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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: [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 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: Cabinet Secretary, Vibrant and Viable Places, as projects in Port Talbot, has seen the regeneration of areas of my town, and you’ve seen for yourself some of the work in the Green Park area. These have been an attractive vision for the local people and for future investors. The announcement two weeks ago by the Ministry of Justice of the siting of a new prison in Baglan, which is less than...
David Rees: 5. Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress being made to attract investment into the enterprise zone in Port Talbot? OAQ(5)0571(FM)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. As you know, the enterprise zone in Port Talbot was established due to the real threat of closure of the steelworks following Tata’s original decision to sell off its UK operations. That threat is not going away, and it’s important that we now diversify our manufacturing and other industries within Port Talbot. However, this proposed new site for...
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, the investment plan you have in the Welsh Government is huge, but procurement is an opportunity to be used as a tool to support Welsh businesses, particularly in my area with the steel industry. What’s the Government doing to actually support those industries, through procurement, and what strategies are you taking forward in that?
David Rees: Leader of the house, last week, we had a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children highlighting the statistics regarding grass fires across Wales and the reduction we saw. That was very welcome news, but two days later there was a huge grass fire within my constituency, which damaged a lot of the Mynydd Dinas areas. Can you also join me in thanking the firefighters for...
David Rees: 4. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote the strengths of vocational education amongst 14-16 year olds? OAQ(5)0125(EDU)
