Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:15 pm on 5 October 2022.
I never said that there was a grand conspiracy, but what I thought was very important was that the Welsh Government is open when it spends taxpayers' money so that we can decide whether that money was well spent. I don't think that that's a novel concept.
Luke Fletcher spoke excellently, I thought, about the culture, heritage and the language being the most powerful selling points, and putting our identity front and centre is absolutely crucial. I'm happy to give way to the First Minister if he'd like to come in, as well. [Laughter.] Huw Irranca-Davies spoke about the importance of regular, annual events, and I was genuinely interested to hear what he had to say about Dr Richard Price, as well. James Evans, I think, will be in trouble when he gets home when he talks about the true love in his life, but he mentioned a great deal about the local events in Brecon and Radnorshire. Finally, Laura Anne Jones made an excellent point about the wider legacy left behind by major events as well; how we leave a footprint that genuinely benefits the people of Wales.
And Paul Davies, finally, spoke about a can-do attitude in Welsh Government when it comes to major events, and that lack of ambition has also been prevalent when the Welsh Government failed to even co-ordinate a plan to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to Wales. We have arenas that can hold international events across Wales, and that lack of ambition has been clear for all to see. The question has to be asked whether the chaos on our transport system and gridlocking an entire city played a part in that decision not to bring the event here, which was backed in our debate, to Wales. We want to bring these events to Wales and bring with them further opportunities to develop our country as one that can attract the very best events, talent and culture from across the world.
In conclusion, Llywydd, I hope that Members can unite behind our motion before us today, and I firmly believe that this motion can show to Wales and the rest of the world that we are relentlessly optimistic about what our country can achieve. Thank you.