Extract from Welsh Parliament Business statement - June 7

Alun Davies MS: We are, Minister, this month, marking the fortieth anniversary of the war in the Falklands. And it's important, I think, that, as a Parliament, we recognise the contribution of Welsh servicemen and women in that campaign. I met recently with the Government of the Falkland islands, along with our Conservative colleague Darren Millar, and we spoke there about the contribution and the links between the Falkland islands and Wales. The British Legion in Ebbw Vale will be laying a wreath to remember those who were lost recovering the Falklands, and I'm sure, in communities up and down Wales and elsewhere, other wreaths will be laid to ensure that we do not forget the sacrifice and the loss of people who helped recover the Falklands. 

Would it be possible, Minister, for the Government to ensure that we have time here in this place to remember the Falklands campaign, and to mark the fortieth anniversary of it? I think many of us will want to join Ministers and others at the service in Llandaff cathedral, but, at the same time, as a Parliament, it is important that we mark this anniversary and we remember the sacrifice of people who were lost.

Lesley Griffiths MS (Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd): I think Alun Davies raises a very important point, and the Welsh Government has been working with partners right across the armed forces sector to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Falklandsconflict, and, of course, recognise the sacrifices that were made by many Welsh service personnel. I know—I think it was last Sunday—that the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership took part in a Falklands 40 anniversary bike ride. That started at the Falklands memorial at Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, and a group of veterans are making their way by bike, over eight days, to Aldershot, in tribute to all those who served in the conflict. 

Alun Davies mentioned the service that will be held at Llandaff cathedral. The First Minister will lead the Wales Falklands 40 service there, and I know, again, the Deputy Minister is attending the Royal British Legion Falklands 40 service at the National Memorial Arboretum.

In my own constituency of Wrexham, we're having a Welsh Guards memorial service and reunion to mark Falklands 40, and I know that wreaths will also be laid in the Falkland islands on behalf of the First Minister during upcoming services of remembrance.