Siambr · Member of the Senedd · Register of record
Paul Davies
Tenures
- Third Assembly Ceredigion Penfro Welsh Conservative Party
- Fourth Assembly Ceredigion Penfro Welsh Conservative Party
- Fifth Senedd Ceredigion Penfro Welsh Conservative Party
- Sixth Senedd Ceredigion Penfro Welsh Conservative Party
- Seventh Senedd Ceredigion Penfro Welsh Conservative Party
Ministerial roles
No ministerial roles on record.
Contributions, by sitting day
57 contributions on record, newest first. Official verbatim record.
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Open this sitting on the stage
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language cy
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Cyn i mi ofyn fy nghwestiynau, hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch i Efa Gruffudd Jones am ei gwaith fel Comisiynydd y Gymraeg. Mae hi wedi bod yn eiriolwr cadarn dros yr iaith Gymraeg, a dwi'n dymuno'n dda iddi ar gyfer y dyfodol. Weinidog, mae adroddiad y Comisiwn Cymunedau Cymraeg, 'Cyrraedd pob cymuned, cryfhau'r Gymraeg', yn nodi y dylid ystyried gweithleoedd yn fannau allweddol ar gyfer defnyddio'r Gymraeg, ac mae'r adroddiad yn gwneud cyfres o argymhellion sydd â'r nod o gynyddu'r defnydd o'r Gymraeg yn y mannau yma. Pa gynnydd y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ei wneud o ran gweithredu'r argymhellion hynny, a pha dystiolaeth sydd gyda chi fod mwy o bobl yn defnyddio'r Gymraeg yn rheolaidd yn eu gweithleoedd o ganlyniad i hynny?
Official English translation
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Before I ask my questions, I would like to put on record my thanks to Efa Gruffudd Jones for her work as Welsh Language Commissioner. She's been a robust advocate for the Welsh language, and I wish her well for the future. Minister, the report of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, 'Cymraeg in every community, strengthening the Welsh language', notes that workplaces should be considered as key locations for use of the Welsh language, and the report makes a series of recommendations with the aim of increasing the use of the Welsh language in those settings. What progress has the Welsh Government made in terms of implementing those recommendations, and what evidence do you have that more people are using the Welsh language regularly in their workplaces as a result of that?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language cy
Dwi'n diolch i chi am yr ymateb yna. Dwi'n edrych ymlaen i'r cyhoeddiad hynny ym mis Rhagfyr. Nawr, daeth y comisiwn i'r casgliad hefyd nad yw'r gyllideb bresennol ar gyfer cryfhau'r Gymraeg ar lefel gymunedol yn ddigonol, a thynnodd sylw at yr angen am fwy o gefnogaeth i helpu sefydliadau i ddatblygu gweithleoedd lle siaredir y Gymraeg. Galwodd hefyd am adolygiad o'r modd y gellir defnyddio cyllid cyhoeddus a mecanweithiau cymorth i hyrwyddo nodau 'Cymraeg 2050'. Yn sgil hynny, a allwch chi ddweud wrthym ni ba gyllid sydd ar gael ar hyn o bryd i gefnogi defnyddio'r Gymraeg mewn gweithleoedd ledled Cymru, ac a allwch chi ddweud a ydych chi'n credu bod y lefel bresennol o fuddsoddiad yn ddigonol i gyflawni'r newidiadau diwylliannol a sefydliadol y mae'r comisiwn yn eu rhagweld yn ei adroddiad?
Official English translation
I thank you for that response. I look forward to seeing that publication in December. Now, the commission also came to the conclusion that the current budget for strengthening the Welsh language at community level was not sufficient, and it highlighted the need for greater support to help organisations to develop workplaces where the Welsh language is spoken. It also called for a review of the way in which public funding and support mechanisms can be used to support the aims of 'Cymraeg 2050'. In light of that, can you tell us what funding is currently available to support the use of the Welsh language in workplaces across Wales, and can you tell us whether you think that the current level of investment is adequate to deliver the cultural shifts that the commission anticipates in its report?
7. Reform UK Debate: Prostate cancer strategy en
Diolch, Lywydd. I move the amendment tabled in my name. As Members are already aware, I am living with prostate cancer and, as such, I believe that that experience has given me a real insight into the challenges faced by patients and indeed their families across Wales. As has already been said, I'm one of more than 2,500 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year here in Wales and, as we've already heard, around 640 men die from it. It's because of the high prevalence of men in Wales who are diagnosed with it that I believe it has to be included in the national cancer strategy for Wales. Indeed, in the written questions that I've tabled to the Cabinet Minister, the responses have included actions that would be taken via the national cancer strategy, and so I have no reason to believe that it wouldn't inform some part of the future thinking of this Government. I have to say that I welcome the consultation on the national cancer strategy, because it's a good opportunity to think a bit more innovatively about how services can be delivered in the future. However, this consultation must be more than a tick-box exercise, and as we've so often heard in the past, whether it's a Welsh Government consultation or a health board consultation, patients' voices must be heard. It's absolutely essential that this consultation is meaningful, that those who engage with it are confident that their views are genuinely being considered, and that the final strategy reflects the submissions it receives. So, I hope that the Cabinet Minister will give that assurance to us today in his response to this debate. Now, as our amendment makes very clear, the Welsh Conservatives want to see a national screening programme introduced by the Welsh Government. I believe that earlier detection improves patient outcomes, and as Prostate Cancer Research tells us, when prostate cancer is detected early, survival rates are close to 100 per cent. And this is not a party political point. I have worked constructively with colleagues in other parties and in other political institutions to call for a national screening programme. For example, I joined the Labour peer Lord Kevin Brennan to raise awareness of some of the symptoms of prostate cancer. We both shared our different prostate cancer journeys, and we discussed why we believe a national screening programme should be introduced. But whether you agree or disagree with a national screening programme, there is clearly a shared understanding across political parties that more can and should be done when it comes to prostate cancer, so I hope that this spirit of co-operation will continue as this strategy is developed. Now, a key section of the Welsh Government's national cancer strategy consultation considers the opportunities presented by advances in medical technology. We are witnessing significant developments in diagnostic tools and various innovative treatments, many of which are transforming outcomes for patients, including focal therapy, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and many other treatments. These technological developments can have huge potential, not only to improve survival rates, but also to enhance quality of life for those living with prostate cancer. These technologies must be available to men in all parts of Wales, irrespective of where they live, and I hope the new strategy will show how patients are able to access these specific treatments. Of course, alongside investment in technology, there must also be a commitment to supporting the workforce and ensuring that healthcare professionals have the capacity, training and resources they need to deliver these treatments effectively. Llywydd, the forthcoming national cancer strategy presents an important opportunity to improve cancer outcomes across Wales, but to achieve that goal, there must be a meaningful consultation process, a commitment to earlier diagnosis and screening, investment in cutting-edge technologies and a determination to provide equitable access to the care and treatment that patients need wherever they live in Wales. We have a responsibility to the men already living with prostate cancer in Wales and to those that will be diagnosed with prostate cancer to use this opportunity to get this strategy right. And as for a national screening programme, Wales can lead the way if it wants to. We don't have to follow England, we don't have to follow other parts of the UK. So, I urge the Welsh Government to commit to exploring this further at the very least. We all want to deliver better outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer across Wales, and so we will be supporting this motion this afternoon, and I urge Members to support my amendment.
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1. Questions to the First Minister en
I echo the points raised by the Member for Casnewydd Islwyn about the importance of these annual health checks. It's important that GPs make reasonable adjustments for these annual health checks as well, and that could mean anything from having a quiet space available for people waiting for their appointment to offering a longer appointment for some patients. Now, last week, I met with Mencap Cymru to hear about their 'I'm in' campaign, which highlights the importance of GP learning disability registers as a gateway to accessing annual health checks. Now, for many years, organisations such as Mencap Cymru have highlighted the importance of increasing annual health check uptake and ensuring they are delivered to a consistently high standard. So, therefore, First Minister, can you tell us what support does the Welsh Government provide to local health boards to help GP practices make reasonable adjustments so that these annual health checks are as accessible and as comfortable as possible for people with learning disabilities?
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality on the Welsh Government's support for people with learning disabilities across Wales. As I mentioned to the First Minister earlier, last week I met with Mencap Cymru to discuss their 'I'm In' campaign, which highlights the importance of GP learning disability registers as a gateway to accessing annual health checks. Of course, it's important that we have access to the relevant data to ensure that people with learning disabilities are accessing these vital health checks. Another issue raised with me was the increasing difficulties that people with learning disabilities face when trying to access and use cash within their local communities. Now, in my view, organisations that receive public funding should be able to accept cash payments from the public, and access to cash continues to be an important way of promoting independence and inclusion for many people with learning disabilities. Therefore, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Welsh Government on its position on support for people with learning disabilities, including measures to improve access to annual health checks and its approach to ensuring continued access to cash for those who actually rely on it.
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Open this sitting on the stage
1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Weinidog, yr wythnos diwethaf, dywedodd aelod o staff Amgueddfa Cymru fod yr amgueddfa genedlaethol wedi dod yn fwyfwy camweithredol yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Disgrifiodd ddiwylliant o ddirywiad rheoledig, ystum unigol, a diffyg stiwardiaeth broffesiynol o'r casgliad cenedlaethol. Roedd hefyd wedi codi y gallai unrhyw gyllid cyhoeddus ychwanegol a ddarperir, fel rhan o gynlluniau canmlwyddiant yr amgueddfa, fethu â chyflawni ei amcanion bwriadedig, oni bai bod y materion a nodwyd yn cael eu harchwilio a'u mynd i'r afael â nhw yn iawn. Weinidog, beth yw eich ymateb chi i'r pryderon hyn? Ac yn dilyn ymlaen o'ch atebion cynharach, pa fath o drafodaethau ydych chi wedi eu cael gydag Amgueddfa Cymru i sicrhau hyder y cyhoedd o ran llywodraethu a rheoli ein casgliadau cenedlaethol?
