National Assembly for Wales

The Welsh Government will be setting out its vision for international relations with a new International Strategy.

The Welsh Government will not propose an increase in the number of Members of the Senedd.

The increase to 96 Members followed recommendations from a series of reports dating back to 2004. We now have a Senedd which better reflects the additional powers and responsibilities it has acquired since the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) is a highly precise form of radiotherapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to a tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Using advanced imaging and treatment techniques, SABR is typically delivered in a small number of fractions, providing an effective and targeted treatment option for selected patients.

The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) is responsible for commissioning SABR for a range of cancer types and has worked with the three regional cancer centres in Wales to support equitable access to this technique, where clinically appropriate.

SABR is not routinely commissioned for localised prostate cancer in Wales at present. Instead, the NHS in Wales offers extreme hypofractionated radiotherapy (EHFRT), typically delivered in five or seven fractions, in line with Health Technology Wales advice supporting its effectiveness and cost‑efficiency.

Emerging evidence, including findings from the PACE trial and recent commissioning developments in other parts of the UK, suggests that five‑fraction SABR may offer comparable clinical outcomes for selected patients with prostate cancer. The NHS in Wales will continue to keep this evidence under review to inform future commissioning decisions.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) is a highly precise form of radiotherapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to a tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Using advanced imaging and treatment techniques, SABR is typically delivered in a small number of fractions, providing an effective and targeted treatment option for selected patients.

The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) is responsible for commissioning SABR for a range of cancer types and has worked with the three regional cancer centres in Wales to support equitable access to this technique, where clinically appropriate.

SABR is not routinely commissioned for localised prostate cancer in Wales at present. Instead, the NHS in Wales offers extreme hypofractionated radiotherapy (EHFRT), typically delivered in five or seven fractions, in line with Health Technology Wales advice supporting its effectiveness and cost‑efficiency.

Emerging evidence, including findings from the PACE trial and recent commissioning developments in other parts of the UK, suggests that five‑fraction SABR may offer comparable clinical outcomes for selected patients with prostate cancer. The NHS in Wales will continue to keep this evidence under review to inform future commissioning decisions.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out the actions we are taking across the Welsh Government and with partners to improve mental health and wellbeing, and to improve mental health services. The Strategy includes a range of measures that we will use to track our progress.

The Welsh Government is using our NYTH/NEST framework to bring a partnership approach to mental health and wellbeing support for babies, children and young people. We are introducing a new young person’s engagement resource to support settings to gather children, and young people’s views on mental health and wellbeing services so their voices are informing improvement and change to services. We are also publishing podcasts discussing good practice in delivering mental health and wellbeing support.

Children and young people should get the support they need, when they need and we believe there should be no wrong door for mental health support. We are transforming mental health services to provide same-day access, ensuring people of all ages can access the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.

We support a number of third sector organisations who provide a range of specialist services and helplines, and these are advertised in schools, youth clubs and online to ensure young people know about the support available. Health boards also commission a range of third sector organisations to deliver support as part of local mental health services. Health boards also have local arrangements to raise awareness of services, support and how to access them.

We have also published information for schools about services available in each region and the Dewis website offers a comprehensive list of support services searchable by area and specialism. Part of ensuring children and young people are aware of what support is available to them is ensuring that support is joined up and the system is easy to navigate and access. Work is also underway through our NEST framework to achieve a joined-up system. To drive this change, we are developing a No Wrong Door checklist for regions to structure their no wrong door approach and ensure families have easy access to expertise.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out the actions we are taking across the Welsh Government and with partners to improve mental health and wellbeing, and to improve mental health services. The Strategy includes a range of measures that we will use to track our progress.

The Welsh Government is using our NYTH/NEST framework to bring a partnership approach to mental health and wellbeing support for babies, children and young people. We are introducing a new young person’s engagement resource to support settings to gather children, and young people’s views on mental health and wellbeing services so their voices are informing improvement and change to services. We are also publishing podcasts discussing good practice in delivering mental health and wellbeing support.

Children and young people should get the support they need, when they need and we believe there should be no wrong door for mental health support. We are transforming mental health services to provide same-day access, ensuring people of all ages can access the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.

We support a number of third sector organisations who provide a range of specialist services and helplines, and these are advertised in schools, youth clubs and online to ensure young people know about the support available. Health boards also commission a range of third sector organisations to deliver support as part of local mental health services. Health boards also have local arrangements to raise awareness of services, support and how to access them.

We have also published information for schools about services available in each region and the Dewis website offers a comprehensive list of support services searchable by area and specialism. Part of ensuring children and young people are aware of what support is available to them is ensuring that support is joined up and the system is easy to navigate and access. Work is also underway through our NEST framework to achieve a joined-up system. To drive this change, we are developing a No Wrong Door checklist for regions to structure their no wrong door approach and ensure families have easy access to expertise.

The Welsh Government is committed to improving integration between bus and rail services in Newport as part of our wider plans for a more joined up public transport network across Wales.

The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 will enable the delivery of greater integration across the public transport network in Wales. Transport for Wales (TfW), on behalf of Welsh Ministers, will plan routes, fares and service standards in the public interest, supporting more coordinated services and integrated ticketing.  The new franchising framework for delivering bus services will be rolled out regionally across Wales, with South East Wales being the third region to be rolled out. TfW has undertaken extensive engagement with stakeholders in Newport, including Newport City Council and bus  operators, which will continue during the transition into the new framework, in order to inform network design and delivery. By 2030, franchising will be in place across Wales, providing the foundation for integration between bus and rail services.

