First Minister Mark Drakeford’s Christmas message

After a very busy year, I hope Christmas brings some time for us all to rest and reflect on the past 12 months – and to look ahead to 2020; the start of another new decade. 

I hope everyone has the chance to spend this Christmas with their family, friends and loved ones.  

For some people, this time of year can be difficult. Feeling lonely, missing loved ones or dealing with financial stresses and strains. Please know you are not alone.

I would like to say a big, heart-felt thank you to everyone working in our emergency services and social services and the tens of thousands of carers and volunteers who give up their own Christmas to help others. 

I am very grateful for everything you do. Thank you. 

Looking back on the last 12 months, I am very proud that in Wales we have:

• Supported our economy with more jobs and opportunities. I was privileged to lead one of the biggest ever trade missions to Japan in September during the Rugby World Cup and during 2019 we have  supported more than 30,000 jobs and hit the 75,000 new apprenticeships milestone.  
• We invested more than £7.5bn in our NHS and I am proud we have record numbers of nurses, doctors and midwives working in Wales. 
• We also declared a climate emergency – triggering a wave of action in Wales and internationally to protect our precious planet. 

Let’s make 2020 a year that unites us and start the new decade with an open mind and a determination to heal rifts and work together to build a better Wales for everyone. 

I wish you all a very happy Christmas. Nadolig Llawen i chi gyd!