Lesley Griffiths: I disagree with the Member profoundly that Wales isn't an attractive place to do business and to bring new businesses. I think you just need to look at our track record and also the work the Development Bank of Wales has done. I mentioned the business productivity enhancement programme that's recently been rolled out that's attracting new businesses. Again, the number of jobs that have been...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you, and I'm very sorry to hear about the businesses and organisations in your constituency that have had to unfortunately close. As you know, here in Wales, we have Business Wales, and that's just about to celebrate its tenth anniversary, and they've provided a single integrated service to support businesses through these very difficult and uncertain economic times. That includes...
Lesley Griffiths: Our economic mission sets out Welsh Government's economic priorities. We are strengthening the sectors across the Welsh economy by focusing on support for firms to innovate and diversify, speeding up business decarbonisation, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. And thank you to Joyce Watson for bringing the workplace sexual harassment toolkit to our attention today. I think it will be an extremely useful tool, once it has been launched, and it has been developed jointly with Welsh Women's Aid and Wales TUC. And it's very much in alignment with our aim to, obviously, ensure that workplaces are safe for employees, but also to ensure that...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, I think we have to recognise the very difficult position that our local authorities are in, in trying to save money, even with the budgets that we've been able to give them from Welsh Government. But, as you say, the Minister for Social Justice did make a statement, following a request—I think it was from Delyth Jewell—in the business statement, because the Minister for...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, as Buffy Williams has outlined, in Wales, we know that too many people still experience domestic abuse and sexual violence, and our strategy absolutely puts prevention at its core, shifting the focus from symptom to cause through a public health approach. Buffy Williams referred to our groundbreaking Act back in 2015, and that created duties on local authorities and health boards in...
Lesley Griffiths: Only united action from all sections of society can end abuse and ensure that everyone in Wales can truly live fear free. Our national VAWDASV strategy sets out our aims, and the Minister for Social Justice will continue to work closely with all Cabinet colleagues to ensure it is delivered.
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. Thank you all for that moment of reflection in memory of Clare Drakeford and in recognition of her life. I know the thoughts of everyone in the Senedd, and across Wales, are with our First Minister and his family at this very sad time, which I know he will greatly appreciate.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. It was certainly very disappointing that, for the second time, the levelling-up bid by, as you mentioned, a group of partners in the Wrexham Gateway partnership was rejected by the UK Government. I, obviously, declare an interest as the constituency Member, and it certainly went down very badly with Wrexham's residents, because the gateway partnership, and the project, is such an...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Minister for Social Justice has always been very clear about her commitment to end violence against women and girls. It's a societal problem and it obviously requires a societal response. The Minister is absolutely adamant we've got to change attitudes shaped by long-standing structural misogyny and making lasting changes in order to tackle violent, abusive and controlling...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, of course, the Deputy Minister is aware of the report you refer to and has called on the WRU to publish it, I don't think on one occasion, but on many occasions, and continues to do that. As you heard the First Minister say, the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport did meet with the WRU ahead of the airing of that programme last night. She continues to engage with them on...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. My understanding is English trusts do not treat Welsh residents differently, in the way that you've suggested, and I think the best way forward, the best course of action, probably would be to ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to get her officials to monitor that. Certainly, her officials would monitor any commissioning arrangements that they had with English...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. You will have heard me say in my earlier answer to Vikki Howells that the UK Government is responsible for the energy bill relief scheme that does provide support to businesses to help them cope with the increase in the energy costs they're experiencing. I know the Welsh Government prepared a response to the UK Government's consultation that they had on the future of the EBRS, and...
Lesley Griffiths: I will certainly raise it directly with the Minister for education. I would have thought he might think it's a bit early in the timescale of the changes to have an oral statement at the moment, but I will certainly raise it with him.
Lesley Griffiths: I think it's very good that you've raised Cervical Cancer Prevention Week here in the Chamber. It's very important that we do always continue to raise awareness and, as you know, Welsh Government has committed to improving cervical cancer outcomes through a combination of screening and HPV vaccination, and also access to treatment. I think it's fair to say the cervical screening programme has...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch. It was very unfortunate that Llew Jones Coaches did serve notice that they intended to withdraw from operating the TrawsCymru T19 bus service, with effect from Saturday 11 February. As you referred to, there are other public transport options available to passengers in the Conwy valley, and Welsh Government is working very closely with our partners to ensure that those vital public...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, banking is a reserved matter, so I don't think it would be appropriate for a statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Unless you have already done so, I would advise you to write to the Minister for Climate Change, because it could be that there's some flexibility within the criteria that would allow your constituent—. I think you raise a very important point, particularly post COVID pandemic, when many people have seen a change in their work style, and many more people are working from home. So, I would...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think you raise a very important point, and, as you alluded to, the Minister for Climate Change is certainly leading on a significant piece of work in relation to that. I think, in the first case, it might be better if you write to the Minister for Climate Change on that specific point, and I'm sure, as the work progresses, the Minister will be happy to bring forward a statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. In relation to your first question, I am aware of the work that you referred to that's going on in north Wales, and I will certainly speak to my colleague Jane Hutt, who would be the Minister with responsibility, to see if she and her officials are aware of that work. It just sounds excellent work, and I will make sure the Minister is aware of that. In relation to your second...
