A huge thank you to the firefighters, emergency responders, Commoners and local farmers, public services and volunteers who worked so hard to contain the wildfires that had such a devastating effect in and around Monmouthshire and Torfaen this summer.

The wildfires across Wales were a national crisis, so I welcome the news the Welsh Government will hold a wildfire summit in October.

I recently met with Monmouthshire Rural Support Centre that has provided mental health support to farmers and rural workers throughout the wildfires. I know that the mental wellbeing of farmers is suffering and the specific mental health support that is required, is very stretched.

There are many questions the summit needs to answer.

As Welsh Labour, we asked for the Senedd to be recalled so elected members could raise questions. But we were not listened to.

The lack of information from the Government made it feel like they did not grasp the severity of the crisis. The extent of the damage to communities, the economy, the environment, and wildlife must not be forgotten because the fires are no longer burning.

That is why I have called on Welsh Government to ensure the summit looks at making funding available for the worst affected areas and that the voices of local people, not just those from representative bodies or national bodies, will be heard in the summit. We need to hear from those people who were there day in, day out fighting the fires.

With the impact of climate change, extreme weather events are likely to become the norm, not the exception. The challenges of climate change and nature resilience is an issue that is often raised with me by constituents.

Most recently I have been encouraged by constituents to watch the National Emergency Briefing film which brings together leading experts to present the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis.

I have seen the film and would encourage others to watch it too, if possible. There is a campaign to have the film shown on UK-wide television. I have written to Welsh Government to flag the film with them, but they have no authority to insist the film is shown on Welsh media.

I do, however, welcome the Welsh Government’s plan for the wildfire summit. The Government must ensure councils, communities and businesses are as prepared as possible for future significant weather events.

The wildfires carried a warning that must not be ignored. I look forward to hearing the outcomes of the summit.