By Mark Isherwood

MS for North Wales

Speaking in the Debate on the ‘Final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales’, I said “further devolution of powers now or in the foreseeable future is both unnecessary and unsafe”, where “the democratic deficit in Wales is still alive and kicking, with many still not understanding where the decisions are taken, who is responsible and how much power the Welsh Government actually has over their lives”.

Quoting a constituent, who stated “the activities of the Welsh Government are ignored by a large section of the population. The Welsh Government could in this way ‘get away with anything’”, I added that this allows ‘we know best’, buck-passing Labour Welsh Government to dodge accountability.

Questioning the Health and Social Services Minister, I raised concern that parents of neurodiverse children in North-East Wales are being subjected to wrongful allegations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), accused of creating or exaggerating their child's difficulties.

I quoted recent research highlighting the devastating impact that this can have on the whole family, including the children who are alleged to be in need of protection.

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and, speaking in the Chamber after attending Cerebral Palsy Cymru’s Senedd event, I called for support for their Early Intervention Baby Programme, which receives no funding from the Welsh Government or NHS Wales. This vital Programme is not sustainable without their contribution. If lost, NHS Wales and Social Services Departments would incur significantly more cost.

I Chaired meetings of the Welsh Parliament Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, and the Cross-Party Group for Funerals and Bereavement, and attended the Cross-Party Group on Learning Disability AGM.

Other engagements included NFU Cymru and the Sustainable Farming Scheme Consultation, where we heard that the Welsh Government’s current proposals need a major overhaul; a meeting with the Stroke Association; Electrical Contractors' Association, attended by electrical contractors from North Wales; Royal Pharmaceutical Society Cymru Wales; The Brain Tumour Charity in Brain Tumour Awareness Month; Motor Neurone Disease Association; Social Care Wales and BASW Cymru session to mark Social Work Week 2024; and The Black Leadership Group's Annual Conference.

I also met pupils and staff from Minera Primary School, Wrexham, during their Education Visit to the Senedd, and with the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, discussing matters including her new report ‘Access to GP Practices in Wales: Older People's Experiences’, which highlights concerning issues including that difficulties accessing GP practices leave many older people suffering in pain.

For my help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.