planned strategy as to how we do this, both spatially and to balance the benefits for our economy, our communities and the environment. So, could the Cabinet Minister describe, as more energy infrastructure is developed in our rural communities, how Government will now ensure genuine benefit through local ownership jobs and skills and lower energy bills?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   First Minister, I'd like to agree that protecting services at Bronglais and Withybush hospitals remains vital for communities across Ceredigion Penfro. However, in rural areas, we also need innovative ways of bringing healthcare closer to people's homes. Integrated care centres in Cardigan and Aberaeron show what can be achieved when we bring services together, and, again, bring them closer to people, taking the pressure off hospitals. Having recently visited GP services in Fishguard, I know that there is strong local support for a similar approach there. Indeed, my colleague Elin Jones has previously worked with local councillors to make the case for an integrated care centre for Fishguard. So, will the Welsh Government commit to working with Hywel Dda University Health Board and local communities to explore how towns such as Fishguard could benefit from integrated care facilities, ensuring rural communities are not left behind as healthcare services evolve?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy

   5. Pa waith y mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn ei wneud i ddiwygio ardrethi busnes ar gyfer busnesau lletygarwch? OQ64459

   Official English translation

   5. What work is the Cabinet Minister undertaking to reform business rates for hospitality businesses? OQ64459

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   Thank you. I welcome the Cabinet Minister's announcement of a 30 per cent cut to business rates for hospitality and leisure businesses. This will be a vital lifeline to small hospitality and leisure businesses and has already been welcomed by businesses in Ceredigion Penfro. These small businesses play essential roles in our rural and coastal communities, protecting local jobs, strengthening local economies and building lasting prosperity. I'm happy to see that this announcement extends beyond just pubs, clubs and live music venues, like in England, to support visitor accommodation and leisure businesses like hotels, cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms. With this in mind, can the Minister explain what she anticipates now will be the practical impact of these measures for towns and high streets across Wales, as well as in our constituency of Ceredigion Penfro?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning cy

   7. A wnaiff y Gweinidog Cabinet roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am gynlluniau'r Llywodraeth i adolygu'r fformiwla ariannu ar gyfer llywodraeth leol? OQ64400

   Official English translation

   7. Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the Government’s plans to review the funding formula for local government? OQ64400

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning cy

   Diolch. Mae Ceredigion a sir Benfro ymysg yr awdurdodau mwyaf gwledig Cymru. Mae pobl yng Nghymru wledig yn wynebu costau byw uwch tra, yn aml, yn ennill cyflogau is, ac mae poblogaeth sy'n heneiddio yn cynyddu'r pwysau ar wasanaethau cyhoeddus sydd yn barod dan straen enfawr. Am rhy hir, mae cynghorau gwledig wedi gorfod gwneud mwy gyda llai. Nid yw'r fformiwla cyllid presennol yn adlewyrchu'r gwir gost o ddarparu gwasanaethau ar draws cymunedau gwledig gwasgaredig. Mae angen bargen deg ar gynghorau gwledig. A wnaiff y Gweinidog Cabinet, felly, ymrwymo i weithio mewn partneriaeth gyda chynghorau gwledig drwy gydol yr adolygiad fformiwla cyllid yma?

   Official English translation

   Thank you. Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are among the most rural authorities in Wales. People in rural Wales face higher living costs while often earning lower wages, and an ageing population is increasing the pressure on public services that are already under immense strain. For too long, rural councils have had to do more with less. The current funding formula does not reflect the true cost of delivering services across dispersed rural communities. Rural councils need a fair deal. Will the Cabinet Minister, therefore, commit to working in partnership with rural councils throughout this funding formula review?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 7. Reform UK Debate: Bovine TB en

