Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:53 pm on 15 September 2021.
I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this debate, and I extend my sincere thanks to Paul Davies for giving me the time. I know Paul is very passionate about this, as many of us are. It's an important issue, one that transcends all party lines. We must never forget those people who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for us. War memorials play a central role in our society and remind us of the immense role Britain has played in protecting our freedoms and liberty that we enjoy to this day. But for too long, many of our war memorials have suffered dereliction and vandalism, as Paul pointed out, and this is just totally unacceptable. Ensuring a statutory duty for their protection, which would include the appointing of a war memorial officer, is something every Member of the Senedd should get behind and back. I will join my colleagues here today and call on the Welsh Government Ministers to heed our calls. It is so important that we never forget those people who've served so bravely for us. Thank you, Llywydd.