Vikki Howells: With the death of Frank Vickery yesterday at the age of 67 after a short illness, Wales hasn’t just lost one of its most prolific playwrights, we've also lost one of the most perceptive observers of the characters, humour and wit of the south Wales Valleys. The son of a Rhondda miner, Frank left school at 15. He worked in various jobs, whilst acting and writing in his spare time. His first...
Vikki Howells: What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the role of co-operative principles within the Welsh education system?
Vikki Howells: 7. How is the Welsh Government supporting the co-operative and mutuals sector to improve outcomes for children and young people? OAQ52461
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister, and I would wholeheartedly agree with that. I recently visited Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach in Mountain Ash in my constituency, a registered childcare provider. They're supported by the Wales Co-operative Centre and achieved really positive results in their recent Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales inspections. As we are in Co-operatives Fortnight, and with improving...
Vikki Howells: 2. Will the Welsh Government make a statement on the recent spate of grass fires affecting communities across Wales? 196
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Further to your written statement today, I'd just like to stress the fact that my constituency, like many across Wales, has been scarred by a series of devastating fires over the past few days. Incidents have included a forestry fire near Llwydcoed, described as hundreds of metres wide, the Maerdy mountain fire and the Hirwaun ironworks. Firstly, Cabinet...
Vikki Howells: Earlier this year, we commemorated the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918. More than 5 million mainly working-class men received the vote, and nearly 8.5 million women also became voters. But these women did not receive the franchise on an equal basis. Rather, under that Act, new women voters had to be over 30 years of age. They or their husbands also had to meet stringent...
Vikki Howells: 2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's plans to improve the welfare of companion animals in Cynon Valley? OAQ52482
Vikki Howells: Thank you, First Minister. Tomorrow, with my colleague Eluned Morgan, I am co-sponsoring an event to raise awareness of how Lucy's law could improve animal welfare by ensuring people only get puppies from rescue centres or reputable breeders, and I'd encourage all AMs to come along. Tackling puppy farming is crucial, and many of my constituents have suffered the heartbreak of paying hundreds...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your update here today. You'll know that I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Valleys taskforce and its delivery plan, as are so many of my constituents as well. It's good to see you referencing the former Tower Colliery site, which I believe has excellent potential due to its unique connectivity links. I look forward to seeing what can be done with that site...
Vikki Howells: What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle in-work poverty in Wales?
Vikki Howells: 1. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on Welsh Government plans to publish new statutory guidance for school uniforms? OAQ52592
Vikki Howells: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the provision of after-school clubs? Transferred for written answer by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services.
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I note the comments in your recent statement about encouraging the parents and carers of eligible children to apply for pupil deprivation grant access funding for school uniform in particular. But I'm concerned that lots of those eligible for this are missing out. From my own personal experience locally, the way in which this information is communicated to...
Vikki Howells: Outdoor education can play an important role in encouraging our young people to get active and also give them the skills and confidence to do so. I know that you spoke just now about some of the cross-Government work that you are doing, but particularly with your colleague Kirsty, what are you doing there in order to try and promote the benefits of outdoor education?
Vikki Howells: For my contribution today, I want to build my remarks around one very specific solution to improve active travel opportunities. The specific solution that I propose will come as no surprise to the Cabinet Secretary as it's one that I've championed consistently since I've arrived at this place, and that is the reopening of disused railway tunnels across Wales as routes for walking and cycling....
Vikki Howells: 5. Will the Welsh Government outline how support is made available to grassroots sports clubs? OAQ52626
Vikki Howells: 3. Will the Welsh Government make a statement on the decision by Natural Resources Wales to ban shooting on public land in Wales? 213
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister, and I'm sure you'll agree with me that grassroots sports clubs have a crucial role to play in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of people of all ages across the length and breadth of Wales. In order to continue to provide these benefits, local clubs rely on publicity, and local newspapers have an important role to play in this, helping clubs to build strong...
Vikki Howells: Thank you, Minister. This announcement from Natural Resources Wales is excellent news, and it's only right that publicly owned land will not now be used to permit cruelty and slaughter, masquerading in the name of sport. I also want to thank you personally for your decisive intervention, giving a clear moral steer, and I know that this has been recognised by animal welfare organisations. But...
