Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

The first thing to say, of course, Llywydd, is that we remain very much committed to the armed forces covenant, supported across Wales by our armed forces liaison officers. Local authorities and health boards have signed the covenant and appointed champions. I particularly congratulate those GP practices achieving veteran-friendly status, demonstrating the practical difference services can make for armed forces community members.

The armed forces covenant promises that veterans will face no disadvantage because of their service. Yet, whether a veteran in Bridgend can see a GP trained to understand that service depends on where they live. Just three practices in the borough are credited as veteran friendly, all of them in the east, with none listed in the north or west. For a veteran, particularly those living with service-related injury or disability, that is a real barrier to care. Will the First Minister set out what the Welsh Government will do to ensure that every veteran in Bridgend can access veteran-friendly practices?

The Member is right to point out, of course, that this is a voluntary scheme. It is a scheme very much supported by this Welsh Government. I think we're up to somewhere around the 20 per cent mark of GP practices that are a part of this system. We think it should be much more than that. In fact, Health Education and Improvement Wales, is writing to GPs later this week to raise awareness. In this most poignant of weeks, when we do remember the commitment and the bravery of current and former serving members of the armed forces, this is one way—something that needs to grow further—in which we can show that commitment in practice.

Due to the nature of military service, armed forces personnel and veterans are significantly more likely than the general population to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Research published in The BMJ has also highlighted a higher prevalence of alcohol misuse and related physical health issues amongst veterans, but, despite this, they're often less likely than civilians to receive a formal diagnosis. The UK Government has found that, in 2025-26, only 11.8 per cent of armed forces personnel discuss their mental health within a military healthcare setting. That suggests that, even in services specifically designed to support serving personnel and veterans, many still don't feel comfortable coming forward and seeking help. Given these challenges, it's essential that veterans are able to access high-quality mental health support as early as possible, but stigma, a lack of awareness and difficulties in seeking help can all act as barriers in accessing that support that they need. I'd like to ask what discussion the Welsh Government is having with GPs to ensure that veterans in Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, and more widely across Wales, are identified early, can access timely and effective mental health treatment, and are supported to recognise when they may need help and to seek that help with confidence?

As I say, we are doing work to raise awareness of the importance of the voluntary scheme. On mental health in particular, the Welsh Government does provide not far from £1 million—£920,000— to Veterans' NHS Wales for evidence-based treatment of service-related mental health conditions. We of course remind veterans that they are able to access the wider NHS mental health support, including '111 press 2', online cognitive behaviour therapy, specialist services, and so on. Most people referred to local primary mental health support services receive an assessment within four weeks, which is positive, and an intervention within a further four weeks, and we're also testing same-day open-access support across Wales. That relates to everyone, but the key thing, again, as I stress in this week, is that we remind people that, in particular when it comes to service-related mental health issues, we have a clear focus on the importance of strengthening services for veterans in particular.

First Minister, I was taken by what the veterans commissioner said on Saturday on Radio Wales when he talked about waiting times within the health service and that impacting on veterans getting treatment within the Welsh NHS. Now, you gave a time commitment to bring these waiting times down in the Welsh NHS, at the election, of a couple of months. Your health Minister said it will take a full Senedd term. Your finance Minister said it will be 12 months before the five-year waits are wiped out in the Welsh NHS. Which one is it going to be, because we've got three different stories, and none of them at the moment seem to be coming right because waiting times are only going one way, and that's up?

The Member refers to five-year waits. I think he probably means two-year waits, that, absolutely, we are committed to tackling within the first year of this Government. We're talking here in particular about the way our services are meant to be able to respond to the needs of veterans. Whether it's GP services or, indeed, mental health services, we are determined, when it comes to acting under the requirements of the covenant itself, or, in fact, reflecting in more broader terms what that covenant says in terms of our duty of care to serving and previous armed forces members, that we provide the health and care services that they are deserving of.

The Member isn't present. 

Diolch, Lywydd. First Minister, one of your own Plaid Cymru MSs took to X to ask, and I quote, have

'you got up to £10m to waste?

This was in reference to potentially having a statutory COVID inquiry. Do you agree with those comments—yes or no?

I don't think I'll take lessons from Reform on COVID. [Interruption.] I hear shouts of 'yes or no'. They'd ask me what my favourite colour is and say 'yes or no'. Let's be clear here: I will not take lessons from Reform on the COVID inquiry, given that they have not taken a stance of the kind that we have taken, on the need to learn lessons. That is precisely what we are engaging with, as we said we would, moving quickly on it, as we said we would, because we need to know, when the next pandemic strikes, that we are better prepared for it than we were the last time round.

Okay, that was about as clear as mud. First Minister, your answer is revealing. Let's not forget that you called over £9 million of international relations and so-called sustainable development funding 'small change'. So, foreign aid to Uganda to support a disability-inclusive beekeeping scheme comes in at £25,000; LGBTQI+ financial literacy training in Uganda, £22,000; digital training in Somaliland, £20,000; soap-making lessons in Ghana, £4,000; and millions of pounds on foreign embassies, including three in China. First Minister, how can you not afford serious answers and closure for the bereaved families that Plaid promised to support before the election when your Government spends so much taxpayer money abroad?

Llywydd, Reform really is a one-trick pony. They're interested in nothing other than stoking culture wars. No ideas on the cost of living, no ideas on driving down waiting lists, no ideas to raise standards in schools, no ideas to tackle child poverty. They're a party of small boats, small minds and small ambitions for Wales. The bad news for Reform, of course, is that we now have a Government more determined than any before to play our part internationally, promoting Wales for all the economic and cultural benefits that come from that, and being globally responsible in the process. 

The problem with Reform—there are many problems with Reform—but the one problem with Reform is that they live, Llywydd, in some fantasy world, where they want to shut themselves away from the realities of climate change or global poverty, and, to them, the tree planting was everything that made them feel threatened. I think that was a scheme that was brilliant in what it achieved, in environmental terms and in terms of our global responsibility. As a new Government determined to be that globally responsible Government, we will build on the good work that has gone on before.

First Minister, international relations is not a valid defence for sending taxpayers' money abroad. We all know that Plaid Cymru is not the party of Wales. It remains the party of wasting taxpayers' money abroad. 

Speaking of China, I want to ask you about another waste of money that this Plaid Government seems to be intent on indulging in. Yesterday, a vile blogger published an article on a taxpayer-funded blogging site amplifying the words of a former Labour council leader regarding Reform UK's Remembrance Day tribute, which accused an elected member of this Senedd of whitewashing her past. That blogger tried to justify those horrendous comments within the online piece. It implied that my colleague Cristiana, because of her Romanian heritage, was somehow responsible for mass murder during the Holocaust. Shameful. Disgraceful. I hope you will join me in condemning them in the strongest possible terms. The same piece amplified comments calling the service of my colleagues in the armed forces a joke—an insulting way to describe people who have served their country. This is a blog with a history of disinformation. First Minister, as a former journalist yourself, surely you can see the corrosive impact this is having on our public life here in Wales. Will the First Minister finally defund the biased, hateful Nation.Cymru once and for all?

Llywydd, we see the corrosion all around us in this Senedd. [Interruption.] Absolutely, I will agree with the leader of Reform in Wales on the need to condemn the attacking of people because of the colour of their skin, the attacking of people because of the country they come from, the attacking of people because of their sexuality, the attacking of people because they are different. [Interruption.] This is a party determined to undermine the good name of our Senedd through their culture wars agenda, and this is one First Minister that will not stand by and keep quiet as they do it.

Can I remind Members that we need to hear the questions and we need to hear the answers as well? If I have difficulty hearing, then those outside this Chamber have difficulty hearing. So, please. We'll proceed.

Diolch, Lywydd. We really do need greater dignity and respect in this place.

Can I start by paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom? I look forward to the opportunity to say more on this later this afternoon and tomorrow. But, First Minister, let's just be clear, on climate change measures, you are doing Reform's work for them.

Now, in terms of the Children's Commissioner for Wales and her recent interview, she expressed concerns that the Welsh Government's work responding to the 'Our Bravery Brought Justice' review appears to have stalled since the election. Can you reassure all Members of the Senedd, and the public, that this matter will be treated with the urgency that it deserves, and will you arrange for the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language to make a statement on progress at the earliest opportunity, as called for by my colleague Lynne Neagle?

I think we must always start by recognising the bravery of the young people who have come forward to shine a light on the abuse shown towards them. I'm grateful to the children's commissioner for the comments that she has made. My officials met her only last week to discuss progress on our work. Our task here, I think, is clear. It is to strengthen safeguarding, it is to improve protections. Where we can move faster, absolutely we will. But our actions, of course, need to be joined up always, and they need to make sure that we're embedding good practice in strengthening protection for children and adults at risk alike. There is absolutely no question of any work being on pause. A number of recommendations from the report that has been discussed in recent days are complete. Substantive work is under way across the remaining recommendations, a number of them in very mature states of progress. Some, of course, require national changes to guidance, practice and arrangements. Our focus is on lasting improvements across Wales, not just simply marking actions as complete because that is easier. Where consultation is needed—and it will be needed at times as we strengthen safeguarding—it must build on the evidence, on engagement and on learning already under way. I can assure the Labour leader that it is our intention, and was our intention, to have an update from the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language within the coming weeks. This, I think, is confirmation of just how important this issue is to this Government.

