25 years since the first Members were elected to represent the people of Wales, the Welsh Parliament is looking to the future as Their Majesties The King and Queen pay a visit to the Senedd in Cardiff.
The 25th anniversary coincides with the passing of a new Welsh law which will increase the size of the Senedd to 96 Members and introduce a new voting system at the 2026 election.
The extra Members will be able to better represent their communities, challenge the work of Welsh Government and strengthen the ability of the Senedd to make decisions for Wales, in Wales.
On Thursday 11 July 2024, Their Majesties The King and Queen visited the Senedd where The King delivered a speech to mark the 25th anniversary and meet people who have made an invaluable contribution to the Senedd’s work.
In his speech, His Majesty The King paid tribute to the achievements of the Senedd and wished the parliament well for the future:
“The Queen and I are so delighted to join you today as we mark this significant milestone in our history – the twenty-fifth anniversary of Welsh devolution.
“It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege, all my life, to share with you. Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year. Braint yw cael rhannu eich cariad at y wlad arbennig hon.
“In 1999 when the then National Assembly for Wales was established, we could not know what lay ahead. But we trusted that the common desire for the welfare of the people of Wales would be the surest guide for those who would create, shape and develop this new national institution.
“Welsh minds have indeed been directed to Welsh matters, and the distinct voice of Wales is heard with clarity and purpose.
“Edrychwn yn ôl ar y daith hyd yn hyn, edrychwn ymlaen at y daith sydd i ddod.
“Over the last 25 years the Senedd has become more than a symbol, it has become essential to the life of Wales. As we look back over the quarter century, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations - llongyfarchiadau mawr – on all you have achieved.
“A great milestone has been reached and there are many more ahead, but you do not travel alone. The strength, resilience and aspiration of the Welsh people will help to sustain you. With those interest in mind, I prey that in the years to come, you will achieve even more. Overcome even more challenges, and find even more causes for celebration. Diolch o galon.”
"This is not a politicians’ Parliament - it belongs to the people of Wales"
Speaking in the ceremony in the Siambr, the Senedd’s debating chamber, was the Llywydd of the Senedd, The Right Honourable Elin Jones MS, the First Minister for Wales, Rt. Hon. Vaughan Gething MS, and Party Leaders Andrew RT Davies MS for the Welsh Conservatives and Rhun ap Iorwerth MS for Plaid Cymru. The ceremony is available to watch on Senedd.tv
The Llywydd of the Senedd, Rt. Hon. Elin Jones MS says: “25 years ago, Wales embarked on a transformative journey, electing the National Assembly for Wales. Since then the Senedd has become a fully-fledged Parliament, able to make laws in areas crucial to people’s lives.
“This is a modern and flexible Senedd, with sustainability at its heart. A bilingual parliament, proudly working in our two official languages. In 2003, the first parliament in the world to be gender balanced.
“Our journey continues. In 2026, voters will elect 36 additional Members to the Senedd, offering the people of Wales a stronger voice, better representation and increased scrutiny on decisions made for them.
“Politicians have come and gone, making their own contributions. But this is not a politicians’ Parliament - it belongs to the people of Wales, who forged its beginning and are shaping its future.”
People make the difference
During their visit to the Senedd, The King and Queen will meet people from the community who have contributed to the work of the Senedd, including Neil Evans, the petitioner who successfully started a campaign for plastic carrier bag charges in 2007.
Also among the guests was Sarra Ibrahim who has provided valuable evidence to Senedd Committees on multiple issues relating to childcare, gender-based violence and the needs of migrant women. Cancer campaigner Claire O’Shea who shared her story to demand better gynaecological cancer treatments and results in Wales. Angel Ezeadum, a former Welsh Youth Parliament Member who successfully campaigned to make teaching Black History mandatory in Welsh schools.
A posy was presented to The Queen by 10 year-old Celyn Matthews-Williams from Llanelli, a Senedd Covid Community Champion. During the pandemic she raised money for food banks and the Wales Air Ambulance and brought joy to her community by growing sunflowers and setting up a book exchange on her garden wall.
Their Majesties also meet members of Senedd staff who have worked here for 25 years, or are themselves 25 years old, and Welsh Youth Parliament representatives. There were musical performances by Any Body Can Choir, Ysgol Treganna Ensemble and Pantasia Steel Pans.
Watch the ceremony on Senedd.tv
