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Category: Wales

  • Chris Bryant – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Investment Zones in Wales

    Chris Bryant – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Investment Zones in Wales

    The parliamentary question asked by Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for Rhondda, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

    Sir Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)

    What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the proposed refocusing of investment zone policy.

    The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dr James Davies)

    Let me first congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his knighthood in the new year’s honours list.

    We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government on the delivery of investment zones for Wales. That is alongside the freeports programme, which will facilitate growth and innovation through benefits such as tax relief for businesses.

    Sir Chris Bryant

    That is all very well, but the Government have basically completely binned their investment zone policy. I have had a letter from a Government Minister saying that it is all being refocused and is not about housing and planning any more but about productivity, improving growth and job creation. But no details are available, and all the bids have been binned. Is that not further evidence that we do not have a Government in this country anymore, just a bunch of rapscallions squatting in ministerial offices?

    Dr Davies

    I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. As he will know, many elements of the policy are devolved in Wales. Therefore, discussions continue with the Welsh Government on those aspects. I would highlight that there are 5,400 similar zones in other parts of the world. We must deliver growth for Britain in a similar fashion.

    Mr Speaker

    I call the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee.

    Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con)

    I echo the congratulations to the hon. Member for Rhondda (Sir Chris Bryant) on his knighthood. One of the lessons of industrial policy over the last 30 years in Wales, certainly given the number of failed food parks, science parks and technology parks, is that taxpayers’ money alone does not create economic activity out of thin air. Does the Minister agree that whatever interventions we or the Welsh Government make must work with the grain of the private sector? To that end, does he recognise that the overriding strength of the Celtic freeport bid is that it works with real projects and real industry to deliver floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea?

    Dr Davies

    My right hon. Friend is a strong campaigner for the offshore wind possibilities in south-west Wales. He will know that decisions on awarding freeports are ongoing, with at least one due in Wales and an announcement to be made shortly.

  • Hywel Williams – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Research Funding for Welsh Universities

    Hywel Williams – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Research Funding for Welsh Universities

    The parliamentary question asked by Hywel Williams, the Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

    Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC)

    What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on research funding for Welsh universities.

    The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)

    I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on research funding for universities in Wales. We are committed to making the UK a science superpower, backed by nearly £39.8 billion, the largest ever research and development budget. Last week I was pleased to visit Bangor University—at the suggestion of the hon. Member—and to observe the cutting-edge research being done there. I remain committed to Welsh universities capitalising on the funding opportunities that are available.

    Hywel Williams

    The Secretary of State has seen for himself that Welsh universities can and do deliver world-class research, but I think he will accept that their research funding is perhaps less than would be expected. I accept that this is not a simple matter—it is not a matter of counting heads—but what practical help can the Secretary of State give to increase research support in Wales, particularly for new and innovative projects such as those he saw in Bangor?

    David T. C. Davies

    In terms of practical support, I want to visit every single university in Wales over the next few months. I have already met representatives of UK Research and Innovation to make clear my concern about the relatively low percentage of grant funding that is going to Welsh universities for research projects. I want to bring UKRI and those Welsh universities together at an event at Tŷ Gwydr later in the year, and given the hon. Gentleman’s own commitment to this particular issue, I will try to ensure that he is invited and is able to attend.

    Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)

    Does my right hon. Friend agree that Britain, including Wales, has a proud history of international collaboration? Will he continue to keep up the pressure on the European Commission to allow us to associate ourselves with the Horizon programme, which would make such a difference to the future of British science?

    David T. C. Davies

    I absolutely agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I would support the Horizon programme, but if that is not possible for any reason, such as intransigence in the European Union, I will be making the case to UKRI that Welsh universities can produce some of the best research in this country and should be receiving a higher percentage of the money that is currently available.

  • Chris Stephens – 2023 Parliamentary Question About the Cost of Living in Wales

    Chris Stephens – 2023 Parliamentary Question About the Cost of Living in Wales

    The parliamentary question asked by Chris Stephens, the SNP MP for Glasgow South West, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

    Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)

    What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of living crisis on (a) households and (b) businesses in Wales.

    Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)

    What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of the cost of living crisis on households in Wales.

    Ben Lake (Ceredigion) (PC)

    What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of rising costs on (a) businesses and (b) households in Wales.

