Can I thank the Minister for advance sight of this afternoon's statement? I also refer Members to my register of interests. 

Firstly, I would like to begin by paying tribute to every farmer across Wales. Despite the physical, mental and economic burden that this disease inflicts, our farmers remain committed to the job in hand. The data that the Minister has described this afternoon is largely to be welcomed. For the first time in a long time, new herd incidents, slaughter rates and other data sets are beginning to show the start of a positive trend. However, despite nationwide decreases, there still remain a number of communities where the disease continues to be both persistent and prevalent. In areas such as Gwent, Gwynedd and mid Powys, new herd incidents are continuing to rise. In South Glamorgan, Pembrokeshire and south Powys, slaughter rates continue to increase year on year, and high herd recurrence rates consistently lead to repeated breakdowns in our communities. 

Despite the headline statistics, we still have a long, long way to go. But behind every statistic is a farmer, their family and a community under the immense pressure and anxiety that TB restrictions bring. That's why we cannot get complacent. I broadly welcome the Wales TB eradication programme delivery plan, March 2023 to March 2028, which accompanies today's statement. I'd also like to welcome the appointment of Dr Richard Irvine as Wales's new chief veterinary officer. As you emphasise in your statement, Minister, a UK-wide approach is pivotal to our success, and I'm hopeful that Dr Irvine's previous experience as the UK's deputy CVO and policy deputy director for global animal health at DEFRA will ensure that this is the case. 

In a recent Environment, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee session you stated that the delay in the publication of a refreshed TB strategy was, in part, to allow the new CVO to feed into this programme. I would certainly be interested in understanding what conversations you've had about improving TB policy in Wales with Dr Irvine, and what lessons can be learned from elsewhere to ensure that Wales's TB eradication policy is as effective as possible.

There are a number of points within the refreshed TB eradication programme delivery plan, namely the theme of partnership working and collaboration between industry and government, which are to be welcomed. As page 16 of the plan notes, improved communication is critical to successful delivery. The Welsh Government acknowledging this is positive, but please can we bring in mental health charities such as Tir Dewi or the DPJ Foundation to offer assistance on how letters from the Welsh Government or APHA are drafted, and the language used, to minimise any negative emotional effect?

I would also like to welcome the acceptance of the benefits of lay TB testers or approved tuberculin testers. This is certainly a policy that needs to be adopted on both a national and permanent basis, and I look forward to hearing your consideration of this matter. You mention as well the increased level of pre-movement testing, but I would urge caution on the reliability of the skinfold caliper test, and indeed the interpretation level of that test. I'd like to hear more from the Minister on that testing regime. 

Moving forward, I do wish to briefly touch upon the prospect of a cattle vaccine. Despite what feels like it being ten years away for the last 30 years, we are making significant strides in the right direction. Field trials have been rolled out across England, yet, Welsh involvement still remains, unfortunately, non-existent. In a recent written question, you noted that phase 1 and phase 2 cattle BCG trials have seen zero Welsh farms opt into the programme. Given this, what conversations have you had with DEFRA about ensuring that Wales can play a critical role in researching and deploying trial vaccines in our rural communities?

Minister, whilst on the subject of Welsh farm involvement, I do wish to touch upon the Pembrokeshire TB pilot. I note that this is mentioned in the delivery plan. However, my understanding is that it still remains stalled as a consequence of procurement rules. So, given the urgency of this project, any update on this matter would be gratefully and appreciatively received.

A final point, Minister, if I may, is the slaughter of in-calf cows and heifers. Today's statement showed, maybe, a little light in allowing a bit more flexibility in this policy, giving farmers a choice. Please, can we keep pressure on this point, as I know a small change here would be huge for the industry and its well-being?

To reiterate, Minister, we will only be successful in removing this disease from our herds by collaborating and working as one. Taking ownership, and recognising that we all have a part to play, is critical to our success. For too long, our industry had been left with little hope of ever seeing TB eradicated in Wales. We need the Government to work with the industry to give the industry that all-important hope, and all of us to work together. Diolch.