Welsh Youth Parliament 3 - Plenary

Bore da, Llywydd. My name is Ben Harris, and I'm the Welsh Youth Parliament Member for Delyn. I'm delighted to have been asked by the transport committee to update the Youth Parliament on our work so far this term. I thank my fellow members of the committee and the Senedd staff who, for reasons unknown to God or man, think I can be trusted to stand and talk about trains and not go over time—yes, good luck with that.

So, I've been asked, ‘Why is transport a priority for this Youth Parliament? Why is it being made a priority when we've got such gripping issues like poverty and crime affecting Wales?’ As a committee, we acknowledge that fighting poverty is far more important than improving transport, but, my friends, the two issues do not contradict each other; we can do both and we should do both.

We've seen very good news regarding transport by the Welsh Government. To a man, as a committee, we're delighted by the £1 cap on bus fares, and it's important to note that this was a recommendation by previous Welsh Youth Parliament transport reports. Whilst we can't claim full credit for convincing the Welsh Government—we give Jane Dodds and Ken Skates their fair share—it's always refreshing to see the priorities of the Welsh Government reflect the priorities of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

As a committee, our report is going to focus on accessibility—accessibility through cost, accessibility through safety and accessibility through overcoming other barriers. Now, my friend Bryn is going to lead us through accessibility through cost, and my friend Zjackaria is going to lead us through the next steps for this committee. However, it falls to me to discuss how we're going to improve accessibility through safety and accessibility through overcoming other barriers.

Regarding safety, it's fairly simple, my friends: if you do not feel safe onboard a train or onboard a bus, then you will not travel, and that is unacceptable. Trains and buses can't compete with cars and taxis in every field, but they can, should and must be able to compete on safety. The fact that this is not already a priority is disgraceful.

These other barriers I mentioned, they're a bit more complicated—they're a more rural issue, which is why it falls to me, as a north Wales Member of this Parliament, to discuss them. Many of my constituents in Delyn face quite long walks to the nearest bus stop because public transport just doesn't reach all of the communities it should. Towns like Mold and Holywell, which should be connected to the railway network, are not. Once they get to these far-off bus stops, many of my constituents face long waits for the next bus. Some buses run only every two hours. The small village of Tafarn-y-gelyn in Denbighshire sees only two buses a day, despite being on the T8 TrawsCymru route—a route sponsored by the Welsh Government. The barrier of frequency is not confined to our bus network—it reaches to the railways too. If you're in Aberystwyth, you might see a train every two hours along the Cambrian line. The Conwy valley line and the Heart of Wales line are even worse. One more barrier that we must overcome is that of capacity. How often have we seen a train with only two carriages? How often has a Transport for Wales train been full and standing only? Colleagues, this is not acceptable.

Very shortly, you'll have the pleasure of hearing me stop speaking, and Zjackaria is going to lead us on the next steps for this committee. Suffice it to say, we will research the issues by talking to young people, and we will research the solutions by talking to young people, Ministers, transport companies and local authorities. But, first, I must hand you over to my friend Bryn, who's going to give you a much better speech in a much more beautiful language regarding the cost of public transport. Diolch, Llywydd. Thank you, colleagues.

Bryn Geary, felly—Aelod Senedd Ieuenctid Dwyrain Casnewydd. Bryn.

Bore da, gyfeillion. Diolch, Llywydd. Fy enw i ydy Bryn ac rwy'n cynrychioli Dwyrain Casnewydd a'r bwyllgor trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yn y Senedd Ieuenctid. Fel y soniodd Ben yn barod, a Zjack, rwy'n siŵr, cyn bo hir, fe ffocyswn eleni ar y consýrn ynglŷn â hygyrchedd trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yng Nghymru i bobl ifanc. Nawr, fy job i heddiw ydy egluro sut mae anawsterau mynediad yn deillio'n fawr iawn o gostau cynyddol sy'n rhwystro teuluoedd rhag gallu cyfiawnhau dod i arfer â defnyddio trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yn aml.

Presently, public transport does not seem to be enough of a viable option.

Sut, felly, y ceisiwn gyfyngu ar dagfeydd traffig coridor yr M4, neu annog poblogaethau gwledig Gwynedd neu sir Ddinbych i fanteisio ar wasanaethau lleol os ymddengys cynnig mwy ffafriol?

