Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to thank Plaid Cymru for choosing this topic for debate today, because it allows me to reiterate the view of the Welsh Government on this important topic. Now, the last 18 months have been relentless. The pandemic continues to have a significant impact on patients and staff, and I would today like to pay tribute and ask Members to recognise the incredible physical and emotional demands faced by our workforce as a result of trying to keep us all safe.

Now, in order to determine increases in pay, an independent pay review process was established. Governments, trade unions and employers submit evidence to the pay review body for them to consider before making their recommendations. The Welsh Government truly values their independence, which was made clear this year after the UK Tory Government, in submitting their evidence, imposed an arbitrary cap of 1 per cent on what they said they would pay NHS workers. The pay review body made their independent assessment and recommended a 3 per cent uplift for this year. The pay review body recommendation of 3 per cent was met here in Wales from existing health department Welsh Government funding. No additional consequential or money was given from the Tory UK Government to fund NHS pay.

I fully support the need for fair and affordable pay for NHS workers, but, unfortunately, I'm unable to do this without additional funding from the Tory UK Government, because to increase the basic rate of pay—