Elwyn Vaughan

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1. 7. Reform UK Debate: Prostate cancer strategy cy

   Diolch am ddod â'r ddadl yma ymlaen heddiw. Fel rydym eisoes wedi'i glywed, mae'r ystadegau ynghylch nifer y dynion sy'n cael eu heffeithio gan y clefyd creulon hwn bob blwyddyn yn peri cryn bryder. Mae'n bwysig cydnabod nad yw ein cymunedau gwledig yn imiwn i'r her hon. Yn wir, fel nodai sawl astudiaeth, gall y baich fod yn arbennig o drwm ar ddynion mewn ardaloedd gwledig, lle gall mynediad at wasanaethau iechyd fod yn fwy heriol. Mae nifer o ffactorau'n cyfrannu at hyn: y pellter y mae'n rhaid i rai dynion ei deithio i gyrraedd meddygfa; y pryderon ynghylch y gostyngiad mewn gwasanaethau meddygon teulu, fel y gwelwn ym Mhowys ar hyn o bryd; a'r diffyg trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus mewn ardaloedd gwledig. Gall y rhwystrau hyn ei gwneud yn anoddach i ddynion gael cyngor meddygol a'r diagnosis cynnar hollbwysig. Nid heriau ymarferol yn unig sydd angen inni fynd i'r afael â nhw, ychwaith. Yn aml, gall stigma ac amharodrwydd i drafod materion iechyd personol hefyd arwain at oedi. Gwyddom fod rhai dynion mewn cymunedau amaethyddol yn fwy parod i boeni am iechyd a lles eu hanifeiliaid nag am eu hiechyd eu hunain. Mae hynny'n rhywbeth y mae angen inni ei newid. Rhaid meithrin diwylliant lle gall dynion deimlo'n gyfforddus i siarad am eu hiechyd a bod yn barod i ofyn am gyngor pan fydd rhywbeth yn peri pryder iddynt. Mae nifer o fudiadau eisoes yn gwneud gwaith gwerthfawr iawn i fynd i'r afael â'r stigma hwn. Mae gwaith diweddar elusen FCN, ar y cyd â Macmillan, i dynnu sylw at yr heriau o ran mynediad at wasanaethau canser mewn ardaloedd gwledig yn enghraifft bwysig o hynny. Yn yr un modd, roeddwn yn falch iawn o weld Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru yn mabwysiadu Prostate Cymru fel elusen llywydd yr undeb eleni. Gobeithiaf yn fawr bydd y bartneriaeth hon yn helpu i gyrraedd mwy o ddynion yn ein cymunedau ffermio a phwysleisio pwysigrwydd adnabod symptomau posibl a chanfod cyngor meddygol yn brydlon. Er mwyn sicrhau newid gwirioneddol, mae'n hanfodol bod unrhyw strategaeth i wella ymwybyddiaeth a mynediad at ddiagnosis a thriniaeth yn cyd-fynd â chynlluniau ehangach Llywodraeth Cymru i wella gwasanaethau iechyd gwledig. I'r perwyl hwn, rwy'n mawr obeithio y bydd strategaeth o'r fath yn gweithio law yn llaw â dyhead blaengar Llywodraeth Cymru i sefydlu canolfan diagnosis cyflym newydd ym Mhowys. Mae hwn yn ddatblygiad pwysig i'r rhanbarth. Ar hyn o bryd, mae'n rhaid i rai cleifion deithio y tu allan i Bowys i gael asesiadau arbenigol, gan nad oes gwasanaethau diagnostig priodol ar gael yn lleol. Gall hyn olygu teithiau hir, costau ychwanegol a straen pellach i gleifion a'u teuluoedd ar adeg sydd eisoes yn llawn pryder. Byddai canolfan newydd yn gyfle i wella mynediad at asesiadau amserol, lleihau rhwystrau daearyddol, a helpu i sicrhau bod cleifion yn cael yr ymchwiliadau sydd eu hangen arnynt cyn gynted â phosibl. Gwyddom fod ymwybyddiaeth a diagnosis cynnar yn hanfodol er mwyn gwella canlyniadau triniaeth ar gyfer canser y prostad. Drwy sicrhau bod anghenion cymunedau gwledig wrth galon unrhyw strategaeth, gallwn wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i fywydau dynion ledled Cymru. Diolch yn fawr.

   Official English translation

   Thank you for tabling this debate today. As we've already heard, the statistics regarding the number of men who are impacted by this cruel disease every year cause quite a lot of concern. It's important to recognise that our rural communities are not immune to this challenge. Indeed, as noted in several studies, the burden can be particularly heavy for men in rural areas, where access to health services can be more challenging. A number of factors contribute to this: the distance that some men have to travel to reach a GP; concerns regarding the reduction in GP services, as we currently see in Powys; and the lack of public transport in rural areas. These barriers can all make it more difficult for men to access medical advice and that critical early diagnosis.  It isn't just the practical challenges that we have to tackle, either. Often, stigma and unwillingness to discuss personal health matters can also lead to delay. We know that some men in farming communities are more prepared to prioritise the health and welfare of their animals over their own. We need to change that. We must foster a culture where men feel comfortable speaking about their health and are willing to ask for advice when something worries them.  A number of organisations do valuable work in tackling this stigma. Recent work by the FCN charity, in partnership with Macmillan, to draw attention to the challenges in terms of access to cancer services in rural areas is an important example of these efforts. By the same token, I was very pleased to see the FUW adopting Prostate Cymru as the union president’s charity this year. I very much hope that this partnership will help to reach more men in our farming communities and emphasise the importance of identifying potential symptoms and seeking prompt medical advice. In order to ensure real change, it's vital that any strategy to increase awareness and improve access to diagnosis and treatment aligns with the Welsh Government's broader plans to improve rural health services. To this end, I very much hope that such a strategy will work hand in hand with the Welsh Government's progressive aspiration to establish a new rapid diagnosis centre in Powys. This is an important development for the region. At present, some patients have to travel outside Powys to receive specialist assessments because there are no suitable diagnostic services available locally. This can mean long journeys, additional costs and further strain for patients and their families at a time already full of worry. A new centre would be an opportunity to improve access to timely assessments and reduce geographical barriers, and it would help to ensure that patients are examined as soon as possible.  We know that awareness and early diagnosis are vital in order to improve treatment outcomes for prostate cancer. By ensuring that the needs of rural communities are at the heart of any strategy, we can make a genuine difference to men’s lives the length and breadth of Wales. Thank you very much.

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1. 1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy

   2. Sut y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn diogelu ac yn hyrwyddo henebion cenedlaethol Gwynedd Maldwyn ar gyfer cenedlaethau’r dyfodol? OQ64676

   Official English translation

   2. How is the Welsh Government protecting and promoting national monuments in Gwynedd Maldwyn for future generations? OQ64676

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2. 1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy

   Fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol fod Llansilin yn etholaeth Gwynedd Maldwyn yn gartref i Sycharth, llys hynafol Owain Glyndŵr ac un o safleoedd mwyaf arwyddocaol ein treftadaeth genedlaethol. Yn anffodus, fodd bynnag, mae'n gywilyddus nad yw cyflwr presennol y safle yn adlewyrchu ei bwysigrwydd hanesyddol a chenedlaethol. Ceir problemau megis gordyfiant, diffyg mynediad hygyrch, a hyd yn oed diffyg crybwyll i'r safle ar wefan Cadw. Ar y llaw arall, mae Cyngor Sir Powys eisoes wedi gwrthod ymdrechion am fwy o arwyddion pwrpasol ar y ffyrdd i hyrwyddo'r lle. A gaf i ofyn, felly, sut y gall Llywodraeth Cymru gydweithio â Cadw a Chyngor Sir Powys i sicrhau bod Sycharth yn cael ei hyrwyddo fel safle o bwysigrwydd genedlaethol ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol?

   Official English translation

   You will be aware that Llansilin in the Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency is the home of Sycharth, the ancient court of Owain Glyndŵr and one of the most significant sites of our national heritage. Unfortunately, however, it is disgraceful that the current state of the site doesn't reflect its historic and national importance. There are problems such as overgrowing foliage, lack of access and even a lack of mention of the site on the Cadw website. On the other hand, Powys council has already rejected proposals for more signage on the road to promote the site. Can I ask, therefore, how the Welsh Government can work with Cadw and Powys County Council to ensure that Sycharth is promoted as a site of national importance for future generations?

