Siambr · Member of the Senedd · Register of record
Jayne Bryant
Tenures
- Fifth Senedd Casnewydd Islwyn Welsh Labour
- Sixth Senedd Casnewydd Islwyn Welsh Labour
- Seventh Senedd Casnewydd Islwyn Welsh Labour
Ministerial roles
No ministerial roles on record.
Contributions, by sitting day
49 contributions on record, newest first. Official verbatim record.
3
Open this sitting on the stage
8. Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport en
Diolch, Lywydd. Newport is the city where I was born, grew up in, and live in, and I speak today as part of a group of Welsh Labour Senedd Members who know that this issue has gone unresolved for far too long. You do not need to live locally to know that the M4 around Newport is broken. Sadly, the Brynglas tunnels have become synonymous with gridlock. The vast majority of M4 traffic is not local, but the motorway was never designed to carry the weight of a modern national economy. This stretch of road is the main gateway to south and west Wales. It is critical to our industries, both established and emerging, our ports and our tourism, yet it bisects a growing city. While congestion on this stretch of the M4 puts a handbrake on economic growth, it is the people of Newport who pay the price every single day with air pollution, which is a silent killer. Welsh Labour has laid this motion today because the people of Newport and connected communities in Cwmbran, Torfaen and Caerphilly have had enough. These communities are not some theoretical testbed, and the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government is toying with costly and ineffective proposals that will wreak havoc on people's lives. Let's take the Government's serious proposals to close junctions. Fully closing High Cross and the eastbound slips at Malpas and Caerleon is not a quick fix. The Welsh Government's own report shows that it would only take up to 3 per cent of traffic off the motorway. Not everyone can work from home, and junction closures, whether temporary or permanent, would also affect public transport, access to healthcare, childcare and property prices. It's astounding that the Government is even considering this.
8. Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport en
When I asked the Deputy Minister how the remaining junctions at Tredegar Park and the Coldra would cope with the displaced traffic, he had no answer, because it wouldn't cope; it would just funnel toxic air and gridlock into residential streets. That's why, Llywydd, we're asking that this Senedd charts a new course today. Welsh Labour believes that local people should be at the heart of this new Government's approach to the M4 around Newport. Successive Governments—the Conservatives before devolution, a Plaid Cymru Minister in 2009, and Welsh Labour Governments—have all failed to resolve this challenge. When the independent planning inspector examined the black route nearly a decade ago, he concluded there was a compelling case on economic and human grounds to build the relief road. This was a comprehensive and lengthy process that engaged with communities, including public hearings, and incorporated detailed plans to enhance and protect the environment. Major infrastructure done right can enhance, rather than destroy, our natural environment. Indeed, the wonderful and much-loved Newport wetlands nature reserve was established to compensate for habitat lost during the construction of the Cardiff Bay barrage. Many of us across the Labour movement have known for a long time how vital a relief road is, and that's why I could not vote to scrap it in this Chamber in 2019. Today, as a party, Welsh Labour is clear: while the decision to reject the inspector's recommendations may have been understandable on narrow financial grounds, it has left the issue unresolved. Innovative funding models should have been explored, like public-private partnerships, regional borrowing by local authorities supported by the Welsh Government, or land value capture, rather than rejecting it outright. Let's be clear: these decisions are difficult, and for too long the M4 has been put in the 'too difficult' box. The Plaid Cymru Welsh Government's recent report from Arup states, on page 3: 'None of the options or any combination of options considered as part of this review would fully resolve the M4 problem.' If the Government is serious about solving this issue, why on earth has the Government remained wedded to their belief that a new relief road is out of scope? It seems Plaid Cymru is perfectly content to build roads and bridges elsewhere in Wales, but not when it comes to solving the M4 around Newport. In addition to junction closures, the review identifies the options of widening the Brynglas tunnels, combined with the ineffective interventions on local roads, and the so-called blue route is back on the table, which would take traffic closer to communities like Liswerry, Ringland, Pill and Duffryn. The blue route might seem like an option for people who don't live in the area, but with thousands of homes built at Glan Llyn and Milton Park since the initial option was proposed, and thousands more being built, turning what's known as the SDR, the southern distributor road, into a quasi motorway is completely divorced from reality. Everyone knows locally how busy that road is. The option of widening the Brynglas tunnels cannot be regarded in a credible way. The report states that widening the tunnels is not expected to reduce traffic on the M4 as it involves online works and does not create an alternative route elsewhere. The two lanes start back before the tunnels, and whilst we want the traffic to flow better, it will not tackle the air pollution problem. And we must not forget what the disruption to local homes and businesses above and next to the motorway will be. Plaid Cymru's public transport plans are not new. They were in progress before this Government. The Burns train stations and better public transport are vital. Welsh Labour championed them, and we need them to be delivered. And while we're glad to see Magor and Undy and Cardiff parkway stations progress, these stations alone will not solve congestion at the Brynglas tunnels. We need to see the Plaid Cymru Government act with urgency to deliver the stations in Newport at Somerton, Liswerry and Tredegar Park. Public transport must be regular, reliable and affordable for people to use it. I say this as someone who's long campaigned for the Ebbw Vale to Newport line and commuters on that line still face unacceptable cancellations and overcrowding. Public transport and road infrastructure must meet the needs of a growing population, and Newport is the faster-growing city with the youngest population in Wales. So, let's be clear: a new relief road would not be the old black route. Houses and schools have been built, people have moved to the area and the bar for environmental delivery has rightly risen following the roads review. What we need now is an appropriate, modern relief road that acts as a template for responsible infrastructure. Imagine a road built with the lowest possible embedded carbon and strong site of special scientific interest protections. The way forward should not be shaped by Ministers lecturing, but by people affected in and around Newport. Welsh Labour believes we should empower those local leaders across councils and the south-east Wales capital region, building on the collaborative Burns model, to develop an appropriate relief road and a creative multisource funding package supported by Welsh Government. Contrary to what we've seen so far, the Government must remember that the people of Newport and south-east Wales aren't just data points in a transport policy document, they're individuals, families and businesses. So, I urge the Senedd to back our motion today. Diolch.
8. Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport en
Diolch, Llywydd. One way to start is to have a bit of a laugh after that one, about not playing politics. I'd just like to thank everybody for their contributions to this debate today. Since being elected in 2016, I've always said that inaction is not an option, but the people of Newport and the surrounding area must not pay the price of costly options that this Government's report says won't solve the problem on the M4 around Newport. What has been missing as well, for many Members who perhaps don't realise, is that this report was actually commissioned by the previous Labour Government and the Labour transport Minister at the time. So, what we're discussing, which the report is based on, is actually something that has come out from the previous Government. I realise that many Members might not have realised my contributions in the past Senedds, and that I did not vote to scrap the M4 relief road. I think that many Members here perhaps don't realise that. I spoke up at every opportunity throughout that time when it was being discussed, so just to be aware of that. You might think that junction closures are quick fixes, but they will make next to no difference to congestion on the M4 and certainly cause havoc on local roads. And we've heard that from many Members across the Chamber today. Lyn Ackerman spoke earlier, and I think, from your contribution, Lyn, we weren't clear, and perhaps we could assume that you are not against the proposed junction closures. And also, to other Plaid Members as well, if you remember the time of a junction closure which was junction 41 around Swansea, that was temporarily closed by a Labour Government, but it was campaigned on by Plaid Cymru Members to reopen that junction at the time. And I would be interested to know—at the time, the Labour Government listened to Plaid Cymru Members—if the Plaid Cymru Government will listen to other Members in this Chamber, so I look forward to seeing that. Natasha, I absolutely do agree with your points on the junction closures. I went to visit a group of pensioners a couple of weeks ago, and the only thing they wanted to talk to me about was proposed junction closures, whether temporary or permanent. They were very, very concerned about that. The other thing that has been missing from a number of people's contributions is a collective memory loss, that, actually, Plaid Cymru also voted to reject the M4 relief road at the time, and it was a Plaid Cymru Minister in 2009 who rejected the M4 relief road that put us back, and Plaid Cymru voted with the Labour Party, so not myself, to stop the M4 relief road last time. Paul Rock, I should say, 'pen-blwydd hapus', first of all. I think we'd all like to say that to you, Paul, on your birthday. I have said that the black route is not an option, but I do think—and I would encourage you to look at the Arup report—when you talk about the freight that would go off, the Arup report also highlights that would only take up to 1 per cent of traffic off the road. So, just be aware of that, because there are a number of these issues that I think people haven't looked into, into that depth yet. But it would only take 1 per cent of traffic off the M4 around Newport. Public transport absolutely does have a role to play, and Welsh Labour championed the Burns stations, and we now need to see that similar level of commitment to these stations from Plaid Cymru. The evidence is, though, clear that public transport interventions have to be delivered alongside a revised relief road, and that's the only option that provides resilience and reduces congestion. We've heard some warm words from the Welsh Government today and I am hopeful of engagement with local people. I know the Deputy Minister has said again today about the importance of that, something I very strongly place an importance on. I feel, too many times over the years, the people of Newport's voice has not been heard to the extent that it should have been heard—[Interruption.] Pardon? Of all parties, as I said, of all parties. I have championed my constituents over that time, and I've spoken up, and I feel that these—. I would hope that the Government would also take that engagement with local people seriously. Unfortunately, we haven't seen that at the moment. Some decisions and options have been presented to local people, and they feel that they haven't had their say in all of this so far. So, I look forward to understanding, as does Natasha, how you will engage with local people throughout this time, because their voice absolutely needs to be heard. This is why we in Welsh Labour believe that local people do need to shape this answer to the decades-old problem at the M4 around Newport, and we know that it shouldn't be an experiment that I feel like we're seeing today. The Welsh Government should begin work immediately on what an appropriate relief road could look like to meet the needs of a growing city. And that has changed: Newport is, as I said, the fastest growing city, it's a young city, so we have to be aware of that. Mike Hedges talked about that this is not just a particular—. This, obviously, is an issue we're talking about today, but we do know there are other resilience issues around the road network in Wales. Mike mentioned the M4 around Swansea. Ken talked about building roads better and investment in growth. I think an appropriate relief road would have the innovation to drive down and embed carbon and promote alternatives to private transport, and it should act as a template for responsible road building that others can follow. I think it's something that we can do to lead the world here. Art mentioned—[Interruption.] I'd like to go to Art, sorry, James; I'm out of time otherwise. But I would like to mention Art, who contributed as well, who mentioned the homes that have been built, and mentioned the points in the report, and that the Government is at the moment planning to fail. But different funding options should be explored, as we have said. We need to listen to the local leaders who work with local communities to solve this problem. Give it to leaders who innovate and inspire an effective solution. So, let's put people above politics and vote for this motion today. Diolch.
2
Open this sitting on the stage
-
Diolch, Deputy Minister, for your statement today, and this is something that so many of us in this Chamber care so deeply about. Care and support services should enable people to live their best possible lives and most independent lives. And with that in mind, I want to recognise the extraordinary contribution made, day in, day out, by our social care workforce and the army of unpaid carers. Their compassion, their dedication and their hard work cannot be overstated. Minister, your announcement does build on a long-standing commitment by Welsh Governments to move resources in health and social care from acute hospital services towards preventative services in the community. We recognise the need for action to meet rising demand and to offer dignity in care to vulnerable adults and children, and this has to be a priority for the Government. Minister, you'll be pleased to hear that Welsh Labour does share your aspirations to build a national health and care service fit for the future, as laid out in the programme for government. We share key principles for social care, that social care should be free at the point of need and not based on ability to pay or which institution is commissioning or providing care and, wherever possible, enable people to live independently in their own home, to be delivered by a well-trained and remunerated workforce whose skills and commitment are valued as a vocation for care. And we too recognise that more support is needed for unpaid carers. And I hope that we can agree that unpaid carers are struggling to balance work and caring responsibilities. They are our unsung heroes, and unpaid carers of all ages do deserve more than warm words. Deputy Minister, we're all pleased, I think, to see the emphasis put on caring and social care by the Prime Minister and him starting a national conversation in England, and I read in the statement and hear today the national conversation that you are starting. So, I'm very pleased that's happening, but I would like to have some more detail on when that will start and what form that will take. As your statement recognises, Wales is ahead of our neighbours, such as in the work of the national social care academy, which was started under the last Government, so I'm happy to see that moving forward. The Welsh Labour Government kept the capital limit at £50,000 so that people can keep more of their own money before they pay for care, and we also maintained the cap on domiciliary care charges so that no-one pays more than £100 a week for care in their own home. They do say, Deputy Minister, that imitation is the best form of flattery, so it's pleasing to see that Welsh Labour policies are continuing from the last Labour Government in your announcement today. In Government, Welsh Labour made available funding for the real living wage to be implemented for the workforce in the social care sector, so, therefore, you will have whatever support you need from Welsh Labour to improve the pay, skills and career progression of the social care workforce. So, we welcome the proposed national social care academy, as I've said, and we do really need to promote that as a valued vocation, with high-quality training and status in our society. I do have a number of questions, and I know that we'll all have these questions for you, but, Minister, how will you lead the care sector to meet the challenges of rising demand and complexity that you so rightly highlight in your statement, and how will you build more capacity in the care market to meet future demand so that hospitals can discharge patients to appropriate domiciliary and residential care? The problem with delayed discharge of care is a shortage of capacity in the domiciliary and residential care sectors, so how are you expanding the market and putting additional resources into the care market so that there are more places for the growing number of those needing care? Minister, your long-term vision of a 10-year plan is a big ambition, but people will need to see action soon, and I know that councils in every annual budget round evidence to the Government that their social care costs are escalating rapidly. We do know that we have a growing older population and there's greater complexity of need, and the pressure on those budgets, then, are very focused. But—
-
Yes, absolutely. So, creating a national care service isn't simple; it's going to involve that resource, legislative and financial and operational change, and people will want to see action as soon as possible. So, I'd be keen to hear the plans and your trajectory for change. Diolch.
1
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en
The key drivers of demand on local authority budgets include population, school numbers, social care and deprivation. Any changes to the weighting of these indicators in the local government funding formula will have a huge impact on the ability of councils with the greatest population density and deprivation to deliver essential services. Following the Welsh Government's recent deviation from the established funding formula, councils with the highest levels of deprivation do need clarity. They need to know whether any lasting changes to the formula will come with any significant extra funding or will the funding pot still be the same.
