David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Counsel General. I’m sure you and everyone else will recognise the importance of codification and the impact it will have. Could you actually outline the economic and social benefits that doing this job will actually give?
David Rees: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that answer, though I need to expand a bit on my original question. But I’m sure he appreciates that, since January last year, there have been some very dark skies over Port Talbot and the steelworks there, the local community and the local economy. We’ll now seeing, perhaps, after this ballot, the lifting of those dark skies and greater certainty over...
David Rees: 8. What actions is the Welsh Government taking to support people from disadvantaged communities to gain employment and move out of poverty? OAQ(5)0466(FM)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, leader of the house. On 14 February, the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children made a statement regarding Communities First and his actions in that statement also highlighted the ambition to actually get to those furthest from the labour market and move them forward. But, unfortunately, some of those who are furthest from the labour market skills-wise are...
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, timber obviously is a major element here, and we’ve seen in my area the harvesting of timber change because of the diseases within the valley area. Therefore, the replanting is important, to look at, as Simon Thomas says, not just the nature of the land, but also perhaps the opportunity for other businesses beyond manufacturing, such as tourism areas. What progress has...
David Rees: Leader of the house, as Suzy Davies pointed out, WEFO operates under EU regional policy rules at this point in time, but in two years they’re not going to be there, effectively. What I’m asking is: what discussions have you had with the UK Government about a future regional policy, and are you taking the opportunity to be creative in the agenda to ensure that what happens in Wales can...
David Rees: Before I ask my question, can I remind the Chamber that my wife’s a radiographer and is therefore probably on that list of those whose data was breached? Cabinet Secretary, thank you for the answers you’ve given, and I look forward to the written statements you’ll be providing. But, clearly, as well as the data breach issues, there are questions as to what type of information was held...
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: Thank you for taking the intervention. Perhaps I can give you some advice: use it for your next manifesto. It works.
David Rees: I’m delighted to speak in today’s debate, to set on the record the excellent work this Welsh Labour Government has done, and continues to do, as the people of Wales experience the impact of attacks and failure of the Tory Government at Westminster. Members will only need to look at my own constituency to see how the Welsh Labour Government is providing strong leadership on economic...
David Rees: I was waiting for that one. Can I remind the Member that, in fact, his party promised in 2011 that package? In 2014 the EU actually approved a package, in 2015 they approved another one, and extended it, and by 2016 we still hadn’t received the money. When announcements are made about job losses, when announcements were made about sales—over four years waiting for the UK Government to do...
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: Thank you for taking the intervention. Do you therefore agree with me also that—? You say getting the best out of the workforce—one way of getting the best out of the workforce is working in partnership with the workforce, as we are seeing across Neath Port Talbot, where there is a great partnership between the workforce and the council. That’s a way of getting success.
David Rees: Will the First Minister make a statement on actions being taken by the Welsh Government to improve the economy of the valleys in South Wales West?
David Rees: 5. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide details of the next phase of the 21st century schools programme? OAQ(5)0110(EDU)
David Rees: What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary held with the UK Government regarding the decision to build a prison in Port Talbot? EAQ(5)0124(CC)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Minister. The twenty-first century schools programme to date has actually been an excellent example of how we can improve the education facilities for our young children. In my own constituency, we’ve just seen the Cabinet Secretary open officially Ysgol Bae Baglan; Awel y Môr has been created; and there are three new sites in Margam; the new Welsh-medium...
David Rees: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that answer. This decision was taken by the Westminster Government before any public consultation had taken place and I deeply regret that they have not taken the opportunities available to them, although I do recognise that the planning process will allow opportunities, perhaps, for that wider public consultation. They don’t seem to be identifying...
David Rees: Thank you, Llywydd, and I move the motion. Before I start, can I join others in expressing my concern over the recent events in Westminster and our prayers for those members of the public and the police service who have been injured as a consequence of this act? I thank you for the reassurances you have provided to us this afternoon about the actions taken here. Llywydd, the Assembly created...
David Rees: Regardless of how we voted in the referendum, regardless of our political affiliations, we must be united in representing Welsh interests as the Brexit process begins in earnest. It is clear to me that our voice is in danger of being lost amongst the many voices calling for attention under the issues today. As an Assembly, we cannot let that happen. The process of leaving the EU is rapidly...