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1. 3. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution: The next steps for the Glyndŵr National Park (Designation) Order cy

   Diolch, Weinidog. Dyma chi'r realiti y byddai parc cenedlaethol newydd yn ei olygu: uno'r ardal o Langadfan ym Mhowys i Brestatyn ynghyd, sydd â dim byd yn gyffredin â'i gilydd. Cynyddu prisiau tai 25 y cant yn uwch na'r cyfartaledd yn ôl cymdeithas dai y Nationwide, gan wneud pethau hyd yn oed yn waeth i'n pobl ifanc. Cynyddu pwysau trafnidiaeth yn sgil delwedd hud a lledrith statws parc cenedlaethol ar lefydd fel Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant a Llanwddyn, tra'n gwneud dim gwahaniaeth i fioamrywiaeth, yn ôl astudiaethau diweddar, o gymharu â thu allan i barciau cenedlaethol, tra’n costio tua £6 miliwn y flwyddyn ar adeg pan fo parciau sydd eisoes yn bodoli wedi cael toriadau cyllidol o 41 y cant, ac o dan bwysau dybryd, a thra bod ein gwasanaethau gwledig yn cael eu torri o hyd. Dyw cael awdurdod newydd ddim yn gynaliadwy nac yn briodol, a gwastraffwyd £2.1 miliwn eisoes gan y Llywodraeth flaenorol ar hyn. Digon yw digon. A ellir cael cadarnhad na fydd y Llywodraeth yma yn gwario ffortiwn ar y cam nesaf hyn?

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Minister. This is the reality of what a new national park would mean: joining together the area from Llangadfan in Powys to Prestatyn, areas that have nothing whatsoever in common. Increasing house prices 25 per cent above the average, according to Nationwide building society, making the situation even worse for our young people. Increasing transport pressures as a result of the enchanting make-believe image of national parks in areas like Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llanddwyn, while doing nothing to improve biodiversity, according to recent studies, compared to areas outside of the park, while costing approximately £6 million per annum, at a time when existing parks have faced funding cuts of 41 per cent, and are under huge pressure, and while our rural services also face constant cuts. Creating a new authority is neither sustainable nor appropriate, and £2.1 million has already been wasted on this by the previous Government. Enough is enough. Could I have confirmation that this Government will not spend a fortune on the next phase of this process?

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1. 4. 90-second Statements cy

   Diolch, Lywydd. 'Go, Elfyn, go': dyna oedd y gri wythnos yma ym mhentref Dinas Mawddwy, ac ar hyd a lled Cymru y benwythnos hon. Wrth i genedl gyfan ddal eu gwynt, croesi bysedd a gwylio pob car a phob cornel, daeth y freuddwyd yn realiti yn haul Sardinia: Elfyn Evans a Scott Martin, pencampwyr ralio’r byd. Llongyfarchiadau iddynt. Ac am ddiweddglo. Ar ôl blynyddoedd o ddod mor agos—ar ôl boddi wrth y lan dro ar ôl tro ar ôl tro—am bleser oedd hi o’r diwedd gweld Elfyn yn codi’r tlws arbennig, a hynny o dan yr amgylchiadau mwyaf dramatig posib. A thra mor felys fu’r fuddugoliaeth, am wych oedd gweld y ddrama’n datblygu’n fyw ar S4C, gan ganiatáu i genedl gyfan rannu’r cyffro, y nerfau a’r dathlu drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. 'Drama yn y diwedd' ebychodd sylwebydd Ralio, Howard Davies, geiriau sydd bellach wedi eu clywed ledled y byd. Llongyfarchiadau mawr, Elfyn, Cymro a'r Prydeiniwr cyntaf i gyflawni’r gamp ers chwarter canrif. Rydym i gyd mor falch o dy lwyddiant haeddiannol—neb llai, wrth gwrs, na dy dad, Gwyndaf, yntau’n gyn-bencampwr rali Prydain, ac sydd wedi dy ddilyn ar hyd y daith. O Ddinas Mawddwy i binacl y byd—am stori, am dymor, ac am fuddugoliaeth. Y Cymro balch o wlad y Gwylliaid bellach yn bencampwr y byd. Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Llywydd. 'Go, Elfyn, go': that was the chant this week in the village of Dinas Mawddwy, and all over Wales this weekend. As a whole nation held its collective breath, crossed its fingers and watched every car and every corner, the dream became a reality in the Sardinian sun: Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin, world rally champions. Congratulations to them. And what a finale. After years of coming so close—falling just short time and time again—what a pleasure it was to finally see Elfyn lift up this special trophy, and to do so under the most dramatic circumstances possible. And while the victory was so sweet, how wonderful it was to see the drama unfold live on S4C, which allowed the entire nation to share the excitement, the nerves and the celebrations through the medium of Welsh. 'Drama at the finishing line' was the exclamation of the Ralio commentator, Howard Davies, words that have now reverberated around the world. Congratulations, Elfyn, the first Welshman and Briton to achieve this feat in a quarter of a century. We're all so proud of your well-deserved success—none more so, of course, than your own father, Gwyndaf, a former British rally champion, who has followed you all along this journey. From Dinas Mawddwy to the pinnacle of the world—what a story, what a season and what a victory. The proud Welshman from the land of the Gwylliaid, now the world champion. Thank you.

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1. 3. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Weinidog, a gaf i groesawu yn y lle cyntaf yn fawr iawn gyhoeddiad Llywodraeth Plaid Cymru yr wythnos diwethaf ynghylch y £3.4 miliwn ychwanegol i fwrdd iechyd Powys i helpu i leihau amseroedd aros? Fe fydd y buddsoddiad hwn yn gwneud gwahaniaeth i gleifion ym Mhowys, lle mae nifer fawr yn dibynnu ar gael mynediad at wasanaethau gofal iechyd ar draws y ffin yn Lloegr. O ystyried y rôl hanfodol y mae gofal iechyd trawsffiniol yn ei chwarae i bobl ym Mhowys ac ar hyd Clawdd Offa, a oes modd cael sylw ar hyn, os gwelwch yn dda?

   Official English translation

   Minister, may I first of all warmly welcome the Plaid Cymru Government's announcement last week regarding the additional £3.4 million for Powys health board to help to reduce waiting times? This investment will make a difference to patients in Powys, where a large number depend on accessing healthcare services across the border in England. Given the vital role that cross-border healthcare plays for people in Powys and along Offa's Dyke, can we have a statement on this, please?

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

   3. A wnaiff y Gweinidog Cabinet roi diweddariad ar gyflwyno cynnig gofal plant Llywodraeth Cymru ym Mhowys? OQ64599

   Official English translation

   3. Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the roll-out of the Welsh Government’s childcare offer in Powys? OQ64599

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

   Diolch yn fawr am y diweddariad positif yna. Mae gwastad yn bryder yn y canolbarth fod pob dim yn mynd i'r ardaloedd trefol neu ddinesig. Byddai cael sicrwydd, felly, bydd ein hardaloedd gwledig yr un mor gymwys ac yn elwa o'r datblygiad pwysig yma ym maes gofal plant yn cael ei werthfawrogi. Diolch yn fawr.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for that positive update. There is always a concern in mid Wales that everything goes to urban or city areas. An assurance, therefore, that our rural areas will also benefit from this important development in childcare would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

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3. 4. 90-second Statements cy

   Yr wythnos diwethaf, cofnodwyd 100 mlynedd ers agor y Stiwt, neu Blas y Mwynwyr, yn Rhosllanerchrugog. Adeiladwyd y Stiwt gan y gymuned i'r gymuned. Rhwng 1924 a 1926, rhoddwyd ceiniog o bob tunnell o lo o’r pyllau lleol tuag at adeiladu'r theatr. Codwyd bron i £18,000, swm anferthol ar y pryd. Parhaodd y glowyr i gyfrannu, gan roi 2c o’u cyflogau wythnosol tuag at y cynnal a chadw. Agorwyd y Stiwt ym 1926, yr un flwyddyn â’r streic gyffredinol. Yng nghanol caledi enfawr ac ansicrwydd, gwnaeth glowyr y Rhos rywbeth anhygoel: lle ar gyfer adloniant, addysg, y gymuned a bywyd diwylliannol Cymreig. Ers cenedlaethau, mae wedi bod yn fynediad at y celfyddydau. Fel y dywedodd Mark Lewis Jones yr wythnos diwethaf, 'Fe ddechreuodd o i gyd yn y Stiwt'. Pan gaeodd y Stiwt ym 1977, gallai’r cyfan wedi dod i ben, ond wnaeth y gymuned ddim caniatáu hynny. Ar ôl ymgyrch penderfynol a £2.1 miliwn o’r gronfa loteri treftadaeth, ailagorwyd y Stiwt ym 1999. Mae ein dyled yn fawr i bawb a ymgyrchodd i’w arbed. Nos Wener, cawsom noson anhygoel yn y Stiwt yn dathlu'r canmlwyddiant yng nghwmni talent rhyfeddol ar y llwyfan. Hefyd, roedd yn fraint y llynedd i gwrdd ag Emyr Prys Jones, crëwr ffenestr liw hyfryd y Stiwt, teyrnged pwerus i dreftadaeth ddiwydiannol y Rhos. Felly, efo’r Stiwt yn dathlu 100 mlynedd, gadewch i ni ddathlu nid yn unig yr adeilad ond y gymuned a’i adeiladodd, a'i achubodd, ac sy’n parhau i roi bywyd iddo.

