The last year has provided Wales and the UK with much drama, so let’s use 2019 and all its opportunities to heal old wounds, whether it be inside or outside the realm of politics.
President Trump visited the UK, the anti-Semitism scandal of the Labour Party deepened, and Parliament remained split over Brexit over the last 12 months.
All of these, of course, have their rightfully serious implications and certainly caused tensions in our society, but let us not forget the things that strengthened us as a country.
A long-term funding commitment was announced for the NHS, the centenaries of female suffrage and the end of the First World War, and the Prime Minister vowed to ‘eradicate’ all avoidable plastic in the UK within 25 years. All of these unite us.
Looking ahead at the year to come, we shall finally see the UK leave the European Union and we will have four different party leaders in the Welsh Assembly, which will finally get a name worthy of its powers and, hopefully, be called the Welsh Parliament.
These opportunities for new beginnings should not be wasted. If we truly want to improve the lives of people across our land, then consensus and cooperation must win the day.
But let’s not restrict this to politics: if there’s someone you’ve fallen out with or haven’t spoken to in a while, be the first to extend the olive branch.
You may have to swallow some pride – something people in my line of work are often reluctant to do – but the rewards to come from repairing an old friendship will mean you’ll soon forget.
So my colleagues and I will use this fresh start to explore new ideas and seek to work with others, whatever their politics, so we can create a more prosperous and more considerate country.
A Happy New Year to you all. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd.
Paul Davies AM – Leader of the Welsh Conservatives
