I’m grateful for the motion before us today, because it reminds us all of the immense contribution made to our NHS by many workers from overseas. I’d like to take this opportunity to send them a clear message of thanks and gratitude for all that they have done for our country and continue to do so. There are already some huge shortages in certain staff areas. Between 2013 and 2015, there has been a 50 per cent increase in nursing vacancies. For doctors, there’s been a 60 per cent increase in vacancies full stop. We need to recognise that we simply cannot train enough people to keep up with the growing number of posts and the growing specialisations. The BMA, for example, says it takes around 15 years for a medical student to become a consultant, so, therefore, that makes workforce planning extremely difficult.

And, of course, the pressures on the NHS are changing. We have a growing population that is older and has more complex needs. So, we’re lucky to be able to recruit workers from abroad, and they add far more value to our NHS than just a pair of hands or technical skill. The rapport with patients, the bedside manner, of some overseas workers is wonderful to behold and really adds value to our NHS and adds value to our practice, particularly in the areas of social care and nursing.

The vote to exit the European Union did change the playing field, but it is my sincere belief that the vast majority of Wales’s people, despite voting to leave, would not want to see an end to doctors and nurses from overseas continuing to practice here in Wales. We cannot close the door to foreign workers. I admit that we must respect that the majority of those who voted for Brexit did so for a multiplicity of reasons, but predominantly because they wish to see some form of reduction in the freedom of movement and less immigration from the European Union into the United Kingdom. But that is why I think that we, as Welsh Conservatives, would absolutely support the Welsh Government amendment, because we think that we need to ask the Welsh Government to explore all the available options on the table with the United Kingdom Government so that we can continue to recruit these outstanding people to support us, our communities, our national health service and our social care.

Donna Kinnair, the director of nursing policy and practice at the Royal College of Nursing, has said:

‘Nurses trained in other countries have contributed to the NHS since its inception.

‘The health service would not cope without their contribution, and with the future supply of nurses looking uncertain this situation will not change any time soon.’

Let me just say that little bit again:

‘Nurses trained in other countries have contributed to the NHS since its inception.’

I, for one, have no intention of turning my back on them now.