First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) is the Senedd’s weekly opportunity for Members to question the First Minister on matters within his responsibilities. Most questions are submitted at least three working days in advance and selected through a ballot. Opposition leaders may also ask questions without notice.
Below is a quick guide to the planned questions for this week’s FMQs, with links to relevant information we’ve published, and other useful background where available. A full list of questions can be found here.
You can watch FMQs live at 1:30pm on Senedd TV.
Question: Lynne Neagle MS is asking about the First Minister's priorities for education in Sir Fynwy Torfaen
Information: See our collection publications on education. We’ve also considered challenges in the education sector as part of a series of articles looking at key issues for the new Senedd,
Question: Louise Emery MS asks for a statement on the provision of GP services in Clwyd
Information: A Sixth Senedd Committee held an inquiry into the future of GPs in Wales. Its includes recommendations aimed at addressing current pressures and ensuring sustainability of services.
Question: Sarah Cooper-Lesadd MS asks about how the Welsh Government will ensure the forthcoming review of Senedd electoral arrangements strengthens public confidence in Welsh democracy
Information: A Senedd Committee may review the Senedd’s electoral arrangements and the extent to which elements of a healthy democracy are present in Wales(see the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024). We discuss this briefly as part of an article on seat allocation in the new electoral system.
Question: John Davies MS is asking about Welsh Government support for locally-owned businesses in Gŵyr Abertawe
Information: Guidance and support for businesses in Wales can be found through Business Wales.
Question: Joe Martin MS asks what assessment the Government has made of the potential risks to public safety of the Nation of Sanctuary scheme
Information: See the 2024 update to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan for information on the Nation of Sanctuary, including current evidence and impact of the policy.
Question: Mike Hedges MS asks about the use of artificial intelligence in the health service
Information: This was looked at as part of our Key Issues for the Seventh Senedd series, where we explored whether the NHS Wales can go digital
Question: Sera Evans MS asks about Welsh Government action to promote a cross-government approach to improving outcomes for neurodivergent people
Information: Action to support neurodivergent individuals and their families is delivered through the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme (NDIP). The previous Welsh Government set out its 2026-27 priorities for the NDIP in March this year.
Question: Helen Jenner MS is asking about assurances for rural communities that local concerns will be given genuine weight when large scale wind energy projects are being considered
Information: For communities wanting to get involved with planning decisions, Planning Aid Wales provides support, and the Welsh Government has guidance on how communities can take part in a significant infrastructure projects (SIP) .
Question: Rebeca Phillips MS asks how the Government will ensure economic development supports both rural and urban areas
Information: Our collection of publications on Business, Economy and Finance includes information on economic development. We’ve also considered long standing and upcoming challenges to economic renewal as part of a series of articles looking at key issues for the new Senedd.
Question: Cristiana Emsley MS asks about action to promote community cohesion and foster a shared sense of belonging across Wales
Information: A Sixth Senedd Committee did an inquiry into social cohesion and considered a report from an expert group on the subject. Read the Committee’s report here.
Question: Art Wright MS is asking about the Welsh Government’s assessment of the effects of the Nation of Sanctuary policy on illegal migration into Wales
Information: See the 2024 update to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan for information on the Nation of Sanctuary, including current evidence and impact of the policy.
Question: Catherine Cullen MS asks for an update on the levels of coal tip-related heavy metal contamination in Welsh rivers
Information: Pollution from metal mines is being tackled by Natural Resources Wales, alongside the Mining Remediation Authority. See the metal mine programme of works for further information.
Article by Senedd Research, Welsh Parliament
