Eluned Morgan’s sixth session as first minister comes to a close.

Next week is the autumn half term recess.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Hannah Blythyn, Labour MS for Delyn, shares a personal family story to illustrate the need to "better empower women as part of the delivery of the Welsh government’s commitment to improve support for women’s health".

She explains: "Nineteen years ago, my mum was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer thanks to a Breast Test Wales programme in Wrexham that found it at an early ductal stage. She wouldn't have known otherwise. However, just four years later, she was eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

"Later on, after reflecting on family history, my mum requested a genetic test and found that she had the hereditary BRCA2 gene. I initially went to see an NHS genetics counsellor when I was in my early 30s, and whilst I didn't feel personally in a place to take things forward then, because of my family history, I qualified for early screening, and when I did have a scare, I was put through the system at pace.

"In 2019, my personal circumstances had changed, and with the support of my mum and wife, I decided it was the right time for me to take the step to get tested. I was referred by my GP to the Wrexham Maelor genetics clinic, and the service I received was incredible. In fact, my own journey stopped there, as the results came back saying that I did not have the BRCA2 gene. I had mentally prepared myself for what the next steps might mean and be for me, but I will never forget the look of relief on my wife's face when we were given the news. However, I'm painfully aware that it's not the same outcome for everyone. So, Prif Weinidog, I know you will understand this remains important to me, and can I ask what the Welsh government is doing to ensure that those who may be impacted in the way I've outlined can make an empowered choice to take control of their own lives at a time that is right for them?"

The first minister replies, "healthcare professionals can refer women who are concerned about their familial risk of breast cancer to the genomic service, and that provides genetic counselling to help people understand their risk and, if necessary, they provide that testing that you underwent".

She adds, "I hope that women across Wales will hear that the support and counselling around that very difficult screening will be available to them".

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Labour MS Julie Morgan expresses concern about book publishing in Wales based on the experience of her constituent, Penny Thomas, who runs a children's book publisher, Firefly Press.

Julie Morgan says "the English language grant to publishers in Wales via the Books Council of Wales has been cut by 17 per cent in the last 10 years. Grants to publishers in Wales are an absolute lifeline; in the intensely competitive, highly discounted world of children's books in which Firefly Press exists, they can often make the difference between staying afloat and going under."

The first minister replies "I hope you'll pass on my congratulations to Firefly Press who, of course, adapted the Llyfr Glas Nebo book into English and that won the Carnegie Prize, and that is the highest honour for children's publishing. If you haven't read the book, you should—it's a remarkable book. Now, publishing does remain a priority but I recognise that this is a really difficult time, and we've had to make some very, very difficult decisions. I accept that, actually, there has been a cut to the books council, but it is in line with the cuts faced by other sponsor bodies across the culture sector in Wales."

The Blue Book Of Nebo is the first-ever translated book to win a Yoto Carnegie medal for writing in the almost 90-year history of the awards.

Conservative Gareth Davies asks "what assessment has the first minister made of the impact of the UK government's decision to cut winter fuel payments on people" in his Vale of Clwyd constituency.

First Minister Eluned Morgan replies that "maximising the levers we have here in Wales to tackle poverty remains a key cross-government priority. The Welsh government continues to support those at risk of falling into fuel poverty. We continue to invest in our fuel voucher and discretionary assistance schemes to help people in crisis with fuel costs."

Gareth Davies says the first minister's response is "not going to wash, as 30,000 people in Conwy and Denbighshire will lose their winter fuel payments this year, with both set to become the hardest-hit counties in the United Kingdom as a result of this callous decision by the UK Labour government".

From this winter, most pensioners will lose the winter fuel payment unless they are receiving certain benefits such as pension credit, which is widely under-claimed.

Image source, PA Media

Regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the first minister says "I'm very clear that we need a genuine long-term two-state solution. The fighting needs to stop. We need to see an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing, and we need to see a significant increase in the amount of aid that can be provided, and, of course, the hostages should be returned".

The first minister praises the "amazing response" of the people of Wales in raising over £500,000 in 24 hours as part of the DEC Cymru Middle East Humanitarian Appeal for people affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region.