    The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)

    I understand that people across the UK are worried about the cost of living, which is why we have taken decisive action to support households and businesses across the UK, while remaining fiscally responsible. That support includes a £26 billion package for the next financial year, which will be targeted at protecting the most vulnerable.

    Chris Stephens

    Almost half of adults UK-wide say the cost of living crisis is harming their mental health, and that rises to 61% of Welsh adults. Devolved initiatives such as the fuel support scheme in Wales help, but inflation and UK Government cuts put such schemes in jeopardy. How does the Secretary of State justify his Government’s repeated refusal to support devolved Governments in tackling the crisis his party has created?

    David T. C. Davies

    First, I fully acknowledge that there is a cost of living crisis at the moment. It has come about because the UK Government rightly had to spend hundreds of millions of pounds dealing with the covid pandemic. We then saw inflation increase through the roof as a result of a land war in Ukraine. I recognise that there is a cost of living crisis being faced by countries across the whole of the western world at the moment. The UK Government have certainly not cut funding. We have increased funding for the devolved Administrations. We have increased money for the national health service. It is a shame that in Wales that funding is not being fully passed on to the national health service. Frankly, on the NHS, the Welsh Labour Government are getting more money and delivering a lower service.

    Anna McMorrin

    My constituent Sarah and her children could not celebrate Christmas this year: they were crippled by the fear of bailiffs and of being made homeless in the minus 2° weather. The toll this has taken on her mental health is unimaginable. She said to me, “My children and I will just break.”

    A YouGov poll, out this week, shows that this Tory-made cost of living crisis has had a huge impact on people’s mental health in Wales—significantly more than elsewhere. Thirteen years of Tory Government have crippled this country. Cardiff Council is already £23 million worse off. Is the Welsh Secretary going to push my constituents to breaking point?

    David T. C. Davies

    There is a cost of living crisis going on all over the world at the moment. This Government have acknowledged that and faced up to it. That is why we have prioritised help for the least well-off. That is why this Government have made sure that the minimum wage has risen in line with inflation, that pensions have risen in line with inflation and that benefits have risen in line with inflation. People on benefits will receive a £900 payment, pensioners are getting a £300 payment and households with a disability are getting a £150 payment. At all times through these crises, which have not been caused by this UK Government, we have targeted our help at the most vulnerable in society.

    Ben Lake

    The Government have announced that support for homes and businesses connected to the mains gas grid will be extended for another year, but it seems that the single round of alternative funding announced for off-grid homes will be expected to last for the full 18 months. Notwithstanding the fact that the first payment to off-grid homes is still to be made, will the Secretary of State push colleagues in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Treasury for a second round of alternative funding to provide support for off-grid premises ahead of next winter?

    David T. C. Davies

    The hon. Gentleman is correct to say that the UK Government have recognised that those who are off grid are facing an increase in costs. It has not been as sharp as the increase for those who are on grid, and I think that the figures reflect that, but I note the hon. Gentleman’s comments about the fact that full details of the payment have not yet been made fully clear. I am sure that my colleagues in BEIS will have noted his question and will be coming forward shortly with more information about the payment.

    Mr Speaker

    I call the shadow Secretary of State.

    Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)

    This month has seen dreadful news for steel businesses and steelworkers in Wales. Steel is an energy-intensive industry, and its operating costs during the cost of living crisis have rocketed. Thirteen years of Conservative Governments have seen decline, offshored jobs and damaged communities.

    Steel is integral to a modern economy. Labour will put Welsh and UK steel at the heart of our wider industrial policy, building wind turbines, railways and investing in carbon capture and storage and in hydrogen infrastructure. Other than creating a cost of living crisis, what is the Government’s plan for our steel industry and for steelworkers’ jobs?

    David T. C. Davies

    First of all, the news from Liberty in Newport was very disappointing and is very concerning for many people. That has not come about as a result of actions by the UK Government, as I think the hon. Lady will recognise; there are other issues pertaining there.

    The UK Government are completely committed to the steel industry. We demonstrated that with a £30 million loan to Celsa during the covid crisis, and we have demonstrated it with the various schemes that have been brought forward to support industries with high energy use. We are developing a scheme that will enable those in the industry, such as Tata, to decarbonise. We are also in discussions with Tata about how we can support it further over the coming years.

