Since May 2026 the Senedd has mostly discussed Heledd Fychan's plans as Plaid Cymru's Cabinet Minister for culture and sport. Opposition Members have pressed her on budgets, data and how success will be measured. Other lines of debate include sport and preventative health, National Museum Cardiff, the Welsh Rugby Union's regional plans and a shadow broadcasting authority. Brexit, Ireland and Euro 2028 also featured.
The main arguments
Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) said the new Government would end a lack of strategy, announced an £8 million Arts Council capital fund and promised an action plan within 100 days. She said the data needed did not exist. Paul Davies (Conservative) and Louise Emery (Reform UK) asked about annual funding and what share of the budget this would be.
Plaid Cymru presented culture and sport as part of preventative health. Jayne Bryant (Labour) and James Evans (Reform UK) asked where the money would come from. Darren Millar (Conservative) said investing from the same budget would take money from hospitals. Mike Hedges (Labour) and others raised pitch and school facility access. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
On National Museum Cardiff, Louise Emery (Reform UK) asked for a repair timetable and Paul Davies (Conservative) raised staff concerns about governance. Heledd Fychan said she was working with Amgueddfa Cymru on proposals. Its chief executive told a committee there was no funding for the big project. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Reform UK Members including Carmelo Colasanto and Steven Rodaway pressed the Government over the Welsh Rugby Union's move from four regions to three. Janet Finch-Saunders (Conservative) raised north Wales. Heledd Fychan said the WRU is independent and the Government does not fund professional teams. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Paul Davies (Conservative) said his party does not support devolving broadcasting. Louise Emery (Reform UK) repeatedly asked where the money would come from. Sam Rowlands (Conservative) questioned the shadow authority's funding. Ken Skates (Labour) said BBC Wales needs protection now. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) said major events such as Euro 2028 and the Tour de France need a planned legacy. Beca Brown (Plaid Cymru) and Shav Taj (Labour) asked about participation and disabled access. Members from several parties backed Wrexham's UK City of Culture bid. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Jane Dodds (Liberal Democrat) said Brexit costs Wales £3 billion a year. Helen Jenner (Reform UK) said Plaid Cymru was reopening the Brexit debate. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) spoke of closer ties with Ireland, and Janet Finch-Saunders (Conservative) asked for a Holyhead breakwater timetable. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Where the parties stand
Plaid Cymru
Heledd Fychan said culture and sport were neglected, that she inherited no data, and that a strategy and review will guide investment. She sees both as preventative health. She said the WRU is independent and she backed a shadow broadcasting authority. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Welsh Labour
Labour Members asked how preventative arts and sport will be funded and how Creative Wales will be resourced. Ken Skates called for protection for BBC Wales. Huw Thomas and Mike Hedges raised Tafwyl, music venues and sports facilities. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Reform UK
Reform UK Members asked what share of the budget culture and sport will receive and how success will be measured. They raised WRU regions, grant funding and broadcasting costs. Louise Emery said Welsh language policy should not rely on coercion. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Welsh Conservatives
Paul Davies backed a culture strategy but pressed on resources, consultation reach and a real-terms budget guarantee. He said the party does not support devolving broadcasting and stressed a shared Welsh and British culture. Darren Millar questioned where prevention money would come from. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Welsh Liberal Democrats
Jane Dodds linked Brexit to lost revenue and farming red tape, and asked the Government to work with the UK Government on it. She also urged support for youth clubs as a route into music. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Wales Green Party
Anthony Slaughter backed improved fiscal arrangements and borrowing powers, saying the current funding relationship hampers Wales taking its place on the international stage. Contributions: [1]
What the government is being pressed on
1Members asked what share of the budget culture and sport will get and whether there will be real-terms rises. Heledd Fychan said the first full budget comes later this year and that a review will show the investment needed. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
2Louise Emery and Paul Davies asked about repairs and governance at National Museum Cardiff. Heledd Fychan said she is working with Amgueddfa Cymru on proposals and wants lessons learned, but no firm proposals had been put to her. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
3Reform UK, Conservative and Labour Members asked what the Government will do about the WRU's regional plans. Heledd Fychan said decisions rest with the WRU, offered to raise concerns with it and pointed to Sport Wales funding. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
4Louise Emery and Sam Rowlands asked how a shadow broadcasting authority and any devolved broadcasting would be paid for. The material provided records no costing in reply. Contributions: [1][2][3]
5Janet Finch-Saunders asked for a timetable for the £40 million Holyhead breakwater work. Rhun ap Iorwerth said work is progressing and pointed to Brexit's effect on the port, without giving dates. Contributions: [1][2]
What the public is asking for
The petitions listed include one asking for Welsh Government partnership links with Cuba and Venezuela (39 signatures, open). Contributions also describe petitions for a basic income for artists (472 signatures) and a statue of Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (1,971).