   Official English translation

   Last week marked the hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Stiwt, or Plas y Mwynwyr, in Rhosllanerchrugog. The Stiwt was built by the community for the community. Between 1924 and 1926, a penny was donated for every tonne of coal mined from the local pits towards building the theatre. Almost £18,000 was raised, a huge sum at the time. The miners continued to contribute, giving 2p from their weekly wages towards maintenance. The Stiwt was opened in 1926, the same year as the general strike. Amid enormous hardship and uncertainty, the Rhos miners built an incredible thing: a place for entertainment, education, the community and Welsh cultural life. For generations, it has been a gateway to the arts. As Mark Lewis Jones said last week, 'It all started in the Stiwt'. When the Stiwt closed in 1977, it could have all come to an end, but the community didn't allow that. After a determined campaign and £2.1 million from the heritage lottery fund, the Stiwt was reopened in 1999. We owe a great debt to all those who campaigned to save it. On Friday night, we had an amazing night at the Stiwt celebrating the centenary in the company of incredible talent on stage. It was also a privilege last year to meet Emyr Prys Jones, the creator of the Stiwt's beautiful stained glass window, a powerful tribute to the industrial heritage of the Rhos. So, with the Stiwt celebrating 100 years, let's celebrate not only the building but the community that built it, saved it, and continues to give it life.

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4. 5. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Contaminated land cy

   Diolch am ddod â'r cynnig arbennig yma ymlaen heddiw.

   Official English translation

   Thank you for bringing this particular motion forward today.

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5. 5. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Contaminated land en

   Thank you for bringing this motion together today. From Agent Orange production to genetically modified organism controversies, Monsanto has been at the heart of it. This agricultural giant's legacy includes toxic chemicals, patent disputes and environmental damage, leading to lawsuits and ongoing health concerns worldwide. Monsanto's controversial legacy has left an indelible mark on agricultural global health and the environment. The agrochemical giant's decades-long history includes production of toxic chemicals like Agent Orange, PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, and DDT, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, while its aggressive patenting of genetically modified seeds has sparked intense debate about food sovereignty and farmers’ rights. From lawsuits over cancer-causing pesticides to allegations of suppressing scientific research, you'll discover why Monsanto has become one of the most criticised corporations in modern history. Many critics argue that Monsanto's business practices prioritise profits over public health and environmental safety, leading to lasting consequences we're still grappling with today. Monsanto began in 1901 as a chemical manufacturer producing saccharin. By the 1940s they expanded into agricultural chemicals, including DDT and Agent Orange. The company shifted focus to biotechnology in the 1980s, launching the first genetically modified crops in 1996 through their flagship product, Roundup Ready soya beans. Monsanto's production of PCBs led to widespread environmental contamination, with devastating effects on local communities. Monsanto operated a PCB manufacturing plant in Anniston, USA from 1929 to 1971, dumping toxic waste into local waterways. The contamination left residents with high rates of cancer, liver disease and diabetes, while polluting the soil and water systems. Testing revealed PCB levels 200 times higher than the federal safety limit in local creeks. Internal documents reveal that Monsanto knew about PCB dangers as early as 1937, but continued production until 1977. The company buried contaminated soil in unlined landfills. In 2003, Monsanto paid $700 million to settle claims by 20,000 Anniston residents over PCB contamination. Monsanto's decades-long history of corporate misconduct has left an indelible mark on public health, environmental safety and agricultural independence. From the devastating effects of Agent Orange to the ongoing Roundup controversy, their actions continue to impact millions of lives worldwide. Their acquisition by Bayer—something I'm sure they regret—hasn't eased the company's troubled legacy, as lawsuits and health concerns persist. You'll find that the Monsanto story serves as a stark reminder of how corporate profits often overshadow public welfare. In 1919, the US chemical company Monsanto entered into partnership with Graesser's chemical works at Cefn Mawr to produce vanillin, salicylic acid, aspirin, and, later, rubber-processing chemicals. The site was later operated by Flexsys, a subsidiary of Solutia, but production ceased in 2010. The alleged dumping of PCBs, poisonous chemicals that do not break down but build up in the environment, animals, fish and humans over time, are widespread. These chemicals were dumped in 12 known sites across Wales, including in Rhiwabon, Cefn Mawr and the infamous Llwyneinion acid tar lagoon near Rhosllanerchrugog. Evidence gathered by campaigners and experts over years claims that PCBs may have been responsible for spikes in rare cancers in those areas. A local resident, featured in Buried with Michael Sheen, Michael Phillips, revealed that, as children, he and his friends went down to Llwyneinion acid lagoon to watch as fire crews battled to bring a fire there under control in 1980. The fire took 18 hours to extinguish, but, years later, Michael and his friends all contracted rare cancers, which he attributes to exposure to PCBs. And he says, 'My surgeon said, "This is strange, I've never seen this type of cancer before" and he'd had this distinguished career of 40 years', said Phillips. Two of his friends have passed away, with brain cancer and breast cancer. Another is battling brain cancer, while a fourth had all his lymph nodes removed, as they were cancerous. A fifth even had the same type of cancer as Phillips—something his surgeon said was equivalent to the odds of winning the lottery every day for six months. And that's the reality today of the situation left behind by the worst of multinational capitalism. At the end of the day, it's about people, about their and our environment. It's about the potential threats to them, their families, children and future generations. And that's why we owe it to them to demand action and put a strategic framework and plan of action in place. Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 2. Questions to the First Minister cy

   Mae ein gwasanaethau gwledig wedi'u tangyllido yn hanesyddol ac wedi methu ag adlewyrchu yn gywir cost darparu gwasanaethau gwledig. Dyna pam y dylid croesawu'r adolygiad o'r fformiwla gyllido y mae'r Llywodraeth yma yn ei wneud. Ond onid y realiti yw bod hyn yn dangos yr angen dybryd i newid fformiwla cyllido Cymru o San Steffan i sicrhau tegwch a chyfiawnder, ac y dylai pawb yn y Siambr yma gefnogi'r Llywodraeth yma yn yr alwad honno?

   Official English translation

   Our rural services have been historically underfunded and have failed to accurately reflect the cost of providing rural services. That's why the review of the funding formula this Government is undertaking should be welcomed. But isn't it the reality that this shows the urgent need to change Wales's funding formula from Westminster to ensure fairness and justice, and that everyone in this Chamber should support this Government in that call?

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1. 2. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Fel y cyfeiriwyd eisoes, byddwch chi'n ymwybodol, wrth gwrs, y darlledwyd y rhaglen ddogfen Buried yn ystod yr haf yn edrych i mewn i honiadau o gladdu PCBs, cemegau gwenwynig sydd ddim yn torri i lawr ond sy'n adeiladu i fyny yn yr amgylchedd, anifeiliaid, pysgod a phobl dros amser. Claddwyd y cemegau hyn mewn o leiaf 12 safle yng Nghymru, gan gynnwys ger Rhiwabon, Cefn Mawr a phwll tocsig Llwyneinion, ger Rhos, sy'n safle erchyll, a dweud y lleiaf. Honnwyd bod cwmni cemegion Monsanto, a gynhyrchodd 98 y cant o'r holl PCBs yn y Deyrnas Gyfunol, wedi dympio, gan ddyfynnu, 'llawer iawn o gemegion diwydiannol o gwmpas Cymru'. Mae hwn yn esiampl o'r gwaethaf o gorfforaethau mawr rhyngwladol yn rheibio ein cymunedau er budd eu hunain. Yng ngwyneb hyn oll, a all y Gweinidog rhannu datganiad efo ni maes o law ynghylch y sefyllfa anfoddhaol hon?

   Official English translation

   As has already been referred to, you'll be aware that a documentary titled Buried was broadcast over the summer, looking into allegations around the burying of PCBs, toxic chemicals that don't break down but build up in the environment, animals, fish and people over time. These chemicals were buried in at least 12 sites in Wales, including near Ruabon, Cefn Mawr and the Llwyneinion toxic lagoon near Rhos, which is a terrible site, to say the least. It claimed that the chemical company Monsanto, which produced 98 per cent of all PCBs in the UK, dumped, and I quote, 'huge amounts of industrial chemicals all around Wales'. This is one of the worst examples of large international corporations taking advantage of our communities. In light of this, could the Minister share a statement with us about this unsatisfactory situation?

