Meetings

NDM8890 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that today marks a year until the 2026 Senedd election, and that since the last election:

a) NHS waiting lists have increased by approximately 200,000;

b) Wales’s continued economic under-performance is reflected by an employment rate that is the lowest of the UK nations;

c) child poverty levels are set to reach their highest rates in 30 years by the end of this decade; and

d) Wales’s scores are the lowest they have ever been since first participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2006.

2. Believes that:

a) the Welsh Labour Government has abandoned those who put it in power;

b) educational, economic and health outcomes will be better under fresh leadership;

c) the interests of the people of Wales cannot be served by a Welsh Government answerable to the UK Prime Minister; and

d) the people of Wales will benefit from further devolution and ultimately, independence.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to maximise the potential of devolution, demand that Wales is granted parity of powers with Scotland, and stand up to the UK Government’s disrespectful treatment of Wales.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)
Delete all and replace with -
Propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes that today marks a year until the 2026 Senedd election, and that since the last election, as a result of the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru's Co-Operation Agreement:
a) NHS waiting lists have increased by approximately 200,000;
b) Wales’s continued economic under-performance is reflected by an employment rate that is the lowest of the UK nations;
c) child poverty levels are set to reach their highest rates in 30 years by the end of this decade;
d) Wales’s scores are the lowest they have ever been since first participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2006;
e) 20mph default speed limits have been introduced; and
f) plans to increase the number of Senedd Members by 36 have been introduced.

2. Further notes that the Welsh Government has failed to stand up to the UK Government on behalf of the people of Wales on matters such as their inheritance tax policy, the winter fuel allowance removal, and the increase in employer’s national insurance costs.
3. Believes that the Welsh Labour Government has abandoned those who put it in power.
4. Recognises that Plaid Cymru has supported the Welsh Labour Government and should also be accountable for the impact of their policies.
5. Believes that Wales needs a Welsh Conservative government to deliver the better economic, education and health outcomes that the people of Wales deserve.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Commends the Welsh Labour Government for its determination to protect frontline services and deliver for communities across Wales, despite the pressures created by an increasingly tight financial settlement.
2. Acknowledges that the current Barnett-based funding arrangements do not fully account for Wales’s needs and supports constructive engagement between both Labour governments to secure a fairer, long-term funding model.
3. Notes the pressing need for a fair funding settlement that reflects the specific needs and circumstances of Wales.
4. Further recognises the Welsh Government’s track record of delivering progressive policies - such as free prescriptions, the continuation of the education maintenance allowance, and the rollout of universal free primary school meals - that demonstrate Labour’s values in action, even in the face of budgetary constraints.
5. Notes the tangible progress being made in reducing NHS waiting lists in Wales through targeted investment and reform, while acknowledging the need for sustained support to meet rising demand.
6. Supports continued joint working between the Welsh and UK Labour governments to secure fairer funding, drive economic renewal, and improve the lives of people across Wales.

The item started at 16.50

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM8890 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that today marks a year until the 2026 Senedd election, and that since the last election:

a) NHS waiting lists have increased by approximately 200,000;

b) Wales’s continued economic under-performance is reflected by an employment rate that is the lowest of the UK nations;

c) child poverty levels are set to reach their highest rates in 30 years by the end of this decade; and

d) Wales’s scores are the lowest they have ever been since first participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2006.

2. Believes that:

a) the Welsh Labour Government has abandoned those who put it in power;

b) educational, economic and health outcomes will be better under fresh leadership;

c) the interests of the people of Wales cannot be served by a Welsh Government answerable to the UK Prime Minister; and

d) the people of Wales will benefit from further devolution and ultimately, independence.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to maximise the potential of devolution, demand that Wales is granted parity of powers with Scotland, and stand up to the UK Government’s disrespectful treatment of Wales.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)
Delete all and replace with -
Propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes that today marks a year until the 2026 Senedd election, and that since the last election, as a result of the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru's Co-Operation Agreement:
a) NHS waiting lists have increased by approximately 200,000;
b) Wales’s continued economic under-performance is reflected by an employment rate that is the lowest of the UK nations;
c) child poverty levels are set to reach their highest rates in 30 years by the end of this decade;
d) Wales’s scores are the lowest they have ever been since first participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2006;
e) 20mph default speed limits have been introduced; and
f) plans to increase the number of Senedd Members by 36 have been introduced.

2. Further notes that the Welsh Government has failed to stand up to the UK Government on behalf of the people of Wales on matters such as their inheritance tax policy, the winter fuel allowance removal, and the increase in employer’s national insurance costs.
3. Believes that the Welsh Labour Government has abandoned those who put it in power.
4. Recognises that Plaid Cymru has supported the Welsh Labour Government and should also be accountable for the impact of their policies.
5. Believes that Wales needs a Welsh Conservative government to deliver the better economic, education and health outcomes that the people of Wales deserve.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Commends the Welsh Labour Government for its determination to protect frontline services and deliver for communities across Wales, despite the pressures created by an increasingly tight financial settlement.
2. Acknowledges that the current Barnett-based funding arrangements do not fully account for Wales’s needs and supports constructive engagement between both Labour governments to secure a fairer, long-term funding model.
3. Notes the pressing need for a fair funding settlement that reflects the specific needs and circumstances of Wales.
4. Further recognises the Welsh Government’s track record of delivering progressive policies - such as free prescriptions, the continuation of the education maintenance allowance, and the rollout of universal free primary school meals - that demonstrate Labour’s values in action, even in the face of budgetary constraints.
5. Notes the tangible progress being made in reducing NHS waiting lists in Wales through targeted investment and reform, while acknowledging the need for sustained support to meet rising demand.
6. Supports continued joint working between the Welsh and UK Labour governments to secure fairer funding, drive economic renewal, and improve the lives of people across Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

As the Senedd did not agree the motion without amendment, and did not agree the amendments tabled to the motion, the motion was therefore not agreed.