3
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning en
Diolch, Lywydd. Launched by the Welsh Labour Government in 2022, and managed by individual councils, Leasing Scheme Wales allows councils to lease properties from private landlords. It helps councils move tenants out of temporary accommodation, and tenancy support is offered as part of the scheme. An independent evaluation found that empty properties accounted for over 60 per cent of the properties within the scheme, and the evaluation also found that the co-ordination and communications established by the previous Welsh Government were highly valued by councils, and, actually, all 22 local authorities in Wales had signed up to the scheme. However, councils and landlords are now facing uncertainty as it seems that the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will not continue the scheme beyond March next year, with no new properties onboarded after December this year. So, Cabinet Minister, can you provide clarity on the future of this scheme to councils, landlords and tenants, and what will replace Leasing Scheme Wales?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning en
Diolch, Cabinet Minister. I'd recommend you do look at that scheme because, as I said, the feedback from many was how effective it had been, particularly for reluctant landlords. Whilst every town and city centre has its own unique identity, many are facing the similar challenge of changing footfall and empty properties. That's why the Welsh Labour Government's Transforming Towns programme boosted regeneration in town and city centres across Wales, with more than £300 million since 2020. Instead of confirming a continuation of this programme, Cabinet Minister, you've created a town-centre taskforce, and I've no doubt that the two co-chairs and 17 members announced last week have vast expertise. But I'd like to know what the Government expects of the taskforce and what it expects to deliver. How will the taskforce differ from previous reviews and recommendations, when will it report and how much will it cost to convene the town-centre taskforce?
8. Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals en
Homes are the foundations of our entire lives, from health and well-being to education and jobs. This motion is divisive and misleading, and it's important to put the facts front and centre of this debate. I'll start with houses in multiple occupation. HMOs play a crucial role for university students, single individuals, people on low incomes, people who arrive to a new area, for whatever reason, or people who only want short-term housing as an option. The most recent Welsh Government data accounts for under 15,000 HMOs in Wales. A mixture of types of accommodation within communities is important, and the concentration of HMOs in certain areas is something that warrants further action. But that is a separate issue to the misleading motion that's being debated today. The proposals put forward today to restrict the rights of people who live here legally would mean evicting workers, carers, colleagues and friends. That's the reality. If today's motion passes, this Senedd would be pitting neighbour against neighbour. It would not represent Wales and Welsh values. The evidence shows that the vast majority—94 per cent—of social housing tenants in Wales were born in the UK, and nearly 80 per cent were born in Wales. Out of almost 0.5 million residents living in social housing in Wales, 463,000 were born in the UK. Of those who are not British citizens, there are people with settled status, refugees who have been granted protection, people granted humanitarian protection, and people with a lawful immigration status, which gives them that entitlement. It's clear that social housing should continue to be allocated according to housing need and in line with legal obligations. We know that there is pressure on local services, including housing, across communities in Wales—nobody is denying that. But the way of alleviating that pressure is to invest in public services, grow our economy, build more homes and deliver effectively across Government, not to rip up legal rights and deny people the services that they're entitled to. Social housing in Wales is allocated based on housing need, and there are strict rules that determine eligibility. That means most people subject to immigration control aren't eligible for social housing. That is a fact, but one that some people in this Chamber refuse to recognise. There is significant disinformation and misinformation when it comes to social housing and the wider debate about immigration in Wales. It's important to emphasise that social housing allocations primarily work to serve the people of Wales. The reality is that local authorities across Wales apply tight controls around eligibility, and there's always a need to follow the correct process to ensure that housing needs are properly assessed. Housing associations also play an increasingly important role in supporting people and communities, helping residents sustain their tenancies, improve their well-being, and access opportunities that enable them to thrive. As a result, social landlords are balancing the need to build more homes, invest in existing homes, and deliver services that respond to wider social and economic challenges. This requires strong investment, long-term investment and a shared commitment to addressing Wales's housing needs. The biggest challenge facing the housing system in Wales isn't the eligibility criteria but the need to invest in more social homes. In the last Senedd term, the Welsh Labour Government invested £2 billion to deliver more than 20,000 homes for rent in the social sector, and that was record levels of investment and record levels of delivery. I'd like to know how the current Government is going to maintain that momentum and increase the supply of social housing across Wales, reducing the social housing waiting list. The focus of the Welsh Government should be on building more homes, bringing empty properties back into use, and making sure councils and housing associations can develop plans to increase the supply of social housing. That is what this Senedd should focus on and scrutinise. Finally, Cabinet Minister, fear is being stoked in this Chamber today, so what is this Government doing to challenge the disinformation and misinformation around social housing eligibility? Diolch.
2
Open this sitting on the stage
-
This statement is telling us what we already know: that there is a problem on the M4 around Newport. It really is astounding that junction closures are even being considered as part of the solution by this Plaid Cymru Government. The people of Newport are not to blame for the congestion on the M4. The motorway runs through the city, and whenever there's an accident or a major event, traffic shifts onto local roads, grinding Newport to a halt. Local people, including in surrounding areas like Risca, Blackwood and Cwmbran, need to have their voices heard, and people haven't been involved at this point. These people aren't just data points in a transport policy document; they are individuals, families and businesses whose lives will be impacted. They should be at the heart of this Government's approach to the M4. But local people's voices are clear: fully closing the junction at High Cross and the eastbound junctions at Malpas and Caerleon will bring more traffic and air pollution closer to homes, schools and businesses—
-
Deputy Minister, if you close these junctions, how do you expect the two remaining fully open junctions at Tredegar Park and the Coldra to cope?
1
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en
Access to green spaces and nature is so important to our physical and mental well-being. The Road to Nature project in Newport is a great example of what can be done, and the incredible work of the Friends of the Road to Nature group, Newport City Council and the wider community has absolutely transformed what was a real criminal dumping ground for rubbish a few years ago, and that's now a haven for wildlife. Biodiversity is absolutely thriving there, and willow emerald damselflies were recorded for the first time in recent weeks, following the completion of a pond dipping area. This area is a real shining example of a community working together for nature restoration. So, will the Welsh Government commit to supporting and funding more projects like this in Casnewydd Islwyn, as well as other parts of Wales?
3
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the First Minister cy
2. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi diweddariad ar gynlluniau Llywodraeth Cymru i adolygu fformiwla ariannu llywodraeth leol? OQ64607
Official English translation
2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government’s plans to review the local government funding formula? OQ64607
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
2. Questions to the First Minister en
Diolch, Brif Weinidog. The local government settlement for the current financial year was finalised under the previous Welsh Labour Government, following extensive engagement with local authorities. This used an established formula of complex indicators, including population density, service demand and levels of poverty and deprivation, and work was going on to ensure that that was all updated. The local authorities who received the largest annual increase in funding based on that set formula were Newport, Swansea, Blaenau Gwent, Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil. Following the recent cost-of-living funding announcement, local authorities are now grappling with the realisation that this Plaid Cymru Government does not believe levels of poverty and service demand should be the greatest determinants of Welsh Government funding to tackle poverty. First Minister, can you confirm which local authorities will not receive extra funding to tackle poverty?
