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 call of the fragility of devolution as we know it”.

Mr Gething said the report highlights the opportunity costs of doing nothing to actively improve democracy and civil engagement in Wales.

He told the chamber, also known as the Siambr: “We have real challenges before us, and we cannot ever be complacent about our ability to achieve more for Wales.

“A better future for Wales needs us to take action and continue the devolution journey.”

The First Minister highlighted “successes” of devolution so far, including carrier bag charges, free prescriptions, Wales’ opt-out system for organ donation and a new curriculum.

Andrew RT Davies criticised those on the right of Welsh politics – including some in his own party – who argue the Senedd should be abolished.

“I don’t agree with that,” said the Tory group leader. “And I will argue every time with anyone who says that Wales should put its parliament to one side and go back to a 1950s, 1960s model of government. That’s not the modern Wales we want to see.”

Mr Davies disagreed that devolution sets a trajectory towards inevitable independence as he called for a relentless focus on utilising current powers to improve people’s lives.

Raising concerns about low turnout, he said the legitimacy of the Welsh Parliament will grow if a greater proportion of people vote in Senedd elections.

He said: “There is a lot of work to do and the big job of work is to get the people of Wales engaged as to what we can do as a parliament and what you can do as a government.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth called for more innovation in the delivery of public services in Wales, with devolution providing a buffer against the headwinds of Westminster and beyond.

The Plaid Cymru leader highlighted that Wales Governance Centre data shows a majority of people want more devolution, with support for independence almost tripling since 1999.

He urged the Welsh Government to carve a distinct path for constitutional change in Wales.

Mr Iorwerth lamented missed opportunities to make strides towards tackling challenges around the economy, health, education and child poverty.

He said: “Let us ensure the next 25 years focus on proving the true value of devolution, by tackling those challenges … and strengthening our democracy.”

Jane Dodds paid tribute to former Lib-Dem members Mick Bates and Aled Roberts, two “very loyal and committed public servants”, who died in recent years.

The Lib Dems’ leader in Wales pointed out that her predecessor, Kirsty Williams, guided backbench legislation on nurse staffing levels through the Senedd onto the statute book.

Ms Dodds, who represents Mid and West Wales, told the chamber her mother was part of a stakeholder group that helped in the development of the then-Assembly.

“She wasn’t a politician at all; she was a community agitator,” she said. “And that’s where, I think, we should be going back to: listening to those community agitators, making sure that we involve everybody across Wales….

“We have an awesome opportunity to continue to change Wales, to make it more radical, progressive, surprising and inspiring, but we do need to get back to listening.”

Vikki Howells, a Labour backbencher who represents Cynon Valley, said it should be a matter of pride that the Senedd has not only endured but matured.

The former history teacher at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive said: “It’s not always been an easy journey, but we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before us and worked hard to establish a confident, outward-looking parliament.”

Luke Fletcher, who was three at the time of the 1999 election, pointed out that a generation has grown up with the Senedd.

The Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West stressed that delivering improvements to people’s lives must be the focus of the next 25 years.

John Griffiths, who is one of the four sitting members first elected in 1999, called for new constitutional arrangements to recognise the reality of a devolved UK.

Adam Price, the former Plaid Cymru leader, raised concerns about low turnout, with less than half of the electorate voting in the six Senedd elections since 1999.

He said “I think the failure to achieve more than 50% turnout in any of the elections since the creation of the institution is a problem that we have to solve, isn’t it?

“Because the longer that continues, the more it will erode the legitimacy but also the effectiveness of this institution.”

Mr Price, a former MP, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, urged Wales to introduce mandatory voting for the 2030 election.

Mr Gething said he personally supports compulsory voting but the Welsh Government does not yet have a fixed position, suggesting it is not among his administration’s priorities.

Heledd Fychan, the Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central, highlighted that Wales was the first UK nation to introduce free access to museums.

She said: “It was a huge success; within a year, we saw an increase of 88% in those accessing our national collections, going from 764,599 to 1.4 million, which is incredible.”

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservative MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, who was seven in 1999, urged the public to have their say at the ballot box.

Closing the statement on May 7, Elin Jones, who is the speaker or Llywydd, stressed that it is the people’s Senedd, not a politicians’ parliament.

She said: “We were elected to look forward, and to plan for the future, and that’s what we’re doing here, for the next 25 years, and, indeed, the next century.”

THE COMMUNITY of Milford Haven was struck with sadness upon hearing the sudden but peaceful passing of Mr. Josh Harding, aged 28, at his home on Wednesday, May 1.

Josh, a resident of Stone Court, Milford Haven, was the beloved son of Jimmy and the late Trudy, and a cherished brother of James, Justin, and Jordan.