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

   Un o'r heriau mwyaf sy'n wynebu bwrdd iechyd Powys yw'r cynnydd sylweddol yng nghostau triniaethau trawsffiniol a godwyd gan NHS England, sydd wedi cyfrannu at fwlch ariannol o tua £7.8 miliwn. Yn ogystal, mae bwrdd iechyd dyffryn Gwy yn ceisio codi premiwm gwledig ychwanegol, sydd erbyn hyn oddeutu £13 miliwn. Mae'r materion hyn wedi rhoi pwysau sylweddol ar gyllid y bwrdd iechyd, ac ni fu cefnogaeth gan y Llywodraeth flaenorol i fynd i'r afael â'r costau ychwanegol hyn. Rwy'n croesawu'r buddsoddiad ychwanegol o £145 miliwn i leihau rhestrau aros ledled Cymru. Felly, a all y Gweinidog Cabinet egluro pa asesiad sydd wedi bod i sicrhau bod y buddsoddiad hwn yn elwa triogolion Powys? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   One of the biggest challenges facing Powys health board is the significant increase in the cost of cross-border treatment levied by NHS England, which has contributed to a financial gap of around £7.8 million. In addition, the Wye valley health board is trying to levy an additional rural premium, which now stands at around £13 million. These issues have placed significant pressure on the finances of the health board, and no support was provided by the previous Government to address these additional costs. I welcome the additional investment of £145 million to reduce waiting lists across Wales. So, can the Cabinet Minister explain what assessment has been made to ensure that this investment benefits the residents of Powys? Thank you.

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

   Roeddwn i'n falch iawn i glywed ddoe am ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i gyflwyno hawl y gymuned i brynu. Mae yna esiamplau da o drefi marchnad sy'n llwyddo creu bwrlwm ac egni, efo nifer o siopau a busnesau cynhenid wedi eu gwreiddio yno. Yn fy etholaeth i, mae yna nifer fawr o esiamplau ym Machynlleth o grwpiau cymunedol yn prynu asedau cymunedol, fel eglwysi a thafarndai ac ati, ac yn eu cadw'n fyw er lles y gymuned a'r economi leol. Gall y Gweinidog Cabinet wneud datganiad ar hawl y gymuned i brynu? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   I was delighted to hear yesterday of the Government's commitment to introduce the community right to buy. There are good examples of market towns that succeed in creating energy and activity, through a number of indigenous businesses rooted there. In my own constituency, there are a number of examples in Machynlleth of community groups buying community assets, such as churches and pubs and so on, and keeping them going for the benefit of the community and the local economy. Can the Cabinet Minister make a statement on community right to buy? Thank you.

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3. 7. Reform UK Debate: Bovine TB cy

   Gaf i ddweud, fel mab fferm, fy mod i'n ymwybodol iawn, iawn o effeithiau TB? Mae TB yn taflu cysgod trwchus dros ein cynhyrchwyr gwartheg a llaeth a'n cymunedau gwledig, ac mae'n un o'r prif rwystrau i gyflawni diwydiant amaethyddol Cymreig cynhyrchiol, blaengar a phroffidiol. Mae cael TB ar fferm yn effeithio ar bob agwedd ar reolaeth fferm ddydd i ddydd. Mae'n effeithio ar farchnata anifeiliaid, fel gwerthu buchod stôr, anifeiliaid magu a lloi, sy'n arwain at gostau ychwanegol, bwyd ychwanegol, porthiant, llety a phori ac ati. Mae colli buchod cynhyrchiol a magu yn sgil TB yn effeithio'n negyddol ar y cynnyrch, er enghraifft, llai o litrau o laeth, a chynhyrchiant y fferm, er enghraifft trwy golli potensial genetig. Mae achosion o TB yn arwain at straen ariannol ac emosiynol sylweddol i ffermwyr a'u teuluoedd. Yn ôl yr ystadegau diweddaraf sydd ar gael, ledled Cymru yn ystod cyfnod Ebrill 2025 i Fawrth 2026, cafodd 10,395 o wartheg eu lladd oherwydd TB. Cynhaliwyd dros 14,000 o brofion buchesi, cynhaliwyd bron i 2 miliwn o brofion gwartheg unigol, a chanfuwyd 479 o ddigwyddiadau buchesi newydd. Dyw'r ystadegau hyn yn fawr iawn o gysur i ffermwyr ledled y wlad, sy'n parhau i fyw gyda'r clefyd erchyll hwn. Mae'n werth nodi bod bron i ddau draean o'r anifeiliaid y byddai'n cael eu lladd oherwydd TB yng Nghymru dros y cyfnod adrodd 12 mis diwethaf yn ardal TB uchel y gorllewin, sef sir Benfro a rhannau o Gaerfyrddin a Cheredigion, gan dynnu sylw at y gwahaniaeth rhanbarthol yn y clefyd yma. Rhaid hefyd sylweddoli bod gan ffermwyr gyfradd uchel o hunanladdiad, hyd at un y wythnos. Mae arolwg ymhlith ffermwyr yn dangos bod y mwyafrif yn credu mai iechyd meddwl gwael yw'r broblem fwyaf mewn amaethyddiaeth. Teimlodd 64 y cant o ffermwyr a arolygwyd gan Farmers Weekly yn bositif am eu hiechyd corfforol, ond dim ond 55 y cant o ffermwyr sy'n teimlo'n bositif am eu hiechyd meddwl. Mae'r haint yn cynyddu’r straen. Roedd 50 y cant o ffermwyr a holwyd gan Rwydwaith Cymuned Ffermio wedi'u siomi gan neu'n poeni am TB. Mae rhai ffermwyr yn meddwl nad yw'r cyhoedd yn deall heriau ffermio ac yn teimlo eu bod yn cael eu tanwerthfawrogi. Diolch byth, mae Samariaid Cymru yn ceisio torri'r cylch risg hunanladdiad yng nghefn gwlad Cymru drwy brosiect Ein Ffermio, Ein Dyfodol. Mae'r bartneriaeth â'r elusen cymorth ffermio Tir Dewi yn gweithio'n agos gyda chlybiau ffermwyr ifanc Cymru a'u haelodau i ddatblygu adnoddau a gweithgareddau a arweinir gan gymheiriaid a all gael eu defnyddio a'u rhannu ym mhob clwb, gyda'r bwriad yn y pen draw o leihau'r risg o hunanladdiad mewn cymunedau gwledig ledled Cymru, a diolch iddynt am eu gwaith. Erbyn diwedd y 1960au, roedd presenoldeb TB mewn gwartheg yn y Deyrnas Unedig bron iawn â diflannu. Erbyn canol y 1970au, roedd pob buches yn y Deyrnas Unedig wedi cael eu glanhau o'r clwyf, er nad ar yr un pryd. Rhaid derbyn polisïau rheoli clefydau sydd wedi'u seilio ar dystiolaeth, yn dryloyw ac yn amlwg yn effeithiol. Ym mis Mawrth 2023, lansiodd y Llywodraeth Cymru flaenorol gynllun gweithredu pum mlynedd a nododd gyfeiriad polisi'r dyfodol ar gyfer rhaglen dileu TB. Sefydlwyd grŵp cynghori technegol TB bovine ym mis Ebrill 2024 fel rhan o ddiwygiadau llywodraethu a bennwyd yn y cynllun gweithredu. Mae TAG yn darparu cyngor gwyddonol a thechnegol arbenigol annibynnol i Weinidogion Cymru ac i uwch swyddogion ar raglen dileu TB ac yn dod â gwahanol arbenigedd technegol ac ymarferol at ei gilydd i roi'r cyngor hwnnw. Mae aelodaeth yn cynnwys rhai o'r arbenigwyr gorau yn y byd ym maes gwyddoniaeth epidemioleg ac imiwnoleg, ac mae'n rhywbeth y dylen ni i gyd ymfalchïo ynddo. Ac felly, yn union yr un modd a ddefnyddir tystiolaeth wyddonol i gael gweithredu ar heriau newid hinsawdd, rhaid gweithredu ar sail dystiolaeth wyddonol mewn perthynas â TB. Dyna pam rhaid gwrando, darllen, deall a pharchu gwaith y panel maes o law—un a sefydlwyd, ar ddiwedd y dydd, gan Lywodraeth Lafur flaenorol. Diolch yn fawr.

