Diolch, Llywydd. I'm absolutely delighted to move the motion before the Senedd today for Stage 4 of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, which I introduced into the Senedd on 20 September 2022. Since the Bill was introduced, it has progressed successfully through Stages in the Senedd's legislation process on a fast-tracked timetable. I'm most grateful to the Business Committee for agreeing this. I also commend everyone here today for recognising the environmental importance and urgency of this Bill and supporting its rapid passage through the Senedd. To add to this, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Llywydd, for agreeing for Stage 4 to proceed immediately after Stage 3. I would also like to thank the Chairs, members and the staff of the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for the high quality of their consideration, scrutiny and reports regarding the Bill and the supporting explanatory memorandum and regulatory impact assessment.

I'm extremely grateful to all the stakeholders, delivery partners, communities and young people who have been able to contribute to our policy and this legislative process by providing evidence both in person and in writing, in particular to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee during their consultation. The positive discussions with Members, together with public evidence sessions from stakeholders, have ensured that the Bill has had real scrutiny, despite its expedited nature. Your knowledge and experience have been invaluable.

I do, of course, want to thank Members for their support of technical amendments brought by the Welsh Government to improve the consistency and clarity of the Bill. It has also been truly gratifying to be able to work with Members on areas of common ground to bring forward amendments that truly enhance the Bill. This has been a true example of collaboration and joint working.

Finally, I would like to thank the officials who have worked very hard and at pace on this Bill to get it over the line. This spirit of collaboration will endure as we work with stakeholders to produce comprehensive guidance on the Bill. I think we should all be extremely proud of this landmark Bill, which goes beyond banning an initial set of single-use plastic products. We have achieved a firm foundation to ban further problematic single-use plastic products in the future, securing the Bill's lasting legacy. This is a Bill that protects our uniquely beautiful Welsh landscape from unsightly and toxic single-use plastic waste. This Bill protects our green spaces, our sparkling waters and our diverse and rich ecology. The action starts now, not only for us, but the future generations of Wales.

In this vein, I would like to pay tribute to the young people of Wales who have spoken so passionately to me about environmental protection and the issue of single-use plastic. Through our engagement with Eco-Schools and Plastic Free Schools, we will highlight to all schools in Wales the impact of plastic pollution and how that relates to the new schools curriculum for Wales that supports our children and young people to be ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world. And finally, I want to acknowledge our fantastic Welsh businesses who led the way in innovating environmentally sound alternatives to single-used plastics, exploiting the potential of new technologies, contributing to a circular economy and the creation of a truly sustainable Wales. Working collaboratively with all stakeholders, genuinely seeking views and understanding, has broken down barriers between sectors, which will result in a coherent change in behaviour and willingness to work together to meet the overarching agenda to fight climate change in the most effective and efficient way possible.

During the Bill's general principles debate on 11 October, all Members present at the time supported and agreed on the need for this Bill. I hope that, across the Chamber, we will continue to provide that same unanimous and passionate support to take the Bill to full enactment. Diolch, Llywydd.