James Evans: Diolch, Llywydd. I move the amendment tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar. I'm extremely grateful for Plaid Cymru bringing forward this important debate on a pressing issue that we all face here in Wales. The last contribution was very powerful and I thank you for that contribution. This debate on alcohol-related deaths highlights the number of alcohol-related deaths in Wales....
James Evans: 2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the work the Welsh Government is doing to improve health services in Brecon and Radnorshire? OQ58044
James Evans: I'd like to thank the First Minister for that answer. Many people across my constituency have contacted me in recent days and weeks who are very concerned about the long and lengthy waiting times in all the district general hospitals that serve the residents of my consistency. Many of them would like to see a district general hospital built within my constituency, or at least more services...
James Evans: It's nice to hear so many Members agree with me, Llywydd. With many wards in my constituency closing due to staff shortages, surely that £16 million would be better spent addressing our workforce problems and not putting more bums on seats in here?
James Evans: Diolch, Trefnydd. The phosphate regulations imposed by Natural Resources Wales in the river special areas of conservation are still having major issues right across Wales, and we are very near to crisis point in many of our industries, with our building profession almost coming to a halt in certain parts of Wales. So, can we have a statement from the Minister for Climate Change around the...
James Evans: 1. Will the Minister provide a statement on the purchase of Gilestone Farm in Talybont-on-Usk? TQ622
James Evans: Will the Minister provide an update on the advice schools give to children on the use of social media?
James Evans: Thank you for your statement, Minister. Over the last week, I have been inundated with phone calls, e-mails and social media comments around the Welsh Labour Government's decision to buy Gilestone Farm in Talybont-on-Usk. I, and many of my constituents, have some very valid questions over the purchase and letting of the farm to the owners of the Green Man Festival. They have some varied...
James Evans: Diolch, Llywydd, and I will just wait for Members to exit the Chamber so that it quietens down just a little bit.
James Evans: Thank you, Llywydd. This vital debate today on the mental health of children and young people, I think, is one of the most important debates we've had in the Senedd, and it is a shame that so many Members have just left the Chamber when we are debating such an important topic.
James Evans: A lot of people in this Chamber have personal experience of dealing with mental health problems. I have suffered with mental health problems myself in the past, and I think it's very important that more people come forward to talk about mental health issues, so that we can destigmatise mental health and allow people to come forward to seek the help and support they need. Young people today...
James Evans: What assessment has the First Minister made of the impact of funding more Members of the Senedd on frontline public services?
James Evans: I'm thrilled today that we are having this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the life of service given to the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth by an amazing person, someone who has put duty and service and dedication above all other things. That person is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. For 70 years, the Queen has served us with distinction, and I and my constituents in...
James Evans: You might not like to hear what I've got to say, but I'm sure some of the people of Wales will. Well, well, well. It's been almost a year to the day since I stood in this Chamber and I delivered a speech against, then, Labour, Plaid and the Lib Dems' calls for more powers to this Senedd. Now, we're back here again discussing having more politicians. No wonder people out there think...
James Evans: No, thank you. You say the public voted for this in your manifestos, but there is nothing in your manifestos to say that we're going to have 96 more Members. Plaid Cymru came third in the last election—not first, not second, but third—so I don't think anybody on that side of this Chamber has got a mandate for change. We, on these benches, trust the public to make big decisions. We...
James Evans: Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's plans to build more houses?
James Evans: 7. What is the Welsh Government doing to support communities hit by recurring floods? OQ58208
James Evans: As we all know, trees are very important to tackling climate change. But with the Welsh Government's decision recently to purchase Gilestone Farm in my community, I think I just heard you, Minister, say you do not plant on productive land. So, I'd just like some assurances from yourself, and for the community in my constituency, that you do not intend to plant trees on Gilestone Farm, which...
James Evans: Thank you for that answer, Minister. I’ve heard accounts from many of my constituents really struggling to get insurance in subsequent years after flooding events. Some of these properties have not even been flooded, but they fall within the postcode area, and therefore are classed as high flood risk. These people have significantly less choice of insurance providers, often paying a lot...
James Evans: Minister, the UK Government's strong economic policy since 2010, and having that long-term economic plan, has helped deliver the best settlement Wales has ever had: £18 billion-worth of funding this year. And, because of the UK Government's strong economic policies, we've got the levelling-up fund, the community renewal fund, city and growth deals, free ports, investment in green energy and...
