Llywydd, the first broad objective of the independent commission will be to consider and develop durable options for fundamental reform of the constitutional structures of the United Kingdom. We want the independent commission to initiate a conversation with the people of Wales about what those options might be.

Our union is under greater threat today than at any time, and this cannot be ignored: from the current Conservative UK Government and its repeated attempts to undermine devolution, to renewed calls for English devolution, to the pressure for a second independence referendum in Scotland, and the ongoing discussions about the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. So, the independent commission's second broad objective will be to consider and develop all progressive principal options to strengthen Welsh democracy and deliver improvements for the people of Wales.

Now, we’re under no illusions about the size of the task facing the independent commission. This is a conversation that is bigger than party political differences. To be a meaningful consideration of the views of all of Wales, the commission needs to be independent of Government and able to consider the spectrum of views and experiences. The commission will be supported by the Welsh Government and able to access Welsh Government resources to carry out their work, but the commission chairs and members will set their own direction.

I'm very pleased to tell the Senedd formally of the well-heralded announcement earlier today, that we have secured two people of the highest calibre to lead this work as co-chairs of the commission: Dr Rowan Williams and Professor Laura McAllister. Laura McAllister is a Welsh academic, former international footballer and senior sports administrator. She is currently professor of public policy and the governance of Wales at the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University. She is well renowned as a political analyst and commentator, and has worked with the Welsh Government and the Senedd on numerous projects for reform to our organisations. 

Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, is a distinguished academic and theologian with a strong commitment to social justice. Their backgrounds and experiences make for a powerful combination, able to bring consensus while challenging all involved to think creatively about our constitutional future. We've had a number of very productive meetings with the co-chairs about the independent commission, and I am looking forward to seeing the leadership that they will bring to this work.

I want to thank all parties in this room for their positive engagement and constructive support in establishing the independent commission. I am grateful for the patience and dedication shown by all involved. I am satisfied that the broad objectives strike the right balance between directing the work of the independent commission, and giving them the freedom to develop recommendations independently of Government, and their ability to engage freely and openly with all interested parties.

The commission is due to start work next month. We are making good progress in appointing members to the independent commission, and I intend to announce the remaining members later this month or early in the following month. The independent commission will also be able to commission research, analysis and expert opinion through a panel of experts established for this purpose. I will make further statements to the Senedd on the independent commission's progress of engagement, and on the establishment of the expert panel.

We anticipate an interim report from the independent commission by the end of 2022. The independent commission should produce the full report with recommendations by the end of 2023. The broad objectives will be available on the independent commission's webpage.

This is a vitally important initiative. It is about the future of Wales and the well-being and prosperity of the people of Wales and future generations. I'm sure that we all want to see it succeed, and I look forward to a period of constructive cross-party work and engagement throughout Wales to deliver a strong report with bold recommendations. I will update the Senedd again after the independent commission members have been appointed, and after the first meeting of the independent commission. Diolch, Llywydd.