Rhianon Passmore: Thank you. With regard to the 460-page document that we're referring to in terms of that potential for trade, and we've talked marginally about diagnostics, what do you feel that document was all about? How would you paraphrase that very intricate document, which we now know is in the public domain for anybody to pick up and look at?
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Would you also agree that it is not just Boris Johnson? This is ideology that is prevalent throughout the Cabinet, and if you look at Dominic Raab's words in the book that he published not so long ago, it's exactly the same philosophy that they do wish to sell off parts, slowly or quickly, to the US of our NHS.
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you, Deputy Llywydd. So, I rise to support amendment 1, tabled by Rebecca Evans AM. I have previously spent much time, as have many others, debating and discussing in this Chamber the many cruel and purposeful policies that have gone into the so-called austerity cuts to the welfare net. But today it would be refreshing, I think, for nationalist speakers on the Plaid Cymru benches to...
Rhianon Passmore: —of funding from the UK Government to support those who would need the welfare system. I really want to make my points, but briefly, yes.
Rhianon Passmore: I'll come to that point, if I may.
Rhianon Passmore: In fact, it could leave less support for impacted citizens. I'll continue to the point that you make. Welsh Labour cannot be agents for the Tory UK Government in Wales. To have administrative control in certain areas would mean implementing policies that we fundamentally disagree with, knowing the damage that they would cause to the most vulnerable in society on their behalf. Once again,...
Rhianon Passmore: What actions are the Welsh Government taking to safeguard equality of access to music services for children in Islwyn regardless of parental income?
Rhianon Passmore: 6. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of economic investment in Islwyn since 2016? OAQ54939
Rhianon Passmore: Minister, thanks to the interventions of the Welsh Government between 2011 and 2016, the number of people in employment in my constituency of Islwyn has increased by 10.9 per cent, and that is above the Welsh increase of 10.6 per cent. Additionally to this, the number of people unemployed in Islwyn over that time has fallen by more than a half, again exceeding the reduction seen in both Wales...
Rhianon Passmore: 4. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's plans for growing the visitor economy in Islwyn? OAQ55020
Rhianon Passmore: First Minister, thank you. Last week, you and the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, unveiled an exciting future for the visitor economy in Wales. The new five-year plan, 'Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-25', is backed by a new £10 million fund, brilliant basics, to support the all-important tourism infrastructure that will complement...
Rhianon Passmore: Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I wish to give a minute of my allocated time in this debate to my Welsh Labour colleagues Mick Antoniw AM and Mike Hedges AM. Deputy Llywydd, this is a timely debate to bring to the Chamber of the Senedd as, today, the Welsh Government has formally launched Creative Wales to champion the creative industries in Wales. Members will know that I am a passionate advocate...
Rhianon Passmore: Deputy Llywydd, Members will remember, previously, I celebrated Welsh musical performance culture in the National Assembly for Wales. We hosted a performance event of our spectacular home grown Welsh musical talent, and large crowds of invited guests and members of the public gathered to hear the very best of young Welsh performers. It included musicians from Caerphilly music service, Ysgol...
Rhianon Passmore: Diolch yn fawr. In regard to the fact that you've mentioned there is 28 per cent uplift in terms of the decarbonisation agenda, and that £140 million on top of what was before, you are absolutely correct in stating that we have announced an unprecedented climate change emergency. In that regard, where would you like to see that money come from? Would it be local government or health, or...
Rhianon Passmore: I also welcome the comments from the Minister. Late last year, the Welsh Government consulted on the draft housing support grant practice guidance for local authorities, and the consultation sought the view on whether the arrangements set out in the practice guidance document are fit for purpose, clear, and enable commissioners and providers to fulfil the core purpose of the grant and deliver...
Rhianon Passmore: As the Assembly Member for Islwyn, I have from the very first day I was elected to the Senedd, as have others, campaigned to reduce air pollution in my constituency and across Wales. Improving air quality is a priority for the Welsh Labour Government, as the draft budget outlines. The Welsh Government's national strategy, 'Prosperity for All', commits the Welsh Government to reducing...
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you, Deputy Llywydd. Minister, I very much welcome this strategic guidance for local authorities and the £20 million for homelessness. It is important that housing and homelessness services are person centred and able to meet the varying needs of people, including those with pets. The housing first approach is now well recognised as a groundbreaking and innovative approach in Wales and...
Rhianon Passmore: It is right to outline the context of 10 years of funding cuts up to this point from Westminster, but I welcome strongly today's annual report, and I'd like to focus my contribution predominantly on two areas—education and early years, and the economy. Last Friday, I was holding my constituency surgery in Markham institute, a building we shared with the thriving Markham playgroup. And I was...
Rhianon Passmore: What actions is the Welsh Government taking to assist schools in Islwyn as they prepare for the new curriculum?