David Rees: Will the Cabinet Secretary provide details of discussions the Welsh Government has had with the Ministry of Justice regarding the siting of a new prison in Baglan?
David Rees: [Continues.]—and also to the UK Government—politicians? So, actually, it’s politicians that will make the decision, not what you’re saying.
David Rees: I don’t think so.
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: I thank the Member for taking an intervention. Do you agree that the end outcome of any negotiations has to be put before the council, which is all the heads of state—politicians; has to be put before the Members of the UK Parliament—politicians—
David Rees: I take that point, but when I asked to intervene on the point he raised at the very beginning, he didn’t allow me to have one. So, I took the chance now to tell him what I think about it—quite clearly. Now, we understand there are risks. There are risks because we’re leaving. We must address those risks in the coming negotiations, and I believe strongly that the direct involvement of...
David Rees: Colleagues have already highlighted this afternoon that, after much walking through the darkness, the UK Government has actually, finally, come to a point where it’s now getting on with the outcomes of the referendum on 23 June. However, that referendum, as we all know, only said one thing: that we had to leave the EU institutions. It did not determine the terms on which we leave and it did...
David Rees: Will you take an intervention, Mark?
David Rees: I thank you for taking the intervention. Are you therefore disappointed that the UK Government has actually not responded to the Welsh Government’s White Paper to show how it’s been included in the considerations for the negotiations?
David Rees: First Minister, as has been highlighted, the Valleys taskforce is looking at areas of transport that you’ve identified, and, of course, there are Valleys to the west that don’t even get involved in the metro aspects. I’m very pleased to welcome that the taskforce is actually looking at all the Valleys, including those in the west, including the Afan valley, and I know that there’s...
David Rees: Very briefly. I haven’t got much time.
David Rees: Well, I’m sorry that he doesn’t understand the economic aspects and the benefits it gives us, but there we are—perhaps that’s UKIP. Mark Drakeford highlighted the issues of the bilateral discussions, and the importance of the Welsh voice in those discussions is critical. That’s why we raised it, Cabinet Secretary, and that’s why I’m very glad to hear that you still believe that...
David Rees: I thank all the Members who have contributed to the debate, and to the Cabinet Secretary for his response. Dirprwy Lywydd, yr wythnos diwethaf roedd Simon Thomas yn canolbwyntio ar gyllid a phwerau, ac yn tynnu sylw at bryderon ailwladoli a goblygiadau hynny, os cânt eu hailwladoli, na chawn yr arian i fynd gyda hynny. Ac rwy’n credu bod honno'n elfen hollbwysig, a bod angen inni wneud yn...
David Rees: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. And, as we are all aware of the reasons why it was suspended last week, can we offer our condolences to the families of those killed, best wishes to those injured and their families, and thanks to the security and emergency services for their speedy and efficient actions. Our thoughts are with them all. Dirprwy Lywydd, wythnos diwethaf agorais i ddadl ar adroddiad...
David Rees: Thank you, Llywydd, and I move the motion. Before I start, can I join others in expressing my concern over the recent events in Westminster and our prayers for those members of the public and the police service who have been injured as a consequence of this act? I thank you for the reassurances you have provided to us this afternoon about the actions taken here. Llywydd, the Assembly created...
David Rees: Regardless of how we voted in the referendum, regardless of our political affiliations, we must be united in representing Welsh interests as the Brexit process begins in earnest. It is clear to me that our voice is in danger of being lost amongst the many voices calling for attention under the issues today. As an Assembly, we cannot let that happen. The process of leaving the EU is rapidly...
David Rees: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that answer. This decision was taken by the Westminster Government before any public consultation had taken place and I deeply regret that they have not taken the opportunities available to them, although I do recognise that the planning process will allow opportunities, perhaps, for that wider public consultation. They don’t seem to be identifying...
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Minister. The twenty-first century schools programme to date has actually been an excellent example of how we can improve the education facilities for our young children. In my own constituency, we’ve just seen the Cabinet Secretary open officially Ysgol Bae Baglan; Awel y Môr has been created; and there are three new sites in Margam; the new Welsh-medium...
David Rees: 5. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide details of the next phase of the 21st century schools programme? OAQ(5)0110(EDU)
David Rees: What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary held with the UK Government regarding the decision to build a prison in Port Talbot? EAQ(5)0124(CC)