Official English translation
Minister, last week, a member of Amgueddfa Cymru staff said that the national museum had become increasingly dysfunctional and described a culture of managed decline, individual posturing, and a lack of professional stewardship of the national collection. They also raised the fact that any additional public funding provided, as part of the centenary of the museum, could fail to deliver its objectives unless the issues identified were examined and addressed properly. Minister, what is your response to those concerns? And following on from your earlier responses, what kind of discussions have you had with Amgueddfa Cymru to secure public confidence in the governance and management of our national collections?
1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy
Mae sector diwylliant a chelfyddydau Cymru mewn cyfnod hollbwysig, ac mae’r dyfodol ar hyn o bryd yn edrych yn fregus iawn. Yn y cyfamser, mae amgueddfeydd cenedlaethol ledled y byd yn trawsnewid yn ofodau mwy rhyngweithiol, sy’n cael eu gyrru gan dechnoleg i ymgysylltu â chynulleidfaoedd newydd. Er enghraifft, mae’r Smithsonian wedi defnyddio podlediadau yn llwyddiannus i ddod â hanes a diwylliant i gynulleidfaoedd y tu hwnt i’w safleoedd ffisegol nhw. Mae’r Louvre wedi partneru â Snapchat i ddefnyddio offer dehongli arloesol ar gyfer chwech o’i hadrannau. Ac mae amgueddfa dwyrain V&A wedi cynnal rhaglen hwyrnos, sy’n dod â phreswylfeydd DJ, bariau dros dro, a mynediad i arddangosfeydd ar ôl oriau ynghyd. Felly, Weinidog, pa gefnogaeth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei darparu i helpu amgueddfeydd a sefydliadau diwylliannol yng Nghymru i foderneiddio, fel eu bod yn berthnasol, yn hygyrch ac yn gystadleuol mewn oes sy’n gynyddol ddigidol ac sy’n cael ei arwain gan brofiad? A beth arall y gall Llywodraeth Cymru ei wneud i helpu amgueddfeydd i ddenu cynulleidfaoedd newydd, a denu cynulleidfaoedd iau hefyd?
Official English translation
The culture and arts sector in Wales is at a crucial point, and the future now looks very vulnerable indeed. In the meantime, national museums across the globe are transforming into more interactive spaces, which are driven by technology, to engage with new audiences. For example, the Smithsonian has used podcasting successfully to bring history and culture to audiences beyond their physical sites. The Louvre has partnered with Snapchat to develop innovative interpretation equipment for six of its sections. And the V&A East museum has held a late-night programme, bringing together DJ residencies, temporary bars and access to exhibitions after hours. So, Minister, what support is the Welsh Government providing to assist museums and other cultural organisations in Wales to modernise, so that they are relevant, accessible and competitive in an age that is increasingly digital and experience led? And what else can the Welsh Government do to help museums to attract new audiences, and to attract younger audiences too?
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2. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Welsh Government on its overview of local authorities across Wales. A special investigation by the Cambrian News in my constituency has unearthed a number of troubling concerns regarding Ceredigion County Council and its purchase of Llettytwppa Farm, including questions over governance and oversight, allegations of conflict of interest, and the use of significant sums of public money for a project that reportedly has attracted only a small number of students. Now, I believe that, given the serious nature of the concerns, it's vital that there is a statement from the Welsh Government outlining what oversight mechanisms are available to ensure proper governance and accountability of local authorities in Wales, and to confirm whether the Welsh Government believes any further investigation is warranted in this particular case. The people of my constituency need assurances that public funds are being spent appropriately by the local authority and that decisions are being taken transparently and appropriately. So, I'd be grateful if a statement could be issued by the Welsh Government on this important issue as soon as possible.
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Cabinet Minister, as your statement acknowledges, flooding is a problem for a number of communities in Ceredigion Penfro, and I'm pleased that your visit to Milford Haven showed how important that matter is. As I'm sure you're aware, flooding at Gumfreston in south Pembrokeshire has caused road closures, disruption and lengthy diversions for local communities, businesses and visitors. This was the subject of a Senedd petition calling for a long-term solution, which attracted more than 3,400 signatures. It was led by Councillor Rhys Jordan, who continues to press for the long-term improvements that local residents have been asking for. I understand that Natural Resources Wales is undertaking further appraisal work on flood mitigation options for the River Ritec catchment, but this has been an issue for the local community for some time and they want to see some more progress, as you would expect. I appreciate that you might not be able to give me specific details today, but I would be grateful if you could look at this particular issue and commit to bringing together Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government officials once the appraisal work is complete so that a clear timetable for progress can be agreed and the necessary funding arrangements put in place so that we can finally move forward with a solution as soon as possible.
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7. Reform UK Debate: Regional rugby en
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. The proposal by the Welsh Rugby Union to reduce the number of professional men's teams from four to three would represent one of the most significant changes to the professional game, and, if this proposal is implemented, it would fundamentally reshape the sport in Wales for a generation. Now, in my view, given the implications of any decision to reduce the number of teams, there is one principle that must come first, and that is transparency. And I'm going to say this as clearly as I can: the Welsh Rugby Union must publish in full the business case underpinning these proposals. If the WRU is asking the rugby community, supporters and the wider public to accept such a huge restructuring of the professional game, then I believe that we have a right to see exactly how it has come to that decision. The WRU must publish the financial evidence that supports a reduction from four teams to three. We have to understand the metrics used to determine the WRU's position. What assessments have been made of geography, the club's impact on culture and our language, the women's game, grass-roots development, transport connectivity, international success? The list goes on. The WRU cannot reach a decision behind closed doors and then present it as a fait accompli. The future of Welsh rugby is simply too important for us not to scrutinise this proposal. Now, let me be clear, I acknowledge that professional rugby across the world faces significant financial pressures. Wales is not alone in that sense, and we have seen clubs collapse, budgets squeezed, and governing bodies are having to make difficult choices. And I don't believe that any serious observer of the game would claim that the finances of the game are in perfect health. But acknowledging those challenges does not mean accepting the WRU's proposed solution without scrutiny. In my view, the fundamental question remains: why can Wales no longer afford four professional sides? We have to look at countries operating in a similar rugby market, and we have to ask what lessons can we learn from others and adopt here in Wales. And that brings me to the issue of accountability. I believe that we should also be willing to ask difficult questions about the governing body itself. What if the WRU is, at least in part, part of the problem? What if some of the challenges facing Welsh rugby stem not only from the performance of the elite team and the clubs, but from decisions made at the centre by the governing body? We have to ask ourselves what assessment has been made of the WRU's own governance arrangements, spending priorities and strategic decisions over recent years. Dirprwy Lywydd, in my view, accountability cannot flow in only one direction. If the rugby community is being asked to accept such a huge change, and if one area is being asked to lose part of their sporting and cultural identity, then the governing body must be prepared to subject itself to the same level of scrutiny. Of course, most people would agree that rugby should remain independent of Government. Ministers should not be selecting teams, determining sport structures, or directing the sport's day-to-day affairs, but independence does not mean an absence of accountability. We also have to remember that, in this whole process, the WRU has a conflict of interest as the owner of one of the four regional teams. That is why transparency matters, that is why accountability matters and that is why publishing the business case matters. Now, few would dispute that Welsh rugby needs reform, but I believe that reform must be achieved with transparency, evidence and accountability; not imposed through speculation, uncertainty and closed decision making. And, so, maybe it's time for some tough questions to be asked of the WRU in this regard. And so, in closing, Dirprwy Lywydd, I want to put on record the Welsh Conservatives' support for a four-team model. And in all probability, the reason that the WRU has not published its business case for reducing the number of professional men's teams from four to three is because the business case isn't strong enough. Cutting one of the teams will take the game away from a huge part of the rugby community, have a detrimental impact on the grass-roots game, which, in turn, harms our competitiveness in the future. Rugby belongs to us all. Many people across Wales have memories of playing the game, whether in school or for a club. It's part of our national character and we must find a way forward that safeguards the professional game for future generations, so we will be supporting this motion this afternoon.
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1. Questions to the First Minister en
First Minister, as you said, professional sport plays an important role in supporting local economies by creating jobs and generating investment in our communities. One good example is the expansion of the Novira Cymru Premier football league to 16 teams, with new branding, improved broadcasting and a stronger media presence, which has raised the profile and visibility of the league, which is indeed very welcome. Now, this season, Haverfordwest County Association Football Club has adopted a hybrid model, combining full-time professional players with part-time players. The aim is to provide a pathway for local talent into senior football, while also further improving the club's competitiveness, building on its recent qualification for European competition, which has happened twice in recent years. So, in light of the economic impact that clubs can have on their communities, what further steps can the Welsh Government take to promote the Novira Cymru Premier football league and the clubs that actually compete in it, particularly in developing home-grown talent, strengthening their commercial profile and helping more Welsh clubs compete successfully on the European stage?
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy on the announcement that Milford Haven's Impala terminal is to cease its commercial operations at the end of this year. We must fully understand the implications of this announcement, including the scale of any job losses and the impact on the local economy. We also need further clarity on how the Welsh Government intends to support both the company and its workforce as this situation develops. These are highly skilled and valuable jobs, and every effort must be made to retain this expertise within the region and to safeguard future employment opportunities. In my view, losing such skills would be a significant blow to the local economy and, indeed, to the wider energy sector. Therefore, I'd be grateful if the Welsh Government could provide an urgent statement outlining its engagement with the company to date, the discussions it has held regarding the future of the terminal and the support that may be available to both the workforce and the operator, going forward.