    Jo Stevens

    Steelworkers need a Government on their side. The industry needs a partner that can provide stability, not sticking plasters. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea is a real opportunity for our steel industry and the wider supply chain in Wales. It would also help to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis for many Welsh businesses in the supply chain. If the Government do not provide the necessary stability, we will see platforms being built in France and Spain and floated over to the Welsh coast, which would be absolutely unconscionable. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the Crown Estate leases will use local supply chains in Wales?

    David T. C. Davies

    I have met the Crown Estate on a number of occasions to discuss the next bidding round for the sites out in the Celtic sea. Obviously we hope to develop the industry. I agree with the brunt of the hon. Lady’s question, which is about the importance of developing a floating offshore wind industry off the coast of Wales. I have been trying to ensure that the supply chain is as local as possible. That is why we have supported the conversations between developers and the Crown Estate; it is also why I have personally visited Pembrokeshire to ensure that the growth deal there supports the new infrastructure at the dock that can allow those projects to be floated out to sea. We are actually doing a great deal to support the floating offshore wind industry in Wales.

    Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC)

    For Harlech Foodservice, a key business in my constituency, last week’s news that the UK Government were slashing their energy support for businesses was devastating. The company is already struggling under soaring energy bills and interest rate hikes in coronavirus business interruption loan scheme repayments. Can the Secretary of State clarify the position? Will any support be forthcoming on CBILS repayments, and will any savings made by the Treasury as a result of falling wholesale gas prices be ringfenced for targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable households?

    David T. C. Davies

    I hope the right hon. Lady will recognise that over the last year the Government have done an enormous amount to support businesses through the energy price guarantee. They have made it clear that that support package cannot continue at the current level after April, when the next financial year begins, but they have said that they will also make clear, fairly shortly, what the new package will look like. Unfortunately, no Government anywhere in the western world will be in a position to completely underwrite and subsidise energy costs for all businesses for an indefinite period, so we have to confront some realities, but I hope the right hon. Lady will be supportive of the efforts that the Government have made to do more to develop energy security in the United Kingdom. Perhaps she should talk to some of her colleagues in the Scottish National party about their opposition to opening up further oil and gas projects in the North sea.

    Liz Saville Roberts

    I would have appreciated an answer about the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme as well.

    We all know that extortionate energy costs are part of this Tory winter of discontent, which bookends 13 years of deliberate austerity. Key workers are striking and real incomes are in freefall. Following the last Budget, funding for Welsh public services will be worth £3 billion less over the next three years. Enough is enough, and cutting key workers’ salaries is not the right answer. Will the Secretary of State urge the Treasury to reverse this decline by establishing a truly fair funding system for Wales that recognises our nation’s needs, taking into account age, disability, and poverty levels?

    David T. C. Davies

    The right hon. Lady will surely be aware that the Welsh Government are receiving £1.20 per head for public services for every pound that is spent in England. That is why it is so difficult to understand why not only are the waiting lists longer in Wales but educational outcomes are lower, after more than 20 years of a Labour Government. Perhaps it is time that Plaid Cymru started to stand up for the people of Wales and hold the Welsh Labour Government to account, rather than propping them up in the Senedd.

  • Richard Thomson – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Inflation and the Devolved Welsh Budget

    Richard Thomson – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Inflation and the Devolved Welsh Budget

    The parliamentary question asked by Richard Thomson, the SNP MP for Gordon, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

    Richard Thomson (Gordon) (SNP)

    What assessment he has made of the potential impact of inflation on the devolved budget for Wales.

    Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)

    What assessment he has made of the potential impact of inflation on the devolved budget for Wales.

    The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)

    The Welsh Government are well-funded to deliver public services in Wales. As a result of the autumn statement, Welsh Government funding is increasing by around £1.2 billion over the next two years. That is on top of the additional £2.5 billion a year on average announced at spending review. The Prime Minister has also been clear that we will halve inflation to ease the cost of living.

    Richard Thomson

    The Secretary of State says that the budget is increasing by £1.2 billion over the next two years, but inflation has already eroded the purchasing power of the Welsh Government in the current year by £1 billion. Since the UK Government are responsible for approximately 80% of the resource base of the Welsh Government, what further representations does he plan to make to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that that purchasing power for essential public services in Wales is made good?

