Carwyn Jones: Why have we got foreigners in our NHS? That’s what he’s saying, in effect, isn’t it? That’s what this is about. The national health service, like the health service of any other country in the developed world, always relies on doctors from other countries. I don’t care where doctors are from as long as they’re good and they deliver services for our people. That’s what counts at...
Carwyn Jones: Well, it is hugely important. We know, otherwise, that there will be serious labour shortages in the agricultural industry, and that is something that has not yet been properly addressed by the UK Government. It comes back to this point again: we need an immigration policy that’s sensible, that’s fair, that’s balanced, and we believe, in the document that we’ve produced on Brexit and...
Carwyn Jones: Well, first of all, we all want to see improved pay and conditions, and it’s hugely important that we see the introduction of a proper living wage across our economy, in the private sector as well, and important that we have a UK Government that recognises the importance of that. But I am not obsessed with the idea that what we have to do is to chuck out as many foreign workers as possible,...
Carwyn Jones: Yes. We’re committed to working with police and crime commissioners and partners to tackle slavery, which includes forced labour. In March, we launched our ethical employment in supply chains code of practice to make supply chains transparent and prevent exploitation of workers—a first, indeed, for Wales and for the UK.
Carwyn Jones: Well, we did launch the code of practice on ethical employment and supply chains in March. That was aimed at supporting businesses to make supply chains transparent and to prevent workers from being exploited. As I said, that’s a first for both Wales and the UK. I know that the Wales anti-slavery leadership group is raising the issue of slavery through training and awareness raising,...
Carwyn Jones: Well, through the training, of course, that I’ve already indicated that the leadership group has taken forward, and secondly, of course, through the code of practice itself. I know that the co-ordinator is passionate in terms of ensuring that we drive slavery out, even where it is hidden, of course, in some organisations. She mentions the social care sector. She wasn’t claiming to have...
Carwyn Jones: Well, local government already has that power, of course, in terms of its trading standards obligations. If the Member has evidence that that is happening, I’ll be pleased to look at that evidence and then pass it on to the appropriate prosecuting authority. What he describes is unacceptable, but it’s hugely important that there is evidence to be able to take this forward, eventually, or...
Carwyn Jones: I know that a meeting was held on 22 August where Government officials joined with the Neath Port Talbot council to consider the way forward. We as a Government will consider anything that the council suggests when they make representations to us, as was agreed in that meeting, as I understand it.
Carwyn Jones: Of course, I can understand how the families feel as they have to face such a situation. At the meeting held in August, the agreement was that the council would come back to us with the details. That hasn’t happened as yet. Once that does happen, we can then consider the issue further.
Carwyn Jones: It’s not yet clear what the nature of that support would be, which is why we look forward to receiving the representations from the council, in order for us to look at this further. But as far as the people there are concerned, I can well understand that they want to have certainty as quickly as possible. We’re keen to do that and we’ll continue to work with the council in order for...
Carwyn Jones: We’re content to work with the council, of course, to see what support we can provide in terms of the commissioning of any new report. And again, we await the council’s representations in that regard.
Carwyn Jones: We have funded development work on the outline concept of a metro for south-west Wales in his financial year, via the local transport fund. Swansea county council—I should say the City and County of Swansea—is co-ordinating this work in partnership with the other local authorities in the south-west and the project is progressing well.
Carwyn Jones: The project has begun well. A workshop was held with regional planning officers in May. It provided the framework for the emerging concepts. That work is ongoing. But yes, I share the Member’s disappointment at the breaking of a promise by the UK Government to electrify the main line as far as Swansea. I well remember the then Secretary of State, Cheryl Green—. Cheryl Green? Cheryl...
Carwyn Jones: We have to remember, of course, that the city deal is driven by local authorities and not by us. It’s a partnership between the UK Government, the Welsh Government and local authorities, but it’s for local authorities working together to prioritise and to engage. What I will do, however, is pass her comments on to the local authorities and ask them what they’re doing to engage with ABP...
Carwyn Jones: Yes. Of course, the powers will be coming to us over the ensuing months and there will be an opportunity for us to consider how the buses are managed. We know, of course, that there is a strong argument for ensuring that a system is re-established where it will be possible for the councils to run those services ultimately, either themselves or via a franchise. But it will mean that they will...
Carwyn Jones: Yes, it will need to. There are a number of ways in which you can deliver a metro: some as heavy rail, some as light rail, fast buses and the possibility of dedicated bus lanes. There are any number of ways where a metro system can be delivered and it’s hugely important that any study is able to look at emerging modern technology, particularly in order to facilitate quicker transport...
Carwyn Jones: Our framework for action on independent living is currently being reviewed. We have worked closely with disabled people and disability organisations across Wales to ensure we’re making tangible progress in promoting and protecting the rights of disabled people and, of course, that is something we will continue to do in the future.
Carwyn Jones: Well, we cannot reverse what the UK Government has done. I can’t disagree with the use of the phrase ‘human catastrophe’. There is something wrong with the system where 61 per cent of cases are appealed successfully. There’s something wrong with it. That appeal rate is far, far higher than you’d get in the criminal courts and far higher than you would find elsewhere. That is a sign...
Carwyn Jones: We would expect local authorities, of course, to fulfil their obligations to disabled people and to put sufficient funds aside in order for their financial needs to be recognised and satisfied. Of course, local authorities are answerable to their electorate if they pursue policies that the electorate deem to be unacceptable.
Carwyn Jones: We understand, of course, that there are funds that can make a great difference to the lives of people. I’m not talking about this fund directly, but, unfortunately, we’ve seen cuts in our budget, and there are difficult decisions that will have to be taken during the financial year, but we wish to be able to prioritise what gives optimum benefit to families and what works, and that is...
