Mark Drakeford calls for a ’stronger, fairer and greener Wales’ in final Saint David’s Day message
Mark Drakeford has given his final Saint David’s Day message today, calling for a ‘stronger, fairer and greener Wales, where no one is left behind’.
Mr Drakeford will step down from his position as the leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister of Wales in the coming weeks – with either Jeremy Miles or Vaughan Gething set to replace him.
His address to the nation marks the sixth St David’s Day since he was elected to succeed Carwyn Jones as First Minister in December 2018.
Mr Drakeford made no mention of the ongoing leadership contest, with its surprising twists and turns, choosing instead to focus on Wales’ strengths, as well as some of his own personal hopes for the nation.
He said: “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus i chi.
“Today, people across Wales and all over the world will be celebrating all things Cymru a Chymreictod – Wales and Welshness!”
Gwneud y pethau bychain
“On our national day, we like to do as St David did – “gwneud y pethau bychain” – to do the little things to help improve the lives of others. This sense of taking care of, and doing well by others is enshrined in our national identity, just as much as our love of song and sport.
“In these uncertain times, we could all benefit from being a bit more Welsh and doing the little things. We are rightly proud of our tolerant and progressive values, of our close-knit communities and a strong sense of social justice and fairness.”
“Wales is also home to global businesses, which provide a nurturing ground where innovators, creators and brilliant ideas can thrive. Our rich history, vibrant culture and language is as unique as our epic mountains, dramatic coastlines and thriving cities.
“On the international stage, Wales is an outward-facing nation, and St David’s Day is our day to show Wales to the rest of the world.”
The lessons of Dewi Sant
Acknowledging his final weeks as First Minister of Wales, he continued: “This will be my last St David’s Day message as First Minister, but we will continue our work to create a stronger, fairer and greener Wales, where no one is left behind.
“A place where everyone is welcome.
“And where our children can achieve their ambitions, without thinking that their future lies elsewhere.
“These are aims rooted in the lessons taught by Dewi Sant.
“Wherever you are celebrating St David’s Day this year, I encourage you to do a little something to brighten up someone’s day.
“And so, for the last time as First Minister, Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus to you all.”
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Mark, Many thanks for your great contribution as First Minister. Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus to you!
I for one outside the Labour family will miss Marks contribution. A touch scolding and perhaps too top down academic at times but certainly honest, decent and with a vision drawn from a wish to see a better Wales in the World. His understanding of most of Wales outside the Cardiff Bay bubble and love for our culture plus history allowed him to at least think about our national destiny. We both became County Cllr’s in the same year and along with the likes of the late Hag Harris he impressed many of us with his clinical insights and thought… Read more »
Calling for and actually doing are two different things entirely. Welsh Labour’s Mark Drakeford who’s in the twilight of his political career can have a wish or to-do list but will they be realised? Doubtful. An analogy. You can’t drive a car if somebody decides if, when and where you go like the UK Government has since time immemorial. Wales is a legislator on a London leash. Today is March 1st, Saint David’s Day, and again we cannot enjoy a bank holiday like both Scots & Northern Irish can seeing their parliament & assembly had the devolution where we are… Read more »
He would be well at home in North Korea.
And you being Tory and a Fascist supporter will fit in under a Regime like Putin
A slogan direct from Party HQ play book ?
“a stronger, fairer and greener Wales, where no one is left behind.
A place where everyone is welcome.
And where our children can achieve their ambitions, without thinking that their future lies elsewhere”
an independent one then, Mark? 😉
whilst I may disagree with him on the matter of the union, (and it remains to be seen where he’ll admit to standing on this after retirement), he strikes me as a good, honourable, honest man, who deserves a long and peaceful retirement. fair play to him.
I’d rather have our ancient monuments dug up and celebrated rather than a few extra thousand trees.
Unfortunate but the world needs some of its trees back – the ones we cut down.
…. by the 100’s of 1,000s to make way for Mark’s monuments – Wind turbine towers, all over the place and they haven’t finished yet.
I also Noticed today NO T V News channels wished or never mentioned St Davids Day this morning when the English Dragon slayer patron saint of england comes round they will not stop going on about it our Patron Saint was only mentioned on the WElsh news
Pitiful. Mark Drakeford and the rest of the Labour party in Cymru are complicit with the 14 years of Tory austerity. Look at the FACTS 70% of the time over the last 100 years the Tories have been in charge in Westminster. You have to be ultra naive or ultra optimistic to think (with the British media), things are going to change in the next 100 years. Please WAKE UP and stop putting us through this Tory nonsense for some Labour party vision of a UK socialist utopia that has never happened and NEVER will happen in England!!!!!