First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price have met today to discuss their ambitions for Wales, as they announce the Collaboration Agreement.

The agreement is a joint policy program covering 46 diverse areas. These include the provision of free school meals for all primary school pupils; a commitment to take radical steps urgently to tackle the second homes crisis; and long-term reform of Parliament.

This is a new kind of political working arrangement.

The two partners - the Welsh Government and the Plaid Cymru Parliamentary Group - will work together over the next three years to develop and oversee the implementation of the policies contained in the agreement.

Mr Drakeford said: "The Welsh Government has an ambitious Program for Government that it will implement over the term of this Parliament, for the benefit of the people of Wales.

"This Collaboration Agreement brings the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru together to respond to some of the most pressing issues facing our country, such as climate change and the energy crisis and the cost of living.

"By working together, we can achieve more for the people of Wales. The Collaboration Agreement is intended to respond to the external challenges we face and also offers the opportunity to build on future opportunities. It will also help us to ensure that over the next three years we have a stable Parliament with the strength to make radical changes and reforms.

"These commitments build on shared values ??- social resilience, a sustainable planet and a healthy democracy."

Mr Price said: "Almost a quarter of a century ago, the people of Wales voted for Welsh self-government, with a promise of a new kind of politics.

“They put their faith in a new democracy with a direction to work in a different way - inclusive and collaborative.

"The challenges we face require a real ambition to turn radical ideas into reality. The consequences of leaving the European Union, the impact of the pandemic, and the UK Government’s explicit intention to erode Parliament’s powers all increase the need for major change.

"Together, the bold policy promises will unite Wales and benefit all generations, whether it be free school meals for all primary school pupils or a national care service, free of charge when and where it is needed.

"I am pleased that this innovative Collaboration Agreement is based on common ground in a variety of issues that will make a long-term difference to people’s lives."

The Collaboration Agreement responds to some of the biggest challenges facing Wales and will help Wales take advantage of new opportunities.

As part of the agreement, the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru will work to establish a publicly owned, net zero energy company to encourage community-owned renewable energy production.

Further investment will be made to protect against flooding, and there will be new measures to strengthen the Welsh language and to support the mental health of young people.

This is a bespoke agreement - not a coalition. Plaid Cymru Members will not be joining the Welsh Government as Ministers or Deputy Ministers. Plaid Cymru will appoint a designated lead member for the agreement and committees consisting of Welsh Ministers and designated Plaid Cymru members will be established to agree issues contained in the Collaboration Agreement.

Funding has been committed as part of the Collaboration Agreement and this will be reflected in the draft Budget when it is published in December.

Political involvement in any matters not covered by the Collaboration Agreement will be the normal course of action.