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7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: The defence sector en
It gives me great pleasure to take part in this afternoon's debate and to highlight the contribution being made by the defence sector in west Wales. Now, our motion recognises the importance of the defence sector, particularly during this time of geopolitical uncertainty. In Ceredigion Penfro, and contrary to the previous speaker, we are proud of our military heritage, proud of the men and women who serve our country, and proud of the role our communities continue to play in supporting our armed forces and the wider defence industry. The Ministry of Defence maintains a substantial operational and testing presence in west Wales, and this, of course, includes the MOD Aberporth range, located near Cardigan, which provides a vast and secure safety area for the testing and evaluation of air-launched weapons and uncrewed aerial systems, ensuring that these are safe, effective and fit for operational use. As I understand it, the range employs around 200 skilled staff and makes a significant contribution to the local economy. The facility supports a wider supply chain of local businesses, contractors and service providers, which, of course, helps to sustain jobs and investment across the region. These are important roles that provide career opportunities and help retain skilled workers in west Wales. MOD Aberporth has established itself as a centre of excellence in aerospace and defence innovation, particularly in the rapidly developing field of uncrewed and autonomous systems. And I believe this supports innovation, research and technological advancement, which, in turn, strengthens our national defence. Of course, the presence of the defence sector in west Wales is not limited to Aberporth. Cawdor barracks in Brawdy has long been an important part of the region's military landscape and also makes a significant contribution to both our national security and, indeed, to the local economy. The barracks have provided employment opportunities for military personnel, civilian staff and local contractors, and the service families are a cherished part of the local community. There has been some discussion around the future of the barracks, with proposals to develop it as the UK's host site for the deep space advanced radar capability programme, known as DARC. This would be the UK's first dedicated military space tracking radar system and it would help the UK contribute towards space security by providing greater levels of UK-sourced data for the National Space Operations Centre. I appreciate there are strong-held views for and against the DARC programme, but in my view, Cawdor barracks has an opportunity to be at the forefront of this very important technology. It would provide jobs for up to 100 UK military and civilian personnel onsite and it would also deliver further supply chain opportunities for the local area. For example, there will be significant opportunities during the construction phase. And so, if the DARC programme does proceed at the Cawdor barracks, I believe it would continue Pembrokeshire's proud tradition of supporting our military and protecting our nation. The final sub-point in our motion calls on the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to explore opportunities to strengthen investment in the defence sector here in Wales. I also want to make a brief point about Milford Haven, and the announcement last year that it was identified by the UK Government as one of 13 potential sites for new munitions and energetics factories. We are now waiting for further details from the UK Government on the next steps in that selection process, and whether the Milford Haven site will ultimately be chosen. But the fact that it has been shortlisted as a potential site reiterates the area's strategic importance. At a time when strengthening the resilience of our defence supply chains is becoming increasingly important, it is encouraging to see west Wales being recognised for the role it can play in bolstering our defence. Of course, it would be remiss of me not to also highlight the importance of the Castlemartin training area and firing range, which is regularly used for live firing and tactical battle group-level exercises that are an essential part of ensuring our soldiers are prepared for all combat eventualities. My constituency has a strong military history. Pembroke Dock's naval dockyard was one of the most important shipbuilding sites in Britain during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Angle airfield was a fighter station belonging to No. 10 Group Fighter Command, and a succession of squadrons passed through Angle, flying Supermarine Spitfires, Westland Whirlwinds and Hawker Hurricanes. St David's, Britain's smallest city, was a submarine listening post in world war one and a radar station in world war two. That's just a few examples, but there are many, many more. We in west Wales are proud of our contribution to our defence sector and to our armed forces, and we will continue to make an important contribution in the future. So, I urge Members to support our motion.
9. Short Debate: The importance of local services—Protecting the future of Withybush hospital en
I'm grateful to the Member for allowing me a minute of her time so that I can take part in this very important debate. Protecting services at Withybush Hospital and ensuring it has the resources needed to serve the people of Pembrokeshire has been one of my foremost priorities since I was first elected to this place in 2007. I know that long-standing Members will be aware that I've challenged proposals that centralised or downgraded services at Withybush Hospital, and I've tabled questions, led debates, attended public meetings, supported local campaigns, presented petitions and worked alongside residents to make their voices heard here at the Senedd. And in my view, the people of Pembrokeshire deserve access to safe, high-quality healthcare close to home. They should not have to live with the constant fear that more vital services will be stripped away from their local hospital. Whilst Hywel Dda University Health Board is responsible for service delivery, Welsh Governments cannot continue to stand on the sidelines. They have the powers to intervene, and for too long they have chosen not to use them. This Government does not have to be a continuity Government of the last Government. It can and it must do better. And so, I echo some of the points that the Member has already made in this debate about the importance of protecting Withybush Hospital, and I urge this Government to work with us and work with local residents to protect the future of Withybush Hospital. The people of Pembrokeshire deserve nothing less.
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2. Questions to the First Minister en
First Minister, Haverfordwest's former Masonic hall has been recently brought back into use following years of closure, and will again be a hub for live music, entertainment and creative talent, showcasing the vital role that grass-roots music venues play in supporting young artists, strengthening communities and boosting local economies. I'm sure you'll agree with me that this project has a great opportunity to strengthen Pembrokeshire's live music scene and create new opportunities for the next generation of local performers. So, First Minister, given the challenges that many towns face with vacant properties and declining town centres, what steps is the Welsh Government taking to incentivise projects like this that bring old buildings back into use, especially if they are brought back as independent and grass-roots music venues?
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Welsh Government regarding the impact of rising energy and fuel costs on Welsh households and businesses. According to RAC Fuel Watch, the average price of diesel has now reached around £2 per litre, and the average price of petrol is around £1.74 per litre. In rural constituencies like Ceredigion Penfro, the increase in fuel prices has a particularly big knock-on effect, as many people have little choice but to rely on their vehicles to access work, healthcare and essential services. These increases are placing significant pressure on families and businesses at a time when many are already struggling with the rising cost of living, and it also has serious consequences for businesses, hauliers and farmers, by squeezing what are already very tight margins. I appreciate that the Welsh Government is not responsible for fuel duty, but it does have some responsibility around energy policy. So, Trefnydd, given the impact of rising fuel and energy costs on Welsh households and businesses, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Welsh Government outlining what representations have so far been made to the UK Government ahead of the autumn budget regarding fuel duty and energy costs, and what support is available in Wales to help those who are struggling as a result of these increases.
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2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language cy
2. Beth yw blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer ysgolion yn Sir Benfro dros y 12 mis nesaf? OQ64510
Official English translation
2. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for schools in Pembrokeshire for the next 12 months? OQ64510
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 Education and Welsh Language en
Thank you for that response, Cabinet Minister. There are some serious concerns regarding the future of faith education in our schools in Pembrokeshire, following a number of controversial decisions that have been taken by Pembrokeshire County Council in recent months. As you may be aware, the council decided in May to remove the voluntary controlled status of Ysgol Cilgerran Church in Wales school. This was followed in June by a decision to close Manorbier Church in Wales VC School, while proposals are also being considered to discontinue Tenby Church in Wales VC Primary School. These decisions have raised some serious concerns amongst parents, governors, church representatives and local communities about the long-term future of faith-based education in Pembrokeshire. So, Cabinet Minister, do you agree with me that no faith school should be lost or lose its status against the will of its school community? And can you tell us what action the Welsh Government is willing to take to support schools that wish to retain their faith status in Pembrokeshire and, indeed, across the whole of Wales?
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1. Questions to the First Minister cy
2. Beth yw blaenoriaethau gofal iechyd Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer Ceredigion Penfro ar gyfer y deuddeg mis nesaf? OQ64479
Official English translation
2. What are the Welsh Government's healthcare priorities for Ceredigion Penfro for the next twelve months? OQ64479
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
First Minister, I believe that the Welsh Government's healthcare priorities for Ceredigion Penfro must be to protect essential health services at its hospitals so that patients do not have to travel further afield for treatment. Now, over the years, my constituents have seen health services centralised and moved further away by the local health board, despite clear public opposition to these changes. And there has been little, if any, intervention or challenge from a Welsh Government over the last 27 years. Now, following the change of Government in May, there was a sense of hope for my constituents that their views would be heard and the health board stopped, and, so far, that has not been the case. So, First Minister, what threshold must be crossed before the Welsh Government is prepared to intervene and prevent Hywel Dda University Health Board from further downgrading services in west Wales? And what message do you have for the people of Ceredigion Penfro who voted for a Government they believed would stand up for local communities and ensure that no further services are removed from their hospitals?
2. Questions to the Counsel General en
Diolch, Lywydd. Counsel General, I want to return to the issue raised by the Member for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd and ask some further questions around what the Welsh Government can do to intervene and stop service reconfiguration decisions taken by local health boards. I listened very carefully to your earlier answers. Now, I'm sure you'll agree that health board service reconfiguration is a contentious issue in most parts of Wales, including, of course, in west Wales, which has a long history of service reductions, relocations and reconfigurations that have led many residents to feel that healthcare provision is increasingly being moved further away from their communities. In my view, when there is such strong public opposition to the health board's decisions, the Welsh Government has a moral responsibility to get involved and put a hold on controversial plans that do not carry the will of the people. So, Counsel General, you've confirmed here today that Ministers can intervene under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, but can you tell us what role you have as the Welsh Government's legal adviser in any process that would involve intervention? And can you confirm that a Government can legally intervene on any health board decision under this Act?
2. Questions to the Counsel General en
You see, many people across Wales will find it difficult to understand why Ministers appear powerless to act when there is overwhelming public concern about major service changes that could significantly affect access to healthcare. Therefore, Counsel General, can you outline the legal thresholds, then, you believe must be met before the Welsh Government will intervene in a service reconfiguration decision taken by a health board? Furthermore, do you believe the current legal set-up provides the Welsh Government with sufficient powers to protect communities from reconfiguration decisions that lack public confidence?
2. Questions to the Counsel General en
I'm asking your opinion.