-
I'd like to thank the Deputy Minister for her statement today. I know that this is something that she cares very much about. The admission of a baby to a neonatal unit is unbearably difficult and a concerning time for any family. The specialist care provided in these units helps to ensure that babies have the best possible chance of survival and quality of life, yet parents often have to put their lives on hold during this time, impacting their income, well-being and other children in their family. The charity Bliss supports parents during this time and champions the rights of premature and sick babies. The Bliss Wales programme was introduced with funding from the Welsh Labour Government in 2025, and I'm really glad to hear that the Deputy Minister acknowledges the important role that this has played in improving family-centred neonatal care across Wales. It's good to see that progress has been made towards the Bliss baby charter since 2025, and it's evident that funding for the whole Bliss Wales programme is now required beyond March next year. So, Deputy Minister, you state today that funding has been secured to continue the programme through this financial year, but we know that that's only a matter of months. Parents and health professionals want to know whether the Plaid Cymru Government will fund the Bliss Wales programme after March next year. Whilst positive steps have been made with the Bliss baby charter, you've outlined today that the work is not complete, and my understanding is that neonatal units at the Grange and University Hospital of Wales are both at the pledge of improvement—that's the initial stage for the Bliss baby charter—and they need support to progress. Meanwhile, the other seven neonatal units, which you've mentioned, in Wales need to be able to take action to achieve the higher levels of accreditation. So, I'd be interested to know what is being doing to share that learning about the baby charter between those neonatal units to encourage the development of best practice. Tackling health inequalities is an important aspect of this work to ensure parity in the care received by babies and families in every neonatal unit across Wales. One particular disparity faced by families has already been mentioned, and that's overnight accommodation. Parents, of course, should be able to stay with their babies at all times of day and night, but accommodation is not routinely provided. So, I'd like to know what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure that there is suitable overnight accommodation available for parents, wherever they live. I'd also like to mention the early conversations pilot. This is separate from the Bliss baby charter, but both are part of the Bliss Wales programme. Implementation of the early conversations pilot is under way at all three neonatal units in north Wales, with further units in the south joining the pilot for its second phase. Again, funding is required to ensure parity across Wales for babies and families. I'm glad to hear you refer to the 'The path to safer beginnings in Wales' report again in the Siambr today. That report was commissioned by the previous Welsh Labour Government, and the voices and experiences of women and families were at the centre of that assessment. So, Deputy Minister, can you give an indication of when the recommendations of the 'The path to safer beginnings in Wales' report will be fully implemented and when can we expect more clarity around delivery timelines and transparent reporting? You'll also be aware, Deputy Minister, that the 'The path to safer beginnings in Wales' report highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the workforce in maternity services across Wales. And I know that you are also aware that the Royal College of Midwives is among those who have identified workforce capacity as the most pressing challenge currently facing maternity services in Wales. So, can the Deputy Minister provide reassurance that targeted investment in midwifery staffing, as well as improvements in workforce planning and retention, are a priority for this Government? It would also be good to know what discussions she has had with the Cabinet Minister for Health about the current situation facing midwifery graduates since the Senedd returned from recess. Babies in neonatal units require care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. We also know that access to perinatal mental health and parent-infant services are vital. So, finally, will the Deputy Minister confirm today the delivery and full funding of the strategic perinatal workforce plan to ensure safe staffing levels across Wales? Diolch.
2
Open this sitting on the stage
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Last week, I was glad to be joined by my Welsh Labour colleague Ken Skates at Llanwern steelworks in my constituency. Llanwern is strategically important to Wales and the whole of the UK, and it must not be lost in the wider debate on the steel industry. Steel making is in Newport's DNA, and it should have a proud future, but the workers that I spoke to last week were concerned about that future and that it's under threat from cheap galvanised steel imports. The Welsh Government must work with the UK Government to protect steel jobs in Wales and engage with the unions to support the workforce. So, Trefnydd, can we have a statement from the Welsh Government confirming that you will do everything in your power to ensure a sustainable future for the steel industry in Wales?
-
I thank the Minister for her statement today. As she said, the origins of this work are following the dreadful events of 14 June 2017, when 72 people lost their lives in the fire at Grenfell Tower. Following the tragedy, the Welsh Labour Government set out to deliver a new building safety programme for the benefit of residents of shared buildings across Wales, regardless of building height or tenure. Change on this scale is complex and time-consuming and resulted in one of the largest Bills ever to be considered by this Senedd. I was very glad to be able to take the landmark Building Safety (Wales) Bill through the Senedd, and I'm grateful to the current Minister, and others in this Chamber, for their collaborative approach, which ensured that a whole series of complex amendments were unanimously agreed at Stage 3. This, Deputy Llywydd, was a Senedd first and demonstrated a desire to get this right. The legislation that we passed here in Wales is far broader in its scope and ambition than the equivalent legislation in England. Three key principles are fundamental to the Act. First is safety. While we can never eliminate all risks, we can significantly enhance safety by identifying risks and ensuring that these risks are properly managed. The second principle is accountability. The Act ends any confusion about who is answerable for managing building safety risks. It ensures that those responsible for buildings are held to account in law for their safety. The third principle is residents' voice. Residents' experiences and concerns must be heard and addressed. But passing the primary legislation is only the first step. Our focus must now be on ensuring that the Act is fully implemented, so it transforms safety in multi-occupied residential buildings across Wales. We now need to ensure that the Bill is practical and deliverable, and this means ensuring that regulations are clear and achievable. The Act will be determined by secondary regulations and statutory guidance, and how housing associations, building safety authorities and fire safety authorities are appropriately resourced to deliver their enhanced responsibilities. So, what proactive steps is the Welsh Government taking to address the specialist workforce shortages ahead of the implementation? I know that Community Housing Cymru has been sharing with the Government feedback from their members across Wales. It's important that the Government listens and shares additional information that will be brought forward by regulations, so that housing associations can effectively prepare. Given the financial impact of compliance, how will the Welsh Government ensure that funding mechanisms support compliance and do not force housing associations to trade off the maintenance of existing homes against the delivery of urgently needed new affordable housing? I'm very aware of the financial and well-being impact on people waiting for remediation. The Welsh Labour Government proactively supported residents by putting in place contracts with developers, and this Government must continue to do everything possible to remove barriers to progress. I do welcome the alarm grant announced today, but people need to know urgently if they're eligible, how much this will be and how they can access it. When in Government, I set up the developers forum, which met regularly, and it's really good to hear that the Minister is continuing that work. I look forward to further updates on the pace of remediation, something that all of us in this Siambr want to see. I'm really pleased that you're also continuing with the Members' briefing, the technical briefing, that I established. Those sessions, I think, are really important for Members to raise with your officials really local issues. That's something we can always get to grips with, and I hope officials can follow that progress as well. But I think it's really important for Members to understand the parts of the Welsh Government and the progress the Welsh Government is trying to make. But much work remains to implement a new building safety regime across Wales. I said when the building safety Bill passed that I hoped the next Welsh Government would bring forward a remediation Bill to further support leaseholders. So, now, Cabinet Minister, that you're the Cabinet Minister, can you confirm whether your Government intends to bring forward a remediation Bill? Diolch.
2
Open this sitting on the stage
3. Statement by the First Minister: Weather, wildfires, drought and resilience en
I'd like to start by thanking the firefighters, emergency responders, public services, volunteers and local communities affected by the wildfires this summer. While I and my colleagues welcome this statement today, let's be clear, this is far from what the public should expect from a Government. There is no doubt that the wildfires across Wales this summer were a national crisis. Fire and rescue services were pushed to the brink. People were evacuated, homes and farmland destroyed, and large swathes of the country were covered in smoke. People who were miles away from these fires were impacted by the smoke, and the Government failed to understand the public health concern across the country. It's nearly two months after the first wildfires. The Government will know that those fires were much earlier than we would usually start to see wildfires, and, sadly, they continued across Wales. As Welsh Labour, we requested that this Senedd should have been recalled for Members to raise questions and for the public to have the opportunity to hear from the Government. In a national crisis, with so much of Wales on fire, I do not believe the Plaid Cymru Government acted quickly and decisively. The lack of information and updates from Government Ministers made it feel like this Government did not grasp the severity of the crisis. The extent of the damage to communities, the economy, the environment and wildlife must not be forgotten because the fires are no longer burning. I'd like to know what work the Government is undertaking to understand the impact of the wildfires on the Welsh economy in urban and rural areas. The significant pressure on resources arising from the number and complexity of fire incidents was unprecedented. Having been in close contact with the FBU throughout the Senedd recess, they have made it clear to me that the Welsh Government must accept the incidents this summer demonstrated inadequate firefighting resources. It's also important to highlight the control centre staff, including those at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who handled 8,466 calls between 19 July and 1 September. Emergency services worked tirelessly for weeks whilst under relentless pressure. It would be good to know what engagement the Welsh Government has had with relevant unions since July and when the social partnership forum met. Further learning will emerge over the coming months, but there are certain aspects that are already evident. I was grateful to you, First Minister, for allowing a briefing with Welsh Government officials during recess. At that briefing on 28 July, I raised the issue of communication. The crisis escalated in the following days, but there appeared to be a lack of continued strategic co-ordination between Government, NRW, local authorities, Public Health Wales, health boards and other partners. It was not communicated effectively or efficiently to the public or Members. There was undoubtedly a public health aspect to the crisis, and I'd like to know what this Government is doing to examine the full extent of this. With the impact of climate change, extreme weather events are likely to become the norm, not the exception. There is a very real worry that fire and rescue services could find themselves facing a similar crisis situation due to flooding. Preparedness requires leadership and investment at a national level. I welcome the climate and nature action plan. The Welsh Government must work to ensure councils, communities and businesses are as prepared as possible for future significant weather events. This can't fall on individual local authorities. A climate resilience fund is one of the measures suggested for consideration by the FBU. Can the First Minister confirm whether this is something the Government will explore? Prif Weinidog, I welcome what you have said today, but we need to see outcomes, not just promises. Political leadership is about being present and visible. It's also about learning and listening. I hope the Welsh Government is listening to the communities who watched in terror as flames approached, to the exhausted fire and rescue services, to the farmers whose crops were destroyed, and to the business owners who suffered significant financial losses. Firefighters, communities and businesses need to know that lessons have genuinely been learnt from this unprecedented summer. How will you measure the success of the climate change and reliance summit, and when will the climate and nature action plan be delivered? Diolch.