   Official English translation

   Could I say, as the son of a farmer, that I was very aware of the effects of TB. TB casts a long shadow over our cattle farmers and dairy producers and our rural communities, and it's one of the main barriers to achieving a Welsh agricultural industry that is productive, progressive and profitable. Having TB on a farm affects all aspects of day-to-day farm management. It affects the marketing of animals, such as the sale of store cattle, breeding animals and calves, which leads to additional costs, additional food, feed, shelter, grazing and so forth. The loss of productive and breeding cattle due to TB negatively effects the yield, for example, fewer litres of milk, and the productivity of the farm, for example through the loss of genetic potential. TB outbreaks result in significant financial and emotional stress for farmers and families. According to the latest statistics available, throughout Wales during the period from April 2025 to March 2026, 10,395 cattle were slaughtered due to TB. More than 14,000 herd tests were carried out, nearly 2 million individual cattle tests were carried out, and 479 new herd events were detected. These statistics provide little comfort to farmers across the country, who continue to live with this terrible disease. It's worth noting that almost two thirds of the animals that would end up being slaughtered due to TB in Wales over the last 12-month reporting period were in the high TB area in the west, namely Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, highlighting the regional variation in the disease. We have to also realise that farmers have a high suicide rate, with up to one case per week. A survey of farmers shows that the majority believe that poor mental health is the biggest problem in agriculture. Around 64 per cent of farmers surveyed by Farmers Weekly feel positive about their physical health, but only 55 per cent of farmers feel positive about their mental health. Cases of infection increase stress. Fifty per cent of farmers surveyed by the Farming Community Network were dismayed or concerned about TB. Some farmers believe that the public don't understand the challenges of farming and feel underappreciated. Thank goodness that Samaritans Wales is aiming to break the cycle of suicide risk in rural Wales by launching the Our Farming, Our Future project. The partnership forged with the farming support charity Tir Dewi works closely with the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and its members to develop peer-led resources and activities that can be used and shared in all clubs, with the ultimate aim of reducing the risk of suicide in rural communities throughout Wales, and thanks to them for their work. By the end of the 1960s, the presence of TB in cattle in the UK had almost disappeared. By the mid-1970s, all herds in the UK had been cleansed of the disease, though not all at the same time. We must accept disease control policies that are evidence based, transparent and demonstrably effective. In March 2023, the previous Welsh Government launched a five-year action plan that set out the future policy direction for the TB eradication programme. The bovine TB technical advisory group was established in April 2024 as part of governance reforms set out in the action plan. TAG provides independent expert scientific and technical advice to Welsh Ministers and senior officials on the TB eradication programme and brings together different strands of technical and practical expertise to provide that advice. Its membership includes some of the world's leading experts in science, epidemiology and bovine TB immunology, and that's something that we should all be proud of. And so, in exactly the same way that scientific evidence is used to spur action on the challenges of climate change, we must act on the basis of scientific evidence in relation to TB. That is why we must listen to, read, understand and respect the work of the panel in due course—a body that was established, when all is said and done, by the previous Labour Government. Thank you very much.

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1. 7. Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector cy

   Dwi ddim am amlhau geiriau, byddwch chi'n falch o glywed. Y gwir ydy fod trethi twristiaeth yn normal ar draws y byd, gan gynnwys Amsterdam, Fenis, Barcelona, Paris, rhai o'r dinasoedd efo'r mwyaf o dwristiaeth yn y byd yma. Ac wrth gwrs, erbyn hyn, mae rhannau eang o Loegr hefyd efo'r dreth yma—ac yn yr Alban—gan gynnwys Lerpwl a Manceinion ar ein stepen drws. Nid yw'r dreth am gosbi'r sector twristiaeth, yn hytrach mae'n cynyddu incwm i lywodraeth leol i wella'n hardaloedd, i ailfuddsoddi, i wella adnoddau ymwelwyr yn yr ardal, gwella naws ein cyrchfannau twristiaeth ac felly twristiaeth gynaliadwy. Rydyn ni fel plaid yn hir wedi deall a gwerthfawrogi pwysigrwydd twristiaeth i'n heconomi—gallaf i ddweud hynny fel un oedd â theulu yn y sector ei hunan—ac yn ymfalchïo yn y ffaith ein bod ni'n medru dangos prydferthwch ein gwlad i bobl o ar draws y byd, ond rhaid i hyn hefyd fod yn fuddiol i'r rheini sydd yn derbyn y dwristiaeth a'n cymunedau. Un ffordd o wneud hyn yw treth twristiaeth. Beth sy'n bwysig i'w nodi, ar adeg pan fo nifer yn sôn am yr angen i ddatganoli grym i lywodraeth leol—mae hi i fyny i'n llywodraethau lleol i gyflwyno'r dreth, nid Llywodraeth Cymru. Os nad yw cyngor yn meddwl ei bod hi'n syniad da, nid oes yn rhaid iddynt ei gyflwyno, ond mae’n sicrhau bod ganddyn nhw'r pŵer i'w wneud, os dymunant, er mwyn eu helpu efo'r pwysau costau sydd arnyn nhw. Mae'n rhaid i'r arian hwn gael ei ddefnyddio ar wella ein hisadeiledd er mwyn gwella profiad twristiaid—

   Official English translation

   I don't want to use many words, you'll be glad to hear. The truth is that tourism taxes are common worldwide, including in Amsterdam, Venice, Barcelona and Paris, some of the cities with the greatest influx of tourists in the world. And of course, by now, there are great parts of England that have this tax—and in Scotland as well—including Liverpool and Manchester on our doorstep. The tax does not penalise the tourism sector, rather it boosts income for local government to improve our areas, to reinvest, to improve visitor amenities in the area, improving the feel of our tourism destinations and therefore facilitating sustainable tourism. We as a party have long understood and appreciated the importance of tourism to our economy—I can say that as somebody who had family in the sector—and we take pride in the fact that we can show the beauty of our country to people from across the globe, but this must also bring benefits to those who host the tourists and our communities. One way of ensuring this is by introducing a tourism tax. What's important to note, at a time when many people speak of devolving powers to local government, is that it's up to our local authorities to introduce the tax, not the Welsh Government. If a council doesn't think it's a good idea, they don't have to introduce it, but this ensures that they have the power to do so, if they wish, to help with the cost pressures that they face. This fund needs to be used to improve infrastructure, to enhance the tourist experience—

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

   Yes, go on.

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

   Well, I prefer this as a clear model.

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4. 7. Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector cy

   Mae'n rhaid i'r arian hwn gael ei defnyddio i wella ein hisadeiledd—dyna ydy'r realiti—ac mae hwn yn fater o wella ein cynnig twristiaeth, ddim yn gosb i'r sector. Bydd Llywodraeth Plaid Cymru yn hyrwyddo Cymru fel cyrchfan dwristiaeth o'r radd flaenaf, gan ganolbwyntio ar sicrhau bod twristiaeth yn gweithio'n gynaliadwy i gymunedau Cymru, gan ddysgu gwersi o'n cefndryd Celtaidd yn Iwerddon a'r Alban, sy'n gwneud y mwyaf o'u cysylltiadau rhyngwladol. Ac yn yr un modd, gall Cymru efelychu'r llwyddiant hynny, a gwerthu Cymru fel lle arbennig, unigryw a diddorol, gan wneud defnydd o'r egwyddor o naws am le, gan ddefnyddio ein hiaith, diwylliant, bwyd a diod a'n hamgylchedd fel ffactorau unigryw, a thrwy hynny sicrhau bod y sector dwristiaeth nid yn unig yn gynaliadwy, ond bod egwyddorion cynaliadwyedd cymunedol yn greiddiol i'r sector hefyd. Diolch yn fawr.

   Official English translation

   These funds have to be used to improve our infrastructure—that's the reality—and this is a matter of improving our tourism offer, not penalising the sector.  A Plaid Cymru Government will promote Wales as a first-rate tourist destination, focusing on ensuring that tourism works sustainably for Wales's communities, learning lessons from our Celtic colleagues in Ireland and Scotland, who maximise their international connections. And in the same way, Wales could emulate that success and sell Wales as a special, unique and fascinating place to visit, making use of that sense of place, focusing on language, culture, food and drink and our environment as unique factors, and through that ensure that the tourism sector isn't just sustainable, but that community sustainability principles are central to the sector too. Thank you.

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   Mae llawer yn sôn am faterion trawsffiniol ym Mhowys. Serch hynny, beth sydd ddim yn cael ei glywed yn aml ydy'r ffaith bod NHS Lloegr wedi codi ffioedd llawer uwch na ffioedd arferol y llynedd, ac yn uwch na chwyddiant, sef y lefel sydd fel rheol wedi ei warantu gan y Lywodraeth yma. Arweiniodd hynny at gost ychwanegol o £3.8 miliwn y llynedd, ac yn debygol o fod yn £4 miliwn eleni. Yn ychwanegol at hynny, mae ymddiriedolaeth Wye Valley wedi ei dynodi yn ardal wledig gan NHS Lloegr ac yn cael premiwm gwledig. Maent wedyn hefyd yn disgwyl i Bowys dalu premiwm iddynt, sy'n arwain at fil pellach o hyd at £13 miliwn hyd yn hyn. Dyma'r materion sy’n creu pwysau ychwanegol ar y bwrdd iechyd. Os yw Lloegr yn cynyddu cost gofal, dylai fod balance book adjustment gan Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Gyfunol i Lywodraeth Cymru i adlewyrchu’r impact ariannol ychwanegol, a thrwy hynny galluogi llif cleifion ar draws y ffin y ddwy ffordd, gan gydnabod bod rhannau o Loegr hefyd yn ddibynnol ar Gymru yn yr un modd â fel arall. A all y Llywodraeth wyntyllu'r materion hyn efo’r Gweinidogion yn San Steffan?

