As First Minister Mark Drakeford marks a year in post, he today (Tues 17 Dec) returned to his old primary school to answer questions from pupils.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Mark Drakeford, who started work as First Minister of Wales a year ago, visited Model Church in Wales primary in Carmarthen, where he was grilled by school children aged between six and 11, about achievements during his first year in office, as well as what challenges lie ahead in 2020.
Over the past year the Welsh Government has:
- Published 100 policies and proposals to transform Wales into a low carbon country
- Abolished unfair letting agents fees in the private rented sector
- Unveiled our brand new draft curriculum for Welsh learners
- Introduced new laws to ban the use of wild animals in circuses and give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in local elections.
The First Minister said:
The past year has been one of the most exceptional in recent British - and Welsh - politics. My first year as First Minister has provided stern tests, none more so than the three challenges of austerity, Brexit and the climate emergency.
Yet throughout these challenging times we have remained focused on delivering on the promises we made to the people of Wales.
We are about to embark on another busy year in politics – relationships with the UK Government will change, and there’s a new future with the European Union to negotiate, on top of an ambitious programme of government to complete in Wales.
But I am more committed than ever to working hard to deliver for Wales. Together, we can build on the achievements of the past year and continue to make Wales a fairer, greener and better place to live.
The First Minister also set out some of the challenges for the coming year – addressing the climate emergency and biodiversity loss will be at the forefront.
He said:
Yesterday we published our draft Budget, with new funding announced to tackle climate change, invest in decarbonisation schemes and improve biodiversity. 2020 will be the year of new ambition and action on climate change in Wales, and I am determined to provide strong leadership from the Welsh Government.