Thank you, Deputy Minister. I welcome this statement today on Interfaith Week, which aims to build on good relationships and working partnerships between people of different faiths and beliefs. Over generations, we have built a successful, multiracial, multifaith democracy. This week provides a focal point for interfaith activity, so that more people are aware of its importance and are able to take part. Each year, Interfaith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday. This is significant, as we should always remember the contribution of people who came from countries that now form part of the Commonwealth to fight for us. One and a half million volunteers came from the Indian sub-continent, 15,000 volunteers from the West Indies, 5,000 men from Africa.

In these days of increasing racial prejudice and discrimination, it is right to take the time to reflect on this fact. In cemeteries across the world are the graves of people of all races and faiths, or no faith, who fought side by side to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. Interfaith Week celebrates and builds on the contribution that distinct faith communities continue to make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society. Progress is definitely being made. In the latest national survey for Wales, 75 per cent agreed that they now belonged to their area—they feel like they belong to their area—and that people from different backgrounds get on well with each other, treating each other with respect. This is up from 52 per cent the previous year.

But problems still remain. Hate crime is an increasing problem in the UK, and sadly Wales is no exception. Police forces in England and Wales recorded a 3 per cent increase in recorded religious hate crime incidents in 2018-19. Although the majority of religious hate crimes are conducted against Muslims, the rise of antisemitism is a major concern, with the number of reported incidents against Jews doubling from 2018 to 2019. While it is likely that the increase in hate crime has been driven by improvements in recording by police and a growing awareness of hate crime, there is no doubt that the problem is escalating.

Interfaith Week is an essential part of increasing understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. Faith groups have been brought together to meet the challenge presented by the coronavirus pandemic. They have reached out to help the elderly and those most at risk, such as pregnant women and people with chronic conditions within our communities. By doing so, they provide much needed support to the vulnerable, whilst tackling the loneliness and isolation that lockdown regulations entail. An amazing example of this that I went to visit was Feed Newport in Pill in Newport. It was well worth a visit, Deputy Minister, for what they're doing. They're not just providing food to people; there are so many other services that they've incorporated in that. It's something definitely worth looking at and something to roll out across Wales.

Bringing communities together is a key part of Interfaith Week, and I fully support its intention to promote greater understanding and better relationships between faith communities in Wales. We will all be stronger if we work together, play together and live together. Thank you.