Mark Drakeford discusses Wales COVID passes on GMB

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Such is the drain of young people from the country, ministers fear the loss in tax revenue could be severe. Due to the colossal loss of the younger generation, the government also fears a decline in the Welsh language. Such is the fear over the loss of young people, economy minister Vaughan Gething will set out plans to retain working-age citizens.

Ahead of the announcement on Monday, Mr Gething admitted it is a “significant challenge” for the Welsh government.

He said: “It’s a really significant challenge for us.

“If we don’t have more people of working age in good work, we’ll end up with a smaller and smaller tax base.

“We need to persuade more people to stay in Wales, more people to come back to Wales and more people to make Wales part of their story.

“We want to make best use of the talent we have as well as attracting people to Wales.

“People move to Wales to retire but it’s a great place to work as well.

“It’s about having a more optimistic vision about the future – you don’t have to get out to get on, there’s a really good environment for you in Wales, not just for business or work but a good place to live.”

According to figures published by The Guardian, the percentage of 16-64-year-olds will fall to 58 percent in Wales by 2043.

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In 2020, the proportion of those aged in that age group was 61 percent.

In contrast, the UK as a whole is expected to fall from 62 to 59 percent by 2043.

Economists have also warned the Welsh government must do more to tackle climate change.

Wales is among several nations that have pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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The Cop26 will be held next month in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12.

It is thought China’s President, Xi Jinping, may not attend the summit next month.

However, diplomats have not entirely ruled out attending the summit and at times, announce travel plans late.

One said: “We never give up hope.

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“And we are continuing to make the case for his personal attendance.”

Ahead of Cop26, Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia is in no rush to achieve net-zero emissions.

It is also unsure if Mr Putin will attend the event.

Andrei Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to Britain said: “We are not very much in a hurry, we do not want to jump.

“We do not believe that putting artificial goals and not very much calculated goals will help.”

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