   Official English translation

   Many people talk about cross-border issues in Powys. However, what's not heard very often is the fact that NHS England charged far higher fees than usual last year, and above inflation, which is the level usually guaranteed by this Government. That led to an extra cost of £3.8 million last year, and it's likely to be £4 million this year. In addition to that, the Wye Valley trust has been designated a rural area by NHS England and receives a rural premium. They then expect Powys to pay a premium to them, leading to a further bill of £13 million thus far. These are the issues that put extra pressure on the health board. If England is increasing the cost of care, there should be a balance book adjustment from the UK Government to the Welsh Government to reflect the additional financial impact and, through that, enable the flow of patients across border both ways, recognising that parts of England are also reliant on Wales in the same way. Can the Government please raise these issues with Ministers at Westminster?

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

   Gaf i groesawu'r cyhoeddiad arbennig yma heddiw? Am lawer rhy hir, mae'r cysylltiad rhwng gogledd a de Cymru wedi bod yn annigonol, a dweud y lleiaf, o'i gymharu â chysylltiadau trawsffiniol. Mae'n parhau i fod yn sefyllfa hurt bost fod teithio o fewn ein gwlad ein hunain yn aml yn fwy anodd ac yn llai effeithlon na theithio drwy Loegr, rhywbeth sy'n tanseilio cydlyniant economaidd, cymdeithasol a diwylliannol Cymru. Mae potensial gwirioneddol yma i drawsnewid y ffordd mae pobl yn symud ar hyd echelin gogledd-de Cymru, yn clymu Cymru'n un. Hoffwn dynnu sylw at y gwerth o gynnwys lleisiau cymunedau lleol yn y broses o gynllunio a gweithredu. Drwy weithio'n agos gydag awdurdodau lleol, defnyddwyr a busnesau, gall y Llywodraeth sicrhau bod y gwasanaeth yn adlewyrchu patrymau teithio go iawn ac yn ateb anghenion pobl o ddydd i ddydd. Yn ogystal, mae amlder y gwasanaeth yn allweddol i'w lwyddiant. Mae gwasanaeth cyflym yn gam mawr ymlaen, ond ei werth gwirioneddol ddaw pan fo'n rhedeg yn ddigon aml i fod yn ddewis ymarferol i bobl bob dydd. Byddai'n gadarnhaol clywed sut bydd y Llywodraeth, mewn partneriaeth â Trafnidiaeth Cymru, yn sicrhau bod y ddarpariaeth hon yn gallu ymateb ac esblygu yn unol â'r galw, yn enwedig ar adegau prysur neu yn ystod digwyddiadau mawr. Gaf i hefyd ychwanegu fy mod i'n croesawu'n fawr iawn brwdfrydedd fy nghydweithiwr i'r chwith i mi am yr angen am fuddsoddiad cyfalaf mewn prosiectau yng Nghymru? Mae'n bechod o'r mwyaf nad oes gennym ni ddim mynediad at gronfeydd cyfalaf Ewropeaidd bellach i wireddu hynny.

   Official English translation

   Could I welcome this debate today? For far too long, the link between north and south Wales has been inadequate, to say the least, when compared to cross-border connections. It continues to be an absurd situation whereby travelling within our own nation is often more difficult and less efficient than travelling through England, something that undermines the economic, social and cultural cohesion of Wales. There is real potential here to transform the way people move along the north-south axis in Wales, tying Wales together as one. I would like to highlight the value of including local community voices in the planning and delivery process. By working closely with local authorities, service users and businesses, the Government could ensure that this service reflects real travel patterns and meets people's day-to-day needs. Furthermore, service frequency is crucial to its success. An express service is a major step forward, but its true value will become when it runs sufficiently often to be a practical daily option. It would be positive to hear how the Government, in partnership with Transport for Wales, will ensure that this provision will be able to respond and evolve in line with demand, especially in busy periods or during major events. Could I also add that I welcome very much the enthusiasm of my colleague to my left for the need for capital investment in projects in Wales? It is such a shame that we don't have access to European capital funds anymore to realise that.

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

   Diolch, Weinidog, am ddatganiad cadarnhaol heddiw. Yn 2024, daeth 57 y cant o fwyd a fwytawyd yma o gynnyrch y Deyrnas Gyfunol. Mae ffactorau rhyngwladol yn gallu dylanwadu'n helaeth ar gadwyni cyflenwi, gan beryglu cyflenwadau. Mae hunan-ddibyniaeth ar fwyd cynhenid yn rhan allweddol o ddiogelwch cenedlaethol. Mae'r sector fwyd ac amaeth hefyd yn allweddol yn economaidd i ni yng Nghymru, yn gymdeithasol, ac yn un efo cryn botensial o ran ychwanegu gwerth. A all y Gweinidog Cabinet rhoi diweddariad, neu efallai mwy o gig ar yr asgwrn, ar y strategaeth fwyd cenedlaethol newydd fydd yn gwneud y mwyaf o'n cynnyrch ac yn creu hyder newydd yn y sector fwyd? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Minister, for a very positive statement this afternoon. In 2024, 57 per cent of the food eaten here came from UK produce. International factors can have a great influence on supply chains, putting supplies at risk. Reliance on home-grown food is an essential part of national security. The food and agriculture sector is also crucial to us economically in Wales, and socially, and is one that has great potential to add value. Can the Cabinet Minister provide an update, or perhaps more meat on the bone, in terms of the new national food strategy, which will make the most of our produce and provide new confidence for the food sector? Thanks.

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1. 9. Short Debate: Ensuring access to Welsh language education on the border between Powys and England cy

   Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. Dwi'n falch o ddweud y gwnaf i ddim eich cadw chi'n hir. Dwi'n gobeithio yn y lle cyntaf na fyddaf i'n cael fy nghyhuddo o fod yn ymyrryd mewn materion rhyngwladol. Mae’r rhai hynny ohonom ni sy’n ddigon ffodus i fod wedi dysgu rhywfaint o’n hanes yn gwybod bod Canu Heledd yn sôn am yr hen Bowys, am Bengwern, ei hanes cyfoethog a’i thranc, efo colli Cynddylan a’r Dref Wen a gorfod mudo tua gorllewin Powys. Y rhyfeddod ydy, er bod canrifoedd wedi mynd heibio, fod y cysylltiadau Cymreig yn parhau yn gryf yn yr ardal, efo enwau fel Treflach, Trefonen, Porth-y-waen a Gwern y Brenin yn dysteb i oes a fu, ac mae’r Gymraeg yn parhau i’w chlywed. Ewch i fart Syswallt ar ddydd Mercher a gallwch feddwl eich bod ym mart Gaerwen neu Ruthun. Ewch i’r siop Gymraeg yng nghanol tref Syswallt—tra bod dim un siop o’r fath ym Mhowys gyfan, gyda llaw—neu ewch i’r grwpiau dysgwyr trwy’r ardal. Ac wrth gwrs, bellach, ceir Cylch Ti a Fi gan y Mudiad Meithrin yn y dref hefyd, yn sicrhau parhad y Gymraeg i’r genhedlaeth nesaf.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much, Llywydd. I'm very pleased to say that I won't be keeping you long. I hope in the first place I won't be accused of interfering in international affairs. Those of us who are lucky enough to have learned some of our history know that Canu Heledd—the songs of Heledd—are about old Powys, about Pengwern, its rich history and its demise, the loss of Cynddylan and the Blessed Town and having to migrate towards west Powys. The wonder is that, even though centuries have passed, the Welsh connections remain strong in the area, with names such as Treflach, Trefonen, Porth-y-waen and Gwern y Brenin attesting to a bygone era, and the Welsh language continues to be heard. Go to Oswestry market on a Wednesday and you would think that you were in Gaerwen or Ruthin. Go to the Welsh language shop in Oswestry town centre—there isn’t any such shop in the whole of Powys, by the way—or go to the learner groups throughout the area. And of course, there is now a Cylch Ti a Fi run by Mudiad Meithrin in the town, also ensuring that the Welsh language continues into the next generation.

