First Minister warns of devolution fragility as Senedd marks 25th anniversary
The first minister warned that devolution remains fragile as Senedd members reflected on the 25th anniversary of the first election to the then-National Assembly. Vaughan Gething described the findings of an independent commission on Wales’ constitutional future as a “wake-up…
Concerns voiced as prepayment meter ban lifted
Wales must safeguard vulnerable people at risk of fuel poverty after a ban on energy companies forcibly fitting prepayment meters came to an end, a committee warned. Jack Sargeant led a debate about a petitions committee inquiry into the prepayment…
Calls for cease-fire in Gaza repeated in the Senedd
The Senedd reiterated calls for an end to the horrors of the Israel-Hamas war. Peredur Owen Griffiths led a debate on the conflict almost six months on from the Senedd voting in favour of Plaid Cymru’s calls for an immediate…
One in one-hundred children living in care in Wales
TOO many children are being taken from their families, the first minister admitted, with more than one child in every 100 in Wales now living in care. Vaughan Gething also warned far too many children and young people do not…
Housing secretary for Wales quizzed on affordability of rent
The housing secretary poured cold water on suggestions Wales could follow Scotland’s lead by introducing similar rent controls, saying early indications show it has not worked. Julie James was pressed for her views on rent controls in Scotland while giving…
Senedd rejects calls for free schools & academies amid major challenges in Wales’ education system
The Senedd rejected calls to introduce free schools and academies after a report found major challenges in Wales’ education system. Tom Giffard led a Conservative debate on educational attainment, warning that Wales is consistently at the bottom of UK-wide league…
Welsh Water must take steps to improve warns MSs following performance inquiry
MSs warned Welsh Water must take urgent steps to improve, with growing calls for a regulatory and governance overhaul amid concerns about a lack of accountability. Llŷr Gruffydd, who chairs the Senedd’s climate change committee, led a debate on a…
Transport secretary confirms change of course on controversial 20mph policy
Wales’ new transport secretary confirmed a change of course on the controversial 20mph policy but continued to face calls to scrap the default speed limit completely. Ken Skates told the Senedd the 20mph policy will be targeted at schools, hospitals,…
MS Carolyn Thomas calls for national resilience plan against flooding
A Senedd member recalled her family’s own experience of the devastating impact of flooding as she called for a national resilience plan. Warning of more frequent monsoon-like rainfall, Carolyn Thomas told the chamber the first time her home was impacted…
Senedd member calls for Wales to establish overdose prevention centres
A SENEDD member called for Wales to establish overdose prevention centres to save lives, reduce harm and protect communities. Peredur Owen Griffiths warned that the number of drug deaths in Wales is up more than 50% over the past 10…