Fe ddatgenir, yng nghynllun busnes Trafnidiaeth Cymru 2024-25, y bwriedir i Gymry ddewis defnyddio teithio llesol neu drafnidiaeth gyhoeddus i gyrraedd eu cyrchfan, a hynny yn hytrach na defnyddio eu car. Fel pwyllgor, mi ydyn ni'n sefyll yn gryf y tu ôl i'r egwyddor yma. Ond, canfu Sustrans Cymru, yn eu hadroddiad 2022, fod costau tanwydd yn y car wedi codi rhyw 10 y cant, a gwelir cynnydd sylweddol o 33 y cant i 55.7 y cant ymysg costau teithio ar y trên, y bws neu'r bws moethus. Onid yw hyn yn awgrymu, o safbwynt pobl ifanc a theuluoedd yn benodol, fod y gallu i fforddio osgoi'r car dros ddewis mwy cynaliadwy yn dod yn fwyfwy anodd? Fel pwyllgor, mi fyddwn yn ceisio mynd i'r afael â'r broblem hon drwy gyfres o awgrymiadau ac ymchwilio er mwyn ymgynghori â'r Llywodraeth wrth hefyd eu dwyn i gyfrif.

Nawr, wrth glywed gan fy nghyd-ddisgyblion yn Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed ar ddydd Mercher, dysgwn am y broblem o fforddio tocynnau rheilffordd i bobl ifanc. Yn ôl erthygl 27.3 Confensiwn y Cenhedloedd Unedig ar Hawliau'r Plentyn, yr UNCRC, mae disgwyl i lywodraethau gefnogi rhieni wrth gynnal safonau byw i bobl ifanc. Mabwysiadodd Llywodraeth Cymru'r confensiwn fel sail i lunio polisi dros blant yn 2004, ac mae'n dilyn, felly, fod dyletswydd gan y Llywodraeth i ystyried costau i deuluoedd a phlant, efo 'plentyn' wedi'i ddiffinio gan y Llywodraeth yn Neddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) 2014 fel rhywun dan 18 oed. Yn groes i hyn, mae plant yng Nghymru wedi'u gorfodi i dalu fel oedolyn ar y trenau o 16 ymlaen. Cam cyntaf i'r Llywodraeth a Thrafnidiaeth Cymru, efallai, yw ystyried sut mae rhwystrau ariannol neu fiwrocrataidd yn sefyll rhyngddyn nhw a'u nodau o newid ymddygiad pobl wrth ddibynnu yn llai a llai ar geir yng Nghymru.

Fel pwyllgor, edrychwn ymlaen at gyfarfod a thrafod efo nifer o ffigurau o fewn y sector trafnidiaeth yng Nghymru. Gobeithiwn, efo'r un agwedd a gawsom at gyflwyno tocynnau bysiau £1—fel y soniodd Ben, mae'n syniad gwych, yn sicr—y medrwn ni weld yr un llwyddiant wrth ymdrin â rhwystrau rheilffyrdd efo'r nod terfynol o uno bysiau trefol efo trenau rhyng-rhanbarthol fel rhwydwaith cyflawn, fforddiadwy er lles pobl Cymru, yr hen a'r ifanc. Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi am wrando, ac eto i'r Llywydd am yr hyn mae hi wedi'i roi a'i gyfrannu i bobl ifanc yng Nghymru. Diolch.

Zjackaria Meah is next. You're the representative of Neath, Castell-nedd.

Diolch, Llywydd. It's an honour to be here.

Bore da. Fy enw i yw Zjackaria Meah ac rydw i'n Aelod o'r Senedd Ieuenctid dros Gastell-nedd.

In our recent committee meetings, we’ve had many discussions around what our top three priorities as a committee will be from the wide list of issues that have been mentioned earlier. The discussions are still ongoing, but the issue that came up the most was that we should improve accessibility on buses and trains. Transport must be affordable, reliable and accessible for all young people.

