Huw Irranca-Davies: I welcome this opportunity to speak in this Finance Committee debate on the Welsh Government’s spending priorities for 2023-24, and drawing on the committee’s experience of its first ever budget scrutiny on the 2022-23 draft budget. The reason I'm speaking is very focused on the issue of justice, but I would say just in passing that it's great to hear the contributions already in terms of...
Huw Irranca-Davies: First Minister, in your engagement with the new Prime Minister, when that happens, could I ask you to raise the pressing issue of clarification on the issue of fracking? Now, fracking is unsustainable and untenable environmentally and in respect of the climate change emergency. It contributes diddly squat to affordability or to supplying domestic UK markets because it is sold onto global...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Can I ask for two statements, please, Trefnydd? One is in respect of the arrangements for groups travelling out of the country post Brexit, and arrangements for carnets to avoid costs being incurred for charities and other groups. She'll be very well aware, recently, of Prostate Cymru, a group of volunteer cyclists riding for charities going through Santander port, who were faced with...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Minister, this week, the people of Wales watched the UK Chancellor hand grotesquely unfair and, I would say, immoral tax cuts to the super rich; uncap the bonuses for bankers; protect the profits of big energy companies; lose control of sterling, which has plummeted off a cliff; increase both the debt and the cost of debt to the UK; load those costs onto ours and to future generations;...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Minister, I welcome this update on Ukraine, as, indeed, I welcome the continuing commitment of the people of Wales and the Welsh Government to be a nation of sanctuary in actions as well as words for refugees and those fleeing conflict. Part of the way forward, as you've described this afternoon, is now finding many, many more hosts to open their homes so that we can move beyond the...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Minister, can I just say 'congratulations', not just to you, but to all those who have helped bring it to this stage? This is a significant moment and, as a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee as well, we're looking forward to getting our teeth into a piece of legislation here in Wales, made in Wales,...
Huw Irranca-Davies: The reform agenda that's currently on to adjust and make a little bit more progressive the current tax system we have is welcome, and in fact it's long overdue, but it's why I'm also having letters from my constituents, because there will always be winners and losers, and I've got some constituents worried that they'll be on the losing side of this, but it is long overdue. But, could I ask...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I agree with my friend and colleague Alun Davies in terms of the tone and the message. Minister, I welcome the statement today and the continuing efforts of the Welsh Government to create a living language in Wales that is part of our day-to-day life—in our work, at play and all around us. Proof of success in this area will be helping more and more pupils in...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I'm looking forward to the wolves in Singleton park, Mike. [Laughter.]
Huw Irranca-Davies: Listen, I'm going to rattle through some very quick things. First of all, well done on this and well done to the people who put this together with the biodiversity deep-dive. This is significant—every word in this statement carries us on a significant way. Now the devil is going to be in the detail, but can I welcome this very much, welcome the fact that you've restated today, in response...
Huw Irranca-Davies: 1. What discussions has the Minister had with newly appointed UK Ministers regarding the Welsh Government’s ability to deliver on its social justice priorities? OQ58494
Huw Irranca-Davies: 4. What assessment has the Counsel General made of the implications for Wales of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill? OQ58493
Huw Irranca-Davies: How will the Counsel General engage with newly appointed UK Government counterparts to ensure the delivery of the Welsh Government's priorities within his portfolio?
Huw Irranca-Davies: Well, I'm pleased to hear that—that you've had a response, particularly in writing, on increasing the £350 support payment for UK host families for Ukrainian refugees. I know from my involvement with local groups in Ogmore and covering the Bridgend area how important this has been and how they’re looking forward to continuing to host families, but that they are pushing quite hard to make...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Indeed, Dirprwy Lywydd. I don't know whose phone that was that went off, but clearly the Llywydd is going to have a word with them, I'm sure. Dirprwy Lywydd, can I just check, is this grouped?
Huw Irranca-Davies: It is, thank you very much. Counsel General, the assurance you've given following the meeting you've recently had gives some quiet assurance to us that the UK Government is minded to tread very carefully on devolved competences in this area, but I know you've previously said that this Bill, if we get it wrong, could give UK Ministers unfettered authority to legislate in devolved areas, so it...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I’m really delighted to take part in this debate, and 'thank you' to the Conservatives for moving this debate today. My focus, I hope, will interest the Chamber. I’m going to start with a quote from a theatre group that organises theatre that is based on our history and our culture—very much the heritage aspect that my colleague Luke was talking about. They title themselves...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Yes, thanks, James, for giving way. Sorry, it's a subject I used to lecture on years ago. Noticeably, it's not the mega, mega events that earn the big bucks for Wales plc or UK plc; it's the regular, annual events, just the ones that you were mentioning. Those are the bedrock, not just of our local communities, but actually driving repeated economic gains. It's not the one-offs; it's the...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Would you give way?
Huw Irranca-Davies: I am enjoying a lot of what you're saying—