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2. 9. Short Debate: Ensuring access to Welsh language education on the border between Powys and England cy

   Yn wir, tra dynodwyd Caerdydd yn brifddinas Cymru ar 20 Rhagfyr 1955, 60 mlynedd cyn hynny, ym 1895, pan nad oedd gan Gymru brifddinas, traddodwyd darlith ym Mhenbedw gan Emrys ap Iwan. Cyfle fu hwn iddo wyntyllu ei farn ar ba le yn union y dylai'r brifddinas fod, a’r casgliad oedd mai ym Mhengwern, sydd bellach yn Amwythig. Ac os caf i ei ddyfynnu o: 'fe ddyle’r brif ddinas fod yn agos i gyffinia De a Gogledd, sef o fewn y dalayth a elwid gynt yn Bowys,—dyweder, y wlad rhwng yr afon Mawddach a’r afon Ystwyth, ac oddi rhyngddyn hwy tua’r dwyrain, gan gynnwys Croysoswallt, Pengwern..., a Llwydlo..., trefi oydd yn perthyn unwaith i dalayth Powys, ac a ddylen fod yn perthyn iddi etto.' Nawr, peidiwch â phoeni, dwi ddim yn awgrymu newid y ffiniau a chymryd Pengwern yn ôl—wel—a dwi’n siŵr y byddai cyfeillion yng Nghaerdydd ddim am iddi golli statws prifddinas, ond pery pwysigrwydd yr ardal yma. Yn economaidd, gwelwn deuluoedd ifanc yn symud o gefn gwlad Maldwyn i Groesoswallt, Amwythig a phentrefi’r ffin i gael tai, gwaith a chyfleoedd newydd. Ac, wrth gwrs, mae gweddill Powys yn ddibynnol ar wasanaethau allweddol ysbytai Gobowen ac Amwythig—fel y tystiais yr wythnos diwethaf—sydd nid yn unig yn denu cleifion, ond yn denu staff sy’n siaradwyr Cymraeg o bell ac agos. Mae’r ardal hyd yn oed o fewn dalgylch Eisteddfod Maldwyn Meirionnydd 2027. Wythnos nesaf, bydd y Comisiwn Cymunedau Cymraeg, a sefydlwyd gan y Llywodraeth flaenorol, yn cynnal cyfarfod yng Nghroesoswallt wrth baratoi ei adroddiad ar y Gymraeg y tu allan i Gymru, gan ganolbwyntio ar y Gymraeg yn sir Amwythig, yn ogystal ag mewn rhannau eraill o Loegr a’r byd. Mae’r wladwriaeth Brydeinig—yr un mai rhai yn ymhyfrydu ynddi—yn llofnodwr i siarter Ewrop. Mae Siarter Ieithoedd Rhanbarthol neu Leiafrifol Ewrop yn gytundeb gan Gyngor Ewrop sy'n anelu at amddiffyn a hyrwyddo ieithoedd rhanbarthol a lleiafrifol a siaredir yn draddodiadol mewn gwladwriaethau sy'n bartïon ymhob agwedd ar fywyd cyhoeddus. Mae'r siarter, ynghyd â'r confensiwn fframwaith ar gyfer diogelu lleiafrifoedd cenedlaethol, yn tystio i ymrwymiad hirdymor Cyngor Ewrop i amddiffyn lleiafrifoedd cenedlaethol. Mae ieithoedd rhanbarthol neu leiafrifol yn rhan o dreftadaeth ddiwylliannol Ewrop, ac mae eu diogelu a'u hyrwyddo yn cyfrannu at adeiladu Ewrop sy'n seiliedig ar ddemocratiaeth ac amrywiaeth ddiwylliannol. Mabwysiadwyd y siarter, a luniwyd ar sail testun a gynigiwyd gan Gynhadledd Sefydlog Awdurdodau Lleol a Rhanbarthol Ewrop, fel confensiwn gan Bwyllgor Gweinidogion Cyngor Ewrop ym mis Mehefin 1992, ac fe'i arwyddwyd ym mis Tachwedd 1992 yn Strasbwrg. Daeth i rym ym 1998. Mae pwyllgor o arbenigwyr annibynnol yn monitro gweithrediad y siarter. Ar 28 Tachwedd 2018, mabwysiadodd y dirprwyon newidiadau i weithrediad ei fecanwaith monitro er mwyn ei gryfhau, a daeth y rhain i rym ym mis Gorffennaf 2019. Bwriad y siarter yw amddiffyn a hyrwyddo ieithoedd rhanbarthol neu leiafrifol ac annog eu defnydd mewn bywyd cyhoeddus a phreifat. Felly, mae'n rhwymo gwladwriaethau—Prydain, yn y cyd-destun hwn—sy'n bartïon i hyrwyddo'n weithredol y defnydd o'r ieithoedd hyn mewn addysg, cyfiawnder, gweinyddiaeth, y cyfryngau, diwylliant, bywyd economaidd a chymdeithasol, a chydweithrediad trawsffiniol. Felly, mae'r siarter yn mynd y tu hwnt i amddiffyn lleiafrifoedd a'r frwydr yn erbyn gwahaniaethu, gan ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r gwladwriaethau sy'n bartïon hefyd gymryd camau i hyrwyddo ieithoedd lleiafrifol yn weithredol. Mae Cyngor Ewrop yn sicrhau bod y siarter yn cael ei weithredu'n ymarferol. Mae pwyslais y siarter ar diriogaeth draddodiadol yr iaith, a dyma yw’r achos yn y rhannau o sir Amwythig o dan sylw. Mae sawl gwladwriaeth yn estyn y siarter y tu hwnt i’r ffiniau gweinyddol presennol o fewn y wladwriaeth. Nid yw ffin Cymru-Lloegr yn rheswm dros beidio â chynnwys y Gymraeg yn sir Amwythig o dan y siarter. Ffin fewnol o fewn yr un wladwriaeth ydyw yn llygaid y siarter. Dan gyfraith ryngwladol, mae dyletswyddau ar Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Gyfunol dan siarter Ewrop, ac mae hyn yn cynnwys dyletswyddau sy’n weithredol tu allan i Gymru. Dan erthygl 7.3, mae dyletswydd ledled y deyrnas i hyrwyddo cyd-ddealltwriaeth ieithyddol, gan ddefnyddio addysg a’r cyfryngau torfol i’r diben hwnnw. Hefyd, mewn perthynas â’r Gymraeg, mae’r Deyrnas Gyfunol wedi ymrwymo i erthygl 13.2, sy’n gosod dyletswydd arni i gefnogi’r Gymraeg y tu allan i Gymru. Er hynny, bob tro mae yna gais neu ddymuniad i gael mynediad at addysg Gymraeg ym Mhowys, mae yna ffys, stŵr, gwrthwynebiad. Mae teuluoedd yn gorfod apelio, cwyno, herio penderfyniadau swyddogion a chael cymorth mudiad Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg a gwthio yn erbyn sefydliadau sydd ddim yn deall. Gadewch inni fod yn uchelgeisiol. Gadewch inni hwyluso mynediad at addysg Gymraeg ymhobman. Gadewch inni fod o ddifri am y targed o filiwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg. Gadewch inni ddatgan yn glir fod dwyieithrwydd yn rhywbeth i’w groesawu a’n bod yn croesawu’r siaradwyr newydd ac yn croesawu’r rhai hynny sy’n digwydd byw dros y ffin ond sydd am ailafael yn neu gael mynediad at eu treftadaeth. Mae llwyddiant diweddar Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng yn esiampl wych, efo niferoedd ar gynnydd a cheisiadau yn dod o Lanymynech a Phant, sydd dros y ffin. Efo lle i 150 o ddisgyblion, mi fydd yn llawn fis Medi yma. Gwn am eraill sy’n byw yng Nghroesoswallt sy’n teithio’n ddyddiol i ysgol Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, ond dim ond ar ôl gorfod ymgyrchu. O sicrhau mynediad hwylus, didrafferth, yn ddi-os cynyddu fydd y diddordeb. Felly, gofyn ydw i, Weinidog, am degwch, ac i'r Gweinidog weithio efo Cyngor Sir Powys, ac Amwythig, os oes angen, i sicrhau tri cham gweithredol: yn gyntaf, sicrhau bod modd i bobl ifanc gael mynediad didrafferth, di-lol a chludiant rhwydd a hwylus at addysg Gymraeg fel norm, os ydynt yn byw dros y ffin; sicrhau estyniad i Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, fel yr agosaf at y ffin, i adlewyrchu’r twf a’r brwdfrydedd lleol; a sicrhau cynllun gweithredu clir pum mlynedd i ehangu darpariaeth addysg Gymraeg yn nhalgylch Ysgol Llanfyllin. Yn yr un modd ag y mae’r Llywodraeth yn helpu Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain a’r Cyngor Prydeinig yn buddsoddi ym Mhatagonia, dylid helpu cyngor Powys a’r teuluoedd i alluogi mynediad at addysg Gymraeg ar hyd y ffin. Mae cynsail i gynnwys y Gymraeg yn sir Amwythig. Yn Nhachwedd 2025, cadarnhawyd bwriad y Deyrnas Gyfunol, yn dilyn ymgyrch gan Gyngor Cernyw ac eraill, i newid sefyllfa bresennol y Gernyweg yn y siarter a’i rhoi yn Rhan III o’r siarter, sy’n golygu bod yn rhaid cyflwyno 35 mesur penodol mewn meysydd fel addysg, y cyfryngau, gweinyddiaeth ac ati. Hyd hynny, bu'r Gernyweg yn iaith o dan Ran II yn unig. Ac o weithredu yn gadarnhaol, fel yn nyddiau Heledd pan fu’n rhaid iddi fudo o Bengwern i gastell newydd Mathrafal ger Meifod, bydd modd i siaradwyr Cymraeg y ganrif yma fudo o’r hyn yw sir Amwythig heddiw i gestyll addysgol Powys. Diolch yn fawr.

