Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'd like to formally move the debate tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar, who's had a lot of praise today. Can I begin the debate by placing on record my sadness and deep regret, and that of my group, that the Eurovision Song Contest cannot be held in Ukraine? As ever, our thoughts are with all those impacted by Russia's invasion of the country. So, in that context, I think it's important that we reflect on why the UK's hosting Eurovision and resolve to make the contest, wherever in the UK it ends up being hosted, look and feel as Ukrainian as possible. And I hope that one day in the very near future we'll see Europe's favourite competition return to Ukraine once again.

So, with that in mind, the United Kingdom has been presented with an opportunity to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest, and as Welsh Conservatives, the true party of Wales, we feel strongly that, as the land of song, Wales is the obvious home for the 2023 song contest. Eurovision being hosted in Wales will add to the list of major events taking place in Wales. Things like the recent concerts from Ed Sheeran, Stereophonics, Tom Jones and the WWE event in September as well. These events have brought people from across the United Kingdom and indeed the world, not only leaving an impression of Wales on those who attend and travel here physically, but those who watch the event on their tv screens as well. And with hundreds of millions of people watching Eurovision on tv each year, what a perfect opportunity to show off our great nation to the world. And we want to be ambitious too.

Whilst the Eurovision Song Contest has traditionally been hosted in arenas, and Wales has great arenas in abundance, and it would be remiss of me not to mention the fantastic new Swansea Arena in my region, we know the public in Wales and across the United Kingdom could easily sell out the Principality Stadium, such is their enthusiasm and love for the event. I know that we could sell 70,000 tickets for that event, and I think I know from this Chamber who the first 60 tickets would be sold to. So, while there are obvious transport issues that need to be addressed, which is something we’ve raised in the past, today isn’t a day to sit back and make party political arguments back and forth. Instead, it’s a day to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest and say that this Senedd stands united and clear in one aim, and that’s doing all that we can, and resolving for us all to work together, to deliver a shared ambition, hosting the Eurovision Song Contest here in Wales, and I look forward to hearing contributions from colleagues.