Proposal for a longer form debate

On 11 June 2024, Business Committee considered a letter from Mark Drakeford MS, Adam Price MS, Jane Dodds MS and Paul Davies MS containing a proposal to trial a new occasional format for Plenary debates on Wednesdays that focus on ‘key political choices’.

In October 2024, the Committee considered options around the scheduling, nature and structure of a potential trial of an occasional longer-form debate during 2025.

Business Committee consulted with party groups and the Members of the Senedd who had made the original proposal on its proposed approach to the trial.

It considered responses received in December 2024 and agreed to schedule three ‘Open debates’ on a trial basis during 2025.

Business Committee considered and agreed guidance for members at its meeting on 11 February ahead of the first debate, scheduled to take place on 19 March 2025.