   Official English translation

   Indeed, while Cardiff was designated as the capital city of Wales on 20 December 1955, 60 years before that, in 1895, when Wales did not have a capital city, a lecture was given in Birkenhead by Emrys ap Iwan. This was an opportunity for him to air his views on exactly where the capital should be, and his conclusion was that it should be in Pengwern, which is now Shrewsbury. And if I could quote him: The capital city should be close to the contiguous South and North, namely within the state formerly known as Powys—say, the land between the River Mawddach and the River Ystwyth, and from between them towards the east, including Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Ludlow, towns that once belonged to the province of Powys, and should still belong to it. Now, don't be alarmed, I'm not suggesting changing the borders and taking back Shrewsbury—well—and I'm sure that my friends in Cardiff wouldn't want to lose their capital city status either, but the importance of this area remains. Economically, we see young families moving from rural Montgomeryshire to Oswestry, Shrewsbury and the border villages to get work, housing and new opportunities. And, of course, the remainder of Powys is dependent on key services provided by Gobowen and Shrewsbury hospitals—as I witnessed last week—which don’t just attract patients, but also Welsh-speaking staff from far and wide. The area is even within the catchment area for the Maldwyn Meirionnydd Eisteddfod in 2027. The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, established by the previous Government, will hold a meeting in Oswestry next week while preparing its report on the Welsh language outside of Wales, focusing on the Welsh language in Shropshire, as well as in other parts of England and the world. The British state—a state in which some rejoice—is a signatory to the European charter. The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is an agreement by the Council of Europe that seeks to protect and promote regional and minority languages traditionally spoken in the states parties in all aspects of public life. The charter, together with the framework convention for the protection of national minorities, attests to the long-term commitment of the Council of Europe to the protection of national minorities. Regional or minority languages are a part of Europe's cultural heritage, and their protection and promotion contribute to building a Europe based on democracy and cultural diversity. The charter, drawn up on the basis of a text proposed by the Standing Conference of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, was adopted as a convention by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in June 1992, and was signed in November 1992 in Strasbourg. It came into force in 1998. A committee of independent experts monitors the implementation of the charter. On 28 November 2018, the deputies adopted changes to the operation of its monitoring mechanism in order to strengthen it. These came into force in July 2019. The aim of the charter is to protect and promote regional or minority languages and to encourage their use in public and private life. So, it binds states parties—Britain, in this context—to actively promote the use of these languages in education, justice, administration, the media, culture, economic and social life, and cross-border co-operation. Therefore, the charter goes beyond the protection of minorities and the fight against discrimination, by requiring its states parties to also take action to actively promote minority languages. The Council of Europe ensures that the charter is implemented in practice. The charter emphasises the traditional territory of the language, and this is the case in the parts of Shropshire in question. Several states extend the reach of the charter beyond existing administrative boundaries within the state. The border between Wales and England is no reason to refrain from including the Welsh language in Shropshire under the charter. This is an internal border within the same state in the eyes of the charter. Under international law, there are duties on the UK Government under the European charter, and these include duties that are active outside of Wales. Under article 7.3, there is a duty throughout the UK to promote mutual linguistic understanding, using education and the mass media for that purpose. Also, in relation to the Welsh language, the UK is committed to article 13.2, which places a duty on it to support the Welsh language outside of Wales. However, every time a request is made, or a desire is expressed to have access to Welsh-medium education in Powys, there is fuss, uproar, opposition. Families have to appeal, complain and challenge decisions made by officials and obtain support from RhAG—Parents for Welsh-medium Education—to push back against organisations that don't understand. Let us be ambitious. Let us facilitate access to Welsh language education everywhere. Let us be serious about the target of 1 million Welsh speakers. Let us state clearly that bilingualism is something to be welcomed and that we welcome the new speakers and welcome those who happen to live across the border but who wish to re-engage with or gain access to their heritage. The recent success of Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng in Welshpool is a great example, with numbers increasing and applications coming from Llanymynech and Pant, which are across the border. With space for 150 pupils, it will be full from September. I know of others who live in Oswestry who travel daily to the school in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, but only after having had to campaign. By ensuring easy and trouble-free access, levels of interest will surely increase. So, I am seeking fairness, Minister, and for the Minister to work with Powys County Council, and Shropshire, if necessary, to ensure three concrete actions: first, to ensure that young people can have unimpeded, hassle-free access, along with easy and convenient transport to Welsh-medium education as the norm, if they live across the border; secondly, to ensure the expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Trallwng, as the closest to the border, to reflect local growth and enthusiasm; and, thirdly, to ensure a clear five-year action plan to expand the provision of Welsh-medium education in the catchment area of ​​Ysgol Llanfyllin. In the same way as the Government helps the London Welsh School and the British Council invests in Patagonia, Powys council and the families should be helped to facilitate access to Welsh language education. There is a precedent for including the Welsh language in Shropshire. In November 2025, the UK’s intention was confirmed, following a campaign by Cornwall Council and others, to change the current position of Cornish within the charter and place it in Part III of the charter, which means that 35 specific measures must be introduced in areas such as education, the media, administration and so forth. Until then, the Cornish language had been under Part II of the charter only. And if we act positively, as in the days of Heledd, when she had to migrate from Pengwern to the new Mathrafal castle near Meifod, it will be possible for Welsh speakers this century to migrate from what is Shropshire today to the educational castles of Powys. Thank you.

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1. 3. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Unwaith eto, yn ystod y dyddiau diwethaf, mae trigolion y Waun wedi dioddef ogleuon afiach a llygredd amgylcheddol difrifol yn dod o gyfeiriad ffatri Kronospan. Mae'r trigolion yn nodi pan fo aroglau cemegol yno, maes o law daw trwch o lwch mân wedyn yn gorchuddio pob dim, sy'n cynyddu pryder ei fod ynghlwm efo allbwn tŵr a elwir yn WESP 32. Yr anhawster ydy diffyg systemau monitro amserol ac mae angen system monitro llygredd parhaol yn mesur llygredd mewn amser gwirioneddol. Mae'n anodd i drigolion ac i reoleiddwyr brofi yn union pa lygredd sy'n dod allan ar adegau fel hyn. Mae angen, felly, system monitro gyflawn, cywir, amserol, tryloywder a'r wybodaeth yma ar gael i bawb. A allwn ni gael datganiad gan y Gweinidog perthnasol am y sefyllfa yma? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Once again, during recent days, the residents of Chirk have endured unhealthy odours and serious environmental pollution coming from the direction of the Kronospan factory. Residents point out that when the chemical odours are present, they are followed shortly afterwards by a thick layer of dust that covers everything, which increases concern that it's connected with the output of a tower known as WESP 32. The difficulty is a lack of timely monitoring systems and there is a need for a permanent pollution monitoring system that measures pollution in real time. It is difficult for residents and regulators to prove exactly what kind of pollution is emerging at these times. We therefore need a complete, accurate and timely monitoring system, transparency and assurance that the information is available for all to see. Could I request a statement from the relevant Minister about this situation? Thanks.

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1. 3. Statement by the First Minister: The First Minister's Priorities cy

   Mae economi Cymru yn parhau i wynebu heriau sylweddol, gyda Chymru yn agos at waelod tablau cynghrair y Deyrnas Unedig ar fesurau fel gwerth ychwanegol gros y pen, cynhyrchiant, cyfraddau cyflogaeth ac incwm gwario. Yn fy etholaeth i, Gwynedd Maldwyn, mae'r dangosyddion hyn hyd yn oed yn is na chyfartaledd Cymru, ac mae gormod o bobl ifanc yn parhau i fod allan o waith, addysg neu hyfforddiant. Rwy'n gwybod y bydd fy etholwyr yn elwa o ffocws o'r newydd ar dwf economaidd drwy greu asiantaeth ddatblygu newydd. A yw'r Prif Weinidog yn cytuno â mi y dylai pobl ym mhob rhan o Gymru, trefol a gwledig fel ei gilydd, ddisgwyl yr un cyfleoedd o ran swyddi a chyflog da a sgiliau uchel? Ac a all e amlinellu sut y bydd y Llywodraeth yn sicrhau bod y buddion hynny yn cael eu teimlo ar draws pob cymuned?

   Official English translation

   The Welsh economy continues to face significant challenges, with Wales close to the bottom of UK league tables on measures such as gross value added per capita, productivity, employment rates and disposable income. In my constituency of Gwynedd Maldwyn, these indicators are even lower than the Wales average, and too many young people continue to be out of work, education or training. I know that my constituents will benefit from a renewed focus on economic growth through the creation of a new development agency. Does the First Minister agree with me that people in all parts of Wales, urban and rural alike, should expect the same opportunities in terms of jobs and good salaries and high-level skills? And can he outline how the Government will ensure that those benefits are felt across all communities?

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