6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Making Saint David's Day a bank holiday

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:12 pm on 2 March 2022.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 4:12, 2 March 2022

As a proud Welshman, I do echo the words of Rhys ab Owen and his father in what he just said there. This is a really welcome debate today, and it is great to see that the motion is laid by all parties of the Senedd. I do hope that the UK Government are not only listening, but that they are listening with an intention to make sure that we can make this decision here in our Parliament.

Tom Giffard, you're right: we don't have enough bank holidays, as Rhys ab Owen echoed. What better day to have an extra bank holiday than on St David's Day? It's a great opportunity to celebrate Wales, but also, for many, just to get some time back.

But it's worth remembering, Dirprwy Lywydd, that not everyone gets a bank holiday off, and we should be looking further at improving ways to improve their work-life balance as well. Members will know that I'm a keen advocate of a four-day week, because I recognise that giving people time back offers a benefit in productivity. We recognise that we work the longest hours in Europe, yet we have a lower productivity rate than most.

For those wondering in these conversations today whom to thank in the past for those bank holidays that we have here in the United Kingdom, it's the trade unions. My message today to Members across the Chamber and to the people of Wales is to join a union; join the fight in solidarity with our comrades for a better work-life balance.

Deputy Presiding Officer, I won't test your patience, as others have in this debate, but can I please finish on this comment by endorsing our bold leader—our bold First Minister—and his message just yesterday, where he called for random acts of Welshness? By that, he meant good deeds. Spread the act of Welshness and spread the act of kindness, whether that's eating a leek, planting a Denbigh plum tree, drinking some Wrexham Lager or whatever it is you might do. But, please, spread that Welshness and spread that kindness, friends, on St David's Day and every single day across the year. Diolch yn fawr.