Many people of an older generation will recall being physically punished both by parents at home and by teachers at school. But things have changed, and this Bill is not about judging the actions or decisions of parents in the past, whose parenting decisions were based on the information and social norms prevalent then. Certainly, there is more research, professional advice and psychological insight available to today's parents, helping them raise children without resorting to physical punishment.

So, the overarching aim of this Bill is to help protect children's rights. Removing the defence of reasonable punishment brings Wales in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is central to our approach to give children the best start in life, and to help them achieve their potential. It'll provide much-need clarity to parents and the professionals who work with families. It will eliminate the current potential for confusion and ambiguity in how we expect children to be treated. And front-line professionals have said repeatedly that this clarity will improve their ability to protect children living in Wales.

But, clearly, two things will be of critical importance to ensure the Bill benefits children and their families: firstly, making sure that everyone is aware that the law has changed; and, secondly, support for parents to adopt positive parenting styles. And as you know, I am absolutely committed to these important activities. Subject to the passage of the Bill through this final stage and to Royal Assent being granted, the awareness raising will begin in the spring and continue for a number of years after the law changes. And as with our parenting support provision, we will be providing parents with information in a number of different formats to suit a range of needs.

During the passage of this Bill, we gathered valuable evidence that helped to inform our thinking, not only in the development of the legislation, but also in considering its impact and implementation. A great many people have contributed their time, energy and knowledge, and I thank them sincerely. I'd like to acknowledge the help and support from the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, social services, education and health professionals, and others who have tirelessly worked with us over this Assembly term. And I thank them in advance for their ongoing support, including through our implementation groups, to ensure that this law will be implemented in the most practical and pragmatic way. And I want to particularly thank all the Welsh Government officials who have worked tirelessly on the Bill—they could not have done more.

I'm grateful to all Members who've contributed to the scrutiny of this Bill, and to Huw Irranca-Davies for his early involvement with the Bill, and to Carl Sargeant, for the role they both played in the Bill's development. And let me pay tribute to the three committees for their support and challenge. The Children, Young People and Education Committee: under Chair, Lynne Neagle, their detailed and thorough scrutiny of the Bill gave voice to many different views, including from children and young people. The committee's Stage 1 report recommendations led to Government amendments and identified areas that could be strengthened at Stages 2 and 3. One such area was providing certainty around the date the law will change, and to provide for a period of two years between Royal Assent and commencement. My Stage 2 amendment secures sufficient time for partner organisations to be ready for the change in the law and for the awareness-raising campaign. I'd like to thank Janet Finch-Saunders and Suzy Davies for a constructive discussion following Stage 2. As a result, the Bill now includes a provision strengthening the post-implementation review.

I want to reassure Members concerned about the impact of this Bill that we have already made significant progress in preparing for implementation. We have been, and will continue to work in collaboration with all key partners through our strategic implementation group, which is up and running with enthusiastic participants and associated task and finish groups. And I will continue to update the Senedd on this work.

This is a historic moment in Welsh history. Our example is already encouraging people worldwide who wish to end the physical punishment of children. I commend this Bill to the Senedd.