    David T. C. Davies

    The overall funding amounts for the devolved Administrations, including the Welsh Government, have still increased in real terms over the period despite the impact of inflation. If the hon. Gentleman is serious about dealing with inflation, I hope he will support this Government as they propose to halve inflation over the coming year. In doing so, we will need to carefully control public spending in areas such as pay.

    Owen Thompson

    The Institute of Welsh Affairs says that budgetary pressures highlight the impotence of Welsh devolution and that tax scheme changes by the Scottish Government are a model that would help Wales’s financial situation. If the UK Government will not provide vital increases to devolved budgets, will the Secretary of State explore devolving similar tax-bearing powers to Wales, as in Scotland, to help the Welsh Government mitigate the Tory mismanagement from this place?

    David T. C. Davies

    I am not quite sure I follow what the hon. Gentleman is saying, because of course the Welsh Government do actually have tax-bearing powers. They have chosen not to use them, because the Welsh Government recognise that taxes have already increased as far as is sensible, and that means that all of us have to deal with the constraints that have come about as a result of the very difficult economic situation we face due to covid and the impact of a land war in Ukraine.

    Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con)

    Inflation, of course, causes pressure, but it is also true that Wales gets £1.20 per head for public services for every £1 in England. Yet the Welsh Labour-run Government spend less than that on their public services. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that ruinous Welsh Labour Governments should stop wasting money on things like the Senedd expansion and instead spend money where it is needed: tackling backlogs in hospitals and stopping the decline of education in Wales?

    David T. C. Davies

    I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend; he is absolutely right. Money is being wasted in the Senedd, for example on spending up to £100 million on increasing the number of Senedd Members at a time of economic difficulty. [Interruption.] I hope Opposition Members who are chuntering are listening carefully to what my hon. Friend has to say.

  • Jane Hutt – 2023 Statement on Meeting with Energy Suppliers

    Jane Hutt – 2023 Statement on Meeting with Energy Suppliers

    The statement made by Jane Hutt, the Welsh Minister for Social Justice, on 4 January 2023.

    People across Wales are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by soaring energy, fuel and food costs The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact, particularly on low-income households. Current estimates suggest up to 45% of all households in Wales could be in fuel poverty following increases to the energy price cap.

    The Welsh Government is doing all it can to support households in Wales, filling the gap left by the UK government. We have allocated £90m to provide support to vulnerable households to meet rising energy costs. This includes a second Welsh Government Fuel Support Scheme in 2022-23 and we are working in partnership with the Fuel Bank Foundation to deliver a £4m fuel voucher scheme aimed at those on prepayment meters and those off the gas grid. The Welsh Government has also made additional funding available to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) this financial year to help people who are struggling financially with support for off-grid households.

    Free impartial advice is available to all households via our Warm Homes Programme Nest scheme. An enhanced winter fuel campaign commenced on 1 November, targeting a wider audience with much needed energy efficiency advice and guidance. This service is accessible to all. Where eligible, households may be entitled to a package of energy efficiency support.  The Minister for Climate Change has made a number of improvements to the Warm Homes Programme Nest Scheme this year investing in innovation through solar PV and exploration of battery storage enabling homes to use energy at source.

    However, there is a responsibility on the energy suppliers to provide appropriate support for their customers.  I am deeply concerned, as more households fall behind with the payment of their electricity and gas bills, they may be unfairly driven onto pre-payment meters.

    Approximately 200,000 households in Wales use pre-payment meters for their mains gas and electricity. This represents approximately 15% of all households and 24% of tenants in the private rented sector. Almost half of social housing tenants (45%) also use pre-payment meters. Many of these bill payers are on the lowest incomes yet are paying the highest tariffs for their energy.

    On 22 November, Ofgem published their own findings into how energy suppliers are helping customers through this period of high energy prices. In their deep dive, Ofgem explored how suppliers treat ‘Customers in a Vulnerable Situation’.

    Findings showed that, although some good practice was identified, all suppliers need to make further improvements. Severe weaknesses were found in five suppliers, moderate weaknesses were found in another five suppliers and minor weaknesses were found in seven suppliers.

    On 21 and 29 November and 7 December, I met with representatives from a number of energy suppliers to discuss the issues surrounding pre-payment meters and the cost-of-living crisis.

    I was told by the suppliers that moving householders onto pre-payments meters was seen as a last resort, and whilst there was a perception pre-payment meters are linked to debt, some suppliers stated the majority of their pre-payment customers used the meters as a tool to control usage.