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, continuing on the theme of trains, I'd like to request a statement from the Deputy Minister for Transport on the delivery of rail services in west Wales. I'm regularly contacted by constituents from across Ceredigion Penfro who express concerns about the frequency, reliability and overall availability of rail services in the region. They want to see more regular and dependable train services operating across all rail lines in west Wales throughout the week, because for too long west Wales has not received the level of attention it deserves when it comes to rail connectivity and service delivery, and I believe there should be a review of rail provision in the region to assess whether current services are meeting the needs of local communities, and indeed to identify where improvements are required. Therefore, I'd be grateful if the Welsh Government could provide a statement outlining what steps it intends to take to improve the delivery, frequency and reliability of rail services in west Wales so that we can understand how it plans to address the long-standing concerns of passengers in Ceredigion Penfro.
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1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Cabinet Minister, this summer has showcased some amazing international athletics. For the first time ever, the European Athletics Championships came to Great Britain, and there was, of course, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which provided another opportunity to celebrate sporting excellence, with Team Wales delivering a strong performance and finishing ninth overall. I'm sure you'll join me in congratulating our athletes and coaches on their achievements and the pride they have brought here to Wales. Given the success of these major sporting events, and the benefits that they bring in terms of participation, economic investment and international profile, can you tell us what the Welsh Government is doing to attract major sporting events to Wales?
1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en
I'm grateful for that response. Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, it's vital that the Welsh Government is building a pipeline of sporting talent, and that, of course, means investing in sports facilities across the country. The financial challenges facing the sports sector are well known, and if the Welsh Government is serious about creating legacies from major sporting events, then the sector will need more funding. Your party's own manifesto commits to increasing funding for culture and sport year on year throughout this Senedd term. So, Cabinet Minister, can you provide a guarantee to the culture and sports sector that they will receive a real-terms increase in the upcoming draft budget and every other year under this Government? Can you also provide an update on your audit of community and regional sporting facilities, so that we can better understand where capital investment needs to be targeted going forward?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy
2. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn defnyddio ei galluoedd ariannol i gefnogi'r diwydiant twristiaeth yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64430
Official English translation
2. How is the Welsh Government using its financial levers to support the tourism industry in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64430
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2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en
Cabinet Minister, yesterday's announcement of a 30 per cent cut in business rates for some of the smallest hospitality accommodation and leisure venues is certainly a welcome step forward. However, there is plenty more that the Welsh Government can do to support the tourism industry in Ceredigion Penfro, including reducing the devastating 182-day occupancy threshold for self-catering businesses. Now, I appreciate that the Welsh Government's consulting on this, but the consultation states that there will be a limit to the extent of any reduction in the threshold, arguing that a substantial decrease in the threshold could incentivise an oversupply of self-catering properties. In light of this, can you clarify what the Welsh Government considers to be the minimum viable occupancy threshold? And in the interests of transparency, will you commit to publishing the evidence underpinning that position, so that business owners can understand the parameters that the Welsh Government is considering in this important consultation?
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2. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Welsh Government on the availability of non-emergency hospital transport. I've received significant representations from constituents over the summer who have been left without transport to take them to important hospital appointments. Now, some of my constituents have had their transport cancelled at very short notice and, as a result, they've had to spend a small fortune on taxis to get them to their appointments. Now, some of these constituents, as you can imagine, are elderly, with limited mobility and little support. And, as I'm sure you can imagine, these cancellations have left many patients frustrated, anxious, and, quite frankly, this is not how the Welsh NHS should be operating in the twenty-first century. Therefore, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care on the performance of patient transport across Wales so that we can understand what the Welsh Government is doing to improve this vital service.
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5. Motion to establish a committee cy
Yn ffurfiol, Lywydd.
Official English translation
Formally, Llywydd.
7. Reform UK Debate: Bovine TB en
Bovine TB continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing farmers in Ceredigion Penfro, and the message that I continue to hear from local farmers is absolutely clear. They want to see meaningful action to tackle this disease. Among those affected are my own in-laws, whose farm has been affected by bovine TB for more than two decades. And so, I declare an interest, as through their experience, I've seen first-hand the profound emotional, practical and financial toll that bovine TB continues to have on farming families. Their story is similar to that of many other farmers in my constituency, and together, they reiterate the need for effective measures to address this long-standing issue. As has already been said, it is heartbreaking. The dread and worry over testing, the anguish and stress over a TB breakdown and subsequent slaughter, and, of course, the anxiety of dealing with compensation payments and trying to run a sustainable business. An NFU Cymru survey in 2023 highlighted that 85 per cent of respondents said bovine TB had negatively impacted their own mental health or someone in their family, and over 93 per cent said that they were extremely concerned or very concerned about bovine TB. So, I really hope that with a new Government and with a Cabinet Minister sympathetic to farmers and the anguish they are going through because of bovine TB, I hope action will now be taken to finally get to grips with this awful disease. As the second point in the motion notes, there must be a recognition of the multiple routes of transmission, including infection from wildlife. In the last Senedd, I had the privilege of chairing the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and we held an inquiry into the Welsh Government's bovine TB eradication programme. The committee made some important recommendations in areas like testing, compensation, and even wildlife. The committee was concerned about the lack of data around the role of wildlife in spreading bovine TB, but the reality is that you can't possibly control the disease without dealing with the wildlife reservoir. We all recognise that there are multiple mechanisms of transmission, and even the previous Welsh Government accepted that in their response to the committee, which is why there needs to be a package of measures that deals with all types of transmission of this disease. The previous Government told the committee that it's not really so much about understanding the mechanisms of transmission in greater detail, as we know they occur, but more about understanding the relative frequency with which they occur and why they occur in different local situations. So, if we all accept that there is transmission via wildlife, why has there been an absence of efforts to address this in the first place? This cannot be the case going forward. The Cabinet Minister himself has said that wildlife is part of the bovine TB problem and must be part of the solution, and now he's in a position to actually do something about it. Farmers across Wales are watching, and they are tired of having to tell us the same thing over and over again. They now want action. From April 2025 to March 2026, 3,068 cattle were slaughtered in Pembrokeshire and a further 971 in Ceredigion. That's over 4,000 cattle slaughtered in just two counties over a 12-month period. When I was first elected in 2007, that figure for Pembrokeshire was 2,384 and for Ceredigion was just 296. Of course, testing is far more sensitive than it was back then, but that is still a huge increase in cattle slaughtered, and behind each slaughter is a farming family devastated by it, which is why I've campaigned on this specific issue for the last 20 years. Llywydd, the Welsh Conservatives will be supporting the motion this afternoon, even though we do not believe the motion is strong enough. However, in the interests of consensus and in order to push this matter forward, we will be voting for the motion. The motion states that in the event that the TB technical advisory group recommends targeted wildlife control, including culling, such recommendations are given full and proper consideration. Well, I believe that the evidence is already there to show that this disease needs to be tackled in the wildlife reservoir, and so I do not believe we need to wait for further information and advice before any actual action takes place. We of course support maintaining robust biosecurity standards, but the Welsh Government must use all the tools in its box to tackle all transmissions of this disease. Llywydd, we want to see the Welsh Government get on with the job of eradicating bovine TB. There have been endless discussions about whether to introduce a holistic approach or not, and we believe the time for talking is now over. We now want action.
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7. Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector en
As has already been said, the tourism sector is of huge importance to the communities I represent in Ceredigion Penfro, so I'm pleased to speak up on behalf of the tourism businesses and providers in my constituency who are operating under significant financial pressures. Today's motion refers specifically to the visitor levy or the tourism tax and the 182-day occupancy threshold. I've made my views very clear on both of these policies. In fact, one of my very first actions in this Senedd was to appeal to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy to reduce the 182-day threshold. And whilst we've heard some commitments from the Cabinet Minister for Finance about introducing exemptions, I do not believe that this goes far enough. I believe that there needs to be a fundamental rethink of this policy so that it's fairer for all providers, not just some. I know the Cabinet Minister recognises the importance of tourism to supporting communities and strengthening local economies, and he's made it clear in correspondence to me that he wants to ensure his engagement with the tourism industry is constructive, evidence led and focused on supporting businesses to thrive. There's plenty of evidence to show that reducing the 182-day threshold will help the tourism sector and will help support businesses to thrive. Data from the Valuation Office Agency has shown that the number of self-catering businesses is down by 30.7 per cent, and yet in England, over the same period, the fall is only 12.2 per cent. In my view, the difference is because of the 182-day threshold. We've all heard compelling evidence why the threshold is unrealistic, how the market is changing, and why a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn't work. So I hope the Welsh Government will now reflect on the evidence that is already out there showing how damaging this policy really is. And it's not just hurting Welsh business, it's hurting our people and our communities too. Ninety-four per cent of Welsh members of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers have said they are more stressed because of this specific policy. Many holiday let owners in my constituency are also farmers, who are already competing with so much red tape and regulation and have been pushed into diversifying over the years only to face even more red tape and regulation. I've also heard from countless owners about how their family has let their property for 20, 30, even 40 years, sometimes longer, and they are heartbroken that they're having to consider selling it now. These are people with deep connections to the communities where their properties are. I've always believed that increasing taxes and regulations on one group of people does not make housing more affordable for another group of people. If we begin to see more tourism businesses close as a result of policies such as the 182-day threshold, there is no guarantee that those properties will become more accessible to local residents. Indeed, there's a real risk that they could instead be purchased by wealthier buyers from outside the area. And it also impacts our local communities. It could result in fewer visitors, which means reduced footfall and reduced spending in pubs, shops and local attractions, putting many tourism-related jobs at risk. And so, for those reasons, I hope the Welsh Government will be sincere in its commitment to reviewing the policy. The evidence is already mounting and action is needed now. The same holiday owners who are struggling with the 182-day threshold are also facing business rate rises, tax changes and, from next April, a visitor levy could be introduced too. This levy does not support business owners and it does not maintain affordability for visitors. It's also highly likely to be applied inconsistently across local authority areas, pitting one county against another and risks worsening an already fragile tourism market. And this will not just only tax tourists, it will apply to everyone who stays overnight in Wales, including people within Wales. Llywydd, the tourism sector has been overwhelmed with additional financial pressures, and rather than pause and consider the cumulative impact of all of these policies, the previous Government added more burdens on business owners, and so the new Welsh Government has an opportunity here to reset the balance. It also has an opportunity to take a more strategic approach to how the sector is valued and how its long-term sustainability can be secured. For example, how do we properly recognise the contribution made by seasonal workers within our communities, or by those who rely on multiple part-time jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries? These are important questions that require thoughtful consideration if we are serious about supporting a thriving tourism sector, while delivering sustainable economic growth in our communities across Wales. So, Llywydd, I look forward to hearing from the Cabinet Minister about his views on these issues and how we can create conditions for the sector to grow and flourish in the future. I can confirm that the Welsh Conservatives will be supporting this motion.
