Steffan Lewis: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. Recently, a constituent came to see me who’d been waiting an unacceptably long time on a waiting list for cardiology care. I noticed upon further inspection that the maximum waiting time in cardiology in Aneurin Bevan has increased from 34 weeks, I believe, in 2011, to 105-plus weeks last year. So, given the seriousness of conditions that...
Steffan Lewis: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I formally move the motion in the name of Rhun ap Iorwerth. This is a timely debate, coming as it does on the day in which we’ve had a Brexit-heavy Queen’s Speech, and in the week where formal negotiations between the UK and EU begin. It is also the week when the Welsh Government has elaborated further on proposals first announced in ‘Securing Wales’...
Steffan Lewis: I’m grateful to the Member for giving way. He just said that the UKIP policy was a points-based system. A couple of weeks ago, it was a ‘one-in, one-out’ immigration system. I wonder if he could clarify what the policy might be next week.
Steffan Lewis: The one in Westminster.
Steffan Lewis: [Inaudible.]—one in, one out.
Steffan Lewis: Diolch, Llywydd. I formally move the amendment in the name of Rhun ap Iorwerth. From the outset, I’d like to reaffirm Plaid Cymru’s view, and a view, I think, that is shared across most of the Chamber, that those who come to this country and make this nation their home are welcome, that we value the skills they bring, the contribution they make to our economy, and the enrichment they add...
Steffan Lewis: What assessment has the First Minister made of the UK Government’s policy paper, ‘Safeguarding the Position of EU Citizens in the UK and UK Nationals in the EU’, published last week? TAQ(5)0716(FM)
Steffan Lewis: I’m grateful for that answer. Whilst it’s always a pleasure to see the Cabinet Secretary for finance, I tabled this question for the First Minister, because he’s insisted repeatedly that he is the Cabinet Secretary responsible for external affairs. And perhaps his inability to be here today reflects the need for Welsh Government to look again at the need for an external affairs Cabinet...
Steffan Lewis: Today the Westminster Government published the Taylor review into workers in the gig economy and I think it's fair to say that the report has been seen as pretty much a damp squib. There's nothing concrete on the eradication of zero-hours contracts. There is a right to request guaranteed hours from an employer, but, of course, in an age where workers have to fork out £1,200 to get to a...
Steffan Lewis: This is very concerning news that a company with a good reputation that supplies multinational companies has had some very harsh things to say about Welsh Government. I’d be very interested to hear the Cabinet Secretary’s view on why he believes the company has got some very serious things to say about the way the Welsh Government has handled this situation. Obviously, 50 families stand...
Steffan Lewis: Would the First Minister give way?
Steffan Lewis: Thank you for giving way. I wonder if he could share his views on why some elements of the Bill in its current form, from the UK Government’s perspective, includes sunset clauses. There will be an expiry on certain functions that are being conferred upon UK Ministers. But when it comes to devolution, despite the public pronouncements that this is just a temporary measure for the sake of...
Steffan Lewis: I welcome this much-needed debate in light of the publication of the EU withdrawal Bill, formerly known as the repeal Bill, formerly known as the great repeal Bill. From the outset, of course, Plaid Cymru has no issue with the principle of an Act that transfers into the jurisdictions of the UK all EU laws and regulations, so that on separation day we do not fall over a cliff edge. Plaid...
Steffan Lewis: Will the Member give way?
Steffan Lewis: I’m grateful to him for giving way. He will know, of course, that at the moment, at the Council of Ministers, Welsh Ministers address the European Council of Ministers and European frameworks are agreed jointly between member states, with devolved Governments having a role. Under this wonderful partnership of equals that we have in these islands, our Government will not have any say in any...
Steffan Lewis: 3. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government plans for economic development in the south Wales valleys? OAQ(5)0203(EI)
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. I’m sure he would agree with me that the industrial and manufacturing heritage of the Valleys is not something that should be confined to its past, but should be central to its future as well. We’ve got particular challenges facing us in terms of research and development and productivity, and I hope he won’t underestimate the potential for...
Steffan Lewis: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the decline in safety in youth jails in light of the publication of the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales’ Annual Report 2016-17? TAQ(5)0172(CC)
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his response, and I’m sure that he shares my horror at many of the findings found in this report. Indeed, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons has concluded that not a single establishment inspected in Wales and England last year is safe to hold children and young people. Rates of self-harm have doubled since 2011, 46 per cent of boys feel unsafe at...
Steffan Lewis: I warmly welcome the statement made by the committee Chair, and, as he said, I think it’s important, as we consider the changes that are to happen over the next few years, that the work of the Finance Committee isn’t restricted to that committee but is part of a national debate even outside the Welsh Parliament. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity and the honour to visit our...