   I want to begin by recognising the profound impact, as others have done in this Chamber, that bovine TB continues to have on farming families and on rural communities across Wales. It impacts on people and animal welfare alike. For too many of my constituents in Ceredigion Penfro, this is a daily reality. Time and again, farmers have spoken to me about the emotional and financial strain that bovine TB places on their businesses and their families. Only last week, one constituent told me that they had been forced to cull around 600 cattle because of the disease. Sadly, theirs is far from an isolated case. Across Ceredigion Penfro, farmers are making heartbreaking decisions that carry enormous financial consequences and take a significant toll on their mental well-being. For some, these pressures have become so overwhelming that they are questioning whether they can carry on in the industry at all. Bovine TB remains one of the greatest challenges facing agriculture in my constituency. Alongside economic consequences, we must acknowledge the human cost. The stress, uncertainty and anxiety experienced by farming families living under prolonged TB restrictions cannot simply be measured in financial terms. S4C's Ffermio highlighted these realities powerfully, reminding us that behind every statistic are people, families and communities living with the consequences of this disease. I understand this can be a difficult and emotive subject, but I urge everybody in the Chamber to avoid the temptation to use this to polarise debate or for political point-scoring. Precisely because it is so important and so complex, our response must be guided by the evidence. This is not a black-and-white issue. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The science is not static, and we have to be ready to be responsive to new developments and innovations, as well as what we have learned from past programmes. So, I urge this Government to remain open to considering every measure that can contribute to eradicating bovine TB. That is why I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the bovine TB technical advisory group, and I welcome the emphasis in this motion that full and proper consideration needs to be given to any recommendations coming from this group, although I do note that the Reform Member seems not to agree with that aspect of the motion. Progress by the previous Labour Government was painfully slow. Without significant change, the bovine TB programme board has said that Wales will not eradicate bovine TB by 2041, and that should concern every Member of the Senedd. People on all sides of this debate want progress, not political point-scoring. They want confidence that decisions are being taken because they're effective, proportionate and evidence-led. They want a Government willing to make difficult decisions where necessary, knowing that these have been taken following careful and balanced consideration, something I have full confidence that this Government will do. For my constituency, this debate is particularly significant. Around two-thirds of all cattle slaughtered because of bovine TB in Wales last year were in high TB area west, covering the whole of Pembrokeshire and parts of Ceredigion, as Paul Davies has mentioned. That underlines the need for action that reflects the realities on the ground. A one-size-fits-all approach will not deliver eradication. We need targeted, science-led interventions, involving farmers and vets and other stakeholders as part of a wide strategy to finally eradicate bovine TB. For those reasons, I will support the motion today.  I welcome the Minister's clear commitment to eradicating TB for the benefit of people, the economy and wildlife alike, and I urge the Minister now to keep his clear focus on achieving that outcome. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Yesterday, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee took evidence from Adrian Crompton, the outgoing Auditor General for Wales. In his evidence, he was clear that value for money is not just about spending less, it's about making the money we do have work better. If we are to address the real challenges facing our communities today, what we need to focus on is better Government, driven by a new leadership. I'm delighted that this is already a core commitment of this Government and something it's getting started on quickly in its first 100 days. Will the First Minister assure us that his Government will maintain a relentless focus on improving outcomes for people and making the best use of the resources that Government does have?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 4. Statement by the First Minister: Legislation en

   I welcome so much in the First Minister's legislative statement this afternoon, but I'd like to add my voice, alongside others across the Chamber, to welcome the statutory duty on rural-proofing. For too long, our rural communities have felt let down and forgotten, feeling that policies have been designed by and for our urban population, with only lip service being paid to rural communities. But this statutory duty on rural-proofing, ensuring that rural needs are considered consistently in the development and delivery of policy, is an important step change and shows this Government truly appreciates our rural needs. How does the First Minister see these statutory duties working to address the different ways in which rural communities experience policy and access to services, from healthcare and transport to the urgent climate and nature crises?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   6. Pa gamau y mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn eu cymryd i gyflawni strategaeth fwyd Cymru? OQ64336

   Official English translation

   6. What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to deliver the Welsh food strategy? OQ64336

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en

   Diolch. I welcome the Government's ambitions in developing a national food strategy, including strengthening supply chains and food processing capacity. Food processors in Ceredigion Penfro have told me how excited they are by the opportunities these commitments are already creating for our rural economy. Food processing plays an important role in the west Wales economy, including, for example, Puffin Produce, with a £15 million turnover, and Pembrokeshire Creamery, with a £60 million turnover, who together employ over 300 people and support numerous farming businesses in rural west Wales. Businesses want to work with Government to keep more of the value of Welsh produce within Wales while supporting sustainable and regenerative farming. So, could the Minister outline how the Welsh Government will work with producers and processors to turn ambitions into reality and ensure that rural communities across Wales share the benefits?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 7. Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector en

