John Griffiths: I would like to reinforce, Minister, that it does seem as if the UK Government is seeking political cover for the decision that they've made by trying to explain it, at least partly, in terms of aligning with Welsh Government policy on the location of jobs and relocation of jobs to the Valleys, because, as well as Better Jobs, Closer to Home moving in the opposite direction to that...
John Griffiths: I very much support the Welsh Government's policy of introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol, and thankfully I'm not alone in that, given that so many organisations with expertise in the field in terms of how you reduce harm from alcohol also support this policy. Many health organisations, for, I guess, fairly obvious reasons—obvious to most of us, anyway—also support this policy,...
John Griffiths: —certainly—given the drink patterns that we're familiar with. I give way to Simon Thomas.
John Griffiths: I very much accept that there needs to be a continuing debate about all aspects of the proposed legislation, including the minimum unit price. But I do very much believe that, given the scale of the harm that alcohol causes, and indeed the health inequalities that are involved, there is a real responsibility here on Welsh Government to act. This is, in some respects, a fairly courageous...
John Griffiths: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for sport and fitness in Newport? OAQ52164
John Griffiths: Yes, First Minister, sport and fitness are obviously vital for health and general quality of life and, thankfully, Newport is building a strong reputation in terms of its activities and facilities. As you mentioned, Newport Live is the bedrock, really, of delivery in Newport with over 1.6 million participants at leisure facilities annually and they work in close partnership with Newport City...
John Griffiths: 6. What further steps will the Welsh Government take to extend broadband coverage in Wales? OAQ52169
John Griffiths: Thank you very much, leader of the house. Obviously, it's very important that we have as full an access to broadband as possible in Wales, given its importance in terms of full citizenship today, accessing goods and services and educational aspects, for example. So, obviously that's why the Welsh Government is, I hope, as keen as I am to reach all communities in Wales. And in that context,...
John Griffiths: Will you take a—? Oh. [Laughter.]
John Griffiths: First Minister, you will be aware of the great deal of frustration at the lack of progress in establishing a Newport to Ebbw Vale passenger rail link train service. That's been the case for quite some time and there's a great deal of concern in the area. Given the long-standing economic, social and cultural links between Newport and Ebbw Vale, do you understand those concerns and is there...
John Griffiths: First Minister, I very much agree with Darren Millar, and I know with many across the Chamber, on the value of the Wales for Africa programme. I too have been lucky enough to see at first hand in Mbale in Uganda the value of the educational and health links. In addition to what you've already mentioned, in terms of Hub Cymru Africa and the grant scheme, will the Welsh Government look at how...
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, we all know that the challenges of taking forward education in schools serving our most deprived areas are a major issue for us here in Wales—and further beyond our borders, no doubt. We've discussed in the past the importance of leadership in those particular circumstances, Cabinet Secretary, and we all know it's very important generally, but, in considering these...
John Griffiths: 5. What further steps will the Welsh Government take to prevent and treat respiratory illness? OAQ52222
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, the Asthma UK survey 2017 found over 300,000 people in Wales living with asthma, thousands of annual emergency admissions and 62 deaths in 2016. Two thirds of the deaths are thought to be preventable with better basic care, and standards of basic care are said to be achieved in over 48 per cent of cases in Northern Ireland but, at the other end of the scale, only 26.1 per...
John Griffiths: Yes, Minister, I very much welcome your announcement of the £3 million for the recladding of the high-rise blocks in Newport. If Welsh Government hadn't provided that funding, it would have adversely impacted on necessary new development, as well as improvements to existing stock and, indeed, their environments, so thanks very much for that. Would you join me, Minister, in recognising the...
John Griffiths: I want to raise a particular matter, Dirprwy Lywydd, which I've raised before as part of this work, that relates to my constituency of Newport East, where the postcode element of eligibility for provision, notwithstanding the outreach element that partly addresses that limitation, has still resulted in two communities that are very similar—social housing in Moorland Park and Broadmead Park...
John Griffiths: 3. What future strategy will the Welsh Government follow to improve community cohesion in south Wales? OAQ52260
John Griffiths: First Minister, policing is crucial to ensuring our communities are cohesive and enjoy good quality of life, and our police forces work with local authorities, health, housing and, indeed, the voluntary sector in close partnership, reflecting the fact that a large majority of police work concerns devolved responsibilities. Given that, and the very strong case for devolving policing that...
John Griffiths: Minister, what can you say today about areas such as Newport East where the Welsh language is relatively weak? What steps will the Government take in order to deal with these issues, particularly in Newport East and similar areas across Wales, in order to support the Welsh language and to strengthen it for the future?
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, I want to add my voice, really, to those calling for more preventative steps in the future, to make sure that the strain on the national health service is eased and we cope better with the challenges of an aging population. So, I just wonder whether you could tell me what, in future strategy and policy, will better support the sorts of steps...