Can I thank the First Minister for his answer? It's my understanding, and I may be incorrect, that the work that's been completed has been completed on the three recommendations that were accepted by the previous Welsh Labour Government and actioned by the previous Government as well. And the children's commissioner is clearly concerned that work has been paused since the election. They are very, very serious comments that the commissioner has made. She says that we can't wait for review after review to see change happen, and I'd entirely agree, because there are real-life consequences to inaction. Could you explain what specific action has taken place since the election to implement the review's further recommendations? And what assurances can you give victims and their families that this work is being driven forward with the urgency they rightly expect? And finally, I think it's absolutely vital that Members here today know how many meetings of the ministerial assurance board have taken place since May.

The Member is right, of course, that the work began under the last Government, but then there was a change of Government. And now it's our responsibility, and a responsibility that we take very, very seriously indeed, to take the work forward. As I say, we have the recommendations that are either completed or are in varying stages of progress—some very, very close indeed to being completed. But it is about absolutely making sure that we put in place lasting measures. It is not a tick-box exercise. It is far more serious than that. It is way beyond party politics. And I know the Member agrees with me on that.

We will report back, as I said, through the education Minister, in December this year. It was our intention to do so anyway, because at the heart of this are one group of people that we have to be focused on at all times, and that is the victims. And in everything that we do as Ministers, we consider how we give them confidence that we are taking the necessary actions, and that co-operation with the children's commissioner to keep our feet to the fire, which is exactly what we need to see happen, is aimed at making sure that we can give that confidence to those young victims.

Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. First Minister, we remember this week those who served our country in two world wars and all conflicts since and those who fought for our freedoms. And of course, we know that war is raging once more in Europe again, and it's never been more important, therefore, to support our armed forces and the industries that provide the equipment that they need to defend us. The UK Labour Government has committed to establishing defence technical colleges across Britain, including one here in Wales, and it's made £5 million available to the Welsh Government to do that. I want to applaud the UK Government for doing that. It's not very often I applaud the Labour Party—about as frequently as Halley's Comet passing by—but I have to say that that was a good decision, and I want to make sure that Wales benefits from it. Yet your Government appears to be dragging its heels on the establishment of the college. Can you give us an update on where that college is, when you expect to be in a position to make announcements on where it will be located, and whether your Government continues to recognise the urgent need to strengthen Britain's defences against the growing threats that we see around the world, particularly from Russia?

To bring the Member up to speed, there is positive engagement on the issue of the defence technical college, and I can say at times that we were waiting on UK Government because of delays in moving forward. This is positive engagement. Of course, we recognise the role that the defence sector plays in Wales, the jobs that rely on the defence sector in Wales, and we've made it equally clear that we believe our development of an ethical framework around how we engage positively with that sector reflects the values that people in Wales have.

You didn't give us a timetable. You said that you've had some difficulty waiting on the UK Government, and of course we still haven't seen the ethical defence framework publication, months after it was initially announced, which I think is deeply regrettable, particularly for those companies that are making investment decisions. But it's not the only thing that we need action from the Welsh Government on. We know that the UK Government made another announcement just a couple of weeks ago about ending veteran homelessness prior to Christmas. They've made money available to local authorities in England in order to help them to facilitate and implement that pledge, and yet at a time when we've got asylum seekers being put up in hotels, we still have veteran homelessness here on our streets in Wales.

Can I ask you, given that additional money is obviously going to come to Wales as a direct result of the pledge that's been made by the UK Government, will you make the same commitment to ending veteran homelessness—not just at Christmas time—and will you work with the Welsh Conservatives to develop a veteran strategy for Wales, so that we can put an end to any homeless person on our streets who served in our armed forces?

On the initial point, on the timing around the defence technical colleges, I again make the point that there are two parties in this, and moving forward positively is what those engagements are about. On homelessness, in this most solemn of weeks, I thought better of the leader of the Conservatives than to put it in that context. Because homelessness among veterans is something that, quite simply—not in the context of culture wars or anything else—we should be taking very, very seriously.

I welcome the announcement that was made by the UK Prime Minister, which, effectively, isn't about consequentials, actually, in the coming year, but it is about the continuation of a programme that has already been in place for the last three years or so. That's positive. But, of course, in recommitting today, as every day, to the armed forces covenant and in pledging to do what we can to tackle homelessness amongst veterans, we put that in the wider context also of wanting to tackle homelessness in its broader meaning. We have shown in the past, during COVID, that we can take action. And it's the job of Government—and we are addressing this—to put in place those measures that can help people avoid it, for example using the recent legislation passed in this Senedd to engage earlier when people are at risk of facing homelessness. And with veterans, of course, a transition arrangement could work positively in terms of avoiding homelessness when somebody transitions out of the armed forces. This is a broader issue, but in this week, of course, we remember the particular significance of the pressures on those who have served in the armed forces.

It's important to say always that there is no place for antisemitism or hate in Wales and we must challenge discrimination in all its forms. Our 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan' and Curriculum for Wales already take forward many of the findings and recommendations in the Bell review, but we can't be complacent either. It's important that we learn from that review and from the experiences of staff and learners to ensure that our schools and colleges remain safe, inclusive and free from prejudice.

Thank you for your response, First Minister. You're absolutely right to say that there's no place for antisemitism anywhere in our society, and that's why it's shocking to see in Sir David Bell's review, released last month, that one in five children have witnessed or experienced antisemitism, and it's deeply troubling that the number rises to one in three Jewish children. And the campaign against antisemitism is now saying that schools have failed in their duty to protect Jewish children. And this comes at a time, of course, when antisemitism is on the rise across the whole of society here in the UK. The Community Security Trust recorded almost 2,000 incidents of antisemitic hate across the UK in the first half of the year alone.

But as you'll know, First Minister, the review by Sir David Bell was only covering schools and colleges in England because it was commissioned by the UK Government, so we do not have a Wales-specific picture of the prevalence of antisemitism in our schools. So, will you, First Minister, commission a review, in line with Sir David Bell's, into antisemitism in our schools and colleges in Wales?

As I said, we're able to learn from that work conducted in England, and I can say that Wales is about to embark on an update of our 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan', which I think is important to note. I, and all of us, should be very concerned about any reports of children and young people experiencing antisemitism, Islamaphobia and racism in any form in their education settings, and that's why it's incumbent on all of us here to take the heat out of and not ever stoke any senses of racism within our communities.

Now, I expect allegations, of course, to be fully investigated by education settings, with appropriate action taken to address the matter and prevent further instances from happening. But whilst Sir David Bell's review relates to England only, there is lots of work being undertaken in Wales to address discrimination and promote that equality and diversity that we all should seek to pursue.

I think it is welcome that you say you're going to update the plan, but I think what we'd like to hear is actually what you're going to do to stop antisemitism in our schools. Because we already see that there's inconsistency across the teaching profession. I've had casework of my own where a pupil who was wearing a Palestinian pin badge was allowed to wear it, and somebody who was then wearing a flag, a pin badge depicting Israel, was told to remove it. Now, there is inconsistency across our teaching profession as well, First Minister. So, I'm just interested to know how you're going to update this guidance and how effective it's going to be to protect Jewish pupils, and also the staff in our schools as well, because we need to remember those. And I also want to know today, First Minister: will you condemn all those groups who spread antisemitism across our schools and across Wales, and also condemn those groups as well who do not wish the Israeli state to exist?

I can't make it any clearer than to say that I condemn anybody who stokes racism, be that in schools or any other setting. Antisemitism is a blight. We stand with Jewish communities in Wales, fully condemn antisemitism and all faith-based hate. Education officials have held meetings with representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities in Wales to discuss the significant impact of the conflict in Israel and Gaza, and the impact that that is having on our communities here, and to discuss the impact of hate incidents. As I say, updating—beginning work early in the new year—of that 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan' is important. It's the opportunity for all of us who believe in tackling racism to contribute to that work, so that we can genuinely build towards having an anti-racist Wales, which, at this point in time, feels, doesn't it, a distant dream. But we keep on working towards it, because I think those, fundamentally, are the values that we have as a nation.

First Minister, Sir David Bell's review makes clear that tackling antisemitism requires action not only in our schools, but also in our communities. I recently attended a Jewish culture event that was hosted by the South Wales Jewish Representative Council, where I heard about the inspiring plans for the Merthyr Tydfil synagogue heritage project. Does the Minister agree that initiatives like this also play a vital role in challenging prejudice through education and understanding? And is he satisfied that the Welsh Government is now doing enough to support and expand this type of community-led work across Wales?

I very much support that kind of community work. Much of the positive work in creating cohesion across our communities comes from the communities themselves. And as a Government, we will always look for opportunities to support and encourage ventures such as that to grow. When it comes to something like the 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan', what we are trying to do is set the context in which groups like that, and many others within Wales, feel empowered to stand up against the forces that seek to divide us rather than unite us.

This Government is committed to preventing and reducing homelessness for those at risk, including, of course, veterans. We're working towards a preventative approach, which will require local authorities to act earlier when someone is at risk of homelessness. On veterans in particular, we continue to work with the armed forces community, registered social landlords and local authorities to ensure that veterans can access the advice and support they need to secure stable accommodation.

First Minister, thank you. The armed forces covenant was welcomed by our veterans community and seen as a cause of hope. I quote a statement of moral obligation, pledging that

'those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens'.