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2. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Welsh Government on pavement parking. I've received a number of representations from constituents in Haverfordwest regarding vehicles that are regularly parked on pavements and, indeed, across dropped kerbs. This is not only an inconvenience for pedestrians but also presents a significant accessibility and, indeed, safety concern for many in the community. Now, as the Cabinet Minister will be aware, Scotland has already introduced legislation banning pavement parking, while, in England, the UK Government has consulted on the issue and is providing local authorities with additional enforcement powers to address obstructive parking. Wales should not be the only nation in Great Britain without a clear approach to tackling this problem. Therefore, I'd be grateful if the Welsh Government could provide a statement setting out its position on pavement parking so that we can understand what action is being taken to address this issue and how local authorities are being supported to improve accessibility, enhance road safety and ensure that our communities are safer and more inclusive for everyone.
4. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language: Welsh Language Priorities cy
A gaf fi ddiolch i'r Gweinidog am y datganiad y prynhawn yma? Dwi'n rhannu'r uchelgais a tharged Llywodraeth Cymru o gyrraedd 1 filiwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050. Roedd gan faniffesto fy mhlaid fy hun ymrwymiad i gynnal y targed hwnnw, a byddwn yn parhau i gefnogi ymdrechion i gynyddu nifer y siaradwyr Cymraeg a gwella faint o Gymraeg sy'n cael ei siarad yn ein cymunedau ni. Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn tynnu sylw at dair blaenoriaeth i'r Llywodraeth: dysgu, ein cymunedau, a seilwaith. Nawr, mae'n rhaid i ehangu cyfleoedd i gael mynediad at addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg fod yn flaenoriaeth i'r Llywodraeth hon, gan mai dim ond 21 y cant o blant sy'n cael eu haddysgu mewn ysgolion cyfrwng Cymraeg, yn ôl canlyniadau diweddaraf cyfrifiad yr ysgolion. Dwi'n credu y gall gwaith gael ei wneud o ran teithio dysgwyr a allai helpu i nodi rhwystrau i ddysgu'r Gymraeg. Felly, efallai y gall Gweinidog y Cabinet ddweud wrthym ni a fydd hi'n adolygu Mesur Teithio gan Ddysgwyr (Cymru) 2008 i weld a oes mwy y gellir ei wneud i alluogi plant i fynychu ysgolion cyfrwng Cymraeg. Mae'r datganiad yn cadarnhau bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio gyda'r sector blynyddoedd cynnar i ehangu darpariaeth ar draws Cymru, a byddwn i'n ddiolchgar os gallai hi ddweud mwy wrthym ni ynglŷn â hyn. Mae gwaith da wedi ei wneud i gefnogi ymarferwyr addysg ar eu taith dysgu, er enghraifft, mae Cwlwm wedi darparu adnoddau ac yn gweithredu cynllun Addewid Cymraeg, lle mae wedi gweithio gyda dros 170 o leoliadau gofal plant i asesu siẁd maen nhw'n defnyddio'r Gymraeg, ac i ddatblygu cynllun gweithredu i wella eu darpariaeth. Efallai y gall y Gweinidog ddweud wrthym ni siẁd mae'r Llywodraeth yn cefnogi'r sefydliadau yma i wneud y gwaith allgymorth hwn gydag ymarferwyr yn y dyfodol, a siẁd gall hyn gael ei ehangu hefyd yn y dyfodol. Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn cyfeirio at adroddiad ail gam y comisiwn ar gymunedau Cymraeg eu hiaith, ac fel mae Gweinidog y Cabinet yn gwybod, dwi wedi bod yn cyflwyno cwestiynau ar y mater hwn i geisio deall siẁd mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwrw ymlaen ag argymhellion y comisiwn. Mae'r adroddiad yn ei gwneud yn glir bod y gyllideb bresennol ar gyfer adfywio defnydd o'r Gymraeg ar lefel gymunedol yn seiliedig ar gynsail hanesyddol, ac nad yw'n cyrraedd y nod polisi hirdymor o greu Cymru ddwyieithog. Felly, a fydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwneud buddsoddiad sylweddol yn y maes hwn yn ei chyllideb yn yr hydref i ddiwallu'r angen hwn, ac, os felly, siẁd fydd hyn yn edrych? Mae pennod 4 o'r adroddiad hwnnw'n trafod y syniad o gymdeithasu yn y Gymraeg, y tu allan i leoliadau ysgol, mewn cyd-destunau diwylliannol, a rŷn ni wedi gweld tystiolaeth o arfer da fel gŵyl Tafwyl yn ddiweddar yng Nghaerdydd. Mae'r digwyddiadau yma a nifer o ddigwyddiadau allgymorth cymunedol yn cael eu gwneud gan sefydliadau fel y mentrau iaith ac eraill, wrth gwrs, sy'n creu cymaint yn ein cymunedau gyda chyn lleied o adnoddau. Felly, dwi'n gobeithio bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn ystyried siẁd y gall gefnogi sefydliadau cymunedol yn well yn y dyfodol. Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn cyfeirio at seilwaith, a dwi'n falch i glywed bod y Gweinidog yn gweithio gyda chwmnïoedd technoleg mawr i gryfhau cefnogaeth i'r iaith i ddefnyddwyr. Rŷn ni'n byw mewn byd digidol ac mae'n bwysig bod Cymru ar y blaen i unrhyw ddatblygiad technolegol. Clywais i yr atebion yn gynharach, felly a all y Gweinidog roi mwy o ddiweddariad i ni ar y gwaith mae hi'n ei wneud ynglŷn ag AI, a siẁd mae'n sicrhau bod y dechnoleg yn mynd i fod yn briodol i'r iaith Gymraeg? Wrth gwrs, mae'r datganiad heddiw yn cyfeirio at waith Comisiynydd y Gymraeg sydd wedi nodi ei blaenoriaethau, ac un ohonynt yw creu gweithleoedd sy'n cefnogi'r Gymraeg. Dwi'n credu y dylai fod strategaeth glir ar gyfer y Gymraeg yn y gweithle, er mwyn i ni allu asesu cynnydd yn y maes hwn a hybu gwelliannau. Roedd maniffesto fy mhlaid i wedi ymrwymo i ddatblygu rhwydwaith o hyrwyddwyr busnes y Gymraeg, felly efallai fydd y Gweinidog yn ystyried y syniad o strategaeth benodol ar gyfer y Gymraeg yn y gweithle, ac efallai hyd yn oed mabwysiadu ein syniad o hyrwyddwyr busnes. Yn olaf, Ddirprwy Lywydd, dwi'n falch iawn bydd yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yn cael ei chynnal yn fy etholaeth i, ac felly hoffwn fanteisio ar y cyfle i annog yr holl Aelodau i ddod draw i ymweld yn yr haf. Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn cyfeirio at yr iaith yn y strategaeth ddiwylliannol, ac felly efallai y gall y Gweinidog ddweud wrthym ni ynglŷn â'r strategaeth a'r rôl y gall digwyddiadau fel yr Eisteddfod eu chwarae i gynyddu'r defnydd o'r Gymraeg yn ein cymunedau ni. Ddirprwy Lywydd, fel sydd wedi cael ei ddweud eisoes, mae'r iaith Gymraeg yn perthyn i bob un ohonom ni. Hoffwn ei gweld yn ffynnu ac yn tyfu, a dwi'n edrych ymlaen at gydweithio'n adeiladol gyda'r Gweinidog Cabinet ar yr agenda hwn. Diolch.
Official English translation
May I thank the Minister for her statement this afternoon? I share the Welsh Government's ambition and target of reaching 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. My own party's manifesto had a commitment to maintain that target, and we will continue to support efforts to increase the number of Welsh speakers and to increase the amount of Welsh spoken in our communities. Today's statement does highlight three key priorities for the Government: learning, communities and infrastructure. Now, enhancing opportunities to access Welsh-medium education must be a priority for this Government, because only 21 per cent of children are currently taught in Welsh-medium schools, according to the latest school census. I think that work could be done in terms of learner travel that could help to remove barriers to learning the Welsh language. So, perhaps the Cabinet Minister could tell us whether she will review the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 in order to see if there is more that can be done to enable children to go to Welsh-medium schools. The statement confirms that the Welsh Government is working with the early years sector to enhance provision across Wales, and I would be grateful if she could tell us more about that. Good work has been done to support education practitioners on their journey, for example, Cwlwm has provided resources and is implementing the Welsh Promise scheme, where it's worked with over 170 childcare settings in order to assess how they use the Welsh language, and in order to develop an action plan to improve their provision. Perhaps the Minister could tell us how the Government is supporting these organisations to do this outreach work with practitioners in future, and how this can be enhanced in the future. The statement today also refers to the second phase report from the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, and as the Cabinet Minister knows, I have been tabling questions on this issue in order to try and understand how the Welsh Government is proceeding on the recommendations made by the commission. The report makes it clear that the current budget for regenerating the use of the Welsh language on a community level is based on historic precedent, and that it does not reach the long-term policy goal of creating a bilingual Wales. So, will the Welsh Government make a significant investment in this area in its autumn budget in order to meet this need, and, if so, what will this look like? Chapter 4 of that report talks about the idea of socialising through the medium of Welsh, outside of school settings, in cultural settings, and we have seen evidence of good practice such as Tafwyl recently in Cardiff. These events and many other community outreach events are held by organisations like the mentrau iaith and others, of course, that do so much in our communities with little resource. So, I very much hope that the Welsh Government is considering how it can support community organisations more effectively in the future. Today's statement refers to infrastructure, and I'm pleased to hear that the Minister is working with the big tech companies in order to enhance support for Welsh language users. We live in a digital age and it's important that Wales is in the vanguard in terms of any technological development. I heard the earlier responses, so could the Minister perhaps provide more detail on the work that she is doing on AI, and how she is ensuring that technology will be appropriate for the Welsh language? Of course, today's statement refers to the work of the Welsh Language Commissioner who has outlined her priorities, and one of those is to create workplaces that support the Welsh language. I think there should be a clear strategy for the Welsh language in the workplace, in order for us to assess progress in this area and promote improvements. My party's manifesto committed to developing a network of Welsh language business champions, so perhaps the Minister would consider a specific strategy for the Welsh language in the workplace, and perhaps even adopt our ideas of business champions. And finally, Dirprwy Lywydd, I'm pleased that the National Eisteddfod will be held in my constituency, so I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage all Members to visit in the summer. Today's statement makes reference to the Welsh language in the culture strategy, and so perhaps the Minister could tell us about the strategy and the role that events such as the Eisteddfod can play in increasing the use of the Welsh language within our communities. Dirprwy Lywydd, as has already been said, the Welsh language belongs to each and every one of us. I'd like to see it prosper and grow, and I look forward to working constructively with the Cabinet Minister on that agenda. Thanks.