A public consultation has been held by TfW for the proposed 3 "Burns" stations within Newport. The new stations will be safe and accessible with bus interchange included where it is possible to do so. The consultation report published in December last year included and reflected all respondents views on bus connectivity for the stations and will be used to inform the design and delivery of the new stations.

Alongside this, TfW is developing a single digital travel companion to bring together journey planning, booking and payment into one easier-to-use platform across app, website and customer account. This will support more seamless door-to-door journeys across different modes of transport and over time enable simpler and more flexible ticketing.

Significant progress is being made to establish the Town Centre Taskforce, which will consider issues affecting both town and city centres, with key elements of its structure and leadership now being put in place. We are establishing the Taskforce within the first 100 days as part of our commitment to a revitalised approach to town centres across Wales.

I will make further announcements once I am in a position to confirm appointments.

While responsibility for the local road network within Newport, such as around High Cross, rests with Newport City Council, I fully recognise that congestion on the M4 around Newport is a significant contributing factor to pressures on the city’s roads. Addressing motorway conditions is therefore an important part of improving overall traffic flow within the city.

As the Member will be aware, I announced on 9 June a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a meaningful difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport. This work will build on the substantial body of evidence already developed by previous governments and will consider what interventions may now be most effective and deliverable. I intend to report back to Members in the autumn term, setting out the outcome of this work and the Government’s proposed way forward.

Alongside this, our approach is increasingly focused on reducing reliance on private car use with the provision of public transport alternatives that make travel easier, cheaper and oftentimes, faster. We have now moved to a more regional model for transport delivery. The South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee has a key role in setting priorities and delivering the Regional Transport Plan, working closely with Transport for Wales, Newport City Council and other partners.

Any interventions, whether at High Cross or more broadly, need to be considered within that wider regional context - supporting more attractive public transport options, encouraging modal shift, tackling congestion, and ensuring that investment decisions are affordable, evidence-led and aligned with regional priorities.

Local authorities are responsible for planning school places. Our priority is to raise literacy standards in both Welsh and English ensuring all learners have the opportunity to become bilingual through the education system, building strong skills in both Welsh and English.

The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act, passed unanimously in the Senedd last year, provides a clear framework to achieve this.

The Welsh Government publishes annual analysis of financial reserves held by schools in Wales.

The latest figures show that at 31 March 2025, 296 primary, 71 secondary, 9 special, 2 nursery and 15 middle schools in Wales had negative reserves totalling £72 million.

The remaining 1,074 schools had positive reserves. The overall level of reserves held by schools in Wales was £66 million at 31 March 2025.

The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area.

When making substantial changes to schools, including closing a school, local authorities and other proposers must comply with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, which sets out the statutory procedures that must be followed.

In recognition of the importance of schools in rural communities, the Code was strengthened in 2018, establishing a procedural presumption against the closure of rural schools. This does not mean that rural schools will never close, however the case for closure must be strong and not taken until all viable alternatives have been explored. It sets high standards for consultation, giving all those with an interest the chance to make their views known.

We are committed to reviewing how the presumption against the closure of rural schools policy is being implemented to ensure decisions are guided by the best interests of learners.

Whilst there is no statutory duty to consult on the closure of small schools as defined in the 2013 Act, proposers must still take into account a range of factors; the prime consideration being the interests of learners. If a small school is designated as rural, proposers must also follow the further requirements as prescribed in the Code. They must fully assess the impact on the community and are required to undertake a Welsh language impact assessment.

The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area.

When making substantial changes to schools, including closing a school, local authorities and other proposers must comply with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, which sets out the statutory procedures that must be followed.

In recognition of the importance of schools in rural communities, the Code was strengthened in 2018, establishing a procedural presumption against the closure of rural schools. This does not mean that rural schools will never close, however the case for closure must be strong and not taken until all viable alternatives have been explored. It sets high standards for consultation, giving all those with an interest the chance to make their views known.

We are committed to reviewing how the presumption against the closure of rural schools policy is being implemented to ensure decisions are guided by the best interests of learners.

Whilst there is no statutory duty to consult on the closure of small schools as defined in the 2013 Act, proposers must still take into account a range of factors; the prime consideration being the interests of learners. If a small school is designated as rural, proposers must also follow the further requirements as prescribed in the Code. They must fully assess the impact on the community and are required to undertake a Welsh language impact assessment.

An initial £100,000 has been allocated to support work on odour monitoring at landfill sites in Wales. Should the programme develop further, additional funding may be required.

We recognise the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the threat posed by squirrelpox and the potential role that vaccination could play alongside ongoing grey squirrel control and habitat management. We are keen to ensure that our approach is proportionate, evidence-based and focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the species.

Red squirrels are a species of principle importance under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and an important component of Wales’ natural heritage. The section 7 list identifies priority species and habitats in Wales that are most important for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Their conservation aligns strongly with our wider biodiversity and ecosystem resilience objectives. Public authorities must take account of the section 7 list when exercising their functions.

Local authorities are required by Section 167 of the Housing Act 1996 to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing.

We are establishing a Town Centre Task Force which will advise on the best ways to support town and city centres across Wales.

Work has started to establish Unnos that will be an enabler for increasing and importantly accelerating social housing supply. It’s important that Unnos has the tools, resources and budget it will need to deliver the outcomes I want it to achieve. This work is ongoing and I will provide an update to Members in due course.

Work has started to establish Unnos that will be an enabler for increasing and importantly accelerating social housing supply. It’s important that Unnos has the tools, resources and budget it will need to deliver the outcomes I want it to achieve. This work is ongoing and I will provide an update to Members in due course.