Thank you, Presiding Officer. I very much welcome the opportunity for us to debate the potential for tidal lagoons in the UK following the recent publication of the Hendry report. Whilst we support the principle of tidal lagoons in Wales, we are very mindful, of course, to the key considerations and approvals that must be given to any proposed project, including full environmental considerations through the marine licensing process and also obtaining a lease from the Crown Estate. Therefore, Members, I’m sure, will understand that I am limited in what I can say about particular projects or proposals, including the proposed tidal lagoon for Swansea bay, given my statutory role under the marine licensing regime and other statutory processes.

As indicated by the First Minister during his questions on 31 January, we welcome the recently published Hendry report, which supports the case for developing a tidal lagoon energy industry in the UK, and the specific recognition it gives to the Welsh projects already under development around the Welsh coast. Together with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, who will be closing this debate, I had a positive meeting on 25 January with Charles Hendry, in which we discussed the findings of his report, including issues such as financing structure, the proposal for a pathfinder project, the links with other energy developments and decommissioning.

On 6 December I outlined my priorities in relation to energy, one of which is to drive the low-carbon energy transition to deliver maximum benefits for Wales. Tidal lagoons provide a clear opportunity to contribute towards this goal. Wales is well placed to take advantage of tidal energy opportunities, with a high tidal range and much of our 1,200 km of coastline potentially suitable to support tidal energy developments. This means we can grow a vibrant Welsh industry that delivers prosperity while supporting our decarbonisation objectives. We are taking a cross-Government approach to the opportunities offered by tidal lagoons, such as supply chains, skills infrastructure and statutory requirements. We are already developing our skills base and providing practical and financial support for energy opportunities that accelerate the low-carbon transition in these areas.

I will be consulting on a draft national marine plan for Wales this summer. The plan will highlight the strategic significance of our tidal resources and provide an integrated framework for the sustainable development of our seas. This approach enables us to ensure projects around the UK can bring maximum economic benefit to Wales through the development of expertise and supply chains to give us a firm foundation on which to engage with industry and the UK Government.

The UK Government, which is now considering the report findings, needs to fully engage with us in its development of tidal lagoon policy and implementation. Indeed, we have developed an extensive knowledge base to support the industry, which is recognised by Hendry in his report. I hope the publication of the Hendry report will provide the UK Government with sufficient assurance to provide the support this industry requires. We look forward to discussing how the UK Government intends to take the report forward. Officials are working across Government to consider the report’s recommendations and I will provide Members with a further update once I know the direction the UK Government intends to take.

So, to conclude, we have consistently stated our commitment in principle to supporting the development of a sustainable tidal lagoon industry in Wales. We’ve highlighted our support to industries in Wales, and how Wales is ideal for such developments, provided benefits from the developments are retained within Wales. This commitment is set out in our programme for government, ‘Taking Wales Forward’, and I now very much look forward to hearing the views of other Members on the principle of tidal lagoons and the motion under debate today.