As always, we must acknowledge that asylum and immigration policy is not devolved to the Welsh Government. We do not control many of the key levers to make a difference. The plan reflects our efforts to implement positive change in those areas where we have responsibility. It outlines our commitment to continue to work with the UK Government, local authorities, the Welsh Refugee Coalition—who I'll be meeting shortly—and people seeking sanctuary to deliver better outcomes.

It is a very challenging climate for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. The political discourse and media reporting around immigration over the last few years has heightened tensions between communities. Welsh communities have now welcomed close to 1,000 resettled Syrian refugees, with much positivity and very few negative incidents. In that time, Welsh communities have also welcomed many more refugees from across the world who arrived through the spontaneous asylum route. The Welsh Government is opposed to the two-tier system, which penalises those who arrive through the asylum route. In addition, we're also opposed to the closure of the Dubs scheme, which was providing a legal route to safety for refugee children in Europe.  Moreover, we continue to oppose the compliant or hostile environment policies, which counter our international obligations to refugees and asylum seekers. We fundamentally believe in putting people first and not using immigration status as a barrier to support. We celebrate the support that has been given to refugees and asylum seekers regardless of their country of origin, and we aim to help them contribute to Welsh society in a variety of ways.

Refugees and asylum seekers possess experience and skills that are of value to Wales. If we provide these individuals with the right support, we can unlock their potential, with great benefit to this country. One of the key ways to improve support over the coming two years will be via our ReStart: Refugee Integration project, which will deliver an ambitious integration support programme for refugees, primarily in Wales's four asylum dispersal clusters. The project will improve access to language tuition, employability support and local cultural knowledge to aid integration. At least 520 refugees will receive a holistic assessment of their needs and be given targeted support to help their efforts to integrate into society.

The nation of sanctuary plan takes a holistic approach to help the integration of people seeking sanctuary. It will be supported by our soon-to-be launched sanctuary website. The site will provide a wealth of relevant information in one accessible location for refugees and asylum seekers. Ensuring that people seeking sanctuary can develop their knowledge of life in Wales and understand their rights and opportunities is vital to help their integration and settlement. The site includes sections on health, education and employment, as well as language and general information on the culture and history of Wales.

The plan I'm launching today highlights a range of targeted and culturally appropriate support to best suit the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. We recognise the importance of designing and delivering services that take these needs into account: mental health services that address the difficult and individual experiences of people seeking sanctuary; interventions to mitigate the risk of refugees and asylum seekers from falling into destitution and actions to prevent these vulnerable individuals from being exploited; and support to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are safeguarded, in particular unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. For example, we've provided funding to local authority social services that aims to establish an evidence base for a guardianship service for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. This would include any demand for such a service and what it could look like. The funding is also available for social worker training in age assessment, immigration law and cultural awareness.

We believe the plan is another step in the right direction and will be monitored rigorously to deliver on the objectives and actions. We recognise there is more to be done. I will continue to explore new ways to provide more inclusive services for people seeking sanctuary, and we intend to maintain momentum following the publication of the plan.

It is in nobody’s interest to prevent individuals from seeking to take up opportunities and adding to the diversity of our communities. Eligible refugees and their family members are able to access statutory student support. The Minister for Education has confirmed that our officials are also exploring possible changes to the eligibility criteria for statutory student funding to enable asylum seekers to benefit from the support available.

We recognise that asylum seekers are often isolated and their mental health can deteriorate through no right to work and very little money to access the wider community. The Minister for Economy and Transport has confirmed that officials are exploring the potential for asylum seekers to become a specific group of persons to benefit from discounted bus travel. Persons aged 60 and over or who are disabled and reside in Wales are already eligible to apply to the relevant local authority for a bus pass, which should entitle them to free bus travel throughout Wales.

We are delighted that the UNHCR—the UN high commissioner for refugees—representative to the UK has provided a wholehearted endorsement of the plan. The UNHCR is the UN's refugee agency and is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of people seeking sanctuary. We value the words of support and encouragement from the UNHCR and we appreciate this acknowledgement of our efforts to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

Over the next few years, we intend to build upon this plan to ensure Wales is truly a nation of sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers, for the improvement of everybody in society.