It is anything but moral that figures for 2025 reveal that, of 93,000 armed forces veterans living in Wales, 280 of them are sleeping rough, and over 2,000 more fall into the covert category of homelessness, sofa surfing or living with a family. In one case, a female veteran was sharing a bed with her mother for eight years. Whilst Westminster has pledged over £8.7 million for making improvements, organisations such Alabaré in Wales have been awarded sums of around £0.5 million, providing a paltry 39 bed spaces in nine properties across Wales. In my own constituency, a disabled veteran with complex post-traumatic stress disorder has been on the housing list for six years, is languishing in one bedroom in a house of multiple occupation, unable to even invite his children due to the squalid conditions and unsavoury tenants. What will the Minister do to make improvements and restore credibility in the armed forces covenant? Diolch.

The Member, of course, draws attention to particular cases that, sadly, we know exist of people who have served in armed forces finding themselves in challenging circumstances, including, of course, homelessness. We've already had an opportunity earlier in this session today to look at a number of the elements of the work that are ongoing to try to avoid homelessness in the first place, including using that legislation passed in this place, also engaging with UK Government.

As I said, the announcements of a continuation of previous plans by UK Government last week are to be welcomed. We need to build on those funding models and make sure that that money does get down to Welsh Government, so that we can invest. I should say that the armed forces covenant conference in Swansea later this year will bring partners together. We'll share good practice, we'll strengthen joint working and agree priorities for the future. And when it comes to priorities for our debt to veterans, well, tackling homelessness has to be at the top of that agenda.

First Minister, I count myself privileged and honoured to be the only Welsh politician to have visited the troops in Afghanistan during the war, and spent four nights, five days in that country, visiting Camp Bastion, Kabul, Kandahar, where we actually came under attack, and our visit to Lashkar Gah was cancelled due to heavy fighting. I spoke to many troops about the issues that they faced and witnessed after some serving six full months in theatre. I then was horrified to watch the video on our return to these islands, a 20-minute video, showing the troops how they must adjust to life when they return back home. It's simply not good enough, in my opinion.

The decision to send our troops to war and into harm's way rests solely with the Westminster Government, and I believe it is fair that the bulk of support should come from the Westminster Government. And it's a scandal, I'm sure everyone agrees, that any person who fights and/or defends this country should even be at risk of homelessness. First Minister, will you please have discussions with the Prime Minister and those Ministers in the Ministry of Defence to request further support from their budgets, and ensure that we in Wales at least get chwarae teg? Diolch yn fawr. 

It is the purpose of the covenant, of course, to ensure that we can't duck our responsibilities when it comes to people who have served in the armed forces. Not everybody will have been able to speak with serving soldiers or members of the armed forces in Afghanistan, but we should all make it our business to make sure that we understand the impact of life pressures on veterans, in particular. One of my first visits as First Minister was to Valley Veterans, where I was able to engage with a number of veterans there exactly on this issue: the challenges that they face, and they face specifically around their transition back into civilian life.

I agree the UK Government must support those who've served our country, and honour the commitment made to them. We work with the MOD on UK-wide initiatives like Valour to ensure that they complement the strong armed forces support networks in Wales. We take our own responsibilities under the armed forces covenant seriously, as I've said today, including funding Veterans NHS Wales. And where, I should say, our armed forces community need support as a consequence of their service, it is right that this is available. We'll continue to make that case strongly to UK Ministers, as the Member asks.

First Minister, there are some excellent examples of local initiatives supporting homelessness among veterans, including the VC Gallery in Pembrokeshire in my constituency, which has set up projects like the community warm room project and their famous Friday breakfast club, which I recently visited. Now, these projects provide a warm and welcoming environment for former service personnel and the wider community, helping to reduce social isolation, strengthening networks and providing people with practical support. And by doing so, they can help prevent veterans from reaching crisis point and reduce the risk of homelessness. Therefore, given the importance of early intervention and community support in keeping veterans from reaching crisis point, what steps is the Welsh Government taking to support organisations such as the VC Gallery as part of its wider efforts to tackle veteran homelessness across Wales?

Welsh Government, through various schemes, can look at assistance to groups that support veterans. I'm not aware of that particular scheme in Pembrokeshire. It sounds like a very, very valuable network for those veterans who attend. As I say, with my visit to Valley Veterans, that became very, very clear to me—that sense of working together and sharing their lived experience with each other and, in fact, being able to put their case directly to the First Minister, as they do to this Government. I think that shows, doesn't it, that we have here a real community to whom, I'd say, we owe a debt of gratitude, and should be looking always for ways of showing that support in practical terms, be it on homelessness or mental health or other issues.

The sustainability of the further education sector is kept under close review through Medr's financial oversight arrangements. Participation in further education continues to grow, demonstrating the sector's strength and importance. Medr are working closely with the Welsh Government, as I say, to continue that monitoring of progress in terms of financial health, while supporting a sector that delivers, of course, the skills needed by employers and the wider economy.

Diolch. In the cross-party group on further education and skills we heard college leaders speaking openly about the crisis in the sector, with some saying that they had waiting lists of more than 700. The five colleges alone who attended that meeting are providing education to around 3,000 students without receiving a single penny of funding. That's around £18 million. We were warned that the prospect of a cash-flat budget settlement, despite increasing learner numbers, would be incredibly challenging for the sector. If you're serious that we're going to tackle those not in employment, education or training, colleges in Wales must be sufficiently funded and resourced. So, First Minister, what steps will you take to ensure that colleges across Wales are paid for the education that they are providing and empowered to clear waiting lists?

The Member points to an issue that arises because of the success of the further education sector. It's a challenge that we embrace as a Government. We want to provide more and more opportunities for our young people to access courses that provide qualifications, practical skills that they can take on to the workplace. It is our task to ensure that we put that financial support in place, recognising the challenges. That is what we are determined to do as a Government as we go into this forthcoming budget round.

The FE sector is key to education. It is absolutely crucial to our economic ambitions for Wales, so making sure that we have a well-resourced, well-supported FE sector is important in many, many ways.

Personalised assessments are mandatory for learners in years 2 to 9, and provide teachers with tailored information about individual learners’ progress in reading and numeracy. They support professional judgment and help identify the strengths of learners and areas for development. Our 'Foundational literacy and numeracy plan' sets out a clear and coherent approach to measuring progress nationally. That includes the development of a new baseline assessment and the introduction of an age-related indicator at year 6.

I thank the First Minister for setting out the plan's indicators, baseline and year 6 measure. Those are welcome steps, but they still leave central questions unanswered. The original question was on whether the Government will introduce standardised testing under controlled conditions so that progress against targets can be measured. Relying on existing personalised assessments and derived indicators does not answer that. Given Wales's position in international comparisons and the need for sustained improvement by the end of this Senedd term, a clear system of controlled testing would give the data needed to judge Wales's success and failures. Will the First Minister therefore please confirm that no such controlled standardisation tests will be introduced this term, or is there still scope for that to form part of the response to the literacy and numeracy challenge?

I hope we're all after the same thing here, which is to see an improvement in standards, and I hope, genuinely, that we all agree that, in order for us to reach towards better standards, we have to be measuring the progress of pupils. The question is: what's the best way of giving us those measures? The standardisation comes to me, effectively, from having a national, clear indicator—this new indicator at year 6 on reading and numeracy—on which we can then measure progress. It will be introduced in the year 2027-28. We're gathering, if you like, the work now that allows us to set that national indicator. So, pupils will know where they stand.

The risk of going down the model that I think the Member is referring to is that we repeat some of the mistakes of the past. Pitching school against school isn't useful. Our challenge, of course, is to make sure that we have an education system that measures the progress—and absolutely this will—of each pupil and adapts the teaching to their needs. That is precisely what we are embarking on as part of this foundational numeracy and literacy mission of ours, which is absolutely focused on, yes, understanding what's going on nationally, but having pupils themselves at the heart of what we're doing.

This Government is focused always on the people of Wales, as seen through the announcement later today on helping people with the cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, I'm proud to lead a Government that wishes to see a confident, outward-looking nation, which understands also how international spending—a tiny proportion of overall spending—can protect and promote the interests of the people of Wales.

Diolch. I'm sorry, First Minister, but your Government's spending priorities are completely wrong. While people across Wales are fighting to save hospital beds, keep primary schools open and protect essential services, you're spending taxpayers' money on projects thousands of miles away. Now, we've already heard about £25,000 for beekeeping in Africa, nearly £20,000 for a farmer radio programme and over £21,000 for financial literacy projects in Uganda.

I welcome your decision to stop funding the £350,000 Uganda tree-planting scheme next March, but you're still allocating £349,000 to Hub Cymru Africa until March 2027, and nearly £310,000 to the Wales and Africa grant scheme until March 2028. So, will you please now commit to ending those funding arrangements when they expire too, and redirect the money towards services here in Wales instead? And will you also guarantee that the £350,000 for tree planting won't simply be spent on another overseas project? Because surely, First Minister, your first priority has got to be for the people of Wales.

These question sessions are quite useful in just portraying how insular Members of Reform are when it comes to wanting to cease our interaction with the world. Reform want us to stop spending internationally on attracting business to Wales, and want us to stop spending internationally on creating new trading links for Welsh businesses. They want us to stop working internationally on promoting culture in Wales, and the economic benefits that come from that. They want us to stop our engagement around sport and the power of it. And I'll take this opportunity to congratulate Jess Fishlock on her amazing career—her amazing career—after she announced this week that she was retiring from professional football. This is, through football or the arts, or the economy and, yes, through global responsibility, Wales showing that we will not be as insular as Reformers want to be, and that we'll be a proudly internationalist party, proud and confident of Wales's place in the world.

Our 'Foundational literacy and numeracy plan' includes a focus on high-quality early years provision. Play has an important role in supporting young children’s development, allowing them to develop their communication, language, literacy and numeracy.