   I want to start by celebrating the huge contribution that tourism makes to Wales and my constituency in Ceredigion Penfro. Ceredigion Penfro is one of the most beautiful places in the world, shown by the millions who visit each year. In Ceredigion Penfro, you can travel from sandy beach to rolling hill to ancient woodland—and sometimes find all three in one place. From the only coastal national park in the UK in Pembrokeshire, to the remote wilderness of Ceredigion's Cambrian mountains. From Tenby to Trefdraeth and from Aberaeron to Arberth, it's no wonder that people across Wales and around the world want to visit Ceredigion Penfro. Tourism accounts for around 13 per cent of all employment in Ceredigion and 23 per cent in Pembrokeshire, so I'm delighted that this Government recognises the importance of the tourism industry to Wales. But evidence gathered from the previous Government showed that high levels of tourism, if not managed, can have a negative impact on an area. High levels of second homes and short-term lets can impact on local housing markets and the sustainability of local communities, particularly in areas where properties are not occupied for much of the year. It's important that we are promoting tourism that provides maximum benefit to our people, environment, language and culture, and I welcome the lots of ideas that have come up in this debate already. So, I fully support the Government taking steps to enable sustainable tourism that secures jobs and income into local economies and which benefits our communities, environment, language and culture. And I support measures that prevent harm. That's why I support the visitor levy as a choice for local authorities to ensure that local communities reap the rewards of tourism. Funds raised through the visitor levy enable investment in the local environment, the Welsh language and culture, and local infrastructure, which also supports tourism. However, it's also important for the Government to act quickly when good policy intentions are not delivering the intended change and, in the case of the 182-day threshold, may be in danger of taking us in the wrong direction. Since becoming a Member of the Senedd, I've met with many constituents who have told me about the challenges that the 182-day rule for holiday lets is creating. I've heard about the pressure that the policy is putting on many self-catering businesses and the toll it is taking on people running local businesses. I've heard how it is threatening the viability of some local businesses, as well as jobs and spend in the wider economy, and I've also seen examples where it's not achieving the intended outcome for the local housing market. So, whilst I fully support the intention of the 182-day rule, I also welcome this Plaid Cymru Government's commitment to keep the 182-day occupancy threshold under review, and I urge the Government to begin this work quickly, so that we can find pragmatic solutions that better support the original purpose of the policy. This should include whether 182 days is the right threshold, but also have clear and reasonable exemptions, particularly where a property would not qualify as a private home. We need clear guidance to avoid holiday let owners being left stunned by unaffordable backdated council bills, sometimes by three or four years, or living with the mental stress that they soon could be. So, that's why I'm pleased to support the Government amendment today, and I urge other Members to do so. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Diolch. How do we ensure renewable energy plans take local communities' voices into account and that these local communities benefit directly from the energy transition?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Yes—

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

3. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   If anybody's got a copy of it, please.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

4. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   7. Sut bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn sicrhau bod y trawsnewidiad i ynni glân o fudd i gymunedau lleol yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64288

   Official English translation

   7. How will the Welsh Government ensure that the transition to clean energy benefits local communities in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64288

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

5. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Is that right?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

6. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Perhaps we'll adjust the social media clip for that. [Laughter.] I know many Members have seen the People's Emergency Briefing, and I urge those who haven't to do so. It shows the devastating financial costs of delaying action on climate change, not least for household budgets, and the positive economic opportunities if we act quickly. In Ceredigion Penfro, the transition to clean energy is creating big opportunities. This goes beyond mirroring fossil fuel systems. It's an opportunity to reshape our economy, working with businesses and communities to generate prosperity across Wales. But there's also risk. Communities are concerned they will actually have no meaningful voice to shape this change, and that benefits will flow out of Wales. How will this Government support real community voice, as well as research and development and innovation to enable small and medium-sized businesses and community enterprises to drive local solutions and secure economic benefits in Ceredigion Penfro and, indeed, across Wales?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

7. 5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Integrated Transport: North-South Coach Services en

   Diolch. Can I warmly welcome your statement today on the north-south express coach service providing much faster connections, not only between north Wales and south Wales, but for communities in west Wales. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to move towards the kind of cohesive and, as you say, fully integrated transport system that Wales needs. Central to that vision is making sure that no community is left behind, and that people across all parts of Wales are able to access and benefit from these improvements. But for this vision to be truly achieved, we also need good and timely links to connect people living in smaller towns and villages into this express route. So, can you, as Deputy Minister, assure us that these connecting services will be developed and co-designed by local voices?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   As another Member representing Ceredigion Penfro, I've also heard the same concerns that you have, so I welcome the Minister's clear commitment to keep the 182-day rule on self-catering lets under review. I recognise the impact that second homes and short-term lets are having on the housing crisis and communities, and it's important that the policy was developed in that context. But, as I said, I've heard the comments of constituents and I'm concerned that it's failing to deliver against the initial policy purpose in a number of aspects, and instead putting some people's livelihoods and homes under threat. And I've seen first-hand as well the impact that this kind of level of stress is having on people's mental health and well-being. So, can the Minister confirm that she will move quickly, where there are clear and reasonable practical exemptions that can be introduced, for example, where the holiday accommodation would not qualify as a private home?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Hospital services and hospital closures en