Who ministers are meeting
Ministers have met broadcasters (S4C, BBC and ITV), sports bodies (Sport Wales, the WRU, the FAW), national cultural institutions, the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh National Opera, Wrexham's City of Culture bid team and EU Heads of Mission.
In the Sixth Senedd (2021 to 2026)
From the previous Senedd's record, for issues that run across both. The rest of this analysis covers the Seventh Senedd only.
In the Sixth Senedd, Members debated whether Six Nations rugby should be free to air and how cuts hit national cultural bodies. They also pressed on Wales's place in post-Brexit relations with Europe. Broadcasting policy and Welsh language media drew cross-party scrutiny.
On Six Nations rugby, Dawn Bowden (Labour) said listing it enables but does not guarantee free-to-air coverage. James Evans (Conservative) argued for free-to-air. A committee noted media rights were £20 million of the WRU's £90 million revenue. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) said cuts to national collections amounted to a crisis. A petition with 12,075 signatures opposed 10.5 to 22.3 per cent cuts. Rhys ab Owen (Independent) described cuts to Amgueddfa Cymru and the Royal Commission. Contributions: [1][2][3]
On post-Brexit relations, Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru) said UK-EU forums made no provision for Wales. Mark Drakeford (Labour) said Wales was £1.3 billion worse off. Rhys ab Owen said the Welsh Government had not wanted to stir things up. Contributions: [1][2][3]
On broadcasting, Jane Dodds (Liberal Democrat) called the Government's responses to a committee report meek. Rhys ab Owen said S4C funding was being cut. Sarah Murphy (Labour) welcomed the report and stressed public service broadcasters' role. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Written by AI on 23 October 2026 from 236 contributions in the Senedd between 19 May 2026 and 20 October 2026, with the petitions and ministers' meetings on this brief. Each point links to the contributions it draws on; check them before quoting. How the analysis is written.
What the government has promised
9 commitments in the Welsh Government's Programme for Government 2026 to 2030 fall under this brief, in the Programme's own words. Under each is how often it has been raised in the Seventh Senedd.
Demanding fairness from Westminster: Powers for a purpose
Work towards the devolution of powers over broadcasting, including powers to regulate, supervise, and ensure accountability for broadcasting and communications in Wales. We will begin by establishing a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales to protect and strengthen local and national public service media platforms.
Raised in 17 speeches. Most recently on 20 October 2026, by Ken Skates. Matched on: “devolution of broadcasting”.
Strengthening Wales through culture, heritage and sport
Work with the sector including our creative industries to create and deliver a targeted Culture and Sport Strategy for a healthier, wealthier and more resilient Wales.
Raised in 40 speeches. Most recently on 19 October 2026, by Jane Richardson. Matched on: “culture strategy”.
Prioritise equality of access to the arts, culture, heritage and sport for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, considering how our entry policies can support this.
Raised in 6 speeches. Most recently on 14 October 2026, by Alun Cox. Matched on: “access to sport”.
Bring forward a European Strategy which will include our determination to align with world‑leading European standards in environmental protection, public health and food.
Raised in 1 speech and 1 written question. Most recently on 8 October 2026, by Dr Elin Royles. Matched on: “European strategy”.
Develop and implement a comprehensive Diaspora Strategy to promote Wales as a place for diaspora entrepreneurs to invest, and encourage and incentivise recent emigrants to return.
Raised in 7 speeches. Most recently on 19 October 2026, by Jane Richardson. Matched on: “diaspora”.
Source: Welsh Government, Programme for government 2026 to 2030: New ambition for Wales, first published on 10 September 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Mentions are found by matching the names of plans, bodies and schemes; a mention says nothing about progress.
From the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government's latest press releases and Cabinet statements on this brief.
Wales is all set to welcome the Tour de France in 2027 as full details of the whole route, including the Welsh stage from Welshpool to Cardiff, were unveiled in Paris today.
The Welsh Government is calling for the views of people, organisations, sports and culture community groups to develop a new, ambitious strategy for culture and sport in Wales.