The latest figure is that £800,000 has been raised in Wales, and £15 million in the UK.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth criticises the Labour-run Welsh government for seeking to delete the Plaid motion in tomorrow's plenary which "calls on the Welsh government to make urgent representations to the UK Labour government, and publish the communication, requesting that the budget contains:

a) the reclassifying of HS2 as an England-only project;

b) a commitment that Wales receives £4 billion of HS2 consequentials, as Welsh Government Ministers and the Secretary of State for Wales have called for;

c) a commitment to devolve the Crown Estate as soon as possible, with relevant timescales;

d) a commitment to replacing the Barnett formula as soon as possible, with relevant timescales;

e) a commitment to restoring the winter fuel allowance for pensioners; and

f) a commitment to disposing of the two-child benefit cap."

The first minister replies, "we have those direct conversations with the UK government, rather than us writing resolutions on the floor of the Senedd. That's how we work. I know that is difficult for people like you perhaps to bear in mind, that individuals like me can speak directly to the prime minister".

Rhun ap Iorwerth accuses the first minister of "giving up on fighting for Wales' billions".

The first minister replies "he clearly doesn’t know me very well if he thinks I won’t make the case as the first minister. I will stand up for Wales on every occasion, including with the prime minister, as I have done on every occasion that I’ve met him. Let me make it clear that in relation to HS2 I think we have been done an injustice, and I will continue to make that case."

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, refers to an interview by Wales' minister for delivery Julie James in which she told BBC Politics Wales that in order to help meet the manifesto commitment to build 20,000 affordable homes before the next Senedd election in 2026, former minister Lee Waters has been drafted in to help.

Julie James said in the interview that the role of Lee Waters - who was behind Wales' 20mph speed limit restrictions - was to assist the cabinet secretary by carrying out a "very rapid deep dive" of each planning application as they come forward.

Asked by Andrew RT Davies what exactly Lee Waters' role will be, Eluned Morgan replies "we are still in discussions about the role that Lee Waters will play. We'll be finalising details of that role and will be letting you know exactly what that is in the next few weeks".

Andrew RT Davies says "you haven't a clue yet what he's going to be doing, and yet you're trying to incentivise developers to come forward with applications to hit your manifesto target of 20,000 social housing here in Wales. That really is no way to run a government".

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Plaid Cymru's Siân Gwenllian asks "what is the first minister doing to ensure that the Welsh government is giving priority to resolving the housing crisis in Gwynedd?"

First Minister Eluned Morgan replies "my priority is to deliver more affordable homes across the whole of Wales, and we have allocated record levels of funding during this government term. We are also working closely with partners across Gwynedd, as part of the Dwyfor second homes and affordability pilot, to apply and evaluate a range of interventions."

Siân Gwenllian expresses concern that "homelessness and sleeping rough are the increasing and very visible results of this crisis".

The first minister says "we are highly aware of the situation and how difficult it is for people, particularly those who have homes, but can’t afford to continue to pay their rent. And that is why we have provided record funding - £1.4 billion of investment in this term - into social housing; £15 million of this has been provided to Gwynedd."

The first minister also refers to figures published last month that show the number of second homes in Gwynedd has fallen by 5% over the past year after a hike in council tax premiums.

There were 232 fewer second homes registered for council tax in the county in April 2024 compared with the same month in 2023.

In 2023, the council tax premium for second homes was increased from 100% to 150%, with the local authority Cyngor Gwynedd pledging to spend the money on tackling homelessness.

Earlier this year, Cyngor Gwynedd approved a proposal to require planning permission to turn a property into a second home or short-term holiday let.

The council increased the second home premium to 150% in April 2023.

New rules were introduced by the Welsh government designed to make more affordable homes for younger local people, with councils allowed to charge a premium of up to 300%.

Image source, Getty Images

Eluned Morgan begins by "expressing my sympathies as first minister with those involved in last night’s rail accident near Llanbrynmair. And, in particular, I’d like to send our condolences to the family of the man who died, and also pay tribute to the emergency services".

A man has died British Transport Police has confirmed.

A further 15 people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, the force said.

All other passengers were moved away from both trains, one of which was travelling from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the other from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

The crash happened near the village of Llanbrynmair, in Powys, at about 19:30 BST on Monday.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Eluned Morgan’s sixth session of First Minister's Questions.

The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in the Siambr (Senedd chamber) and others joining by video-conference.

You can click on the play button above to watch the proceedings from 1.30pm.