Diolch. Play is not simply a leisure activity, it's one of the most important ways that young children can learn and develop. It's crucial for effective learning, stimulating cognitive development, unlocking opportunities and removing barriers. Given the vital role that play has in supporting children's early development and learning, will the Government commit to ensuring that play remains an integral part of its literacy and numeracy plan for younger pupils?

Yes, absolutely. Play remains integral to our approach to developing younger children's literacy and numeracy. Our 'Foundational literacy and numeracy plan' has clear actions we've committed to deliver against, and that includes working with partners to promote early childhood play, learning and care; supporting child development-led practice; providing resources and professional learning on understanding child development, which is crucial, of course; the development of foundational literacy and numeracy skills through playful opportunities and a love of learning through play. This is about strengthening foundational skills through play, not choosing between the two.

It is all about economic and community benefits. Making the connection between energy and communities is at the core of my Government’s national energy strategy. It will strengthen Welsh supply chains, create skilled local employment, and increase local, community and public ownership. We will develop the Welsh public energy company following consultation, revise community energy targets and pursue a fairer, more consistent approach to community benefits. Retaining value for our communities is key, I think, to the success of this Government.

First Minister, the three small modular reactors at Wylfa are a major opportunity for Bangor Conwy Môn. Peak construction will support thousands of jobs, with hundreds employed for decades after. What concrete steps is the Welsh Government taking on housing, infrastructure, skills and support for local businesses to make sure that this spend and those long-term jobs actually benefit people and businesses here, rather than leaking out of the region?

Very important points, and the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy was in Ynys Môn recently talking about those exact issues. There are real opportunities that come from major energy projects, whatever the nature of generation. Developing the supply chain is at the heart of how we maximise that benefit economically. Working with schools, further education colleges and universities to make sure that we have the skills agenda covered is absolutely key, if we are to make sure that we create job opportunities for people living locally.

Alongside those opportunities are the challenges that the Member refers to. Housing: be it on this SMR project or previous projects at the same site, there are pressures on housing, on policing and on local services that you have to put your ducks in a row to be able to address, otherwise you are creating more problems than you are gaining. Everything that we're doing as a Government is about making sure that we deal with those challenges and maximise the opportunities.

We know that schools are the focal point of many, many communities. I understand the effect that closures can have in rural areas. However, decisions about school closures in Carmarthenshire and anywhere else in Wales are for local authorities to make. Decisions must, though, of course, take account of the school organisation code, which requires consideration of alternatives to closure and robust assessment of potential impacts on the community.

First Minister, on Monday 2 November, I stood with the mums, dads, grandparents, teachers, carers and the children. I witnessed their passion, I felt their heartbreak. They were standing together because they face losing the very heart of their community, their local school, Bancffosfelen, a school with 51 pupils, soon to have 54 pupils—yes, the numbers are increasing. The schools, the pupils, the teachers aren't simply a spreadsheet entry to be moved to another column.

The so-called savings will not materialise. The savings, if they exist, will be short-lived. The long-term cost, the disruption, the upheaval will be great. We talk about protecting rural Wales, caring for rural life, nurturing the Welsh language for future generations, but warm words need to move to decisive actions. What firm action is the Welsh Government going to take to protect many schools like it across Carmarthenshire? First Minister, will you agree to meet with a delegation of parents and urgently review these broken rules? Diolch.

The Member will be aware, of course, that proposals anywhere in Wales around school reorganisation may be later referred to Welsh Ministers for determination, so it's impossible to comment on specific cases. What I would say is this, that local authorities must and do always keep under review the extent to which the existing pattern of school provision meets current and forecast demand for places and requirements of the modern curriculum. That is something that is equally relevant to whatever local authority area we are in Wales.

We consider the wider global impact of our decisions and apply the sustainable development principle in all we do. Our programme for government ensures climate action and nature are prioritised and effectively co-ordinated across Government, embedding decarbonisation, sustainability and environmental protection across all portfolios.

Diolch. I'd like to declare an interest as a graduate of the future generations leadership academy and the co-chair of the futures cross-party group.

Under the Act, there are seven well-being goals, one of which is being a globally responsible Wales, which is about being aware of our impact across and beyond our borders. So, I'd like to focus on the role of our NHS in this, in particular, international humanitarian support through the international health co-ordination centre. Through this centre, we're able to share information and knowledge, collaborate and network across Wales, across the UK, across Europe and across the whole world. In particular, I'd like to focus on infection prevention and control. The situation in South Sudan, for example, there's the fastest outbreak at the moment of Ebola. We spoke previously, just last week, about the likelihood or the inevitability of another pandemic in the future. So, I'd like to ask: how is the Welsh Government supporting partnerships to strengthen global health security and deliver on the goal of being a globally responsible Wales?

I thank the Member for the question. For us, global responsibility isn't just about the economy or about culture. It goes right across. I'm proud of the work that NHS Wales has done in supporting our ambition as a Government towards global responsibility. That includes overseas aid supported through the shared services partnership and, as the Member has referenced, Public Health Wales's international health co-ordination centre.

There are many global health challenges that are best tackled together. The work that the Member for Gower, I remember, highlighted in a previous debate on international matters with ophthalmologists is another excellent example of Wales playing a constructive part in the world. That's why I'm proud that we are an internationalist Government, outward looking, supporting people around the world, rather than the isolationism we see on the benches opposite.

The well-being of future generations Act should be about leaving Wales in a stronger position for the next generation, not providing the Welsh Government with a blank cheque to spend money all over the world. At a time when our public services are under immense pressure, schools are reporting record low results, and the NHS waiting lists remain unacceptably high, I question whether spending millions of pounds on overseas offices, international initiatives, and as already has been said, initiatives like tree planting, disability inclusive beekeeping in Uganda; these aren’t the right priorities. International development is the responsibility of the UK Government; it is not devolved to Wales. So, what measurable benefits are these overseas commitments actually delivering for the people of Wales and for our future generations? And can the Minister explain how the Welsh Government justifies taking money intended to be spent for the benefit of those at home and our future generations, and lavishing it on others abroad who the Welsh Government has no obligation to?

I can reassure the Member that this Government won't be writing blank cheques to anyone, and anyone who knows our finance Minister will know that that is very much the case. We have set out in our manifesto a set of priorities around tackling waiting lists, around childcare, around tackling child poverty, around improving our economy and on schools. Those are the very priorities that will form the cornerstone of our budget.

And the Member asks about international spending and whether there are any benefits from international spending. As the First Minister said there, we have attracted significant inward investment to Wales because of our international offices promoting international investment into Wales. And I repeat: we are an internationalist Government that works with the world and abroad, and that is our privilege and our priority.

Diolch, Weinidog. There is so much ambition in the programme for government to tackle some of Wales's toughest problems. For our 27 years of devolution and more, child poverty especially has held Wales back. Initiatives like the Cynnal payment pilot to directly support children in low-income households show so much promise.

This is an innovative idea for Wales, based on best practice elsewhere—exactly what devolution should be about. It is great that the programme for government includes this pilot, a vital step in ensuring that Cynnal is viable. But we know our ambition cannot stop at a pilot. If the medium- and long-term forecast for Welsh budgets is as weak as the UK budget indicates, can the Government reassure my constituents that our longer term ambition for projects like Cynnal, which will bring the poorest citizens of Wales out of poverty, will not be forced to end at the pilot stage? Diolch.

I can offer that reassurance to the Member because tackling child poverty, as I set out, is a key priority for this Government. We will, of course, learn from—I mean, that's what pilot projects are. We will look at the pilot, we will learn the lessons and build future action for child poverty based on those successes.

However, the Member rightly highlights the importance of Cynnal. It is a source of frustration to me that we have yet to secure agreement from the Department for Work and Pensions to be able to move forward with Cynnal, because colleagues will be aware that we require those disregards within the benefit system to be able to implement Cynnal. We would like to be implementing Cynnal today; we remain waiting, despite their warm words, on the actions of the UK Government, which I hope will come to fruition soon.

Minister, I just heard what you said. Ten years ago, the Welsh Government received around £14 billion from the UK Government. Now, it's about £28 billion. That's a doubling in a decade. During that time, inflation has been around 42 per cent. So the Welsh Government, in effect, in real terms, gets about a third more than it did a decade ago. Yet many in this Chamber, probably including you, will clothe themselves in the comfortable blanket of austerity. The recent statement from the Cabinet Minister for Finance complained about a 0.5 per cent reduction in real terms next year, and yet this Government continues to pursue wasteful and irrelevant projects such as the shadow broadcasting authority. Today, there's the national commission for independence and the appointment of the great and the good, which will inevitably lead to a suggestion that Welsh independence is viable. Minister, are you prepared to take responsibility and be accountable for how money is spent, or will you fall back into the comfortable arrangement of blaming Westminster, which is something you've already done today?

Thank you to the Member for his points. The point on the budget has been made very clearly by my colleague the finance Minister. It is a 0.5 per cent real-terms cut. That is what this Government is facing. However, he might be interested to learn that I have some sympathy with his broader point, which is that over recent years we have seen some growth in the Welsh Government budget and we have not seen an improvement in outcomes for the people of Wales. That is one of the reasons I believe that people voted in a new Government with a new ambition, to offer new leadership for Wales so that we could use our money more effectively to deliver on childcare, on child poverty, on the economy, on schools and on the health service. Thank you.