Transport is not just about travelling; it is about being able to get to school, college, work and healthcare. We believe transport should be affordable, reliable and easy for everyone to use. Secondly, we should strengthen rural services in north, mid and west Wales, the areas that are deprived the most from this transport. Reliable transport is crucial for rural communities and must meet local needs. Young people in these communities often face long waits, limited services, and sometimes no service at all. Your postcode shouldn't decide what chances you get. Reliable transport is essential to making sure that everyone has equal opportunities.

Thirdly, safety on public transport is a key priority for our committee. We believe that public transport should be safe and comfortable for all young people to use, and anti-social behaviour should be tackled. Young people should feel safe when they are travelling, no matter the time of day or where they live. In my ideal future, I also wish that public transport were a safer and more accessible choice, so that people can be more connected and can travel without worrying if they will be safe or if the service is on time.

Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that the right to education is for all children, making primary education compulsory, and transport should not be a barrier to this. After today's meeting, we’ll be speaking with experts, including Transport for Wales, to explore the best ways forward. We have also written to the Cabinet Secretary for transport, Ken Skates, to ask for an update on the recommendations of the previous Youth Parliament's report, ‘Sustainable Ways’, and we look forward to the Cabinet Secretary's response. Diolch, Llywydd.

Diolch yn fawr. A dyna ni—dyna'r diweddariadau ar y pwyllgor trafnidiaeth. Y pwyllgor costau byw a thlodi i'n diweddaru ni sydd nesaf, a Taliesin Evans, Aelod Senedd Ieuenctid dros Torfaen. Taliesin.

Diolch, Llywydd. Bore da, pawb. My name is Taliesin Evans, and I am representing both Torfaen and the cost-of-living and poverty committee, speaking to you today about why I chose it as an option. It is, of course, a privilege to be speaking in the Welsh Youth Parliament once again. I personally believe that this is the most important committee by far, as the increase in the cost of living has affected us all at some point in our lives, whether that be from noticing the higher prices of everything, from food to homes and from clothes to public transport—not one of us can say that we have truly avoided it.

It felt imperative to me to choose this as the committee to represent, as Torfaen is one of the most economically deprived counties in the entirety of Wales. There are a significant amount of people who I know, some very close friends of mine, that are currently on free school meals. I would like to also welcome the Labour Party's proposal for the removal of the two-child benefit cap. I do personally think this is a bit late, but a phenomenal step in the right direction for the amelioration of child poverty.

Evidence from Torfaen itself shows that Abersychan comprehensive school, which has the highest number of children on free school meals, consistently has the lowest GCSE results in the county, while St Alban’s RC High School, with the fewest children on free school meals, achieves the best results by far, and some of the best in Wales. This pattern, to put it lightly, is damning. From my father's experience as a teacher for about 25 years, I know that these outcomes are not due to the quality of teaching, but the ongoing cycle of poverty. Investing in economic development in severely deprived areas, especially in the north of Torfaen, where I'm from, would help to support families now and strengthen opportunities for generations to come.

I will now hand over to Chase, and he will talk about what we have been up to as a committee. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Chase Campbell, Blaenau Gwent Member.

Diolch, Llywydd. Bore da, I'm Chase Campbell, the Welsh Youth Parliament Member for Blaenau Gwent. The cost-of-living and child poverty crisis is of particular importance to me and my constituents, as young people who have grown up in the shadow of Welsh industrial decline, poverty and deprivation, which impact every aspect of our lives. From getting to school every day to wider social mobility issues, finances are often the biggest barrier to young people in Blaenau Gwent and across our country.

Since our first meeting back in February, our committee has met several times regionally to discuss and share our ideas for how we can play our role in combating a crisis that goes far beyond our power. Through our imminent report next year, I do hope we can make an impact and influence the Government to make policies that have us as a priority rather than a second thought. So, what topics did we cover? Well, we covered a range of perspectives, including the educational maintenance allowance and how the positive impacts it brings can be expanded, foodbanks and how they’ve become a necessity for ever more Welsh families, the provision and potential expansion of free school meals, and the opportunities and support that a regeneration of youth clubs could bring to our country.

