3. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: The National Music Service: Delivering the National Plan for Music Education

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:00 pm on 17 May 2022.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 3:00, 17 May 2022

I find myself this week amazed to be following contributions from Laura Anne Jones and not shouting 'object', which is a surprise to me, but it's clear, Minister, that this statement today has cross-party support, and I commend this statement to this Senedd.

But as Members have said from across the Chamber, including yourself, I couldn't contribute to today's statement without paying tribute to my good friend Rhianon Passmore, because it is due to her drive and determination that we are here today—her drive and determination to get it into the Welsh Labour manifesto, which we stood on and won. I do hope that this music strategy inspires the next generation of musicians, and I'm sure that it will, because those are the real winners. The children of Wales are the real winners, because they will be given that gift of music. 

Minister, I have already had excited constituents asking me: how can they get involved, how can they sign up, how can they take part in this programme? I would be grateful for a response to that question, because this is a really important announcement today. I very much welcome this. I welcome it from a Welsh Labour Government bringing forward a great strategy.