Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Today, I am publishing the Progress Report of the Innovating Democracy Advisory Group (IDAG), which I welcome as a valuable contribution to ongoing work to strengthen democratic participation in Wales.
IDAG was established in response to the recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. This Progress Report represents an important step forward in the wider programme of work arising from the Commission’s findings.
I am grateful to the members of IDAG for their work, and in particular to Dr Anwen Elias, who has chaired the Group.
This report reflects the emerging themes from the Group’s work over the past 10 months, which has focused on strengthening democratic engagement, improving people’s understanding of how decisions are made, and ensuring that citizens feel more connected to the democratic system.
The report highlights that strengthening our democracy will require a long-term, whole‑system effort. The Group identifies priorities including the development of a clear, shared vision for Welsh democracy; co-ordinated leadership across our democratic institutions; a strategic approach to democratic education and public involvement; and the fostering of a culture in which citizens are more directly engaged in decisions that affect them.
As this Senedd term draws to a close, any decisions on future priorities and the governance of this work will be for the next Welsh Government to consider. I hope the insights and analysis in this report offer a constructive basis for that future consideration.
I encourage all Members of the Senedd to read IDAG’s Progress Report and engage with its findings. Cross‑party involvement will be essential in taking forward the goal of a thriving, inclusive democracy for Wales in the years ahead.