Wider issues that were raised during our meetings in Swansea, Newport, Conwy and across Wales were how tight finances can restrict our accessibility to travel, socialise and develop our social skills, leading to yet more missed opportunities playing a role in generational poverty. We also acknowledge that child poverty is statistically more prevalent for the young people of Wales than it is for the other British nations, with one in three children here experiencing poverty, and that we could possibly learn from the other nations' progress against this issue.

Of course, the issues that our committee are here to help tackle are vast, and so we cannot turn it around overnight. This is why we plan to narrow down our focus to find a realistic impartial solution for us to help improve the lives of thousands of young people across Cymru. Take, for example, a recommendation to rebirth our local youth clubs, to give young people a safe space to socialise, develop skills and gain access to invaluable opportunities to help them and, in turn, all of us, to make a Wales that is brighter, fairer and more prosperous for us all. Thank you. Diolch.

Grace Lee is next, the Member for Bridgend, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr.

Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. I’m Grace and I represent Bridgend. I'll be discussing the next steps that the cost-of-living and poverty committee will be taking. I decided to join the cost-of-living and poverty committee because poverty is undoubtedly a massive problem throughout the country that needs to be tackled, especially by young people who are in a position like us. I care deeply about helping people who cannot help themselves, and I think we can all agree that help is exactly what's needed for thousands of people in Wales who face struggles with poverty every single day as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, especially young people.

Over the past few months during regional and online meetings, the cost-of-living and poverty committee has been working towards narrowing down the topics we have discussed to three key issues that we will continue to explore together. From these three issues, we will soon be choosing our main focus for the rest of the Welsh Youth Parliament's term.

One of these options is youth services. We discussed how we could improve links between schools and youth clubs in order to ensure consistency between education and free time for young people.

The second option would be housing. We've talked about how we could improve the affordability, quality and stability of housing for young people across Wales. As part of this, we have discussed how we could tackle homelessness as a Welsh Youth Parliament.

Our final option is establishing stable and healthy food support. We touched upon doing this through establishing free school meals in all schools, not just primaries, and working with foodbanks to implement more nutritious and locally sourced food into them for those who struggle to afford healthy food to receive.

These three options were the result of various conversations we had about regional differences in poverty and facilities, wages, employment and benefits, housing and energy costs, and financial support for students and young adults across Wales.

Shortly after the upcoming Senedd election, the cost-of-living and poverty committee will be deciding whether we will be focusing on youth services, housing or food support. This decision will be based on the discussions we have had during the past few meetings, and will have in the near future, as well as the main priorities of the future Welsh Government after the May election.

With our three potential future priorities in mind, the cost-of-living and poverty committee is looking forward to welcoming several external guest speakers today who are experts in their fields into our committee discussions this afternoon, to hear about some of the most recent reports from the Government and other cost-of-living crisis experts. Whichever issue the committee chooses to focus on in the near future, I am fully confident that we will progress greatly towards tackling poverty amongst young people in Wales. Diolch yn fawr.

Diolch yn fawr, Grace. Felly, dyna ddiwedd ar y diweddiaradau o'r pwyllgorau, a diolch i chi am y gwaith rŷch chi wedi ei wneud a'r hyn sydd i ddod eto.

Felly'r eitem nesaf ar yr agenda yw cyfres o ddatganiadau 90 eiliad, a thema'r datganiadau yma yw etholiad y Senedd yn 2026.

Before we move on to the next item on the agenda, the 90-second statements, can I just welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Education to our midst as well? Thank you for making the time today. There was a session at the start of this event, Lynne, thanking me for my contribution to the Senedd Ieuenctid over the past three Youth Parliaments, but an ever-present participant with the Youth Parliament along that journey has been Lynne Neagle herself as a politician, in her various roles. I've stayed in the same role the whole time, but you've carried three roles, I think, in that time. You've carried the role of the Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee during that first Youth Parliament, and then the Minister with responsibility for mental health, which was one of the aspects of work both Youth Parliaments undertook, and now you're the Cabinet Secretary for Education, and once again, taking an active interest in the work of young people here in Wales. A little known fact for you all: both Lynne Neagle and myself are probably the only two Members of the original Senedd in 1999 who will be contesting the 2026 elections. So, there are only two of us left from when we were first elected into this Chamber in 1999, as a National Assembly for Wales. So, thank you for attending today, and we'll hear from you later.