Hello, Cabinet Minister. As you well know, I support greater investment in Welsh rail services, but further devolution is not the only means of achieving it. The Railways Bill is currently before Parliament and provides an opportunity to strengthen the statutory remit of Welsh Ministers. However, these proposed administrative arrangements rely heavily on a memorandum of understanding, and, as you know such agreements are not legally binding, of course. Basically, concerns were raised by the Legislation Committee last month about it. Surely, before seeking further powers, your Government should ensure that the powers and safeguards already available are utilised. Will you seek stronger statutory guarantees for Welsh Ministers under the Railways Bill, as opposed to relying upon measures that cannot be legally enforced?

I thank the spokesperson for his questions, which are well put, as is his pattern in this Chamber. The difference between a statutory basis and a memorandum of understanding is, as you set out, an important one. I know my colleague the Deputy Minister for Transport has been in active negotiations with the UK Government to ensure that the Railways Bill properly reflects the role of Welsh Ministers and properly puts that on a statutory footing. I wish him well with those negotiations, as I hope everyone in this Chamber does.

Thank you for your answer. I want to talk about Welsh tribunals now. Your Government has pledged to introduce a Welsh tribunals Bill early in the Senedd term, but we wait to see the proposals, a timetable and updated costs. The figures, however, are particularly concerning. In 2023, an impact assessment estimated the annual costs of a proposed system at about £5.7 million. However, actual expenditure on the existing Welsh tribunals alone reached £6.09 million in 2024-25. These figures raise serious concerns about the financial assumptions underpinning your proposals. Any change must be based on sound evidence, not simply constitutional ambition. So, Cabinet Minister, will you publish the detailed proposals, an implementation timetable and updated costings, so that this Senedd can assess their financial implications?

Thank you for the question. I'm sure my colleague the Counsel General, who has been co-ordinating a chunk of this work within Government, will be happy to provide a briefing to Members of the Senedd in due course. As those proposals develop, we will indeed be publishing both an implementation timetable and the costings you refer to. There is, for Members to be aware, a challenge with tribunals. More citizens are seeking guidance from tribunals today than in the past. Colleagues who work in tribunals tell me that people are making creative use of artificial intelligence to make claims before tribunals, and therefore there is a genuine challenge here, which we are working through. My colleague the Counsel General is giving considerable attention to these matters. I'm sure he'd be willing, in due course, to update the Senedd, but also, if Members would like a more detailed technical briefing, to offer that briefing to Members too.

Thank you. I want to talk generally now about devolution, if I may. As a general issue, Cabinet Minister, your Government continues to pursue the transfer of further powers from Westminster to Cardiff. I know you're going to make a statement later, but I'm not going to refer to that at the moment. Devolution should not be an end in itself, though, should it, as I've said in this Chamber many a time. Before seeking additional powers, there must surely be clear evidence of an issue under existing arrangements that transferring powers would actually solve. But there must also be a credible delivery plan, sustainable funding, clear lines of accountability, and, importantly, absolute consideration of the impact upon communities whose economic and social ties extend across the border in England. So, Cabinet Minister, will you commit today to publishing an assessment against each of these tests before bringing forward any further proposals for devolution, so that the Senedd can examine the evidence for itself?

The Member will be aware that numerous independent commissions have dealt with a number of these proposals. The most esteemed Lord Thomas, in the matter of criminal justice, has looked at those issues and has reached a definitive and clear conclusion as to the criminal justice system. And we will certainly be working towards the implementation of those conclusions. 

I'll give the Member another example in the field of youth justice. I had a very productive meeting with my colleague the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Chancellor yesterday. We were discussing further steps on youth justice, as to how we could better bring together the youth justice system, health, education and housing to support young people so that they don't end up incarcerated in our prison system. It's another example of how we might make real progress to improve people's lives through devolution. Diolch yn fawr.

Looking on the recently published webpage 'Progress on our priorities', there are six priorities and fewer than a dozen actual data points. I could only find one data set that actually contains data since you've come into Government. So, let's zero in on that. That is, of course, NHS waiting lists. That shows that, since May, waiting lists have gone up 30,000 since you came to office. That includes waiting lists over two years having also gone up. Minister, you're responsible for Government effectiveness. The health Minister claims there is a plan. What is your assessment of why that plan is ineffective, and do you agree with me that a starting point to fixing it should be with milestones and targets, perhaps starting with a date for bringing NHS waiting lists back to where they were when you took office?

I thank the Member for his question, where he very effectively highlights the lack of focus on data from the previous Government and quietly welcomes the addition of our digital dashboard to give him updates on transparent progress against our priorities. My colleague the health Minister has been clear: there is much work to be done to bring down two-year waiting lists. We will bring those down within months. As he has beautifully illustrated here today, the digital dashboard will allow everyone in this Chamber to see how well we are doing.

The commitment was given to bring down long-term waiting lists within months. We're now six months through and they've gone back up, Minister. You talk about transparency. Is a handful of key performance indicators really good enough? I've mentioned Cardiff Council's example to you before—197 KPIs published on their website. Why can't the Welsh Government do the same? Because you will be judged on transparent Government delivering effective services. The actions and the announcement last week on the COVID inquiry raised further questions about this Government's preparedness to stick with their commitments. Council tax reform—an issue dodged. A national park in north Wales—a retreat. This is a Government that is disappointing more and more people by avoiding and ducking the difficult questions. My experience, and that of colleagues, on written questions, Minister, is that they often take a long time to answer, sometimes taking months. I've had a constituent tell me just yesterday the Government has told them now they will no longer respond to their questions. Yesterday, your education Minister ran away from a journalist. This is a Government in the bunker, Minister. So—

So, the question is: what will you do to ensure transparency actually starts to mean something for this Government?

Llywydd, I'm not sure quite how many questions were put there, but I shall do my best on a wide range of them. Let me be clear to all Members here: if you have difficulties or an unacceptable, in your view, delay in terms of written questions, please get in touch with the relevant Minister. We are committed to being an open, transparent Government, and that means giving timely answers to written questions. So, if there are problems, please let me know.

The Member raises a fascinating point about Cardiff Council: 'We have 197 KPIs, that is a sign of how we are prioritising'. In my view, 197 priorities is no priorities at all. I make no apology for having a small number of key measures upon which this Government will be judged. We said at the forefront of our manifesto that we would tackle childcare, child poverty, the economy, schools and the health service, and we have set out a basket of key measures in order to track progress on those. It is about prioritisation in difficult circumstances, but prioritise we will. We will focus on the exact priorities that we set out to the people of Wales in our manifesto when we stood and were elected to lead this Government.

Diolch, Lywydd. Following on with the theme of health, Cabinet Minister, in your statement on delivering the Welsh Government's first 100 days plan in August, you said that you would drive forward delivery on the real priorities of the people of Wales, cutting waiting lists and building a health and care service fit for the future. There are patients being treated in hospitals in appalling conditions—in hospital corridors, and, in some cases, even in hospital cupboards. I'm sure you'll agree with me that is totally unacceptable. Of course, as we've heard, the Government has already u-turned on the promise to hold a Wales-wide COVID public inquiry, waiting lists are up, and ambulance response times are worsening. Therefore, can you tell us what urgent actions you have taken as Cabinet Minister for Government effectiveness to help the Welsh Government build a health and care service fit for the future, as promised in your statement in the summer? Given there is very little data, can you tell us what targets you have set your colleague the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care to make sure we see real improvements in our health service?

Clearly, I associate myself with the Member's comments about the unacceptability of patients being treated in cupboards; that is clearly unacceptable. That is why my colleague the Cabinet Minister for health has set out a long-term plan for fixing the foundations of the NHS. That is where we're at, and that is what you need to tackle the legacy of 27 years of poor leadership of the health service. So, there is a challenge there.

In terms of targets, in terms of the two-year target, my colleague the health Minister and this Government are clear that we will bring down waiting times within months. That is what we have said, and I repeat that again today. That is clear to everyone: months, not years. We have a dedicated time frame and we are working towards that. I'll give the Member one example: one of the areas that has become clear to me that we need to focus on and consider carefully is the cost basis of the NHS. I was grateful to join the chief exec of the NHS and the director of finance for a very detailed briefing about the range of cost pressures and the range of budgets facing our health boards in Wales, which will allow us to consider the structure of the NHS and what needs to be done.

Llywydd, the reality is that, despite promises of change during the election campaign, this Government appears to be a continuation of its predecessor, rather than a departure from it. The first responsibility of the Welsh Government must be to listen to the people they are elected to serve, yet, across Wales, communities are facing the prospect of losing access to vital local healthcare services. In mid Wales, in-patient beds could be removed from community hospitals; in west Wales, stroke services are facing proposed cuts and further centralisation, against the will of the people; and in north Wales, the health board is consulting on proposals that could see urgent primary care centre services withdrawn from three hospitals. This is not a health service that is being shaped to meet the future needs of the people of Wales, and what is lacking is clear leadership and a commitment to protecting local healthcare provision. So, how are you ensuring that the Welsh Government has the backbone to stand up to health boards on behalf of the people of Wales, and when can the people of Wales expect to see tangible improvements in NHS performance? And will you challenge your own Cabinet colleagues on their oversight and management of health boards to ensure greater transparency and accountability for persistent failures in our NHS?

this Government appears to be a continuation of its predecessor, rather than a departure from it. The first responsibility of the Welsh Government must be to listen to the people they are elected to serve, yet across Wales, communities are facing the prospect of losing access to vital local healthcare services. In mid Wales, in-patient beds could be removed from community hospitals; in west Wales, stroke services are facing proposed cuts and further centralisation, against the will of the people; and in north Wales, the health board is consulting on proposals that could see urgent primary care centre services withdrawn from three hospitals. This is not a health service that is being shaped to meet the future needs of the people of Wales, and what is lacking is clear leadership and a commitment to protecting local healthcare provision. So how are you ensuring that the Welsh Government has the backbone to stand up to health boards on behalf of the people of Wales, and when can the people of Wales expect to see tangible improvements in NHS performance? And will you challenge your own Cabinet colleagues on their oversight and management of health boards to ensure greater transparency and accountability for persistent failures in our NHS?