-
I'd like to thank the Deputy Minister for her important statement today. Care provided during pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks of a baby's life is critical for not only the babies and mothers, but also for the well-being of entire families. When women do not receive the care they need and deserve during this time, then the outcome is often very tragic. Call for Concern is an important system to ensure that people's voices are front and centre of their care, and this has a particular importance in maternity and neonatal services. As the Deputy Minister has pointed out, women and families are often the first to identify that something might be wrong. Of course, Call for Concern only works if the workforce and services are able to act upon it. Last year, the previous Welsh Labour Government commissioned an all-Wales assurance assessment of maternity and neonatal services to assess the safety and quality of services. The voices and experiences of women and families were at the centre of that assessment, as they should be. It is their perspectives that are key to understanding the quality, safety and culture of these services. So, can the Deputy Minister provide an assurance today that the recommendations of 'The path to safer beginnings' report will be fully implemented, supported by clear delivery timelines and transparent reporting? Alongside identifying areas for essential improvement in maternity and neonatal services in Wales, the report highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the workforce. The Royal College of Midwives has identified workforce capacity as the most pressing challenge currently facing maternity services in Wales. This includes ensuring sufficient opportunities for newly qualified midwives, as well as improving the retention of experienced staff. These pressures will continue to impact the safety, quality and accessibility of care for women and families if action is not taken. Targeted investment in midwifery staffing, alongside improvements in workforce planning and retention, is an intervention that supports both immediate services and longer term sustainability. Access to perinatal mental health and parent-infant services are vital for mental health and women's health. So, will the Deputy Minister confirm today the delivery and full funding of the perinatal workforce plan? In addition, maternity services also play a central role in supporting wider women's health. Ensuring maternity services are fully integrated into the delivery of the women's health plan will maximise the impact of both workforce investment and service improvement. The preventative impact of maternity and neonatal services cannot be overstated. In recent decades, they have had to adapt to changing demands of care and shifting demographics. Women in Wales are generally giving birth at older ages, with around 55 per cent aged 30 or over, compared with 42 per cent in 2011. There's also been an increase in the number of pregnant women classed as being obese, as well as having a mental health condition. A strengthened partnership between the NHS, unions, patients and local government will be absolutely critical to meeting the shared challenges ahead. Mothers, babies and families should be in no doubt that they will receive the highest possible standard of maternity and neonatal care regardless of where they live in Wales. Today, women and babies living in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are not receiving visits and support from health visitors because they have been forced to go on strike. I know this comes under the Cabinet Secretary for health, but it's important to mention it here today when we're talking about listening to the concerns of women and families. I once again want to implore the Welsh Government to help resolve this dispute, as Plaid Cymru said they would do in opposition. Without staff, the Call for Concern system cannot work as intended across maternity and neonatal services. Medical interventions during birth have increased rapidly in recent years, and the proportion of caesareans has reached record levels. This increase has changed the demands being placed on maternity services, so I'd like to know what work the Government is doing to examine how services need to be adapted to respond to this changing demand. Diolch.
3
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care en
Diolch, Lywydd. Our dedicated staff in our NHS work tirelessly, and in recent weeks many have experienced incredibly challenging working conditions due to the hot weather. Last month, the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust declared a critical incident following one of the busiest periods of sustained pressure on services in recent years. Demand was well in excess of normal levels as a result of the extreme heat, and I understand there was a noticeable increase in the number of young people presenting with symptoms of dehydration. We're accustomed to the NHS needing to prepare for the winter pressures, but what action is the Government taking to ensure that services, buildings and the workforce are equipped to deal with the impact of hot weather?
1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care en
Diolch and, absolutely, the workforce is absolutely crucial. Earlier today, alongside my colleague Shav Taj, I met student midwives from the September 2023 cohort. They feel as though they've been left in limbo, with no jobs available. One newly-qualified midwife told me she was now working as a water technician, and others are working as baristas and in the hospitality sector. The students have been told that there might be opportunities to work in health and social care, but this is not what they want or that they're qualified to do. Now, I know the Minister is aware of the situation, but the student midwives cannot have been clearer today; they feel left behind and they feel without hope. Welsh Labour protected the NHS Wales bursary scheme, supporting the next generation of healthcare workers to train and work in the Welsh NHS, but, without clinical experience, student midwives can't get jobs and they can't use their degree for anything else. One option would be to extend the bursary for another year to cover the preceptorship training that enables midwives to transition to professional practice. So, will the Welsh Government consider this as one option?
10. Short Debate: Improving access to local economic opportunities in Casnewydd Islwyn en
I thank the Member for bringing this important debate here today. Coleg Gwent is the largest provider of full-time further education in Wales, with over 18,000 learners, including campuses in Newport and Crosskeys, and the college is a major employer, with over 1,200 staff. The college is seeing record levels of applications for courses, and I think everyone in this Senedd would agree that colleges like Coleg Gwent are vital in preventing young people from being lost to long-term disengagement from education and the labour market. They always give people a second chance, and I look forward to seeing how this new Welsh Government will support them. Diolch.
4
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the First Minister cy
10. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i gefnogi pobl ifanc nad ydynt mewn addysg, cyflogaeth na hyfforddiant? OQ64426
Official English translation
10. What is the Welsh Government doing to support young people who are not in education, employment or training? OQ64426
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
1. Questions to the First Minister en
Diolch, Brif Weinidog. Earlier this year, Premier Forest Products in Newport became the first private sector company to sign the Welsh Government's corporate parenting charter. Working in partnership with Newport City Council, Premier Forest provides paid work placements for care-experienced young people. Opportunities are offered across all departments, helping participants gain practical experience of the workplace and transition into employment. Terry Edgell, chief executive officer of Premier Forest Products, is clear that commercial success comes with social responsibility, and I've seen and heard first-hand what a difference this makes to young people, the company and also the workforce. So, I'd like to know: what is the Welsh Government doing to encourage and support more employers to give opportunities like this to care-experienced young people across Wales?