So, we are going on to the 90-second statements. The first one is Aelod Ynys Môn, Annest Tomos.

Diolch. Bore da. Fy enw i ydy Annest Wyn Tomos, a dwi'n cynrychioli Ynys Môn. Wrth inni agosáu at etholiad mis Mai 2026, dylem ni gydnabod ein rôl fel Aelodau Senedd Ieuenctid Cymru i annog pawb i bleidleisio. Y tro hwn yw’r ail dro mae pobl 16 oed ac i fyny'n cael pleidleisio, ac fel cynrychiolwyr pobl ifanc Cymru, rydym efo'r cyfrifoldeb i sicrhau bod pawb yn deall pwysigrwydd eu pleidlais, ac i’w hannog i gofrestru i bleidleisio yn brydlon, gan mai dim ond 40 y cant o bobl ifanc rhwng 16 ac 17 oed cofrestrodd i bleidleisio erbyn etholiad 2021.

Mae pleidleisio yn gyfle gwych i’r cyhoedd ddylanwadu ar benderfyniadau yn y Senedd—penderfyniadau sydd yn effeithio ar wasanaethau cyhoeddus, yr economi, yr amgylchedd, a bywyd pob dydd. Rydym hefyd yn ymwybodol bod llawer yn colli'r cyfle i bleidleisio oherwydd diffyg gwybodaeth neu gamddealltwriaeth o’r broses gofrestru. Dylem ni drio gwneud y broses yn fwy clir, fel nad yw neb yn colli'r cyfle hwn i leisio'u barn. Felly, gadewch inni weithio gyda’n gilydd dros y misoedd nesaf i sicrhau bod pob person yng Nghymru yn gwybod sut i gofrestru fel bod y cyfle hwn ddim yn cael ei golli. Diolch yn fawr.

Oliver Higgins is next, the Member for Ogmore.

Good morning, Members. I'm Oliver Higgins, the Member for Ogmore. Honourable Members, the winds of change, I think it's fair to say, are sweeping through Wales. It feels as though politics is having a tectonic shift not seen in a century. Although it is said of most elections, I think we would all agree, irrespective of varying political persuasions, next year will truly be the most important election in the quarter-century history of this legislature.

Again, irrespective of personal politics, we Members and the wider youth see, in most aspects of life, crisis and gloom. My speech on the state of agriculture months back highlighted the strife felt by young farmers in our country, yet also through the speeches made by the rest of you here. They displayed these feelings of crisis among the youth amidst poverty and public safety, to name a few issues. Thus, in such a winter of discontent we enter now, to not vote would negate a tradition of civic duty and remove any ability to complain against a Government ultimately given, no matter the rosette they wear. Even if no party or independent has convinced you their way, I advise you: spoil your vote, and still have your vote counted. Participate. And please think carefully on your vote. The future of our nation is in your hands, don't drop it at the first hurdle. Thank you.

Mirac Solmaz is next, the partner elected Member for Tros Gynnal Plant Cymru.

Hello. My name is Mirac, I represent TGP Cymru. Being young means having fresh ideas, bold dreams, and the power to shape what comes next. Every vote is a voice, and when young people across Wales speak up together, people listen. Elections aren't just about ticking a box. They're about saying, 'This is my future, and I care about it.' That's why it's so important that we register, show up, and use our voice. Schools, colleges, and youth groups can make a huge difference by helping us understand how elections work, what's changing in the Welsh system, and why every single vote counts.

For me, it's about fairness, opportunity, and having our generation's ideas heard. When we vote, we're not just choosing leaders, we are choosing the kind of Wales we want to build. So, let's turn up, speak out, and shape our future, because our voices are stronger together, and it all starts with your vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Mirac. Aryan Gupta, the Member for Llanelli, is next, and the First Minister for the day—I've told you, you're sitting in the First Minister's chair.

Diolch yn fawr. I would like to begin this by first of all stating how important this election is. I know many Members of this Welsh Youth Parliament are either part of a political party, not part of a political party, or will be like me, who is suffering from the rise of something called political homelessness, where we are isolated and have no idea who we want to vote for. We only care about policy, and not the alignment towards any party. To those who feel like me, I want to tell you this: please cast your vote. It is so essential for all of us to please cast our vote for this, because it is a rare opportunity where we get the youth to actually contribute towards an election that shapes our future.