The Member will know that, as a Government, we work as a team, and I work closely with my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for health, and our Deputy Ministers in health to drive forward our agenda—driving forward our agenda, which looks to reduce waiting times, which looks to better integrate health and social care and, crucially, to prioritise preventative health. That is a long-term goal, and it is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our health and social care system. That is what we set out to do, that is what, over the next four years, the people of Wales should judge us on whether we have achieved or not.

We are in ongoing discussions with the UK Government and see potential opportunities in genuine devolution of employment support funding. However, important details remain unclear, including funding levels, any conditions attached and the flexibility available to Wales. We will continue to engage with the UK Government before any decisions are taken.

Diolch. Employment support funding means more than simply helping jobseekers to find employment. It is a valuable way of supporting unemployed people across Wales, including young people not in education, employment or training—also known as NEET—to build their confidence and employability skills. There were 22,000 18 to 24-year-olds in south-east Wales, which includes my constituency of Sir Fynwy Torfaen, who are NEET, in the three-year period ending December 2025. This figure is staggering. We must all ensure that every young person benefits from tailored support to help them get the best start in their working life. Cabinet Minister, your Government has rightly committed to developing a new skills strategy for Wales to strengthen pathways into education, training and employment for young people who are NEET. How will the Welsh Government ensure that any potential devolution of employment funding support to Wales ensures that additional help reaches young people who are NEET in Sir Fynwy Torfaen?

Thank you to the Member for the question. I think we should all be deeply concerned at the growing levels of young people who are classed as NEET. I agree that employment support is about much more than simply matching someone into a job. Effective support needs to recognise the barriers that young people face and help them to build their confidence, skills and experience to progress into education, training or employment. That's why I see potential opportunities in the further devolution, and our objective is to secure the resources and genuine flexibility necessary to design support around Welsh needs and priorities—the needs of our younger people and citizens. We would want the flexibility to develop a more targeted, evidence-led and financially sustainable Welsh approach, where employability support works alongside our skills, education and economic development priorities.

But let's be clear, getting young people who are not in education, employment or training into work requires action on both sides of the labour market. Yes, we need effective employability support, but that can only succeed if there are enough employment opportunities in Sir Fynwy Torfaen and in communities right across Wales. And that is why our approach to the economy, through our productivity mission, and the creation of a new development agency is so vital to future success.

If you'll forgive me, Llywydd,

If you'll forgive me, Llywydd, before my question I wish to put on record my disgust at the abhorrent online comments made with respect to my colleague for Fflint Wrecsam, Cristiana Emsley. We should all condemn this behaviour.

Could I ask the Member please to ask the question?

I'll ask the question now. I've said what I need to say. Thank you very much.

Cabinet Minister, devolving employment support funding is only meaningful if it delivers practical help in our communities. Following the agreement with the UK Government, can you tell us how much of that funding will reach people in Fflint Wrecsam, when they can expect to see it, and how you will ensure it helps local people gain skills, including digital and AI skills, to help them move into sustainable employment? Diolch yn fawr.

I thank the Member for his question. I may be missing something, Llywydd, but I'm not sure we have reached agreement on the devolution of employment support funding yet. There are a set of principles that I've set out in my answer to the question previously about how a Welsh system would need to be flexible, would need to meet the needs of young people in Fflint Wrecsam, as they would the needs of young people in Sir Fynwy Torfaen. I think there are real possibilities there, and I think it fits with the agenda of the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It fits precisely with the agenda set out by the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy here in the Senedd. So, bringing that together, I think there is real potential, and I hope we can have further debates as to what the best solution is for Wales in terms of employment support to get all of those young people a proper job and skills where they can develop and flourish.

Minister, constitutional change should be about improving outcomes rather than simply acquiring additional powers. Given the success of programmes such as Working Wales in providing cohesive support for people seeking employment, what discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government on devolving employment support funding? And what evidence has it used to demonstrate that Wales could deliver those services more effectively under devolved control?

The Member highlights some very effective employment support schemes that the Welsh Government has been part of in the past, and therefore I believe there is a strong basis for evidence to suggest that the Welsh Government could do a good job of employment support training for young people. The discussions with the UK Government are at an early stage, and we will be pursuing those discussions vigorously, because for the reasons outlined by Members right around this Chamber, there is a real potential there.

Diolch, Weinidog Cabinet. The Welsh Government's plans to pilot Cynnal for up to 15,000 children is a hugely welcome step in the battle against child poverty. The difference this could make for low-income families is significant, and we must explore how it could eventually be rolled out across Wales. Afan Ogwr Rhondda has the highest proportion of primary and secondary pupils eligible for means-tested free school meals, and the highest economic inactivity rate of any Senedd constituency. Cynnal could make a huge difference to families in my constituency, particularly with the rising cost of living.

Scotland's child payment has demonstrated what can be achieved with welfare powers that Wales does not currently possess. And sceptical Members here are always asking for evidence. It seems as if they're not really looking for that evidence. Can the Cabinet Minister outline what further powers are needed to expand Cynnal beyond the pilot and what steps the Welsh Government is taking to secure them?

I thank the Member for the question. Scotland is able to deliver the Scottish child payment, which has, as the Member notes, been a significant success because it has devolved welfare powers that Wales does not currently have. Those powers give the Scottish Government—[Interruption.] Those powers give the Scottish Government greater flexibility to design, legislate for and administer its own forms of financial support, including establishing the regulatory and delivery frameworks needed to operate payments such as the Scottish child payment. Those are the kinds of discussions

Those are the kinds of discussions that we are having with the UK Government. There is a real opportunity there. There is a need to move quickly on the benefit disregards in relation to the Cynnal pilot. But the prize, as the Member outlines, is far greater than that, looking to the longer term and the devolution of welfare and effective support for people in poverty in communities right across Wales.

Minister, Reform's position is clear: no more devolution in any area, just do better with the powers you already have. We've seen that, even with your flagship childcare policy, there is no plan, no costings, no modelling for levels of uptake. So, imagine what would happen with the welfare system with Plaid at the helm. You may want more powers, but what assessment has the Welsh Government made regarding the financial risks of devolving these powers, having regard to the potential volatility of a demand-led welfare system?

I thank the Member for the question. I really do wonder whether Members who are criticising the development of the childcare programme have been watching the news recently and seen the very positive news that the roll out of childcare to two-year-olds will be complete by next March, at 12.5 hours a week, which is good news. Nineteen out of the 22 local authorities have already made significant progress on the roll out of childcare, and what that means is that families with two-year-olds, right across Wales, are benefiting from the actions of this Plaid Cymru Government. Childcare.

The Member also made points about welfare. I think we do need to be clear-headed about the devolution of powers and the financial implications around them, and to ensure, when powers are transferred, that the appropriate financial mechanisms are in place from the UK Government. That has happened in most cases in the past, but not in all of them. And I know that my colleague, the Deputy Minister for Transport, is very keen to ensure effective devolution and effective financial underpinning of that devolution in the field of railways.

I welcome the commitment to further devolution of welfare powers and indeed all other powers. It's ambitious, it has a vision, which is unlike the party opposite in Reform UK. So let me give you an example of further ambition. The 'basic income for care leavers' pilot shows what is possible with the devolution of welfare powers. In the report published in February, young people spoke about the financial security, independence, and opportunity that they had to plan for their futures that the pilot gave them. But, without the greater control over welfare powers, we do remain limited in how we can support vulnerable people, particularly our care leavers, for whom we are their corporate parents. So, as we await the full evaluation of the basic income pilot, which will come next summer as I understand, we should already be looking at what comes next. So, could you tell me: how will you be using the additional powers, which hopefully we get, to deliver a permanent basic income for care leavers? Diolch yn fawr iawn.

I thank the Member for the question. I'm certainly not going to earn the ire of my Cabinet colleagues by entering into their portfolio areas, in terms of plans for the future. But what I would say is that Plaid Cymru supported the basic income pilot undertaken by the previous Government. There are basic income schemes being piloted, being tried out around the world. It is clearly part of the welfare system for a progressive, modern country in the twenty-first century facing joblessness and a whole range of technological challenges. So, while you wouldn't expect me to make any commitments here now, we as a Government, we as a party are certainly open to those discussions, and would look to be ambitious and flexible in our approach to support people in Wales with better welfare support.

Diolch, Weinidog Cabinet. It's incredibly disappointing but not a surprise that Wales has once again been short-changed by the UK Government when it comes to rail funding. Ahead of the autumn budget, the Cabinet Minister for Finance asked the UK Government for the £1 billion of the £14 billion that we were promised, yet Wales will receive just £30 million of that. This is a significant cut from what we were promised, and hugely lets down the people that I represent in Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni who are still fighting for that much-needed investment in rail. 

The only way we can fully invest in rail here in Wales is by devolving it, giving us the power to make the decisions that matter. We're closer to the people of Wales and better placed to understand their needs. So, Cabinet Minister, what discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government over the need for us to see rail devolved in Wales to finally end this injustice that we face under consecutive UK Governments?