   Firstly, can I thank the Conservatives for tabling this important debate today? Standing up against the centralisation of services and the downgrading of hospital services in Withybush and Bronglais is a priority for me and colleagues in Plaid Cymru in Ceredigion Penfro. We need to invest in, not downgrade, our rural hospitals, and we need to invest in primary care to secure more NHS GPs and dentists and we need to introduce treatment centres to reduce waiting lists urgently, and I'm pleased to see the new Government is already getting to work on these issues. I want to recognise the citizen campaign groups who are playing a vital role in standing up against the downgrading of hospital services in west Wales. I want to thank representatives of the Save Withybush Action Team for discussing their priorities with me, and Protect Bronglais Services, which Elin Jones MS has worked with closely, for their work, not least the demonstration in Aberystwyth in February involving some 800 people and a recent petition with over 17,800 signatories. They've also played an important role in collating evidence. I was also pleased to have an early opportunity to meet with Hywel Dda health board, where I was able to raise my concerns. In an ideal world, we wouldn't be starting from here, and I was considering outlining the impact of 14 years of Tory austerity, of Brexit, and the decades of managed decline in Wales, but I don't want to focus on political divides. Rather, I want to tap into the scope here for working together across parties and constituencies to build alternatives, and, indeed, working with a new Welsh Government, whose health Minister here has a clear understanding of the challenges in rural healthcare and, as has been mentioned, has spoken out strongly on these issues. Neither do I want to focus on looking backwards. The original motion makes it sound as if this is about just keeping things the same and stopping further change, but what we have now is far from good enough for residents in Ceredigion Penfro. People in west Wales deserve better. We need to look forward and work creatively together, involving communities, to drive innovation and create a rural healthcare system that delivers the health outcomes our communities deserve. Finding those solutions is far from straightforward. Our health system is complex, and we need to see it as a whole. I urge you to support Plaid Cymru's amendment, which gives that context. Developing community-based services and investing in primary care is key to reducing pressure on acute hospitals. Cardigan Integrated Care Centre is an example of how doing this can work well, and I hope Hywel Dda will listen to calls for a similar centre in Fishguard. We need evidence-based services, but evidence from lived experience is just as important as any other evidence. I have heard harrowing stories from constituents about their experience of hospital services. Some of this is specifically related to rural challenges, not least long distances between hospitals and difficult access via public transport. Clinical leadership is of course important, but solutions that work in urban areas do not always work in rural settings. We also need to look at the real lived experience of patients. The reality of long distances and travel time in rural areas can be a matter of life and death. Hywel Dda health board are now in the middle of a further consultation, as has been raised—a second consultation on stroke services—and I urge people to feed into that process. I know there are strong concerns about these proposals and local residents have told me they feel that fundamental concerns remain unanswered and fear their views will not genuinely influence the final decision. So, I hope Hywel Dda will now listen to that diversity of voices before any further decisions are made. All solutions need to be designed around the people who use these services, with equitable access to services right across Wales. I want to see a relentless focus on improving health outcomes, along with clear and transparent measurements from the health board that can evidence progress against these. Diolch yn fawr.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 4. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability: Priorities for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en

   Can I welcome the Minister's statement today? Yesterday, I was pleased to visit a farm just under the Preselis with the Farmers Union of Wales. In an industry facing tough times, the priorities that the Minister has outlined, including tackling TB, reform to NVZs and cutting red tape, are welcome. This Government is bringing fresh hope. This farm, working with Farming Connect, is pioneering new techniques to reduce emissions and boost biodiversity, whilst also, crucially, increasing profits. Farmers bring skills and a deep knowledge of their land, stock and communities, and care for the future. I know the Minister has already touched on this, but can you outline how you will work with farmers alongside others as you design the details of your priority policies and programmes? Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 3. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning en

   In Welsh Refugee Week, I'm pleased to have the opportunity to recognise the huge contribution that refugees continue to make to our communities and economy in Wales, including in my constituency of Ceredigion Penfro. Housing is a foundation for all of our lives, but, unfortunately, many refugees in Wales today face destitution. A safe home is a foundation for people fleeing war and persecution to rebuild their lives so as they can contribute to their new communities. Can the Minister confirm that refugees will be included within her work to end homelessness for everyone in Wales?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 6. Reform UK Debate: Government international spending en