Whether you want to stay in Wales, whether you want to go towards the UK or study abroad, your voice makes such a massive impact in this election. So, if you feel like me in this regard, I please advise you, look towards what parties have to offer. Look towards what they feel makes sense for you and your values, and make a conscious decision towards that vote. And please make sure that you are informed on it, that you have the right information, and that you take everything into account before you begin your voting process. It's a massive thing. It will be my first ever vote towards something. I'm incredibly nervous for it, but it's something that is so important towards every one of us who stands here today. Diolch yn fawr. Thank you very much.

Diolch, Aryan. Ffiôn-Hâf Scott sydd nesaf, partner Carers Trust Wales.

Diolch. Fy enw i yw Ffiôn-Hâf, a dwi'n cynrychioli'r Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr.

Ers rôn i'n ifanc iawn, dwi wedi bod yn gofalu am fy mam bob dydd. Roeddwn i o hyd yn poeni am ei hiechyd, ond hefyd am beidio â cholli allan ar bethau fel addysg, gwaith, ffrindiau ac yn y blaen. Doedd neb yn sôn wrthyf i ar y pryd am fy hawliau fel gofalwr ifanc nac am fy hawl i gael llais mewn penderfyniadau sy'n effeithio ar fy mywyd, a byth am fy hawl i bleidleisio, na beth roedd hynny yn ei olygu. Mae hynny'n uwcholeuo pam mae'n hanfodol i ysgolion, colegau a grwpiau ieuenctid godi ymwybyddiaeth, nid yn unig am rôl gofalwyr ifanc, ond hefyd am sut mae democratiaeth yn gweithio a pham mae'n hanfodol i ni fel y genhedlaeth nesaf i gael ein clywed.

Mae'r etholiad Senedd ym mis Mai yn gyfle i bobl ifanc wneud gwahaniaeth enfawr, ond dim ond os ydyn ni'n gwybod am sut i gofrestru, sut mae pleidleisio'n gweithio, a pham mae'n bwysig. Ar y funud, does dim llawer yna i sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud penderfyniadau gwybodus o ran ein dyfodol ac ein hawliau.

Mae gofalwyr ifanc yn aml yn teimlo'n anweledig. Fe fydd o leiaf 15,000 o ofalwyr ifanc rhwng 16 a 24 yn gymwys i bleidleisio yn yr etholiad nesaf yn y Senedd, ond, yn anffodus, oherwydd diffyg gwybodaeth, mae'n debygol na fydd cymaint yn pleidleisio. Gadewch i ni sicrhau eu bod yn gwybod eu bod yn haeddu llais cryf, bod gennym ni hawl i gael ein clywed. Mae democratiaeth yn perthyn i bawb, ac mae'n bryd i ysgolion, colegau a grwpiau ieuenctid ein paratoi i gymryd rhan. Dylem ni adeiladu ein hawliau, gwybodaeth am bleidleisio a gwybodaeth am y Senedd i mewn i'r cwricwlwm a dechrau gwneud pethau fel mock elections yn fwy aml, fel y mae llawer ohonon ni wedi sôn yn y residential yn barod. Dylai pawb wneud ymdrech i gyrraedd pobl ifanc o bob cefndir a statws, a dylem ni wneud llawer yn well nag ydyn ni. Mae gennym ni fel pobl ifanc hawl i'r wybodaeth, ond ni ddylai fod angen inni fynd allan o'n ffordd i ffeindio'r wybodaeth yma. Diolch.

My journey in politics started in a mock election in my school, Lampeter Comprehensive, in 1983. I won't tell you who I stood for in that election—it's slightly embarrassing for me these days—but I did win.

Right, Jake Dillon is next, from sir Drefaldwyn. Jake.

