Ken Skates: Can I thank Jack Sargeant for his contribution and for his questions? I can assure the Member that I'm maintaining a keen interest in all of Tata's sites across Wales, and tomorrow morning, I will be visiting Tata Shotton to meet with local union representatives and, of course, executives at the plant. I think it may be a timely moment for the cross-party steel group to reconvene here in the...
Ken Skates: I'd be pleased to meet with the Member at the plant that he represents. I raised queries with Tata on Friday concerning all of the sites, and I was told that the Orb works sale continues. It's a different situation for Trostre—the disposal of that particular site is off the table if the merger doesn't go ahead. But I will keep Members updated regarding each of the sites whenever I receive...
Ken Skates: In terms of energy, of course, the UK Government, as has been said, have a huge role to play, but also I know that Members are keen for us to respond to the recently declared climate emergency. I think it's worth saying that, based on the recently published report from the Committee on Climate Change, it's very clear that it is in our interest to ensure that we do not lose steel making, even...
Ken Skates: Diolch, Llywydd. I very much welcome the opportunity to respond today, and I'd like to thank Rhun ap Iorwerth for putting forward this proposal. It comes at a particularly appropriate time, following our declaration of a climate emergency on 29 April. The Welsh Government is taking a lead in meeting the calls for action of people of all ages who are concerned about the very real impacts of...
Ken Skates: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. In June 2018, I advised Members that the strategic outline case for a global centre of rail excellence in Wales was approved, together with funding for next-stage project development. I would now like to update Members on the significant progress that has been made to date. I'm pleased to say that a technical briefing session for Members will be held in conference room...
Ken Skates: Our project is now fully focused on the preferred Onllwyn/Nant Helen site in the Dulais valley, and has undergone a number of engineering iterations in recent months to inform the evolving master plan. The current proposals, which will be subject to further research, environmental impact assessment studies and consultation, include: an approximate 7 km of electrified test oval, providing a...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Russell George for his questions, and also for his support and encouragement on this important project? I think it has, it's fair to say, cross-party support, and there is a good degree of excitement across the Chamber and indeed in the region that will benefit from this world-class centre of excellence. Russell identified the European centres. Of course, there are two test...
Ken Skates: I thank Dai Lloyd for his questions and his contribution. It is, of course, a very bold vision—we have significant ambitions for the rail sector in Wales, alongside the £5 billion journey that we've embarked on with Transport for Wales, delivering a new Wales and borders franchise, and the huge and transformational metro programme in south-east Wales, alongside the advanced manufacturing...
Ken Skates: Can I thank David Rees for his questions and, again, for his support as well for this project, which will bring enormous benefits for the Dulais valley? It will transform opportunities for many people, young and not so young, in the Dulais valley, who are looking for well-paid, high-quality employment. I'm incredibly grateful to the work that is being undertaken collaboratively between Powys...
Ken Skates: Well, Mark Reckless is absolutely right that live line testing can be disruptive and therefore having a 7 km test facility, which trains can be tested to a maximum speed of 120 miles an hour on, is incredibly desirable, not just for the operators and the manufacturers but also for passengers. To date, Welsh Government and I, as the responsible Minister, have been driving this particular...
Ken Skates: Yes, of course. Earlier today I issued a statement informing Members of the expert commission, including the terms of reference.
Ken Skates: Can I thank Russell George for his questions, and assure him that we are most certainly not going back to square one? And that’s why we are able to ask the commission to bring forward recommendations within a period of six months from being convened. We’re not going back to square one, because all of the traffic flow models, all of the assessment, all of the analysis of 28 plus proposals...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Rhun ap Iorwerth for his questions? The latter question, I think, is particularly valid—the question of whether NICW should've been tasked with this particular piece of work. That was something that I carefully considered, and I judged that because the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales has already commenced work in various areas looking at other forms of...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Alun Davies for his questions? I do recognise the frustration that many people across the region feel. This is a problem that has affected south-east Wales for decades, and it's a problem that we are determined to get to grips with and to solve. That's why we've appointed Lord Burns to chair a commission of experts. That's why I have great confidence in the commission to be able...
Ken Skates: Can I thank David Rowlands for his questions? It was remiss of me not to answer the question that I think was first put by Russell George concerning the cost of the commission. I can assure Members that the cost of the commission will be kept to an absolute minimum, because we'll be providing the secretariat services and we'll be providing the transport expertise in the form of existing...
Ken Skates: Can I thank John Griffiths for his questions, and for his contribution in particular with regard to the 'predict and provide' model? This is something that the inspector considered in great depth, and I'd like to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks, not just to the inspector, who has sadly passed away, but to his team that did such a commendable job over many months. I, more than...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Jayne Bryant for her questions, and her very great concern over the impact that yesterday's decision will have for her constituents? I know that Jayne has been a very keen supporter of the black route, and is very disappointed that the project is not going ahead. However, can I assure the Member and her constituents that we are determined to solve the problem of congestion on the...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Jenny Rathbone for her questions? Of course, Cardiff is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. It's something that we're very proud of. It's an attractive city for people to invest in, to work in, to learn in, to bring up families in, and we wish to ensure it remains an attractive city for people to come to. Likewise, we wish to see other places across the M4 corridor and in...
Ken Skates: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Before I respond to the debate, may I just say that during the course of this debate, Members may have seen news emerging concerning the future of the Ford Bridgend engine plant? It is pure speculation at the moment and Ford are not commenting on the matter. I can tell Members that I have been in regular contact with the First Minister today. I've also spoken with the...
Ken Skates: Well, as the Member is aware, we already have numerous means and ways of tackling poverty.
