During a busy week in the Senedd, it was a privilege to lead one of the last short debates of this term. The theme of my short debate was trust, transparency and the future of our democracy – regular readers will know that I chair the Senedd’s Standards of Conduct Committee. Too often people say “they’re all the same” about politicians and that cynicism risks doing real damage – we all have a responsibility to challenge that perception. Creating an environment of higher standards, zero tolerance of bullying and harassment, being open about how we work and tackling misinformation and online abuse, some AI-generated, are all part of that process, as well as robust regulation of lobbying. Strengthening our Senedd isn’t a one-off event, it’s an ongoing process and it’s one we can’t afford to shy away from.

As part of that work, the Senedd has taken a significant step to further strengthen democratic accountability by passing the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill. For the first time, the people of Wales will be able to remove their Member of the Senedd between elections. The legislation includes a recall system with two clear triggers – automatic recall for any Member who receives a prison sentence of any length (including a suspended sentence) and discretionary recall where the Standards of Conduct Committee recommends removal for serious misconduct, subject to a majority vote of the whole Senedd. The existing standards system will also be strengthened – these changes are about ensuring high standards in public life and putting voters firmly in control and, as committee chair, I’ve seen first-hand why these changes matter.

On Friday I had the opportunity to visit Black Mountain Honey in Nercwys and met owner Laurence Edwards. Black Mountain Honey not only produces award-winning Welsh honey, but the company also supplies queen bees and nucleus colonies for people looking to set up their own hives. We had a good chat about the business and some of the support it had previously received from the Welsh Government. As well as this, we talked about some of the work I had done on AI and how he has used it to support Black Mountain Honey to innovate and expand, opening up new markets that didn’t exist before, so it was interesting to hear Laurence’s positive take on AI use in Welsh businesses.

I’ve often talked about the wonderful produce from our corner of North East Wales in the Siambr and I recently had the opportunity to ask the Llywydd about how the Senedd could better showcase the very best of Welsh produce. With 76% of food and drink on the Senedd estate already coming from Wales and a target of 80% in sight, there’s real progress to build on. We can go further as Wales hosts award-winning vineyards, local distilleries and microbreweries. I called for more to be done to promote and rotate Welsh products in the Senedd shop and at events, making sure our national parliament truly champions produce from every part of Wales.

Last week, the Senedd voted to ban greyhound racing in Wales. This is a huge step forward for animal welfare and a testament to the strength of voices across Wales who have campaigned for change. I’ve been proud to support those calls and stand with campaigners who’ve highlighted the harm caused to these dogs – I’ve long campaigned for legislation on greyhound racing, joining the RSPCA in their calls for the sport to be banned. Now we move forward with a phased ban – ensuring greyhounds are protected and properly rehomed.

The Senedd also passed the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill – a historic moment for disability rights in Wales. The Bill means BSL will be recognised, promoted and protected in the services we use every day and places responsibility on public bodies such as the NHS, schools and local councils to review, adapt and improve their services so they are actively facilitating the use of BSL. The legislation is a very important step towards creating a Wales that promotes and values BSL as a vital part of Welsh society and supports the Welsh Government’s commitment to creating a fairer Wales for everyone.

Finally, it was Debt Awareness Week last week, a campaign which aims to break the stigma around financial difficulties and encourages people who need support to come forward. I know that the cost of living continues to bite and the conflict in the Middle East is putting further pressure on household bills here at home, so it’s worth taking a look at the Welsh Government’s Claim What’s Yours campaign, delivered through AdviceLink Cymru – it’s there to help people to access the financial support they’re entitled to, from help with heating bills to social security checks and more. Just one call can tell you all you need to know about what you’re entitled to and how to get it – call Advice Line Cymru for free on 0800 702 2020.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.