Thank you, Llywydd. I am Jake Dillon and I represent Montgomeryshire. I will be speaking about an issue that I believe people should go out to vote for. In 1998, the Human Rights Act was passed into British law. It outlined fundamental rights that cannot be compromised. These include life, dignity and protection from inhumane treatment. To many of my constituents today, these rights are now under threat. This is because of the closure of Welshpool air ambulance base. This has left my community without rapid emergency care. To add insult to injury, there haven't been any A&E units in my area for over five years, with the closest A&E units being in Aberystwyth or Shrewsbury, which for some members of my community is over an hour’s drive away. Healthcare is a right that most of us take for granted. Now my constituents are being forced to wait an extra 30 minutes for air ambulance treatment under the current plans.

Where is the dignity in being made to wait defenceless for another area's healthcare to save you after you've had a horrific car accident or agricultural injury? To put it plainly, people are going to suffer and, unfortunately, die under these new approved plans. They are not fit for purpose. This is another example of decisions being made without thought of the affected places. Why is it always rural areas that are punished? Why are we always punished for not living in areas like Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham? Why is it always our services that are first to be taken away from us? But, as young people, we can make our voices heard and make sure that disgraceful decisions like the closure of the air ambulance bases are better scrutinised and their effects better thought through. That is why I encourage all young people to go out and vote in next year's election and be aware of local issues so they can use that to cast their vote. Thank you.

Diolch, Jake. Tammi Tonge is next, and she's a partner member for Learning Disability Wales. Tammi.

Diolch, Llywydd. Hello, my name is Tammi Tonge, and I'm representing Learning Disability Wales. Today I want to talk about an issue that affects many lives: making sure that our public transport is accessible for disabled people. Day-to-day life can be more difficult for disabled people, like getting a bus to school or college every day. I get a bus every other day for free, but some students have to pay. This makes it harder for them to get to college as some can't afford it. When you reach the age of 19 years old, you normally have to pay for transport to school or college. But young people with a learning disability are more likely to be in school or college up to the age of 25. Many can't travel independently, so it’s not fair that they should have to pay to get to college. I believe young disabled people should have free transport up to the age of 25.

I also want to encourage young people with a learning disability to vote in the next Senedd election on 7 May 2026. It's really important for young disabled people to get involved and have their voices heard about things like education, transport and health. Learning Disability Wales has easy-read information about voting and elections on their website. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Diolch, Tammi. Grace Oluwafemi is next, the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth. Grace.

Diolch. Young people of Wales, today I want to speak directly to you because you have the power to shape the future of our nation. Our generation understands the challenges ahead in a way no-one else does. We feel the pressure, the urgency and the hope for change and we know what truly matters. I reckon climate change is not a distant threat, it's happening now, shaping the world we will inherit. When you look at party manifestos, ask yourself: who is serious about protecting our planet, who has a real practical plan to confront the climate crisis? I reckon our future depends on those answers.

I reckon education is another issue that touches every part of our lives—student debt, tuition fees, access to training and opportunities. These things decide not only what we can achieve, but how freely we can build our futures. So, I reckon we should examine what each party says: would their promises support young people or place more barriers in our way? And I reckon they are the everyday struggles we talk about openly. Mental health, equality, secure jobs, affordable housing, digital rights, I reckon these are the foundations of a fair and modern Wales. They determine whether this country becomes a place where young people can thrive, where we can plan a future with confidence, not uncertainty.

But here is the most important truth: your vote matters. I reckon it is more than a right, it is a responsibility. It is your voice, your chance to shape the Wales you want to live in. No-one else can make that choice for you. So, take the time to read the manifestos, think about the issues that matters most to you. Vote for what reflects your values, your priorities and your hope. Your future truly is worth that effort.

And to the Senedd: I reckon you should listen to the young people of Wales. We are not just tomorrow's generation, we are today's, and we are demanding a future that works for all of us. Thank you.

Thank you Grace. Liz Bartlett is next, Member for Islwyn.

There we go. Thank you, Callum. Bore da, pawb. I'm Liz Bartlett, the Member for Islwyn. I'd like to address this speech not only to the young people in this room, but to the young people watching on Senedd.tv, to the young people watching this as a clip on social media, to our constituents and to the young people of Wales.

Next year, on 7 May, the young people of Wales were given an opportunity to have our voices heard. Thanks to the new proportional voting system, a reduction in wasted votes, we will truly be able to influence Welsh politics. Our Senedd is responsible for devolved matters such as transport, education and health, and it's undergoing a transformation. I hope that you will take the time to learn about it.