   Thank you, Llywydd. I'm proud to be a member of Plaid Cymru, an internationalist party. I'm pleased that, in May, voters in Wales rejected Reform UK's isolationist ideology, which would have been hugely detrimental to the Welsh economy, our communities and our services. International spending opens Wales up to the world, increases our global brand and supports both investment into the country, as well as opening our businesses up to global markets. In the year ending March 2026, the total value of Welsh exports was £19.1 billion, exported to countries like the United States, Ireland and Germany. Exports support our micro and small businesses, with the Office for National Statistics noting that micro and small businesses constituted the largest number of trading businesses in 2019. We know that Welsh international spending and exports have an interdependent relationship, meaning that international spending directly supports domestic businesses across Wales. Companies who have benefited from the Welsh Government export support programme since 2020 have delivered more than £475 million to the Welsh economy, and I welcome Plaid Cymru's plans for a new development agency to further improve support for exports.  Unlike Reform UK, who want to shut us off from the rest of the world, Plaid Cymru want to improve the access that our domestic businesses have to global markets, as well as attract international investment into Wales. Since 2020, there have been 280 investment projects by foreign-owned companies in Wales, creating and safeguarding more than 24,000 jobs. We understand that global Wales supports our businesses and grows our economy, and that plans to cut all international spending will weaken our economy and cut jobs. I want to work as part of the international community for the benefit of our country and our people, and I urge Members to reject this motion. Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution en

   I welcome the question, but I am concerned that the opposition party has been constantly running down our public servants, calling for jobs and pay to be cut and for scrapping practices that support fairness in our workplaces. This will not deliver the improvements that our communities are calling out for. What Wales needs is political leadership that believes in our public services and our public servants. Wales needs leaders with new ideas and energy who can work with and inspire our public servants to deliver better outcomes. With that in mind, please could the Minister update the Chamber on his work in the Welsh Government to establish measurable outcomes and milestones?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   7. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â TB buchol yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64117 [R]

   Official English translation

   7. What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle bovine TB in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64117 [R]

   Read in full No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record

2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   Diolch. Cyn cychwyn, fe hoffwn i ddatgan diddordeb. Rydw i'n cydberchen ar dir amaethyddol sy'n cael ei lesio ar hyn o bryd i fferm laeth yng Ngheredigion Penfro.  Yng Ngheredigion Penfro, lle mae ffermio yn asgwrn cefn ein cymuned, ein diwylliant a'n heconomi wledig, mae TB mewn gwartheg wedi achosi niwed dwfn a hirdymor. Yr wythnos diwethaf, esboniodd etholwr i mi sut mae wedi cael ei ddinistrio gan achosion diweddar ar ei fferm eidion yn sir Benfro. Mae project sir Benfro yn cynnig model a all helpu ymhellach i lywio ymatebion cenedlaethol cryfach. Mae'n tynnu ar ddealltwriaeth ddofn o'r clefyd ar lefel leol a fferm, ac yn defnyddio gwybodaeth a sgiliau milfeddygon a ffermwyr lleol. Rwy'n croesawu Llywodraeth Plaid Cymru sydd wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi ffermwyr. Felly, a fydd y Gweinidog Cabinet yn ehangu dulliau arloesol sy'n cael eu harwain gan wyddoniaeth, sy'n cynnwys ffermwyr a milfeddygon lleol, i ddarparu hyder a diogelwch hirdymor?

   Official English translation

   Thank you. Before starting, I would like to declare an interest. I am a joint owner of agricultural land that is leased at the moment to a dairy farm in Ceredigion Penfro. In Ceredigion Penfro, where farming is the backbone of our communities, our culture and our rural economy, bovine TB has caused huge and long-term harm. Last week, a constituent explained to me how his business has been destroyed by cases on his beef farm recently. The Pembrokeshire project offers a model that could help to drive stronger national responses. It draws from a deep understanding of the disease at a local and farm level, and draws together the skills of veterinarians and local farmers. I welcome the efforts of a Plaid Cymru Government that is committed to supporting farmers. So, will the Cabinet Minister be expanding innovative methods that are led by science, that include local farmers and veterinarians, to provide confidence and long-term security?

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record

Open this sitting on the stage

1. 4. Business Statement and Announcement en

   Trefnydd, there are particular challenges for the health and social care system in Ceredigion Penfro, where long distances mean that the centralisation of services away from Withybush and Bronglais hospitals has not worked for people or communities in mid and west Wales. Hywel Dda University Health Board is now consulting again on changes to the way stroke services are delivered, and there are concerns locally regarding the impact of these proposals. Could the Government consider, therefore, making a statement on equal access to health services in rural Wales? Diolch.

   Read in full See it in the chamber Senedd TV Read this in the Record