Described as a warm-hearted individual, Josh was dearly loved by all who knew him, leaving a profound impact on the lives of those around him.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of many, as they come to terms with the loss of a dear friend and family member.

There have been so many tributes left on social media: Bev Jenkins fondly remembers the joyful moments shared with Josh, reminiscing about his laughter and the sound of the bus bell he often rang. Her tribute reflects the sentiment echoed by many, emphasizing the impact of Josh’s presence and the void his passing leaves behind. Jo Patton joined the conversation, reflecting on Josh’s cheeky personality, a trait that brought laughter and joy to those around him. Jackie Lawlor shared how Josh was adored and loved, leaving an imprint of warmth and affection wherever he went. Sally Hicks reminisced about the joyous moments shared with Josh, recalling playful memories from their time at Portfield. Rach Jones fondly remembers seeing Josh and his carer during school runs, noting their infectious smiles and polite demeanor. Caroline Rozblat reflected on Josh’s beautiful smile and the precious moments shared at school.

As tributes continue to pour in, the overwhelming outpouring of love and fond memories stands as a testament to the profound impact of Josh’s life.

The funeral service to commemorate the life of Josh is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 24, at 10:45am at St. Katharine’s & St. Peter’s Church in Milford Haven. Following the service, a committal will be held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12:15 pm.

In a gesture of remembrance and support for a cause close to Josh’s heart, the family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Portfield School.

Contributions can be made through the fundraising page set up in Josh’s memory at https://www.gofundme.com/f/josh-harding.

The passing of Josh Harding has undoubtedly left a deep sense of sorrow within the Milford Haven community, yet his memory will continue to be cherished by those whose lives he touched.

As friends and family come together to bid farewell, their collective support and fond memories serve as a testament to the positive impact he had on everyone.

IN LIGHT of the shocking statistic that an average of 45 people drown in Wales every year, the Welsh Government has pledged its support to a vision of Wales without drowning.

A funding package is being delivered to Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of organisations with an interest in water safety and drowning prevention.

Welsh Government support to ensure the effective delivery of Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 comes in light of statistics revealing the drowning rate in Wales is roughly double that of the UK as a whole. In addition:

• 48 people lost their lives in water related fatalities in 2022.  
• 1,755 water related incidents in Wales required an emergency response each year, equating to around five every day (WDPS 2020-2026).
• Figures collated by Swim Wales show only 41 per cent of children in Years 3-6 in Wales can swim.

The Welsh Government is committed to promoting the safe participation in water activities and today’s announcement will support the strategy’s aims to enable the safe enjoyments of of Wales’ coast and inland waters. An event will take place at the Pier Head to celebrate the strengthened link between Water Safety Wales and the Welsh Government, with key note speakers.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs will address the event on Wednesday. He says: “I am grateful to all of those working to improve water safety awareness and help reduce the number of water-related incidents and fatalities in Wales.

“Through the achievement and recognition of the Mark Allen’s Law petition, we are not just commemorating a life lost but taking positive steps to protecting others.

“The Senedd Petition Committee’s recommendations are comprehensive and we are committed to addressing the challenges that contribute to water related incidents in Wales.

“Through our collaborative work with partners, we will continue to identify and address hazards, foster a culture of water safety from an early age and keep our waters as safe as possible.”

Chris Cousens, Water Safety Wales chair says: ‘Wales’ seas and inland open waters – enjoyed by millions each year – are the best anywhere in the world and we want to help people enjoy them safely. We are  delighted to have the support of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs and his teams in reducing drowning in Wales. The financial support provided will allow a step change in our efforts to effectively deliver Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026. We hope it is a first step toward a long and close relationship working on drowning prevention in Wales in the years to come.’

The strategy promotes a consistent and common approach to water safety, drowning prevention and water safety education and awareness. It aims to work in a collaborative multi-agency approach to identify and target harden areas of risk and develop and implement Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-26.

Amount the aims are promoting public awareness of water-related risks and the safe participation in water activities across Wales, developing learning to swim and water safety education.

The group also works closely with families affected by water-related incidents and welcoming the proposal is Leanne Bartley from Ruthin, mum of Mark Allen who sadly died in an incident at a reservoir in 2018. Leeanne’s petition was a catalyst for change and she will be speaking of her experiences at the event.

Leanne says: ‘To lose a loved one to drowning is truly devastating; the impact on families left behind is shattering. Nothing I do will bring back Mark, but what I can do is help ensure other families don’t have to suffer in the way we have. The sad thing is the majority of drowning incidents are preventable, which is why I’m committed to working alongside Water Safety Wales to highlight the risk and work towards the vision of a Wales without drowning. To have this support from Welsh Government is a massive step forward, we are incredibly grateful for this support.’