Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:03 pm on 6 December 2022.
This is an important step towards our objective as a Senedd to protect nature and biodiversity, and to reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources. Three years ago, I called in a speech for legislation to ban single-use plastics, and here we are today, turning that aspiration—not just my aspiration but that of so many of us—into reality. It shows what's possible when this Senedd works together in order to try and create a better future.
It also shows that the Senedd has the ability to legislate relatively quickly when it has to. I know that there have been some complexities, but I think there are lessons to be learned there that political will is what ultimately delivers results.
Of course, there are some things I would have liked to have seen to strengthen the Bill further, but this is such an important step forward. I'd like to thank the organisations who gave us evidence as a committee, the Chair, the clerking team and the Minister for being so ready to collaborate when there was an opportunity to do so. The Welsh Parliament recognises its duty to future generations and to the world around us through this legislation. Action is the realisation of duty, and passing this Bill into law today will cleanse our nation's conscience somewhat, but we still have a lot of work to do again. We should not rest on our laurels after this. We should use this Act as a springboard in order to do everything that we can to protect our future and the generations to come. Thank you.