TRADE unionists in Wales celebrated 25 years of devolution today and welcomed the gains for workers in the country.

Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj said: “Twenty-five years of devolution has delivered for workers in Wales, from free prescriptions to the Real Living Wage for social care workers. 

“Devolution has also mitigated the worst impact of Tory austerity and anti-union laws, repealing the Trade Union Act in the devolved public sector, as well as keeping the Wales Union Learning Fund and Agricultural Wages Board.

“The Social Partnership Act secures a voice at the table for workers, balancing out the interests of bosses.

“Wales TUC is proud to have campaigned for the Senedd and proud of what it has achieved.”

First Minister Vaughan Gething told the Senedd that for the “past quarter of a century, our nation has been on a historic devolution journey.”

“Whatever side people were on in the referendum and whatever your views on the policies of the Welsh government, today devolution belongs to all the parties in this chamber and to all the people of Wales,” he said.

The First Minister said Wales had led the way in Britain on charging for carrier bags, incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, outlawing the physical punishment of children, and made the roads safer by lowering speed limits in built-up areas.

“By the end of this year, all primary school children in Wales will be able to receive free school meals,” Mr Gething said.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew Davies criticised those in his party that argue against devolution, saying he would continue to fight for the Senedd and its powers.