Thank you. New figures announced yesterday by the Office for National Statistics, which includes fatalities in all settings, show that up to 8 May there have been 1,852 deaths related to the virus in Wales, and that is 1,852 families that have been devastated. So, I firstly wish to place on the record my appreciation, as the Member of the Senedd for Islwyn, and my sincere thanks for the heroic efforts of the men and women of the national health service, serving on that front line. They, along with all care and critical workers, continue to ensure that the communities of Islwyn function, and Wales continues to demonstrate that there is such a thing as society.

So, as political representatives of the Welsh people, we look to the future and how Wales can move forward safely and proactively as we seek to function more fully as a society together. I wish to welcome the Welsh health Secretary's comments that Wales will take a deliberately cautious approach in unlocking the lockdown measures with the next review to be held on 28 May. It is right that human lives are paramount and not ill-judged haste. As Members know, as a lifelong socialist, I believe that our public policy actions must and should be governed by the principles and values of social justice.

It is important that we facilitate further activities, yes, but only as it is evidenced safe to do so, with outside activities and other solitary sports that allow people to recommence whilst fully observing common sense and social distancing, and enjoyment of visiting garden centres in the fresh air and other outside activities. We do know that the virus dislikes sunlight and being outside.

Equally and fundamentally, as a Welsh Labour Government, we remain committed and dedicated, as we always have been, to ensuring that those poorer and more vulnerable members of our communities—who are often living, as has been said, in smaller accommodation, often without large gardens, often cramped, or in flats without outside space—are and will be able to experience greater liberty for mental as well as physical health. We know and have heard again today that the virus disproportionately impacts on the poorest in our society.

We also know the dangers of the hidden pandemic within this global pandemic, namely women and their children, majoritively but not solely by any means, who are now forced to live under lockdown rules with controlling and abusive partners who are able to remorselessly exploit Government rules for their own invidious advantage. So, if this is you or someone you know, you must please say. You do not have to suffer, and help and support is available to you right now.

Llywydd, the First Minister re-articulated today how Welsh Government's actions are governed by the science. We are all longing to see the day where restrictions on meeting people from other households outdoors will be eased. We do know that the virus is very likely to decay very quickly a few minutes outdoors in air and on surfaces exposed to sunlight. And we also know of the very strong desire for grandparents to see grandchildren and vice versa. This is not felt just in Islwyn, but beyond. But we all know that timing must be right.

So, as the First Minister stated, COVID-19 thrives on chains of human contact. The lockdown and the new normal must seek to limit those changes, otherwise we fear, based on scientific evidence, the virus will simply spread and spike again. This is simply what Wales's lockdown restrictions are trying to negate. At all costs, we must now stop the exponential growth of an invisible killer. What is rushed in law is not good law, and with this pandemic, the same principles apply.

Finally, Llywydd, we also need, I believe, to begin to formulate a legacy programme for some hopeful good, as has been stated by others today, to come from this dreadful and tragic pandemic. In Wales we need to consider, as we have, a new way, new cultures of working, travelling, procurement, organisation, education, and climate management, but mostly how the most vulnerable in our society, whether they are children or adults, can be better safeguarded and aided in times of good as well as the bad times they are experiencing now. Would the First Minister agree that there will be green shoots of great potential?

And as the First Minister also put it—