I invite you to reach out to your Welsh Youth Parliament representative in your constituency or your partner organisation and to ask your school or college to invite the Senedd education team to visit. Remember, in Senedd elections, 16 and 17-year-olds have the right to vote, as well as many foreign nationals, and Senedd elections do not require a voter ID. Ultimately, as a resident of Wales, it's imperative that you research the candidates running in your constituency, and, as young people, we mustn't allow ourselves to be disenfranchised by simple ignorance, misunderstanding or lack of education. I implore you to register to vote on the gov.uk website and use your voice to create a better future for us all. Diolch.

Anna Martin is next, Member for Gower, Gŵyr.

Today, I would like to speak about the upcoming May elections, how we, as young people, have been given a purpose, a chance, an opportunity to have our say and cast our vote. Now, why is it vital that we act upon this? Well, participation in democracy has always been significant, and if we put faith not only into the hands of the democratic system, but into ourselves, we can make an impact on the future of our nation, the future of Wales. This is why it is important that we understand the changes being implemented into our electoral system.

So, I'd like to introduce these adjustments to you. Firstly, that there will now be 96 Members instead of 60, with the aim being to allow more equality and a more diverse Wales, especially as we, as a nation, now have a current population of 3.2 million, but also to make every vote count, which will better reflect the views of people across Wales. In order to facilitate this, by using a more proportional system, we will now be moving to larger multi-member constituencies, where voters with one vote will either vote for a political party or an independent. Your ballot paper will show the full list of candidates for your constituency, so you can see who you're voting for.

But we need to remember that change will work best when people understand it, which is why we need to educate not only ourselves, but also teach others about these changes, allowing everyone in our community to use their voice and their vote with confidence, ensuring that every voter in Wales knows how to take part, take their stand and embrace this opportunity. Diolch.

Diolch, Anna. The final word in this session goes to Callum Morrissey, Aelod Gorllewin Clwyd, Clwyd West.

Diolch, Llywydd. My name's Callum Morrissey, and I represent Clwyd West as a privileged Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament. From the next Senedd election, Wales will use a new proportional voting system, and understanding it, as my fellow Members have said, is really, really key. Under the old system, we voted for one person in a small area. If your preferred candidate didn’t win, your vote didn’t help elect anyone, so many votes were, effectively, wasted.

The new system works differently. Wales will be divided into larger constituencies, and each will elect six Members. Voters aged 16 and over will have one vote on one ballot paper to choose a party list or an independent candidate. Now, the important thing here is the new system is not just about some people’s votes counting for more. It is about fewer votes being wasted. Seats are shared out in proportion to how people voted across the whole constituency, so the result should more closely match the overall vote.

Now, for young people, that means that our single vote helps shape the bigger picture, proportionally, not just one winner in one big place. By understanding this system, we can vote with confidence and make sure our voices are part of the overall result. So, leaving this here today, I urge all young people and privileged Members of the Welsh Youth Parliament to make sure you take this understanding and duplicate it for your young people in your constituencies across Wales, and to understand how to register to vote, as it is important to use your democratic vote. Diolch yn fawr. Thank you very much.

Diolch i bawb, felly, yn y sesiwn yna am annog pwysigrwydd bod pobl ifanc yn cymryd rhan yn y bleidlais ym mis Mai y flwyddyn nesaf a chael eu llais yn y canlyniadau sy'n deillio allan o'r etholiad honno. Jest i bawb wybod, mae tîm addysg y Senedd wedi bod yn cydweithio gyda Swyddfa Comisiynydd Plant Cymru a'r Comisiwn Etholiadol i ddatblygu adnoddau i addysgwyr i redeg sesiynau gyda phobl ifanc mewn ysgolion a cholegau ar gyfer annog y ddealltwriaeth yna o bwysigrwydd y bleidlais. Dyna ni, felly, dyna'r sesiwn gyntaf yma ar ben. Rŷn ni eisoes yn rhedeg tamaid bach yn hwyr, ond rŷn ni'n mynd i gymryd toriad byr a byddwn ni nôl mewn rhyw 10 munud, felly diolch i chi. Toriad byr, felly.