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Once again, yesterday, trains on the Ebbw Vale line stopping in Newport were cancelled. Transport for Wales said this was due to more trains than usual needing repairs, and this is not the first time that this has happened. I know how disruptive these cancellations are for local people, and this is in addition to frequently overcrowded trains due to the limited number of carriages. People rely on these trains to get to work and college, and delays and cancellations have a big impact. It does seem that every time there is a problem on another part of the network it is this line that is most often hit. This is not fair and has a disproportionate impact on people relying on the Ebbw Vale line. I'd like to hear from the transport Minister how he will ensure a full and regular service on the Ebbw Vale line.
-
Thank you to the Deputy Minister for her statement today. As Welsh Labour's spokesperson, I welcome the cross-Government approach to preventative health, but I'm interested in what outcomes will be delivered for people across Wales. You've mentioned today the designated preventative departmental expenditure line within the Welsh budget for 2027-28, but I'm sure you'd agree, Minister, that it isn't just the creation of the budget line itself that we should be focused on, but rather how people's overall health and well-being will improve. I, like many others, challenge the Government to go beyond the process. We want to know what exactly will change and how success will be measured during this Senedd term. I'm glad the Deputy Minister mentioned two very effective interventions: screening and vaccinations. It's good to hear the Deputy Minister supports the continuation of the national lung cancer screening programme, which was introduced by the Welsh Labour Government. I'm surprised there's no mention today of the HPV vaccine. Since it was introduced in 2008, the HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90 per cent in women in their 20s, and that has saved hundreds of lives every year across the UK. So, I'd like to know how the Government will engage with schools across Wales to encourage participation in vaccination programmes like this. Cervical screening also saves lives, and there's work to be done to make that more accessible. So, I'd like to see the Government learn from areas where there have been increases in screening uptake. You did give one example of screening uptake best practice, but I think there have been some other ones, particularly in London, where GPs have adapted to offer appointments for their clinics that fit in with people's work and family lives, such as on weekends and late evenings. So, I'd be interested to hear if you've been able to look into that. Encouragement to help break down stigma is also key to increasing screening uptake. So, I'd like to know how Public Health Wales is focusing screening delivery that is tailored to local communities, for instance consistent breast screening opportunities in each geographical area throughout the year to support local health board demand. There's also work to be done engaging with businesses and organisations to support their workforce to attend all screening as a priority. Targeted communications and education are important, breaking down stigma for everyone, but specifically for those attending their first screening appointment. We all know the way people access information is changing, and I'd like to know how national screening programmes are adapting to fit into those communication methods to reflect this. Inclusion health is a globally recognised approach to address and prevent the health inequalities facing marginalised groups who struggle to access health services and experience far poorer health outcomes. We know that there's a huge human cost to these inequalities, as well as a cost to public services such as blue light services, A&E and emergency inpatient treatment. A stark example is people experiencing homelessness who experience acute physical and mental health problems and die 30 years younger than the general population. There are some fantastic examples of inclusion health work led by Public Health Wales and services such as Cardiff and Vale inclusion service, and the partnership work between Ysbyty Gwynedd and Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn. However, this is often reliant on passionate individuals going above and beyond the remit of their roles, rather than inclusion health being prioritised, systematic and integrated with health services. Prioritising inclusion health is key to preventative health, as well as delivering significant savings to emergency health services. So, will you commit to making inclusion health one of your ministerial priorities, and consider developing an inclusion health strategy? Finally, we know that sport helps to tackle obesity and to prevent physical and mental health conditions. Professional and grass-roots sport clubs play a leading role, and their impact is far-reaching. They are trusted places at the heart of our communities. I'd also recommend to you the Fit Fans programme, which works across our football league clubs. In Plaid Cymru's manifesto, you said you would invest in sports and physical activity as part of the preventative health agenda, and you've mentioned today your discussions with the Minister for culture and sport. However, any new work stream does need funding. The health minister couldn't give an answer when I previously asked how much that investment will be and where the money will come from. So, can you, Deputy Minister, today tell us that? Diolch.
3
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice en
Families across Wales are waiting to find out when exactly they will receive their child payments. The work needs to have been done with the DWP to make sure that it does fit with UK welfare benefits, and also with the use of data that can be done across with the UK Government. But it's also critical that it's done with local authorities on issues such as the council tax reduction scheme. So, can the Minister confirm when the child payments will start, and that it will not affect families' eligibility for other financial support?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy
4. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i atal llifogydd? OQ64358
Official English translation
4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to prevent flooding? OQ64358
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en
Diolch. I know it seems to be strange talking about flooding during the summer and on what is one of the hottest days, however, for people who have been flooded or who are at risk of flooding, that concern lasts all year round. The £25 million Stephenson Street scheme in the Lliswerry area of Newport was completed last autumn. It reduced the flood risk from the River Usk to more than 2,000 homes and businesses. Upstream, a tributary of the River Usk at Caerleon, the Afon Lwyd, poses a flood risk to nearby homes and sports clubs. I've met with residents, Natural Resources Wales and sports clubs, and local people are still waiting for clarity from Natural Resources Wales about planned flood defences. The Welsh Labour Government invested record levels of funding for flood defences. So, can the Minister reassure my constituents that this Government will invest in flood defences to protect our communities?
3
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the First Minister cy
4. Pa drefniadau gofal iechyd trawsffiniol sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru gyda darparwyr gwasanaethau iechyd yn Lloegr? OQ64365
Official English translation
4. What cross-border healthcare arrangements does the Welsh Government have with health service providers in England? OQ64365
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
1. Questions to the First Minister en
Diolch, Brif Weinidog. We know that people in Wales access services in England and vice versa. Health boards say that digital systems and accessing information are a key challenge for GP practices and patients on the border. This can be really frustrating for people and cause extra uncertainty at an already difficult time. What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure cross-border digital systems, including NHS apps, do not cause delays or concerns for patients accessing treatments?
-
Thank you to the Minister for the statement today. I'd like to start with a topic that I know many other Members are passionate about, and that's women's health. For far too long, women's voices and experiences in the healthcare system have not been given their due weight. And in the last Senedd, the Welsh Labour Government's women's health plan was a significant step and ensured that there is a focus on women's health in our NHS. I'm personally proud of what we achieved in Government to put more focus on women's health, from free period products, to menopause support, to creating women's health hubs in every health board. But there is, of course, much more to do, and Plaid Cymru must keep up the momentum. It was disappointing to see that there is no dedicated action for women's health in Plaid Cymru's pledges for their first 100 days in Government. We will hold the Government to account to ensure that women across Wales get the care that they deserve, and that the goals of the women's health plan are funded and delivered in full. I'd specifically like to ask about endometriosis, which, as the Minister will know, affects one in 10 women in Wales and can be truly debilitating. I know from constituents that too many women find themselves being dismissed, with symptoms not taken seriously. And the impact on women's well-being and careers can be absolutely devastating. In Government, we had committed to developing accredited regional centres for endometriosis care across Wales, to improve access to specialist support. This was alongside a network of community and primary care endometriosis clinics to be based in the new women's health hubs. I note that the Minister said she's carefully considering the women's health model. I'm just disappointed that you can't commit today to continuing that important work, and I'm really keen that we have clarity as soon as possible. Advances are being made in diagnosis, and we must make sure we're ready to adapt to these new developments. Rapid endometriosis tests have just been given the go-ahead by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which will help to significantly reduce the time it takes for women to be told whether they have the condition. One test, I believe, provides that result in 45 minutes. Currently, getting a diagnosis can take years. So, when does the Minister expect women in Wales to be able to access those new tests? On social care, I was pleased to see the Government's long-term commitment to developing a national care service, and this is an ambition that we share. One of the key opportunities for strengthening our social care system is by improving integration with local authorities. So, what concrete steps will the Minister take to bring these systems closer together and ensure that people receive more seamless care at the time they need it most? And I'm proud of how the Welsh Labour Government fought to properly reward our social care workforce, including through legally enforced fair pay agreements. And, of course, our social care system across Wales would not work without the huge contribution of unpaid carers—people who look after their loved ones, often in the most difficult of circumstances, to help them live as well as possible. Earlier this year, the Welsh Labour Government consulted on a new strategy for unpaid carers, and we need to see progress on this. Minister, you said today that the Government is investing in the short breaks scheme, but we do need some more detail on that. So, will you commit to providing the funding needed to provide 16,000 short breaks for unpaid carers each year for the rest of this Senedd term? And lastly, I'm just going to turn to mental health. Again, this is an area where I was disappointed not to see a dedicated action from this Plaid Cymru Government for its first 100 days. You've referred today to a fundamental shift in service delivery, but it is unclear what that actually means for people in need of support. So, can the Minister set out today for us what changes will people see in mental health services in Wales this Senedd term, and how many more people will be set to benefit?
