But for most banks this is not the case – some have stopped lending, others are lending at 6%. To me the banks are not playing the game that the billions of pounds of Government money was intended for and this is threatening our future economy.

It is time for the Government to remind banks it is our public money saving their hide.

The current economic meltdown presents an opportune moment for change, for a new economic and energy future to emerge from the ashes of recession.

Although the state of the economy may be in turmoil, we have the potential in Wales to become a world-leader in a new green economy, to stimulate the marketplace with jobs and businesses that help the environment. We may be a small country, but we have the natural resources to compete in a global market.

Across the water, with the election of Obama, we have seen the dawn of a new Democratic future for America. Obama's politics of hope in America must lead to a radical revolution on climate change and our global economy and a green jobs strategy is an ideal way to unite these two themes.

In Westminster, the Government must follow the lead of the Liberal Democrat and Obama approach to cutting taxes for middle and lower income earners, by properly funding our local authorities, so that councils can in turn cut council tax and help workers through the current economic slump.

There are no easy answers but we can be creative and respond to the current financial crisis and the Government and banks have a critical role to play. Banks must use government funds for the purpose it was intended for, to lend money for mortgages and business loans and give people the service we need.

The Government must enact the policies that will help develop a more sustainable economic model for the future.

Government policy and the financial resource of banks must combine, to support investment in green jobs, in green research and encourage fresh entrepreneurship. By grasping hold of this golden, green opportunity to steer a new direction here in Wales we can rise from the ashes of recession and move towards sustainable green development and a brighter future.