I thank the Member for the question. The point is exceptionally well made. Rail infrastructure over generations has been underfunded in Wales by the UK Government. At last, we thought we were making progress when that £14 billion plan was announced by the then UK Prime Minister. That's the kind of scale of investment that is necessary to correct the underfunding of Welsh railways over the generations that the Member has highlighted.

And yet—and yet—we are offered a measly £30 million for a project that is likely to cost in excess of £150 million for one train station. That is the extent of the UK Government's ambition and commitment to Wales. So, my colleague the Deputy Minister for Transport has been engaged in discussions with the UK Government about the devolution of railway. That requires both the powers and the funding to deliver a better railway system, to deliver a modern, fit-for-the-future system for Wales. I very much hope those discussions will conclude successfully. It is time for the UK Government and their commitment of £14 billion to write the cheque.

Minister, a fortnight ago, the UK Government announced funding for a new station in my constituency, Cardiff parkway, which would be on a main line, running trains on to Bristol and London. Of course, this wouldn't be the first station to connect Welsh passengers to England. The latest figures show 10.5 million cross-border rail journeys a year between the two nations. Indeed, many Members here today couldn't get here without a train journey that goes through many parts of England, such as Chester, Shrewsbury and Hereford.

That cross-border network is critical to maintain, which is why, in 2021, a former Department for Transport adviser warned Westminster's Welsh Affairs Committee that devolving rail risked, quote,

'the fragmentation of a network that runs beyond the Welsh border.'

Does the Minister recognise the value rail infrastructure in England has on the people of Wales, and do you also recognise the risk to maintaining that infrastructure if responsibility is broken up, as your Government proposes?

I hesitate to advise the Member to spend some time travelling on railways in Europe. If he travelled on a Eurostar to Brussels, his mind would be blown. He'd have to go through at least four countries who have an integrated railway system that works well together. That's what happens when systems work well together. We are clear: we don't want Wales to be isolated and cut off; we want Wales to be part of a broader network, both within these islands and beyond, because we are an internationalist party, and we will follow through on those principles, whether it's on railways, whether it's on global responsibility, whether it's on healthcare or on education, because those are our principles, and that is how we get better services for the people of Wales.

The UK Government's autumn budget was a real missed opportunity for Wales, and a missed opportunity on the climate, which was not mentioned once in John Healey's speech. After this summer's deadly heatwaves, there has never been a more urgent need to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, and one of the best ways we can do that is by investing in public transport, making it easier to leave the car at home. The UK Government is, of course, responsible for rail infrastructure,

responsible for rail infrastructure, but the £14 billion, as we've heard it has repeatedly promised, is still stuck in the station, waiting for a driver.

The Burns delivery unit was established in 2021 to accelerate the new Burns stations, but five years later, we're still waiting for construction to start. We desperately need stations like Cardiff East, which will serve Adamsdown, Roath and Penylan, in my own constituency. Does the Cabinet Minister agree that funding trickling through Westminster in such a piecemeal manner undermines devolution and undermines public confidence in the transition to more sustainable modes of transport? 

Absolutely. The Member makes the points very powerfully. If we are to tackle climate change, we need an effective public transport system. We need an effective public transport system that is reliable, that is timely, that is cost-effective; and precisely those things can be delivered by the Welsh Government if powers were devolved and the necessary funding followed. That is our ambition and that is what we want to see.

The Minister is being fulsome in his answers, which we all appreciate, but we are indeed running beyond time and I want to get a few more Members in.

Public services boards play an important role in improving local and regional well-being. Across north Wales, the three PSBs combine data and lived experience to develop a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities. I'm exploring how to remove some of the barriers and strengthen partnerships, enabling PSBs to fulfil their duties and priorities.

I wasn't expecting that answer. I was hoping you were going to tell us that you were going to scrap them, because Audit Wales in 2019 said that PSBs were unlikely to realise their potential unless they were given more freedom to work more flexibly, and it basically said that with a lack of dedicated funding, it limits their work and impact. This was followed up by the future generations report in 2025, which said the structures across Wales were too complicated—and obviously, these boards were set up to deliver on those objectives.

Having been a councillor on one of these boards, I can assure you, they are ineffective. And I was really, really hoping, following last November, when the previous Labour Government said it planned to review them—. I can't find the published outcome of that review. They're just not working, Minister. Please, please, will you find the review that was done in November 2025 and speak to some of your colleagues that were in the previous Government? We need a few less of these things, and they're not working. Please consider scrapping them.

I thank the Member for her question. I'm mindful of the Llywydd's warning. We could discuss the regional geographies of Wales at great length.

No. [Laughter.]

I shall simply say this, then. It is my view that the landscape is too complicated, that it tends towards inefficiency and that we need to do something about it; and I commit to trying to do something about it.

Our programme for government outlines clear priorities and measurable outcomes. By focusing efforts where they can have the greatest impact, we will deliver real improvements that people feel in their everyday lives. The first iteration of our digital dashboard provides a transparent view of progress against our key priorities. [Inaudible.]

Plaid's programme for government speaks of years of drift and stagnation and of flawed strategies and unfocused spending by the previous administrations. I agree with you. The new programme concedes that good intentions are not enough, yet it risks repeating the same mistakes of the previous Labour Government. On child poverty: clear targets, benchmarks, milestones are left to a future plan. On waiting lists: the programme promises only to cut waiting times, with no figure and no deadline. On schools: a literacy and numeracy plan has been published, but its attainment targets are yet to be set. And the 20,000 social homes target is effectively a reset of the previous Welsh Labour's target—one that was failed to be met.

The programme also provides for a midterm review to allow for flexibility. Previous Governments set deadlines, missed them, moved them, then the 2020 child poverty target was moved, then abandoned; the deadline for ending two-year waits was missed, moved, missed again and nobody was ever held to account. Cabinet Minister, I mean this sincerely: will you publish a delivery timetable with a deadline for every commitment

a deadline for every commitment in this programme? And will you come to the Senedd to explain each one that is missed, rather than quietly redefining it in a mid-term review, for the betterment of the people of Wales?

As we've illustrated with the waiting times target, of reducing them within months, we're working towards those things. I look forward to reporting progress to the Senedd on each of our five key priorities. We shall do so transparently, and I'm sure Members here will hold me to account on our progress, or not.

Diolch, Llywydd.

Improving productivity is central to my government effectiveness portfolio. We are focusing people and resources where they can make the greatest difference, reducing duplication and unnecessary processes, and making responsible use of digital technology, data and AI. We also support publicly funded bodies through clear priorities, shared learning, stronger governance and proportionate oversight.

Well, the last industrial revolution produced huge efficiency gains from the use of word processing to replace typing, spreadsheets to replace manual accounts, and CAD and CAM to automate design and production. The Welsh Government have made progress in sending correspondence and documents electronically. As we start the fourth industrial revolution, which includes artificial intelligence, how is the Welsh Government going to use artificial intelligence to improve government efficiency? When will we see hospital appointments routinely sent via text and e-mail, rather than via letters, which sometimes arrive after the appointment? When will AI, which has been proved to be successful in analysing medical images, patient data, and other information to assist in diagnosing disease, often detecting patterns and correlations that might be missed by humans, be used routinely in Welsh hospitals? There's a lot of efficiency savings in there. Are you going to make them?

I intend to make efficiency savings right across this Government. The Member has highlighted a number of areas around data, around artificial intelligence and around digital. Some of them require integration of data systems, which we are working on. Some of them require the responsible use of artificial intelligence. We've all seen some pretty shocking uses of artificial intelligence in recent weeks, which should give us pause for thought, at the very least. But the very opportunities that that digital revolution offers give us a great opportunity to develop the efficiency and effectiveness of Welsh Government. And if we do that, we will better deliver priorities for the people we serve. Diolch yn fawr.

Diolch. Llŷr Powell.

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. Sixty-eight million pounds of Welsh local government pension funds was invested into Bute Energy. This was around the same period that £58 million of value was being extracted by shareholders. Trefnydd, I'm aware that the Welsh Government isn't in charge of the local government pension pot, but could the Government come forward with a statement to provide clarity to so many people out there right now that are concerned about where their money was invested, how this could happen, and that how a company could have £68 million, and not a single operational windfarm has been built by this company? Trefnydd, they deserve answers. Will the Welsh Government step forward?

Trefnydd, last week I questioned the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability on the wildfires summit. Now, the actions arising from that summit are very positive and very worthy, but as I said last week, what I'm concerned about is there is absolutely no funding attached to them, and also we've not been given any information on timescales for that work being taken forward. Now, farmers in my constituency need help now. What they're going through is not taken account of in the sustainable farming scheme. I'm also really worried that none of us want to see a situation in Wales such as we saw last summer

such as we saw last summer with so many fires everywhere. We absolutely have to have some timescales for action on this, and some funding attached, and I do believe that the First Minister or another Minister needs to come to the Chamber and answer questions in an oral statement on this. 

Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care on the performance of the ambulance service across Wales. I've been contacted by the family of an 85-year-old constituent, Mr Lambert, who last week suffered a fall at his home and waited for an ambulance for over 16 hours. I'm sure you'll agree with me this is totally unacceptable and raises serious concerns about ambulance response times, capacity pressures within the service, and the impact such delays are having on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Mr Lambert was let down by the service and it's vital that lessons are now learnt, and that urgent action is taken to improve response times across Wales. Therefore, given the serious nature of this case and the wider concerns surrounding ambulance performance across Wales, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Welsh Government outlining the steps being taken to improve response times, so that we can be confident that experiences like Mr Lambert's do not happen again.