1
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy en
Newport is at the heart of the world-leading south Wales semiconductor cluster and, over the next four years, the ambition is to grow the cluster revenues to over £1 billion and reach over 6,000 jobs, and this is a huge opportunity to grow local talent. As part of that, companies like KLA and Vishay are engaging with young people and, indeed, parents, because I think parents need to know what some of these jobs are as well: really good quality jobs in a growing sector, right on their doorstep. You've already mentioned the prospective STEM programme with Newport City Council, which is going to be an excellent idea, and I just wonder if you've seen the work that Dragons RFC have done, working with schools and the semiconductor industry, just to really harness that young talent. And what else will the Welsh Government do, working with your Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, to bring all of this together to make sure we are harnessing that potential of local talent?
1
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the First Minister en
Prif Weinidog, so many people in Wales rely on unpaid carers, and short breaks can be a real lifeline for those unpaid carers, giving those they care for and themselves the breathing space that they need. In 2022, the previous Welsh Labour Government created the short breaks scheme, and this scheme reached many carers who had not had any other form of break, and who weren't receiving any other kind of support. How is this Welsh Government going to ensure that carers get the respite, with those short breaks, that they need and deserve?
2
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en
A report published in January this year estimated that the financial value of health and productivity benefits through engagement with the arts in Wales is at least £588 million a year. The public health benefits and reduction in pressure on essential services are clear, in addition to well-being benefits for people of all ages. Now, I know the Cabinet Minister also agrees with this, but can the Cabinet Minister clarify: is the Welsh Government going to fund preventative health arts activities from the health or culture budget, or both?
-
Between 1948 and 1971, the UK Government invited people from the Caribbean and Commonwealth countries to help rebuild the country and fill labour shortages after the second world war. On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury. There were 1,027 people on board, mainly from the Caribbean—Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. Many had served in the British armed forces during world war two. The most common sectors that people worked in were the construction industry, public transport, manufacturing and our NHS. In my constituency, we still have Windrush elders. They continue to be important and essential voices in our community. So many have made and continue to make an outstanding contribution. Vernesta Cyril OBE arrived from Saint Lucia and she is a much-loved midwife in Newport, serving in our NHS for over 40 years. Despite being treated with hostility, Vernesta says it made her strong. She continues to be an inspiration and a leading voice in our community. Roy Grant moved from Jamaica to become an engineer. After arriving in England, he made Newport his home. Roy works relentlessly to make sure young people understand the struggles of the Windrush generation and to help build connections between communities. These are just two people who have made such a positive impact. The elders and their families have made invaluable contributions to Wales. They deserve the respect and gratitude of all of us in this Senedd and across Wales.
1
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the First Minister en
Home-to-school transport is essential for many families across Wales, not only to make sure young people get to school or college, but to enable parents to get to work. As you alluded to, Prif Weinidog, Caerphilly County Borough Council has the most generous home-to-school transport offer in Wales. What plans does the Welsh Government have to highlight Caerphilly County Borough Council's good work in this area? Does the First Minister agree that any improvements to access under the learner travel Measure must be accompanied by additional funding from the Welsh Government to local authorities?
3
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care cy
8. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i gynyddu nifer y bydwragedd? OQ64176
Official English translation
8. What action is the Welsh Government taking to increase the number of midwives? OQ64176
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care en
Diolch. As the daughter of a retired community midwife who is still a member of the Royal College of Midwives, I'm concerned about the issues that the Royal College of Midwives Cymru have raised about job uncertainty. Newly qualified midwives are skilled, committed and ready to provide high-quality care to women, babies and families. With more complexity in cases, there are particular gaps in support post caesarean section and postnatal and bereavement care. What discussions has the Minister had with midwives and trade unions about these important issues, to make sure that we utilise the skills of newly qualified midwives?
3. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning en
I'm aware that we need to build more homes of all tenures. The Welsh Labour Government put in record levels of money into social housing, £2 billion in the last Senedd term, which led to record levels of delivery and a healthy pipeline of construction. The previous Government also accepted all the recommendations of the affordable housing taskforce, which looked to identify pragmatic ways to support the delivery of more homes and affordable homes, and it was welcomed across all sectors. Will this Government pledge to take that work forward, and, if so, when will the next meeting of the implementation group take place?
2
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy
5. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â thipio anghyfreithlon? OQ64119
Official English translation
5. What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle fly-tipping? OQ64119
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en
Diolch. From throwing litter out of a car window to the dumping of illegal waste at industrial scales, fly-tipping blights our communities and our environment. Cleaning up the mess is a significant cost to our local authorities. Welsh Labour are committed to cleaning up our streets and neighbourhoods by increasing fines and creating new offences. Fly-tipping doesn't seem to be a priority in Plaid Cymru's first 100 days document. Will you commit to doing the same?
3
Open this sitting on the stage
2. Business Statement and Announcement en
It's estimated that there are over 20,000 unpaid carers in my constituency, and, last week, I met with the chair of Newport Carers' Forum. The forum are currently focusing on supporting carers with contingency planning. Through no fault of their own, far too many carers have no plans in place for if and when they are unable to provide care. So, these pressures were recognised by the previous Senedd Health and Social Care Committee in their 'At breaking point' report. The report warned that unpaid carers are being pushed to the brink by a system that repeatedly fails to recognise, support or uphold their basic legal rights. Trefnydd, can you commit to the Welsh Government providing a statement in response to the 'At breaking point' report?
