National Assembly for Wales

Since coming into Government, we are undertaking a detailed examination of spending to ensure it reflects the priorities people told us mattered. This approach will allow us to direct funding where it will make the greatest impact, improving outcomes, raising standards, boosting public sector productivity and delivering this Government’s priorities.

Public procurement is critical in building a stronger Welsh economy. That is why we are developing a new Wales procurement policy statement that reflects our ambition to grow public spending within Wales, alongside measures designed to increase the share of public sector expenditure benefiting Welsh businesses and manufacturers.

I am working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure our budget delivers our manifesto commitments. Many of the commitments in the cross-cutting disabled people's rights plan are focused on improving accessibility. Since taking office, we have launched Croeso i Bawb, a grant scheme supporting capital investment that will improve access for disabled visitors and others with access requirements.

I am engaging with parties across the Senedd and will continue those discussions in the weeks ahead. My focus is on finding agreement where we can, so that funding reaches the public services and communities that need it. That requires a constructive approach from everyone involved.

My priorities for the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee are to advance Welsh Government priorities ahead of the UK autumn budget, including fiscal reform, fairer funding arrangements, delivery of rail investment commitments, cost-of-living support and increased investment in Wales. I will also strengthen relationships with counterparts and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Ministerial overseas visits provide a platform for engagement at the highest level with international partners. The presentation of Symffoni’r Môr Mawr symbolised the enduring friendship between Wales and the USA. This type of diplomatic engagement is just one way in which we build relationships and reap tangible benefits for Wales.      

The Welsh Government supports young people’s sporting development through its investment in Sport Wales, which works with national governing bodies. Rugby pathways are led by the Welsh Rugby Union, and our role is to support a strong, inclusive system that gives young players across Wales opportunities to participate, progress and fulfil their potential.

Sport plays a vital role in our communities, which is why we are investing £34 million in 2026-27 through Sport Wales to support participation and opportunity across Wales. We also recognise the need to better understand the investment required to strengthen grass-roots sport. An audit of community and regional sports facilities is in progress to help target future investment and ensure sport remains accessible to everyone.