Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has expressed his anger and frustration at the Welsh Labour Government for blocking an Assembly motion to commit to an Autism Act in Wales. Mr Davies, who has long called for Autism legislation, took part in the debate to highlight the extensive waiting times for a diagnosis in Pembrokeshire and the need for legislation to ensure that local authorities record the number of autistic children and adults in their areas, to better inform their planning processes. The debate was supported by autism campaigners, who travelled from all across Wales to watch the debate live at the Senedd.

Mr Davies said: “I’m extremely disappointed and angry that Welsh Labour and the Liberal Democrats did not support the cross-party calls for an Autism Act in Wales to better support those living with autism across the country. Autism legislation is needed to ensure that a duty is placed on the relevant authorities so that people are then clear about the local services that are on offer and how those services are being delivered.”

He added, “My heart goes out to the local groups who have spent so much time calling for this Act but please be assured that we will not give up. People living with autism in Pembrokeshire and right across Wales deserve better and we will continue to campaign for an autism Act so that people with autism have access to the support and services that they so desperately need.”