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Senedd debate on Labour Welsh Government's record

Senedd debate on Labour Welsh Government's record

Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Labour of failing to stand up for Wales and live up to promises made at the start of this Senedd term.
The Plaid Cymru leader told the Senedd: 'Everywhere you look – whether it's the NHS, our economy, schools or society more broadly – the situation is worse now.
But others accused Plaid Cymru of 'gesture politics' after 'propping up' the Labour Welsh Government for most of the past four years.
Leading the debate on a Plaid Cymru motion on May 7, exactly one year before the next election, Mr ap Iorwerth directed his ire at the 'disgraceful' legacy left by the Tories.
He said: 'It's no wonder they suffered a slaughter electorally in Wales last summer and the opinion polls for the Senedd election suggest they are increasingly irrelevant.
'But the excuses are far harder to bear now the Labour party is in government in Westminster, something that was pledged time and time again by Labour members for years prior to the election would lead to change for the better.'
The former broadcast journalist criticised UK Government decisions to slash the welfare budget and restrict winter fuel allowance – 'cuts even George Osborne would wince about'.
Paul Davies argued Plaid Cymru should be held accountable for the Welsh Government's record due to the now-collapsed cooperation agreement between the two.
Jane Dodds, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and the party's sole Senedd member, also pointed out that Plaid Cymru had a seat at the table as part of the three-year budget deal.
She said: 'You've helped to steer the ship and you don't get to act surprised about the destination when you have actually been holding the map.'
Ms Dodds, who struck a £100m deal with ministers to pass the latest Welsh budget, urged Plaid Cymru to take ownership of achievements such as free school meals.
Senedd members voted 35-11 against the Plaid Cymru motion. Conservative and Labour amendments also fell. With the final vote deadlocked at 23-23, deputy speaker Dai Rees used his casting vote against the Welsh Government's amendment in line with convention.

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