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Laura Anne Jones, who represents the Welsh Conservatives, is one of four regional Senedd Members serving the South Wales East region. She is also the shadow secretary for housing, local government and the Armed Forces.

I was delighted to see, on the eve of the Wales vs England Six Nations finale, that the tournament will remain free-to-air in Wales in the UK until at least 2029. It’s so important that our national sport is available to everyone, not just people who can afford expensive sports subscriptions.

The result was, of course, very tough to take, but making sure the sport is for everyone is going to be crucial to rebuilding our national side.

On a more serious note, it has been disheartening to see the wildfires that are sweeping Caerphilly near Pwllypant. Luckily no one has been hurt, but I want to thank the South Wales Fire and Rescue Services and the local authority for tackling the blaze.

During the Covid pandemic many lives, and businesses were destroyed. Sadly, the effect of the pandemic is still being felt today in Caerphilly, and across Wales.

Despite this, the Welsh Government blocked Covid Committee witnesses from giving evidence under oath. This is a clear example of the Welsh Labour Government running away from public scrutiny.

Bereaved families still suffering from personal losses across Wales deserve answers, not words they can’t trust. I will continue to fight Welsh Labour on this in the Senedd and push for a vote to overturn Labour’s shady decision so they can be held to account for their poor handling of the pandemic.

The recently released Estyn report shows just how much this Welsh Labour Government has failed schools across the country. The report noted a significant decline in teacher recruitment and retention, especially in secondary schools.

The number of initial teacher education students has reduced by nearly half since 2014. On attendance, the report highlights the percentage of secondary-age pupils who are absent for more than 20% of sessions more than tripled between 2018/19 and 2022/23.

This report shows just what happens when the Welsh Government doesn’t put money into the right places, local authorities need far more support financially to improve our schools, as the number of Welsh schools that are in debt tripled last year.

I would like to see more money sent directly to schools, as they know where it’s needing to be sent. We will not see an improvement in education until this changes. This is something I have repeatedly called for in and out of the chamber, and it’s about time the Welsh Government listen and take action before it’s too late.