Let's be under no illusions, business is the backbone of our economy—from the small business owner on the high street to the larger companies that employ hundreds and thousands of people across the nation. The most prosperous countries in the world are where businesses can thrive, and a key part of that success is less red tape and less tax imposed on those businesses. In Wales, we have the highest business rates, as Peter Fox has said, in the whole of Great Britain. We have the worst gross domestic product outputs per head of any part of the United Kingdom. And this is after 23 years of devolution, and 23 years of Labour control, so I think it's about time that businesses had a friend in Cardiff Bay.

There are businesses in my communities in Brecon and Radnorshire that have cited business rates as a reason that they cannot afford to carry on, that business rates as they are currently set are simply not affordable for many, especially in a time of economic problems, triggered by Putin's disgraceful war in Ukraine and global market uncertainty. They've also had the devastating legacy of COVID-19 restrictions to deal with, and the effects of that will be felt for decades to come, with some businesses leaving the high street, never to return again. It's undoubtedly a difficult time for business. So, reforming business rates, as we as Welsh Conservatives believe, would make Wales a competitive nation and throw businesses a much-needed lifeline at a time when they need it the most. And I would urge the Welsh Government to consider this in the Minister's response.

Businesses aren't just good for business' sake. They provide jobs, they increase prosperity, they make our towns and villages and cities more attractive, and they encourage innovation, and improve value and choice for customers. Reforming business rates in Wales would make us a far more attractive location for inward investment, which will boost jobs, growth and prosperity. But I do agree, as others have said, we do need to look at wider measures that could support our business sector in retail and hospitality, because we are seeing pubs shutting at a huge rate, and that is something that needs to stop. So, let's put an end to the weariness that has been imposed upon Welsh businesses and give them the tools and the freedoms to prosper in a way that will benefit our economy and the people of Wales for generations to come. Diolch, Llywydd.