This Friday, 18 October, is Show Racism the Red Card or Wear Red Day. It's an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the devastating effects that racial abuse can have on everyday life in our schools, communities and even on a sports field.

Nobody can be unaffected by the dreadful scenes from Bulgaria last Monday, involving racist chanting and gestures towards the England football team. The scenes we witnessed were chilling, distressing and, above all else, totally unacceptable, either on the sports field or anywhere else. So, I'm pleased that the Football Association of Wales and the Welsh clubs are supporting the red card month of action to highlight the problem and support the efforts of the campaign to educate us all that racism has no part in any life.

We have a duty to call it out, and that's why I'll be supporting Show Racism the Red Card on Friday. We are a proud sporting nation—wearing red comes naturally to us, whether it's the rugby or the football shirt. But, every time we put that red shirt on, we should pause to remember what the message of Friday is: stand up to racism.

We are a proud nation, proud to celebrate our rich diverse culture, and join other to celebrate in theirs. It's what makes us tick. And we should stand up to those who, by their narrow-minded views, aim to destroy this, especially now as we see race and hate crimes rising. That's why not just this Friday, but every day, we should show racism the red card—dangos y cerdyn coch i hiliaeth. [Applause.]