Diolch, Llywydd. I move the motion. I'm very pleased to be here today to open this debate on the general principles of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill and to move the motion and the financial resolution. This Bill is an important first, necessary step in our journey to supporting global action to tackle plastic pollution. From reviewing the recommendations from the committees, I note we are all aligned in our ambition to stop the devastating impact these plastics have on our environment, wildlife, health and our well-being.

I'd like to start, therefore, by thanking the finance; climate change, environment and infrastructure; and legislation, justice and constitutional committees for their scrutiny of this Bill. I very much appreciate all the hard work that has gone into delivering their comprehensive and helpful reports within a very tight timescale. I think it is also important to thank all the stakeholders, communities and young people who have contributed, supported and worked with us to develop the proposals for this vital legislation. I also welcome the additional oral and written evidence provided by organisations and individuals during the scrutiny stage. The combined expertise, challenge and perspective has been, and continues to be, invaluable to the development of this Bill.

I found the committee reports reassuring in that there is clearly a consensus that the Bill is a much-needed starting point and a necessary step in the right direction. Only together can we shift from a single-use culture towards developing more sustainable alternatives and greater reuse. Llywydd, given the number of and detailed nature of the recommendations, it will not be possible to respond to each and every one of them today. Therefore, I will write to the committee Chairs individually with my full response, following this debate. However, you will be pleased to hear that I will be accepting the majority of the recommendations.