Well, thank you to the Member for raising that issue, and obviously for Mr Lambert, it clearly would have been extremely distressing. I'm sure each of us as Senedd Members have been contacted by constituents where standards have fallen short of what is to be expected when it comes to ambulance waiting times. I will make the Cabinet Minister aware of your request and update accordingly.

Trefnydd, I'd like to request a statement, please, on the Welsh Government's progress in protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Wales. Stonewall recently published a major report, giving us an important opportunity to reflect on the progress being made towards LGBTQ+ equality in Wales and the challenges that still remain. While the report highlights that progress is happening in acceptance over the last decade, half of LGBTQ+ people remain pessimistic about their future, rising to 80 per cent amongst trans people. Nobody should have to live in fear of discrimination simply because of who they are.

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly being drawn into divisive political debates across the world, Wales must continue to stand firmly for equality, dignity and inclusion. So, I'd be really grateful, Trefnydd, if the Deputy First Minister could update the Senedd on what's being done in light of these findings. Diolch. 

Cabinet Minister, I'd like to have two statements, please, from the Cabinet Minister for rural resilience, one on the bovine TB issue across our country. We've been waiting now for a number of months and years for the outcome of the technical advisory group's view on how we need to tackle bovine TB in Wales. We in Reform are very clear that that needs to happen via a targeted intervention in infected wildlife. So, it'd be very useful to get an update from the Government on when that advice is going to come forward, so farmers across Wales can have some assurance about how they're going to invest in the future in getting more cattle into our system.

more cattle into our system.

I'd also like a second statement ahead of the Brexit renegotiation on 20 November. Successive UK Governments failed for the people who voted Brexit by giving uncharted access for European fishing vessels across British and Welsh waters. And it comes to the fore that apparently our current Prime Minister is going to extend that up to 2038, something which is another betrayal of the people across our country who fish. So I'd just like to know what representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government to ensure we do not have another sell-out of Welsh and British fisheries.

Let's Respect Retail is the national campaign organised by the Retail Trust and supported by the Welsh Retail Consortium and USDAW that aims to promote kindness, courtesy and respect towards workers and customers, especially during the busy festive trading season. Trade union USDAW, of which I'm a member, notes that over the last 12 months, 69 per cent of retail workers were verbally abused, 45 per cent were threatened and 12 per cent were assaulted by customers. Now, the UK Labour Government's new Crime and Policing Act, with its crackdown on retail attacks and theft, is expected to come into force, but could we have a statement from the Cabinet Minister for economy on what the Welsh Government is doing to support this vital sector and the workers it employs?

I'd also welcome a statement from the Deputy Minister for Transport on pavement parking. This is a major issue for people in my constituency of Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, especially on terraced streets, and for those with visual or mobility impairments, and families with pushchairs.

Can I call, Cabinet Minister, for a statement from the Cabinet Minister for health on NHS waste—wasteful spending, that is? In recent weeks it has emerged that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has continued to fund researchers at the Centre for Society and Mental Health at Bangor University. They've been paying £4 million for this over a 14-year period. They're still allocating money to the centre today, and this is in spite of the fact that an NHS report internally in January of this year concluded that, and I quote,

‘It is unclear what services the health board are receiving and paying for, and how beneficial it is to the population of north Wales’.

And this is on top of another story in north Wales about a broken tap in the emergency department at Glan Clwyd Hospital first reported on 7 August, not repaired until 26 October, with over 1 million litres of water estimated to have gone literally down the drain, along with the costs associated with it. It's obviously symptomatic of a health board that's inefficient, doesn't have a grip on its finances and doesn't have respect for taxpayers' money. Can we have a statement about what the Welsh Government's doing to tackle that sort of inefficient use of public money, please?

Cabinet Minister, can I request an urgent statement from you in support for oil-heated households this winter? Carmarthenshire had around 19,000 oil-only households at the 2021 census count, more than any other Welsh county. In Llannon, Crosshands and Pen-y-groes, 68 per cent of all households used oil alone. Yesterday, the Welsh Government announced £5 million for single £250 payments to eligible oil and liquid petroleum gas-heated households. That is equivalent to 20,000 payments, yet around 105,000 Welsh households relied solely on oil in 2021.

Carmarthenshire accounts for nearly one in five of them, so paying all 19,000 households, hypothetically, £250 would cost £4.75 million. That's almost all the entire national allocation. Of course, I know this is an income-restricted scheme, and I'm not suggesting that every household qualifies. I want a statement, if I could, on how many households are expected to qualify, including in Carmarthenshire, when payments will reach them and what help is available to those who are struggling and who fall outside the scheme.

Prynhawn da, Drefnydd. I'd like to request two statements, if I may, with regard to Powys Teaching Health Board. Firstly, we've been told time and time again, including by your Government, that we must wait for the outcome of the consultation process. Part of this involves five-hour sessions with residents across Powys. And yet, we have just been told that Powys Teaching Health Board are not taking any record of what people say at those events. It seems to be a total waste of time. Chief executives of the health board are going along, as well as residents, and yet their responses are not being recorded. So, I'd like to hear what steps the Welsh Government is taking in order to ensure that residents' views are recorded.

And secondly, again on Powys Teaching Health Board,

Powys Teaching Health Board, cross-border healthcare. You've said you want to cut waiting times, which of course is welcome, yet figures that we've obtained show that two-year waits at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital have risen by 370 per cent since 2022. So, we'd also like a statement in relation to waiting times and cross-border healthcare. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Minister, can I have a statement from your Government on the demographic replacement of white British people taking place in the UK? Because the scale of change has been breathtaking. Mass immigration and differing birth rates mean that, in just 37 years' time, in 2063, we will be a minority in our own country. That change has already taken place in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Slough, Luton and Manchester, and I don't want it to happen here. Indeed, at every opportunity, the majority of the electorate have wanted less immigration so that their nation can be preserved. A nation is not an economic zone, it's not a hotel, and neither is it a charity. It's a family, which is capable of absorbing people of all races if done at a sensible rate, but not if it's replaced altogether.

Can I ask the Dirprwy Lywydd for a ruling on whether that question and comments made are in line with our Standing Orders and behaviours or accepted responsibility within the Senedd? We have a duty for every single member of our communities that we represent. 

they come—. What happens when funding runs out? Minister, these are spending commitments, where are the measurable outcomes?

The Deputy First Minister also reminds us of funded childcare, free schools meals and existing schemes, but let us not repackage old commitments as new solutions. Twelve point five hours of funded childcare for two-year-olds still leaves working parents facing substantial costs. Where is the assessment of affordability and workforce capacity? How many parents can increase their working hours? A policy announcement is not a childcare place, and a childcare place is not affordable childcare.

But there is one glaring omission. Where are the savings? Where is the review of quangos, consultancy costs and bloated corporate bureaucracy? Not front-line workers, Minister, but expensive management layers whose value to public services remains questionable. Every pound wasted on unnecessary bureaucracy is a pound denied to those who need it, and whilst families struggle with heating bills, why is this Government not reviewing international spending commitments and testing whether every programme remains justified? Oh, yes. A Government telling families to tighten their belts should examine its own spending first.

Llywydd, there is a fundamental difference between managing poverty and reducing it. One produces endless schemes and publicity. The other tackles high costs, weak growth, barriers to work and wasteful spending. People need lasting solutions, not another £100 handout. They want wages that stretch further, affordable bills, and childcare that makes employment worthwhile.

So, Minister, three questions. Where is your costed plan to end dependency on energy handouts? How much waste will you cut from your own administration, and by when? And how many Welsh families will this £130 million actually lift out of hardship? Minister, £130 million is what you intend to spend, not what you intend to achieve, and Wales needs a Government that cuts the cost of living, not one that keeps adding to it.

I find it quite breathtaking that Reform are not supporting measures to help the vast majority of households in Wales with the facing that they will do of the high energy bills, and we know they're going to get higher in January, the tough winter that they're facing. I find it breathtaking.

If you're talking about needing more money, well, perhaps you could ask the UK Government to tax some of the hedge fund managers that bankroll Reform, and perhaps they could pay their fair share, couldn't they, to help the poorest in this country? That would be very welcome. So, I look forward to seeing that letter written to Nigel from you.

You asked me a specific question—there was, I think, one specific question—on the payment. Of course, that money has come through from the UK Government in the normal way, it's how devolution works. We then had already planned, we knew we wanted to make cost-of-living interventions. We'd already started making those plans back in May, and then wanted to see what funding was available. Obviously, through our own budgets, we knew what was going to be available. It was welcome that the UK Government did listen to our calls, not all of them.

As I say, many of those longer solutions that you talk about, I absolutely agree with, and you'll have heard in my statement, I called for social tariffs. They can make the most difference to vulnerable households, so they're not paying a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel, and therefore in fuel poverty. We have one in four households in Wales in fuel poverty. I think that's absolutely unacceptable. We can do what we can under our powers to try and alleviate that, and that's what we're doing with these cost-of-living payments. But I agree and have called on the UK Government to go beyond those temporary solutions in order that we can have a sustainable way to tackle fuel poverty.

The other thing on the bus transport, I think you'll have heard the Deputy Minister for Transport say there that that's why we're using an existing way of distributing this money, an existing architecture, the bus services support grant. That will help us to get this money out of the door as quickly as possible, rather than taking more time to design a new architecture to get that out of the door. I understand that the Deputy Minister for Transport has met with bus operators today, and they've said that they warmly welcome this very much needed assistance. Without that temporary assistance, there is that risk that operators could hand back school contracts. They could reduce or withdraw bus