ON December 1, Wales became the first nation in the UK to introduce an opt out or deemed consent system for deceased organ donation. It is the one of the most important landmarks in the life of the National Assembly for Wales since its inception in 1999. As the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “The Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013 shows law making in Wales at its best and proves the people of Wales were right to entrust this chamber with law making powers.”

I sit on the Health and Social Care Committee and have seen how important this change in the law is as we have scrutinised the legislation. One organ donor can help save the lives of up to seven people and allow two people to see again. Yet, the number of transplants on Welsh residents has fallen since 2010/11. The law has been introduced to address the chronic shortage of organs for transplant in Wales. International experience tell us that we can expect donations to increase by 25 per cent under the new law. This could allow fifteen more people to donate their organs someone in need. That increase could mean around forty five more lives saved or transformed each year. The gift of life is the more precious gift that we could ever give and we enter the Christmas period it is something to contemplate. In the latest wave of surveys 69 per cent of respondents said they were aware of the changes. 67 per cent of respondents were in favour of the law change. It is important that we discuss our wishes regarding organ donation with our families so that we increase the awareness of each individual’s wishes. Importantly organ donation will not take place without sensitive conversations with doctors and family members to ascertain the wishes of the individual.

I’ve pledged to support USDAW’s ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign. USDAW has long campaigned for shopworkers to be treated with respect and for a new law to protect people who come into face-to-face contact with members of the public and are assaulted whilst carrying out their job. It is estimated that everyday more than 300 shopworkers are assaulted for simply doing their job. This is unacceptable. Nobody should face violence, threats and abuse whilst at work. Let us show peace and good will to everybody this Christmas. I wish all my constituents a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.