Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, can I thank you for your advance copy today of the statement, and a very important statement as well? I think the Government is correct to take this new variant seriously. I think we need to be cautious, but also balanced, and the Minister has correctly set out that there is a lot, of course, that we don’t know, which is the current position.

I suspect you may agree with me on the first part of what I say, Minister. You have a lot on your plate at the present time, because we know there are two significant issues here. We know that there’s this new variant and the importance of the vaccination roll-out, and we also know that the state of our NHS is in a very difficult position as well. The First Minister set out today, correctly, that the pressures on the NHS are only going to get more severe as we head, of course, into the winter. So, in that regard, can I ask what discussions you’ve had with the First Minister in terms of a specific vaccination Minister? Of course, there’s a new call for this from myself, because we know that on one hand we’ve got the issues with the NHS in terms of the worst accident and emergency waiting time, the longest ambulance waiting times, and the longest waiting times for treatment in the NHS in Wales’s history. So, on one hand there’s that to deal with and to respond to, and on the other hand, there is the vaccination programme roll-out, which also takes such pressure, of course, on your time as well, Minister.

In regard to the vaccinations, can I just ask a few questions around that in terms of the vaccination programme? At the briefing, of course, today, we heard Dr Richardson outline that there is sufficient supply in terms of the booster jab, which I think is positive news in that regard. The pressure now here is on getting that vaccination programme expanded and increased. I know that you've been reluctant to support walk-in vaccination centres previously and referred to them as free-for-alls, but, of course, the JCVI has now changed their advice in that all adults should now receive the booster vaccination, and the shortened time period now between the second dose and the booster jab. So, I wonder if you would revisit that approach as well and also comment on the fact that, of course, some health boards across Wales are actually running walk-in booster centres. So, there is a different approach across Wales in some regards, but will you now fully put your weight behind the walk-in booster centres, which I certainly think is the right approach? If you are in agreement as well, can you provide any update in regards to the reopening of mass vaccination centres across Wales? I think they should be; I'd appreciate your view on that. I wonder if you also agree with me, Minister, in terms of the importance of increasing volunteers to work within the NHS and to support the vaccination programme. I wonder if you could provide us with what actions the Government is taking to reactivate the NHS COVID volunteers operation also.

Keeping education open, of course, is a priority for myself and for my colleagues on this side of the Chamber. I think it is for you as well, Minister. I agreed with the education Minister yesterday evening in terms of expanding face coverings in education and in colleges. Can I ask for a firmer commitment that schools will remain open? We know we're in an uncertain period, but can I ask for a commitment on easing restrictions such as vaccination passports if the new variant proves no more dangerous than delta? I think the public will want to know that. And also, can I ask for an update in regard to issues previously outlined around COVID passes and the difficulty of obtaining them? There are issues about the length of time, people wanting additional support with a telephone line, a support line—if you can update us on that—and also in terms of COVID certification. A constituent raised a specific issue with me in terms of having one vaccination in Scotland and the second vaccination in Wales. I think you are aware of this problem, because it's previously been raised, but if you could update us on the potential to make sure NHS Scotland and NHS Wales are talking to each other, to make sure that people can receive COVID certifications in order for them to carry out their work, which is the situation in this case.

And finally, I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the booster jabs in terms of—. The concern that I have, Minister, is that pushing the COVID passes without that scientific basis could potentially undermine confidence in Government when it comes to other directions from Government. I'm concerned that that could potentially undermine any further restrictions that you need to bring forward in terms of this new variant in regard to the scientific basis behind COVID vaccinations, which, of course, is fully supported. So, effectively, Minister, the scientific evidence behind decisions is absolutely crucial for the public to understand.