The reappointed Members are Ian Bancroft and Nuria Zolle, who will serve as a second and final term - Ian as Vice Chair of the Board – from 1 October 2026 until 30 September 2029.
Each bar is the share of that party's speeches and questions in the Seventh Senedd that touched this brief, so large and small parties can be compared. The upright line marks the chamber as a whole: 3.3%.
Ministers' meetings with outside organisations and their engagements on this brief, from the register the Welsh Government publishes every three months. 26 since the 2026 election; the latest:
26 September 2026
Undeb Rygbi Cymru / Welsh Rugby Union
Engagement, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
25 September 2026
Cardiff Blue Dragons Wheelchair Rugby League
Meeting, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
24 September 2026
Chwaraeon Cymru / Sport Wales
Meeting, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
16 September 2026
Cymdeithas Bel-droed Cymru / Football Association of Wales
Meeting, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
12 September 2026
Amgueddfa Bêl-droed Cymru ac Amgueddfa Wrecsam / Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum
Meeting, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
16 August 2026
The Football Association
Engagement, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
12 August 2026
Undeb Rygbi Cymru / Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer and Director of Corporate Affairs
Meeting, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
28 July 2026
Common Wealth Games- Bilateral Fiona Reid, CEO Disability Sport Wales and Nathan Stephens, Head of Performance Deve at Disability Sport Wales
Meeting, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Members whose entries in the Register of Members' Interests relate to this brief, matched by the brief's words and phrases. Members must register these interests, and having one doesn't mean anything improper.
Gifts, Hospitality, Material Benefits or Advantage: Member Description of the gift: Four hospitality tickets a year from Swansea City AFC to watch Championship football matches in the 2025-2026 season. Name of the person or…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: President - Penlan Football Club
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Member - Morriston Town Football Club
Membership/Chairmanship of bodies in receipt of direct or indirect Senedd Commission or Welsh Government funds: Member Name of organisation: FAW Role within organisation: Strategic Advisory Board Member
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: CF10 Rugby Trust member
Membership/Chairmanship of bodies in receipt of direct or indirect Senedd Commission or Welsh Government funds: Member Name of organisation: Mold Walking Football Club Role within organisation: Chair Additional information: The club has applied for grants from Sports Wales
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Welsh Dragons Walking Football Team Player – Member and goalkeeper – Linked to FAW.
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: Sport Wales Nature of the post: Senior Policy Officer Amount of remuneration received: Band 4: between £1001 - £2500 Average number of…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: I have made a donation of £1,000 to Caernarfon Football Club as part of their fundraising appeal for new facilities.
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Partner Name and nature of the employer: BBC Cymru Wales Nature of the post: Editor of Radio Wales and Head of Sport for BBC Cymru Wales
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Sister-in-law carrying out work for Sport Wales concerning healthy weight initiatives.
30% of Welsh adults said brexit and Britain's future relationship with the EU would be very important to their vote.
Ipsos asked 747 Welsh adults aged 16+ between 2 April 2026 and 8 April 2026, before the 2026 Senedd election. People could choose as many issues as they liked. More on public opinion.
Written questions
8 written questions to the Welsh Government on this brief in the Seventh Senedd, 8 answered so far. The latest:
On Wednesday 18 March, the Senedd will debate a new report calling on future governments to adopt Mission Cymru – a set of new principles to guide Wales’ international relations.
On 22 October 2025 Plenary will debate the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee’s report into Charging for exhibitions.
On 26 March 2025 the Senedd will debate the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee’s report, A decade of cuts: impact of funding reductions for culture and sport.
On 10 July 2024 the Senedd will debate the Culture, Welsh Language, Communications, Sport and International Relations Committee’s report, 6 Nations Rugby Championship broadcasting rights.
Contributions tagged in each month of the Seventh Senedd. No sittings were held in August 2026.Show the numbers
Month
Contributions
May 2026
1
June 2026
72
July 2026
30
August 2026
No sittings
September 2026
167
October 2026
75
How this brief is put together
This brief follows the Programme commitments listed above and tags the record with the phrases below. Keyword matching can miss business that discusses the issue in other words, and can tag a passing mention.
Show the phrases it uses
A contribution is tagged when its English text contains one of these phrases. Capital letters don't matter, except in abbreviations, which must match exactly. It is also tagged when the title of the agenda item or question it was part of contains one, as long as the contribution is at least 30 words long. The brief is also tagged whenever one of its themes is.
