I welcome the opportunity to respond to this statement on the resettlement scheme, given the heart-rending situation in Afghanistan, and to discuss how Wales can and will provide refuge and support to those who need it. And I'd like to thank the Minister for organising a brief for us as Senedd Members last week so that there is an opportunity for an update.

Plaid Cymru opposed the war in Afghanistan from the very outset, questioning the military objectives of the campaign and the tactics used, warning that failing to have specific aims and a strategy could lead to a long-term ineffective intervention. And, unfortunately, that's the situation we find ourselves in today—in the midst of a crisis that is developing and growing worse because of the failings of Labour and Conservative Governments in Westminster. But, although this wasn't a war we supported, I would like to make it clear today our full support in terms of providing asylum and refuge to those fleeing Afghanistan. As a nation of sanctuary, it's crucial that we do everything we can to welcome them and support them.

You noted in your statement that you yesterday received more details about the relocation and resettlement plans, and that some of your requests in terms of criteria had been accepted. Can you confirm or share with us which have now been accepted and which have been rejected? Also, in terms of the citizenship programme, is there any objective in terms of when this will begin, and if there are no dates, how is the Welsh Government intending to help citizens in Afghanistan who need support but can't receive it as part of the current programmes?

You also made reference in your statement, and also in response to Mark Isherwood, to the issue of funding, and that your request in that regard had been accepted. Has that been accepted in full or do you still have ongoing concerns? I would like to know clearly what the latest situation is in terms of providing adequate funding for local authorities. Have you also received confirmation that financial support will be provided from Westminster if there is no sufficient money available in the Welsh Government budget?

We have all referred to the Urdd, and I would like to echo our thanks that the Urdd has committed to providing sanctuary, and that they are also going to arrange a range of activities—sporting, cultural and educational—to support these families as they settle. We saw the value of that, in terms of how communities can resettle here in Wales, over the summer, with interviews through the medium of Welsh with refugees from Syria—something that was very emotional and made me very, very proud to be Welsh. And I very much hope that we will see similar scenes with refugees from Afghanistan in the future too. Does the Minister therefore agree, as part of providing all opportunities for refugees to make a full life here in Wales, that we should also include giving them the opportunity to learn Welsh if they choose to do so? You've also made reference to all of the third sector and voluntary organisations who are very willing to provide support; is there any financial support available from the Welsh Government in that regard?

Of course, the situation in Afghanistan is happening in the context of Westminster Government cuts to the foreign development budgets, and, unfortunately, this was announced earlier this year in the UK Government budget. Dropping this commitment will undermine the UK Government's aims of being a power for good on a global level. Minister, are you therefore concerned that these cuts will mean less support in future for those in need in Afghanistan, and has the Welsh Government carried out any assessment of how this cut will impact the Welsh Government's ability to support people and nations in need across the globe, including Afghanistan, in the future? 

Finally, we can only imagine what these individuals and families have been through, and continue to go through, and it's important today that we as a Senedd send a clear message that there is a warm Welsh welcome for everyone who comes here to Wales. Unfortunately, as became clear in the recent report from Hope Not Hate, although we are a nation of sanctuary, racism continues to be a problem here in Wales, and we all have a responsibility to send a clear message that this is not acceptable. Wales is their home now, and we have a responsibility to ensure that they get the welcome and support that will make them feel safe here.