Over these past few months, efforts have been rightly focused on the health impacts of the pandemic, but we are now in a position where it is also right that detailed focus, clear leadership and fiscal support is given to stimulate the Welsh economy. As we look to relax some of the more restrictive aspects of lockdown, it is vital that the Welsh Government not only provides effective support to ignite our economy, but also reviews our economic road map and commits to futureproofing Wales in terms of industry sector development. Therefore, I'd like to focus my contribution on two sectors that are vital to ensuring the prosperity of my constituency and neighbouring parts of south-west Wales, today and in the future.

The Welsh Government has talked of the importance of building a new green economy, which will focus on renewable energy, sustainable business, and building upon the reduction in carbon emissions, which has been one of the few welcome consequences of lockdown. There needs to be more than talk. Developing a green economy is vital for our planet, vital for our shared prosperity and should build on wider understanding and acceptance of this agenda by most people. The Welsh Government has been saying this since I was first elected. I remember Jane Davidson and her report on green jobs, written by a lonely civil servant somewhere in Cathays. We need to see commitment to building a green economy and west Wales is in a unique position to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Over recent weeks I have spoken to several businesses seeking to develop new technology and work alongside some of the more established sustainable energy businesses based along the Haven Waterway. Businesses such as Seawind, a company that is developing a unique two-blade floating wind turbine, which will have the capacity to be located far out to sea and hopefully manufactured and assembled in Wales. Seawind would join other innovative companies, such as Bombora, Tidal Energy Ltd, Marine Power Systems—and there are many others—looking to develop concepts and pilot projects in the south Pembrokeshire wave demonstration zone. However, Minister, I am concerned, in a competing arena, with demand for business support at record levels, whether these companies will be given the support they need to manufacture and be supported with their research and development. 

You have said that you wish to create a greener economy, but if you are to be true to your word, when it comes to creating a greener economy, you will need to take tough decisions, take calculated risks in backing start-ups, invest in new technologies and provide the resources and access to support those companies will require. Would you be prepared to attend a round-table event to discuss with renewable companies in my constituency, both new and established, what support they need to mainstream their product and embed it into the Welsh economy?  

And, Minister, if green is the future, then hospitality industries are the here and now and, with support, will solidify Wales's reputation for destination marketing in the future. This is an industry that's been especially hard hit from this pandemic and one that's felt the immediate impact of Welsh Government inaction when it comes to relaxing freedoms of movement to allow businesses to reopen. With the summer months being key to a seasonal industry, such as tourism, the lack of certainty over reoening and the effective closure of Welsh borders, to both visitors from other countries and those in Wales, has the potential to have a devastating impact on tourism, especially in the smaller microtourism sector who epitomise successful destination marketing experiences. Many can adhere to social distancing rules and provide visitors with a much-needed escape to Wales.

However, the difference in pace of openings between Wales and England is forcing customers to look elsewhere. Eighty per cent of annual guests to Wales have been before. Opening later than other destinations will jolt visitors into new habitats—habits, not habitats, but it is also a habitat, I suppose—forcing them to try new destinations they would not otherwise consider. Losing guests for one season is therefore very likely to translate into a permanent loss of Wales's loyal guests to other destinations, further impacting on an already challenging path to recovery for the sector.

Tourism operators of all sizes have also been concerned over the advice they were receiving from Visit Wales. I have heard of how businesses were being encouraged not to promote themselves on social media during the lockdown, as it may encourage visitors to want to break the rules and pay the area a visit. Minister, this is an arm of Welsh Government tasked with promoting Wales and supporting the tourism and hospitality sector. Providing advice to not continue to engage and develop relationships with visitors is an extraordinary stand. Wales should have been saying, 'Delay your stay' not 'Stay away'.

The impact of the Welsh Government's slow pace of action will not just affect the tourism industry, but it will also affect the viability of the local communities and nearby retail businesses. With international travel being ruled out for many this year, we have never had a better opportunity to encourage staycations, promote Wales as a destination and promote the environmentally friendly aspect of holidaying in Wales. 

Minister, we want to work together to help Wales emerge stronger from the crisis. We recognise the value of rural Wales's tourism to the Welsh economy and we must ensure that no-one is left behind. We have some fantastic businesses in Wales—there's a load in my constituency—and we have the potential to develop more across all sectors. I urge you to back our motion today and to demonstrate to the people of Wales that by working together we can thrive as a nation in the years ahead.