    Suppliers confirmed to me they try to actively engage with their customers before a pre-payment meter is considered and, in most cases, there is a lengthy process to follow before one is installed, in agreement with the householder. There are measures in place to determine who is considered to be appropriate for a pre-payment meter

    Energy suppliers agreed to share with the Welsh Government data on the number of households being supported with their energy bills and/or being transferred onto pre-payments meters, and the reason for doing so, in order for my officials to assess the situation. They also agreed to provide information on ‘self-disconnection’. This is vitally important to allow us to understand the nature of self-disconnection, and to design policy responses.

    Not all energy suppliers have standing charges for pre-payment meters. Some of those who currently apply a standing charge agreed to hold further discussions regarding the removal of standing charges. The removal of standing charges was also something I raised again with Ofgem in a meeting on 29 November.

    We have made it clear that energy companies should absorb the cost of standing charges for pre-payment customers who are particularly at risk of disconnection as a result of the rising cost of fuel. This should not be a cost for the Government to take on.

    It is important we identify and support customers who are starting to struggle as early as possible. Energy suppliers have advised they can provide their customers along with other support mechanisms, such as funds set aside to help those who are struggling the most to pay their bills and flexible payment plans.

    Following a meeting with Ofgem on 29 November, I remain concerned that a worryingly large number of householders on a traditional pre-payment meter have not used their vouchers as these have a 90-day expiry date. It is important these householders use their vouchers. I would also encourage customers in vulnerable situations to contact their energy supplier to register themselves as vulnerable.

    Welsh Government has consistently called on the UK Government and Ofgem to introduce a social tariff to protect the most vulnerable householders and there was broad support for this from energy suppliers.

    I will be holding a follow up meeting with energy suppliers in the new year, followed by quarterly meetings. I will seek further assurances that the weaknesses identified by Ofgem are being addressed and continue to push for the greatest levels of support for the most vulnerable in our society.

    This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.

  • Mark Drakeford – 2023 New Year’s Message

    Mark Drakeford – 2023 New Year’s Message

    The new year’s message from Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, on 1 January 2023.

    Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

    Happy New Year to you all.

    I hope you had a merry and peaceful Christmas.

    As 2022 draws to a close, many will be glad to see the end of what has been a difficult year.

    This was the year that Russia launched a cruel war in Ukraine, killing thousands and forcing millions to flee their homes.

    And in the last 12 months, the deepening cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult to make ends meet.

    But even in these hard times, we have seen the willingness of people to help others.

    We have seen real strength and warmth.

    People have opened their homes to thousands from Ukraine seeking safety and sanctuary here in Wales.

    And we have once again seen communities rally together to support each other through this cost-of-living crisis – just as they did during the pandemic.

    A New Year is a new start and I’m sure we all have ambitions and hopes for the year ahead.

    Let’s hope for a peaceful 2023 and brighter and happier times ahead.

    Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi i gyd.

  • Mark Drakeford – 2022 Christmas Message

    Mark Drakeford – 2022 Christmas Message

    The Christmas message from Mark Drakeford, the Welsh First Minister, on 25 December 2022.

    In his Christmas message the First Minister says:

    Nadolig Llawen i bawb.

    I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope this will be a time of rest and of peace.

    For the first time since the pandemic started, we will have a chance to spend this time of year with friends and families – as we have done for years before.

    As we do, think about all those who can’t be with their families; who are affected by war and famine around the world.

    Christmas is a time for generosity, for giving and community spirit.

    Let’s also think about all those people who will be working this Christmas to keep us safe over the festive period.

    From community volunteers to NHS staff and our emergency services.

    Thank you for everything you do.

    Diolch yn fawr i chi gyd.

    I wish you all a happy, restful and peaceful Christmas.

    Merry Christmas.

    Nadolig Llawen i chi gyd.

  • Jeremy Miles – 2022 Statement on the Outcome of the Education Ministers Council Meeting

    Jeremy Miles – 2022 Statement on the Outcome of the Education Ministers Council Meeting

    The statement made by Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Minister for Education and Welsh Language, on 23 December 2022.

    In accordance with the inter-institutional relations agreement, I can report I chaired the third meeting of the UK Education Ministers Council (UKEMC) on Friday 9 December at the Welsh Government Buildings in Cathays Park, Cardiff.

    Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills attended for the Scottish Government.  The Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education attended for the UK Government and Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary to the Department for Education and Mark Lee, Director Tertiary Education represented Northern Ireland via video link.

    The group discussed challenges and recent developments in the areas of: the rising cost of living; general and vocational qualifications; and lifelong learning.

    Mike James, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale College, gave a presentation on the broad offer from the post-16 sector.

    Amongst other things I highlighted the work the Welsh Government has been doing on Universal Primary Free School Meals, the significant changes taking place in the qualifications landscape in Wales and my vision for Wales to be a second chance nation.

    It was agreed the UK Government will host the next meeting of the UKEMC.

    This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.

  • Jeremy Miles – 2022 Statement on the Verdict of High Court on Relationships and Sexuality Education

    Jeremy Miles – 2022 Statement on the Verdict of High Court on Relationships and Sexuality Education

    The statement made by Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Minister for Education and Welsh Language, on 22 December 2022.

    I would like to update Senedd Members on the decision of the High Court today.

    I welcome the Court’s decision which found in favour of the Welsh Ministers on all grounds.

    The Court rejected the characterisation of the RSE (Relationships and Sexuality Education) curriculum by the claimants. The Court found that “…the content of the Code and the Guidance is consistent with the requirement to take care to ensure that RSE teaching is conveyed in an objective critical and pluralistic manner, and does not breach the prohibition on indoctrination.

    “There is nothing in the Code or the Guidance that authorises or positively approves teaching that advocates or promotes any particular identity or sexual lifestyle over another, or that encourages children to self-identify in a particular way.

    “…In my judgment, both the Code and the Guidance reflect the general spirit of the Convention as an instrument designed to maintain and promote the ideals and values of a modern liberal democracy, including the values of tolerance, respect and equality.”

    We have been clear that RSE is intended to keep children safe and to promote respect and healthy relationships.

    Now more than ever, our children need our help in protecting them from harmful content and people online. RSE should provide young people with confidence to say no to bullies, to call out harassment, and to understand that families come in all shapes and sizes.

    Parents can expect the teaching their children receive to be appropriate for their children’s age and maturity: this is a legal requirement.

    I want parents to understand what is being taught and what resources are being used, and for schools to take the time to have those discussions with parents. This will require time, patience and confidence-building.

    Parents can expect schools to engage with them about their plans for teaching RSE and to be able to raise any constructive questions or anxieties they have about those plans. We will work closely with schools and communities to ensure that they are heard and they are clear about what their children will and will not be taught.

    I would like to put on record that I am appalled by the misinformation that has been purposefully spread by some campaigners, and the additional pressure this has brought upon some schools and workforce.  I want to say to our education workforce that we will support you and we thank you for the contribution you make to the lives of the children you teach.

    We will continue to work with local authorities and schools to support them in rolling out the new curriculum, help them engage with parents, carers and communities, including with resources to support teaching and learning.

    This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.

  • Mark Drakeford – 2022 Statement on Senedd Reform

    Mark Drakeford – 2022 Statement on Senedd Reform

    The statement made by Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, on 16 December 2022.

    Following the Senedd’s endorsement in June of the recommendations made by the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform (SPC), the Welsh Government issued its formal response, committing to prepare and introduce legislation to take those recommendations forward.

    As the Welsh Government response noted: “In some cases, the Senedd’s Business Committee is also asked to consider the recommendations. The Welsh Government will work with the Business Committee on these specific areas”.

    I am grateful to the Business Committee for its recent work in respect of Senedd Reform, and for the conclusions set out in its report published on 9 December. We will take into account these conclusions – which relate to the number of Welsh Ministers, Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officers, and Senedd Commissioners, as well as issues related to Senedd Members seeking to change party between elections – as we develop the relevant legislation and the associated policy and delivery work.

    The Welsh Government continues to progress the overall programme of work required to translate the SPC recommendations into the legislation necessary to implement the reforms, in line with the timescales outlined in the Co-Operation Agreement. In doing so, we will continue to work in partnership with the Senedd Commission and with other partners in developing the overall delivery programme for the reforms. Further engagement with external partners is planned for the new year.

    We will provide a further update to the Senedd on progress with this work by Easter 2023.