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1. Questions to the First Minister cy
10. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i gefnogi'r diwydiant twristiaeth yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64286
Official English translation
10. What is the Welsh Government doing to support the tourism industry in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64286
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
First Minister, west Wales is home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, and, as you know, the tourism industry plays a huge role in sustaining local communities and the economy in Ceredigion Penfro. Sadly, tourism operators and accommodation providers in my constituency are under increasing pressure, and one of the most pressing issues at the moment is the 182-day occupancy threshold. Indeed, data from the Valuation Office Agency shows that self-catering business numbers in Wales have fallen by nearly 31 per cent, and so we need to see some action to prevent further decline. The Cabinet Minister for Finance has confirmed that exemptions will be coming, but what the industry needs is a change of policy, not tinkering around the edges to benefit a few providers. Therefore, First Minister, will your Government listen to tourism providers in west Wales and commit to reviewing the whole 182-day threshold policy before more self-catering businesses are forced to close?
3. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Welsh Government on epilepsy services across Wales. Now, last year, Epilepsy Action Wales's 'Seizing Change' report found that every single health board in Wales was failing to meet waiting time guidelines for treatment after a seizure. That report highlighted that patients in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area were waiting up to 36 weeks to be seen, the longest waiting time on record, where National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines actually say the follow-up appointment should be within two weeks of someone having their first seizure. Now, Trefnydd, I've received representations from constituents who tell me that epilepsy services in my health board area are still under dire pressure and failing to meet patients' needs in a timely manner. The Welsh Government must improve access to timely care and invest in the epilepsy workforce, and so I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, so that we can understand exactly what the Welsh Government is doing to improve epilepsy services across Wales.
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1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en
Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Minister, last week, you set out your priorities for the culture and sport sector in Wales, and that included a list of actions you plan to take to increase cultural participation, including delivering a Welsh culture strategy, improving the infrastructure of venues across Wales, and investment in sport programmes like school swimming. Yesterday, the Welsh Government's supplementary budget was published, which didn't see any significant shifts in the funding to the culture sector. In fact, the finance Minister didn't mention culture at all in her statement yesterday. As has already been mentioned earlier, it only referred to the £2 million of resource funding that will support the roll-out of the new school swimming and water safety programme. Therefore, further to your earlier answer, how confident are you that you will have the resources you need to start delivering on the commitments you've made to the culture and sport sectors in practice?
1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport en
We've heard a lot of talk since the Senedd election about increasing the level of funding year on year in relation to the culture sector. As you know, Minister, Wales's public spending on culture is amongst the lowest in Europe, and the chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales has warned that, if funding cuts to the arts industry continue, there will be no professional sector in 10 years' time. Therefore, what reassurances can you offer the sector that there won't be a 'business as usual' budget in the autumn and that the sector will receive significant investment from this Welsh Government so that there is a professional sector in 10 years' time?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy
3. Sut y bydd polisïau treth Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi pobl yng Ngheredigion Penfro? OQ64190
Official English translation
3. How will the Welsh Government's tax policies support people in Ceredigion Penfro? OQ64190
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 Finance cy
Weinidog, mae pobl sy'n rhedeg busnesau twristiaeth ledled Ceredigion Penfro wedi ei gwneud hi'n glir iawn i fi eu bod nhw'n ei ffeindio hi'n anodd iawn, achos nifer o bolisïau a rheoliadau treth diweddar, sy'n arwain at rai pobl fusnes yn ystyried a yw hi'n werth rhedeg busnesau o gwbl. Dwi'n siŵr eich bod chi wedi derbyn yr un math o sylwadau â'r rheini dwi wedi eu cael. Felly, a allwch chi ddweud wrthym ni sut y byddwch chi'n sicrhau bod polisïau treth a mesurau cyllidol Llywodraeth Cymru yn y Senedd hon yn deall y pryderon sy'n cael eu codi gan y diwydiant twristiaeth yng ngorllewin Cymru, a'u bod nhw ddim yn arwain at fwy a mwy o fusnesau yn ystyried cau eu drysau?
Official English translation
Minister, people running tourism businesses across Ceredigion Penfro have made it very clear to me that they find it very difficult, because of a number of policies and tax regulations introduced recently, which is leading some businesspeople to consider whether it's worth running their businesses at all. I'm sure you will have received the same kinds of comments that I've received. So, can you tell us how you will ensure that tax policies and fiscal measures from the Welsh Government in this Senedd understand the concerns that are being raised by the tourism industry in west Wales, and that they don't lead to more and more businesses considering closing their doors?
6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Hospital services and hospital closures en
I'm pleased to take part in this very important debate. Now, over many years, the people that I represent in west Wales have seen a steady and deeply concerning pattern from Hywel Dda University Health Board, and that's the gradual centralisation of vital services away from the communities and people that rely on them. Services have been downgraded, transferred or reconfigured against the will of the very people that these services are meant for. Each time the health board takes a service away from the local hospital and moves it further eastwards, it has been presented as necessary. And yet, taken together, they tell a clear story—that the health board wants to pull services further away from west Wales and centralise them at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. The latest centralisation proposals have been the removal of emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital and a shake up of stroke services across mid and west Wales. Now, removing emergency general surgery is not a minor adjustment, it's a fundamental change that will have huge consequences for patients and increase travel times in an emergency situation. And so let me be absolutely clear from the outset that I oppose the health board's decision to remove this service from Withybush Hospital, and I will continue to campaign for the Welsh Government to intervene to stop this from happening. When minutes matter, distance matters, and I believe that expecting patients to travel further in an emergency situation is not just inconvenient, it's potentially dangerous. Of course, with a new Government in place, the people that I represent have hope for a change of direction. And given that the party of Government campaigned on these issues during the election and made it clear just how dangerous centralising emergency general surgery is, it's frustrating that there hasn't already been action from the Welsh Government on this issue. The Welsh Government has both the authority and the responsibility to intervene, and the people that I represent, understandably, want to know why action hasn't already been taken. The people of Ceredigion Penfro deserve clarity, transparency and accountability. And, above all that, they deserve safe, accessible healthcare closer to their homes. Now, for years, the previous Government did nothing while the health board removed service after service from Withybush Hospital, and I sincerely hope that this Government will not go down that same route. And it's not just emergency general surgery that is at risk. As I said earlier, stroke services are also under threat too. The health board is consulting on plans to downgrade stroke services to treat-and-transfer models at Bronglais and Withybush hospitals, and, if the health board follows through with its plans, it will mean that patients with acute stroke symptoms will have to travel significant distance for critical care. This is not right and it's not acceptable. It's another example of the health board centralising care in Carmarthen at the expense of communities further west. The health board and the Welsh Government must accept the fact that delivering health services in rural areas is different to delivering services in more urban settings. That's why we need to see an appropriate planning framework that recognises that patient services are based on a geographical spread, not just determined by population. And the Cabinet Minister himself is on record in this Chamber saying that he has grave concerns about the proposals. He argued that the health board's proposals would lead to real harm, not only to patients in the Hywel Dda health board area, but also to people living further north of Bronglais and, indeed, to the west. He rightly said that the health board's plans must be rethought with genuine regional collaboration, with a patient focus, specialist leadership and a commitment to care that's close to home. Now, those are pretty strong words, and the people of west Wales expect the Welsh Government to stand by them. And let's not forget that the Stroke Association has also made it clear that it does not support the proposals, saying that they risk undermining specialist-led treatment, fragmenting services and increasing health inequalities across Wales. They have urged the health board to reconsider these proposals and work collaboratively to deliver safe, effective and patient-centred stroke services. So, Llywydd, our rural hospitals need serious investment and, by delivering that, the Government would be sending a statement that helps attract doctors and other professionals to the area. But, in first instance, the Welsh Government needs to urgently intervene to stop the health board from removing any further services from Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. And so I urge the Cabinet Minister to do what his predecessor's predecessors have actually failed to do—stand up to Hywel Dda University Health Board and stand up for the people of mid and west Wales.
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1. Questions to the First Minister en
First Minister, people in Ceredigion Penfro are concerned that the actual 3-mile statutory walking distance rule is outdated and doesn't work for pupils living in rural communities. In areas like Rhydyfelin in Ceredigion, pupils living under 3 miles from Aberystwyth secondary schools are not eligible for free transport and are instead sometimes dropped off in Llanfarian, the nearest village over 3 miles away. There's no pavement between these villages, and the busy trunk road poses serious safety risks. While many pupils use the cycle path, it's unlit, hazardous in winter, and there have been multiple incidents. Therefore, First Minister, will you commit to undertaking a review of the Welsh Government's school transport policy, so that it can better respond to the needs of pupils living in rural areas, and can you tell us what additional support you will provide to authorities to help them improve safety and access for pupils in these communities?
2. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care on the delivery of prostate cancer services here in Wales. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet concerns continue to be raised about early detection, access to treatment, and support for men on this journey. I recently met with Movember to discuss men's health initiatives, and it's clear there is a strong appetite for improved outcomes through early diagnosis and targeted support. As someone living with prostate cancer, I'm very much aware of the ongoing debate around the role of screening and whether current approaches are sufficient to support earlier detection and improving outcomes. There have also been developments and new treatments, such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, which may offer more targeted and effective options for patients. Therefore, given the importance of this issue, I would be grateful for a statement outlining the Welsh Government's current position on a national screening programme, its assessment of emerging treatments, such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, and what action it's taking to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer across Wales.
7. Motions to elect Members to committees cy
Yn ffurfiol, Lywydd.
Official English translation
Formally, Llywydd.
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Last week I was very pleased to join Mencap Cymru at Stackpole Walled Gardens in my constituency to celebrate a truly significant milestone: the organisation's eightieth anniversary. The event reflected on Mencap's proud history, and recognised the work it carries out to support people with a learning disability so they can live fulfilling independent lives and that families and carers can receive the support that they need. Now, this week is also Learning Disability Week, and this year's theme, 'Do You See Me?', focuses on employment. Sadly, while many employers in Wales recognise that people with a learning disability can be valuable and productive members of the workforce, too many are still not taking that step to employ them. Mencap's research suggests that this is not about cost, but it's about confidence. Employers are often concerned about getting it wrong, about health and safety or about how best to provide support, and yet, in reality, most adjustments can be simple, low cost and entirely achievable with the right guidance. At a time when there are labour shortages and economic inactivity, we must not overlook the talents and contributions of people with learning disabilities. They want the opportunity to work, to contribute and to be seen. And so, on that note, I'd like to say a big thank you to Mencap Cymru for the work that they do to support people with learning disabilities in Wales. They are truly transforming lives, and I urge all Members to show their support for Learning Disability Week.
7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists en
I'm pleased to take part in this very important debate. The Welsh Conservatives are supportive of a statutory register for lobbyists, and we've been consistently clear that we support any moves to provide greater transparency in our democracy, and we will be supporting this motion today. As has been said, the absence of a lobbying register in Wales is in contrast to many other countries where mandatory registers are already in place. Now, that's not to say that we should do something because other Parliaments do it, but where the details of a lobbying register are set out clearly, and where they demonstrate a greater degree of transparency and accountability, then it's the right thing to do. This is something that I also have some experience of, having been a member of the cross-party Standards of Conduct Committee, when it considered how a lobbying register should be introduced in the fifth Senedd, and it's important to understand the context of that committee's inquiry. Members will be aware that that committee concluded that it was minded that a register may need to be done via a statutory route. At the time, the committee argued that the lessons from other Parliaments showed that there was a risk of reputational damage and of Members not engaging with non-compliant organisations if a voluntary register was introduced. That report also rightly stated that, 'to be effective, a register requires sufficient incentives for compliance and sanctions for non-compliance.' And so, a register on a statutory footing would certainly provide greater credibility and help strengthen public trust in our democracy. However, at the same time, the committee concluded that there would also be a need to demonstrate a proportional use of resources and value for money for the taxpayer. As the report stated, at the time there was, 'little evidence to show that statutory registers in their current form provide the correct information to enhance and improve transparency.' The experience of other legislatures, and in particular Westminster and Scotland, was still evolving when that inquiry was undertaken, and the committee rightly argued that Wales should learn from those models before making any decisions on a statutory register. Instead of rushing into a system that might not deliver meaningful transparency, the committee recommended a series of practical interim steps to help improve transparency around Members' work. For example, the piloting of the publication of Members' diaries was recommended to better understand the scale and nature of lobbying. The committee also recommended an increase in the amount of information published about events held on the Senedd's estate, and it also recommended further research into how influence is sought and gained over politicians in order to better our understanding of lobbyists' influence in Welsh politics. The committee believed that lobbying as an issue needed to be part of an ongoing dialogue, and I believe it was right to learn from experience elsewhere and gather further evidence. As has already been mentioned, the standards committee revisited this in the last Senedd and revised its lobbying guidance after taking further evidence from stakeholders, and looking at the lobbying registers in the other Parliaments across the UK. So, if the motion is passed today, I very much hope that this Senedd will further look at lobbying in Wales, build an evidence base to develop a register, and provide an update on the lessons that have been learned from other parts of the United Kingdom, because if we are serious about transparency, we must be serious about getting this right. There is little value in a system that creates bureaucracy without delivering genuine insight, accountability and absolute democratic transparency. And so, whilst I support the calls being made for a lobbying register, it must be developed properly, it must be proportionate and it must enhance transparency rather than simply replicate systems that are considered to be limited elsewhere. And this will require cross-party collaboration, detailed work, evidence building and careful attention. Therefore, in closing, Dirprwy Lywydd, the Welsh Conservatives support the creation of a lobbying register. We support efforts to improve the level of transparency in Welsh politics in order to build trust, and that will ultimately strengthen our democracy. Therefore, we will be supporting this motion.
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1. Questions to the First Minister en
First Minister, as you know, I introduced the Autism (Wales) Bill back in 2018, which I believed would deliver real and sustainable improvements for autistic people in Wales and their families—a Bill that I'm pleased to say that Plaid Cymru supported at the time. Now, as we know, the Bill was ultimately voted down by Welsh Labour and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, but with a new Government comes new opportunities to address this important issue. So, in light of this, can you confirm whether the Welsh Government will consider bringing forward legislation during this Senedd to support the autism community here in Wales, and ensure access to a timely diagnosis and appropriate services?
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A gaf i ddiolch i'r Gweinidog Cabinet am ei datganiad y prynhawn yma? Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn amlinellu nifer o fesurau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu eu cymryd i gefnogi sectorau diwylliannol, celfyddydau a chwaraeon Cymru. Dwi'n croesawu ymrwymiad newydd Gweinidog y Cabinet i ddatblygu strategaeth diwylliant Cymru, ac edrychaf ymlaen at weld sut y bydd y strategaeth honno yn ymateb i'r heriau strwythurol hirdymor sy'n wynebu'r sector, megis costau gweithredol cynyddol, anghydraddoldebau o ran mynediad a'r angen i sicrhau twf cynaliadwy ar gyfer y dyfodol. Mae Gweinidog y Cabinet wedi cadarnhau y bydd ymgynghoriad ar y strategaeth hon yn digwydd. Nawr, mae Llywodraethau blaenorol wedi cael eu cyhuddo o siarad â'r un sefydliadau a'r un bobl. Sut fyddwch chi'n sicrhau bod yr ymgynghoriad hwn yn ystyrlon ac yn dal ystod ehangach o safbwyntiau? Nawr, dim ond os oes ganddi ddigon o adnoddau y gall strategaeth fod yn effeithiol, felly dwi'n gobeithio y bydd y Gweinidog Cabinet yn cadarnhau mai bwriad Llywodraeth Cymru o hyd yw darparu cyllid blynyddol i'r sector. Ac er fy mod yn sylweddoli eu bod yn ddyddiau cynnar o hyd, byddwn yn ddiolchgar am arwydd o faint o gyllid ychwanegol y mae hi'n bwriadu ei ddarparu i'r sector ar ddechrau'r Senedd hon, o ystyried mai Cymru oedd â'r ail wariant isaf fesul person ar wasanaethau diwylliannol yn Ewrop, a'r trydydd isaf ar hamdden a chwaraeon. Mae'r datganiad heddiw yn cydnabod bod sefydliadau diwylliannol yn dibynnu ar leoedd arloesol sy'n addasu'n gyson, a'r gwir amdani yw bod angen cefnogaeth wirioneddol ar lawer o'r lleoliadau a'r cyfleusterau hyn. Mae Gweinidog y Cabinet wedi comisiynu adolygiad o gyfleoedd i fuddsoddi yn y sectorau hyn, a byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallem gael rhagor o wybodaeth am yr adolygiad hwn. Er enghraifft, gyda phwy mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ymgysylltu a phwy sy'n rhan o'r broses adolygu hon, ynghyd â phryd y bydd yn dod i ben? Ac efallai y gallai hefyd ddweud wrthym ni pa bartneriaethau a ffynonellau allanol ychwanegol y mae'n ystyried eu harchwilio o ran cynhyrchu buddsoddiad ar gyfer y sector hwn. Nawr, yn fy marn i, mae diwylliant yn cael ei fyw trwy gyfranogiad, ac mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n iawn i dynnu sylw at bwysigrwydd chwaraeon i'n hiechyd a lles. Dwi’n falch bod Llywodraeth Cymru'n comisiynu archwiliad o gyfleusterau chwaraeon cymunedol a rhanbarthol. Yn anffodus, mae gormod o blant a phobl ifanc yn dal i wynebu rhwystrau i gyfranogiad, boed hynny oherwydd cost, argaeledd cyfleusterau neu ddaearyddiaeth. Felly, a fydd Gweinidog y Cabinet yn nodi sut y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru'n chwalu rhwystrau i gyfranogiad ac yn sicrhau y gall mwy o blant a phobl ifanc gael mynediad at gyfleoedd chwaraeon ledled Cymru?