-
Thank you, Mike. Diolch, Deputy Llywydd, and welcome to your role, Cabinet Minister. Local government is key in making sure front-line services are delivered, and these are services that we rely on day in, day out. The Cabinet Minister says that she wants to renew and strengthen that relationship with local government and the Welsh Government, and I really hope this includes engaging with all local authorities, including those in urban areas, regarding the review of the local government funding formula. The funding formula is based on a complex mix of indicators, and work was ongoing to update some of those indicators. It would be really good to understand whether that work will continue at pace, or whether it will be stopped while there is a review of the funding formula. Also, I know that local authorities would like to know whether the Cabinet Minister expects the funding pot for local authorities to be bigger, or whether the pot will still be the same. Everyone deserves a place to call home. A warm, secure and affordable home is fundamental to a good life, and the 20,000 new social homes commitment mentioned today is familiar. The Welsh Labour Government invested £2 billion to deliver more than 20,000 homes for rent in the social sector in the last Senedd term. Record levels of delivery combined with record levels of investment helped the sector and the pipeline to be strong. We all know that there was more to do across all tenures, and that's why Welsh Labour committed to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 10 years. The Government has pledged to establish a new national development body and social housing enabler, Unnos. How will the success or failure of Unnos be measured? This is on top of the new-style Welsh Development Agency, and it would be good to know in what way the establishment of quangos cuts bureaucracy and boosts our economy. The importance of our town centres is something that we should all care about. None of them should be or are the same. I note there was no mention of continuing the Welsh Labour Government's Transforming Towns programme, which boosted regeneration in town and city centres across Wales with more than £300 million since 2020. Also, in terms of the review planned, is it under your responsibility or other Cabinet members' responsibility in terms of having the say over towns more generally, and when will it report? There was also no mention of the work of the affordable homes taskforce and the implementation group on all those recommendations, which were accepted by Government and by the wider sector. Housing isn’t just about the role of Government. There has to be a team Wales approach to delivering change. So will this Government continue those recommendations? This Government has, I see, committed to reviewing the Warm Homes programme within the first 100 days in Government. Last year alone, the Welsh Labour Government invested more than £30 million into our enhanced Warm Homes Nest scheme, and we await the detail of the changes this Government will make to the programme, because if there’s no additional funding, we need to know what will be cut. The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 marked a turning point in how we tackle homelessness here in Wales. The legislation, which I was proud to bring in under the last Welsh Labour Government, gives us a tool to ensure people across Wales access the right support before crisis hits. However, as with any legislation, implementation is key. So, can you, Cabinet Minister, outline how you will ensure that this legislation will actually make a real difference to transform our homelessness system? Again, another piece of legislation that went through at the end of the last Senedd term was building safety. I know there's still work to do around the planning and implementation, and I look forward to discussions as that develops. This is absolutely key as part of our response to the Grenfell tragedy. People must feel and be safe in their own homes. On your plans on the right to adequate housing—again, this was something that was started in the last Senedd term—Members will be keen to hear what work is to be done ahead of any proposed legislation. I was also glad to see that this Government agrees with the Welsh Labour manifesto commitment to create a community right to buy. Empowering people to keep their special local places for community use is something we should all strive to do, and I know that work on this started under the last Welsh Labour Government. Will this be a year 1 Bill? Finally, there was no mention today of support to help get people on the housing ladder. The Welsh Labour Government extended Help to Buy when the Tories closed England's scheme in 2023. How will this Welsh Government help first-time buyers?
5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Key Infrastructure Resilience en
I'd like to welcome the Minister to his position. As a local resident, I know all too well that every time there's an accident or congestion at the Brynglas tunnels, motorway traffic from the M4 is pushed onto our local roads. This creates gridlock, choking the city of Newport and moves air pollution closer to homes and schools. You said today that you will not repeat the work that has already been done. Are the targeted measures to improve flow and resilience on the existing road network, which you've referred to today, part of the resilience studies for our motorway and trunk roads that were announced by the previous Cabinet Secretary for transport, Ken Skates, last summer? And if this is something different, when will the findings of the reports that were commissioned last year be published? And you ruled out the black route. Will you today rule out the blue route and rule out any closures of junctions?
3
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the First Minister en
As a local resident, I'm very aware of some of the unacceptable delays that people have experienced in accident and emergency at the Grange hospital. I've also been struck by the number of people who have said to me that individual NHS staff members are trying their absolute best to provide excellent care under pressure. The previous Welsh Labour Government invested significantly in the Grange accident and emergency department, because the unacceptably long waits and corridor care experienced by some patients requires action to a systematic level. An important aspect of improving emergency care is keeping people out of hospital in the first place, as well as the safe and timely discharge of patients to free up capacity in emergency departments. Whether it's working with local authorities on social care, community care, or transfers to other hospitals, like the Royal Gwent, how is the Welsh Government going to fund the integration of pathways out of acute hospital care?
4. Business Statement and Announcement en
Diolch, Lywydd. Trefnydd, as it's Volunteers Week, I'd like to ask for a statement on support for the voluntary sector. There are over 46,000 voluntary organisations in Wales, with one third of the adult population volunteering. And we also know that many young people choose to give up their time to help others. The Wales Council for Voluntary Action have calculated that, last year, voluntary organisations saved the public sector around £1.4 billion, and their total contribution to Wales in 2025 was estimated to be at least £9.1 billion. The Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations, GAVO, is the largest county voluntary council in Wales, and it's fast approaching 100 years of supporting volunteers in Newport and Islwyn and wider Gwent. As a Co-operative Party member, I was very glad that Welsh Labour pledged to double the number of co-operatives and community-owned businesses, safeguard funding for community cohesion workers, and expand the system of volunteering credits. So, I'd like a statement on how the current Welsh Government plans to support volunteers and voluntary organisations, who are the bedrock of our communities all year round.
5. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care: Health and Care Priorities en
I welcome the Cabinet Minister to his role. One in three deaths in Gwent between 2018 and 2022 happened prematurely and some of those were preventable. The three main causes were cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. In my constituency, both County in the Community and Dragons Rugby Football Club work extensively with people of all ages, and both men and women. Newport County's Fit Fans programme is a great example of sport taking a leading role in preventative health for both men and women. Grass-roots sports clubs play a leading role as well, and their impact is far-reaching. Sport helps to tackle obesity and prevent other physical and mental health conditions, whilst also tackling loneliness and social isolation. I was surprised that there was no mention of mental health, and also surprised there was no mention of women's health, in the Minister's statement today. But Plaid Cymru's manifesto included a commitment to investing in sports and physical activity as part of the preventative health agenda. Can the Minister tell us how much that investment will be and where the money will come from?
1
Open this sitting on the stage
1. Election of the Presiding Officer under Standing Order 6 en
I nominate Huw Irranca-Davies.
Roll-call divisions, by sitting day
70 recorded votes. Official division result.
- For
- 42
- Against
- 27
- Abstain
- 1
- Did not vote
- 0
Counted by Siambr: a sum of the official division rows.
For Against Abstain Unlit desk: did not vote
3 divisions
Members' Legislative Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): An NHS first Bill
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Prostate cancer strategy
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
3 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Local referendums on council tax rises
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
6 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Regional rugby
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Not agreed
- Motion For Not agreed
Reform UK Debate: Access to HMOs and social housing for foreign nationals
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan a Lynne Neagle For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Family Drug and Alcohol Courts
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
1 division
Debate: Fiscal Reform
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Default 20 mph speed limit
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Welsh Conservatives Debate: The defence sector
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
5 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Wales and the United Kingdom
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Not agreed
- Motion as amended Abstain Agreed
- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: Further education
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
10 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Grooming gangs
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Paul Davies Against Not agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board health visitor pay dispute
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Not agreed
- Amendment 4tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Not agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Paul Davies For Not agreed
5 divisions
Welsh Conservatives Debate: Deposit-return scheme
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Bovine TB
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Agreed
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Young people and employment
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
2 divisions
Legislative Consent Motion: Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
Debate: The First Supplementary Budget 2026-27
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
4 divisions
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Ophthalmology services
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
4 divisions
Debate: Fair Funding
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Not agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Llŷr Powell Against Not agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Paul Davies Against Not agreed
- Motion Against Not agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Nation of Sanctuary
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
- Motion Against Not agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: Funding for additional learning needs in the first Supplementary Budget 2026-27
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed
10 divisions
Welsh Conservatives Debate: Hospital services and hospital closures
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Not agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Llŷr Powell For Agreed
- Amendment 4tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Not agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: A Welsh Rivers Act
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Not agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Paul Davies Against Not agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Not agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Government international spending
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Agreed
5 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Childcare offer
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: School support staff negotiating body
Watch it in the chamber Read the debate
- Motion For Agreed