Today, voting opens on the Senedd’s Petition of the Year competition to recognise and celebrate the contribution of campaigners in Wales.
After five notable petitions were shortlisted by the Petitions Committee, the public is now being asked to vote for the one that has had the most impact on the people of Wales.
Between April 2022 and March 2023, the Committee received 187 petitions with nearly 130,000 people in Wales offering their signature in support of a cause.
Of those 187 petitions, Members of the Committee nominated five for the Petitions of the Year shortlist, capturing the wide variety of subjects that people in Wales have campaigned for over the last year.
The nominated petitions called for:
- Mark Allen’s Law – throwline stations around open water sites
- More support for metastatic breast cancer patients
- Banning greyhound racing
- Improving endometriosis healthcare
- Supporting care experienced parents
After voting closes on 30 June, the result will be announced at the Petitions Committee meeting on 3 July. The creator of the petition which most inspires the public will then be invited to the Senedd to meet with the Deputy Presiding Officer, David Rees MS, and Jack Sargeant MS, Chair of the Petitions Committee.
In 2022, the Petition of the Year was submitted by Rhian Mannings who called on the Welsh Government to offer more support for parents who experience sudden child loss.
Jack Sargeant MS said, “Following on from last year’s successful launch, it’s a pleasure to announce this year’s Petition of the Year nominations, celebrating the passion and drive shown by campaigners across the country.
“The Petitions Committee belongs to everybody in Wales and anyone who is determined to make a difference could see their petition considered or debated in the Senedd. These five petitions have had a significant impact; from raising awareness to Welsh Government policy changes - each one has made a difference to people in Wales.
“Getting to this stage makes the Welsh Government take notice of people’s campaigns and it often results in them accepting the demands being made, as we have seen in those nominated this year.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work and passion of everyone who has submitted, signed, shared and supported a petition over the last year. Thank you to everyone who has put one forward and good luck to the five nominees.”