Official English translation
May I thank the Cabinet Minister for her statement this afternoon? Today's statement does outline a number of steps that the Welsh Government intends to take to support Wales's cultural, arts and sport sectors. I welcome the renewed commitment from the Cabinet Minister to develop a Welsh culture strategy, and I look forward to seeing how that strategy responds to the long-term structural challenges facing the sector, such as operating costs, inequalities in terms of access and the need to secure sustainable growth for the future. The Cabinet Minister has confirmed that a consultation on the strategy will happen. Now, previous Governments have been accused of talking to the same institutions and the same people time and again. How will you ensure that this consultation is meaningful and captures a broader range of views? Now, only if it has sufficient resources can a strategy be effective, so I do hope that the Cabinet Minister will confirm that the Welsh Government's intention is still to provide annual funding for the sector. And although I realise that it's early days still, I would be grateful for a signal as to how much additional funding she intends to provide to the sector at the beginning of this Senedd, given that Wales had the second lowest per capita expenditure on cultural services in Europe, and the third lowest on leisure and sports. Today's statement does recognise that cultural institutions rely on innovative places that are continuously adapting, and the truth is that we need real support for many of these venues and facilities. The Cabinet Minister has commissioned a review of opportunities for investment in these sectors, and I'd be grateful if we could have more information about that review. For example, with whom is the Welsh Government engaging and who is part of this review process, as well as when will it come to an end? And perhaps she could also tell us what partnerships and external sources she is considering in terms of producing investment in this sector. Now, in my view, culture is lived through participation, and the Welsh Government is right to highlight the importance of sport for our health and well-being. I'm pleased the Welsh Government is commissioning an investigation into community and regional sports facilities. Unfortunately, too many children and young people still face barriers to participation because of cost, the availability of facilities or geography. So, will the Cabinet Minister set out how the Welsh Government will remove barriers to participation, ensuring that more children and young people can access sporting opportunities throughout Wales?
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The Welsh Conservatives believe that culture in Wales exists within both a national and a shared British context, and we are proud of our shared Welsh and British identity. Our creative output reflects distinct Welsh traditions but also contributes to a broader UK cultural landscape, and at a time when collaboration and funding streams often cross borders, the relationship with the UK Government remains crucial. Therefore, can the Cabinet Minister outline how the Welsh Government is working constructively with the UK Government to support the arts in celebrating both our Welsh and British heritage, and also tell us how the Welsh Government is securing its fair share of UK-wide cultural funding and opportunities for our creative industries? Now, today's statement refers to the Welsh broadcasting and media and the work that has already begun on the establishment of a shadow broadcasting and communications authority for Wales. The Cabinet Minister will be aware that my party does not support the devolution of broadcasting powers, and given the challenges that the Cabinet Minister has already highlighted in her statement today, surely this is not the best possible use of resources, especially given that these powers are not devolved. Therefore, the Cabinet Minister needs to tell us how much this new authority will cost the taxpayer, where that funding will come from, and how it will operate. Llywydd, in my view the culture sector thrives when organisations have the freedom to innovate, and there is a balance to be struck between leadership and overreach. I hope that the upcoming Welsh culture strategy and any new bodies established by this Government do not come at the expense of their independence. So, can the Cabinet Minister explain how the Welsh Government will ensure it empowers rather than overpowers the culture sector, by explaining how it will protect the sector's autonomy while still delivering on national priorities? Llywydd, if Wales is to be a truly vibrant cultural nation, then the Welsh Government must not only invest in it, but give it the space to flourish. I believe that empowering cultural organisations, not overpowering them, should be the platform from which this Government works, and I look forward to constructively engaging with the Cabinet Minister in this area going forward. Diolch.
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1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality cy
7. Beth yw blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer cefnogi gwasanaethau swyddfa'r post dros y deuddeg mis nesaf? OQ64083
Official English translation
7. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for supporting post office services for the next twelve months? OQ64083
No broadcast timestamp published, so this contribution cannot be placed on the stage. Senedd TV Read this in the Record
1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality en
As you've said, Deputy First Minister, local post offices are small businesses with a big community impact, and I was pleased recently to visit Tenby post office in my constituency, where Vince and Fiona Malone spoke candidly about the challenges facing local post offices and, indeed, independent retailers. Now, as I'm sure you'll agree, post offices are often far more than just places to access mail services. They are vital community hubs that support residents and provide a range of essential services. Given this significant community impact, it's crucial that the Welsh Government does all it can to support post offices across Wales and safeguard their long term sustainability. So, can you tell us what measures the Welsh Government is taking to support post offices across Wales, so that they can continue to make a big impact in our local communities?
2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en
Like you, Minister, I've had friends and family who have gone to hell and back because of this awful disease. I should also declare an interest as my parents-in-law's farm has had to contend with TB for over 25 years. I listened very carefully to what you said earlier and I welcome very much what you have said today. Can you reassure farmers that the Welsh Government will introduce new measures to tackle this disease before the end of this year? Given the strain and stress that this has caused farmers, what additional support will the Welsh Government provide to organisations like the DPJ Foundation that play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of farmers in our rural communities?
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2. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care regarding the delivery of services in mid and west Wales. Now, last week, my co-Ceredigion Penfro Member Anna Nicholl raised the centralisation of services from Withybush and Bronglais hospitals and asked for a statement on equal access to health services in rural Wales. Now, in response, you said that the local health board is responsible for planning and providing local services, and, whilst that's true, it's also true that the Welsh Government is responsible for the oversight of the NHS and sets the direction of travel, and, if it wanted to, it could intervene to safeguard services. Now, during the election campaign, Plaid Cymru highlighted an online petition calling for the Welsh Government to intervene and save services, and it also supported the calls for a stroke unit at Bronglais Hospital. And yet, in a response to a written question to me on this matter, the Cabinet Minister has passed the buck back to the local health board. Therefore, given the lack of clarity on this specific issue, I'd be grateful if we could have a clear statement from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care so that the people of Ceredigion Penfro can understand whether the Welsh Government will intervene to safeguard essential services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals.
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1. Questions to the First Minister en
First Minister, reports of sewage discharges in Ceredigion Penfro are also far too frequent, and my constituents are increasingly frustrated that these incidents continue to occur with little visible progress in addressing this pollution. Now, as well as tackling these discharges and storm overflows, urgent action is also needed to improve our water infrastructure to prevent these incidents from recurring. Now, as you're aware, west Wales is home to many Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches, and it's vital that these water quality standards can continue to be met so that our coast can be enjoyed by local residents and, indeed, visitors to the area as well. Therefore, can you outline what steps are currently being taken to address repeated sewage discharges in west Wales? And further to your earlier answers, what further measures will this Government introduce to tackle this issue in Ceredigion Penfro and ensure that the local beaches continue to maintain high quality standards?
4. Business Statement and Announcement en
Trefnydd, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy on the 182-day vacancy threshold policy for furnished holiday lets. Now, this policy is having a significant impact on the tourism industry across Wales. The latest annual owner survey conducted by the Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK indicated that the vacancy threshold remains the primary concern amongst operators. Now, while the Welsh Government has indicated that this policy is under review, tourism businesses in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, and across Wales more broadly, require greater clarity on the timescales involved in reviewing this policy and when any decisions will be made regarding potential changes to the threshold to better support the industry. Therefore, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Cabinet Minister at the start of this Senedd outlining the Welsh Government's plans for this policy area, so that the tourism industry can be clear about this policy and be clear that the Welsh Government will be taking action to address their concerns.
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3. Statement by the First Minister: The First Minister's Priorities en
First Minister, the priorities of the people of Ceredigion Penfro were made very clear during the Senedd election campaign: they want to see their local hospital services—that is, general emergency surgery and the stroke unit—staying put at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals respectively. They want the Welsh Government to intervene and stop Hywel Dda University Health Board from downgrading and centralising services further away from communities in west Wales. Your party made it clear that removing these services means longer journey times for people in urgent need, and that it would put lives at risk. Given some of the comments we heard during the election campaign about standing up for small rural hospitals, it's vital that the Welsh Government now urgently intervenes to stop the health board from taking services away from these hospitals. Therefore, First Minister, given the commitments made during the election campaign, can you confirm that it's still your party's and therefore your Government's intention to protect services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals? If so, when will your Government be intervening to stop the removal of these services from these hospitals?
Roll-call divisions, by sitting day
70 recorded votes. Official division result.
- For
- 38
- Against
- 30
- Abstain
- 2
- 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
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- Motion For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Prostate cancer strategy
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- Motion For Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport
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- Motion For Agreed
3 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Local referendums on council tax rises
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
6 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Regional rugby
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- 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
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- Motion Against Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan a Lynne Neagle Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Family Drug and Alcohol Courts
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- Motion For Agreed
1 division
Debate: Fiscal Reform
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- Motion For Agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Default 20 mph speed limit
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Welsh Conservatives Debate: The defence sector
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- Motion For Agreed
5 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Wales and the United Kingdom
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- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle Against Not agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: Further education
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- Motion For Agreed
10 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Grooming gangs
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Paul Davies For Not agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board health visitor pay dispute
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For 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
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Bovine TB
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- Motion For Agreed
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Young people and employment
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- Motion Abstain Agreed
2 divisions
Legislative Consent Motion: Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill
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- Motion Against Agreed
Debate: The First Supplementary Budget 2026-27
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- Motion Against Not agreed
4 divisions
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Ophthalmology services
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- Motion For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: The tourism sector
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
4 divisions
Debate: Fair Funding
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- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle Against Not agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Llŷr Powell Against Not agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Paul Davies For Not agreed
- Motion Against Not agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Nation of Sanctuary
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- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
- Motion For Not agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: Funding for additional learning needs in the first Supplementary Budget 2026-27
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- Motion For Agreed
10 divisions
Welsh Conservatives Debate: Hospital services and hospital closures
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- Motion For 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 Abstain Not agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Reform UK Debate: A Welsh Rivers Act
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Not agreed
- Amendment 3tabled in the name of Paul Davies For Not agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle Against Not agreed
4 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Government international spending
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan Against Agreed
- Motion as amended Against Agreed
Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists
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- Motion For Agreed
5 divisions
Reform UK Debate: Childcare offer
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- Motion For Not agreed
- Amendment 1tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan For Agreed
- Amendment 2tabled in the name of Lynne Neagle For Agreed
- Motion as amended For Agreed
Welsh Labour Debate: School support staff negotiating body
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- Motion For Agreed