Mandy Jones: 6. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of lockdown on the north Wales economy? OQ55819
Mandy Jones: Thank you, Minister. As you know, our region's economy relies heavily on tourism and the hospitality sector, as other people have said as well. Thanks to the hard work of the hospitality sector, test and trace data suggest that just 1 per cent of people who've caught COVID-19 have caught it in pubs, restaurants or cafes. So, it appears to me that pubs and restaurants are exceptionally low...
Mandy Jones: I thank the Minister for that statement today. I'm thrilled that the UK is on the threshold of becoming an independent sovereign nation, and I welcome the update on the strategy that will continue the journey to get Wales firmly on the world map and keep it there. I would like to raise the issue of branding. I know that the old Welsh Development Agency brand was also seen as the brand of...
Mandy Jones: As Hefin and Janet have just said, Bonfire Night seems to get worse every year—it goes on for longer, it's louder, it's later with noise now reaching into the early hours of the morning and for days after. I'm deeply concerned about the welfare of our animals, as both the previous people have spoken about as well, both in the home and also in the field, and also the impact of...
Mandy Jones: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on the number of rough sleepers in North Wales? OQ55857
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Once again, I would like to place on record my congratulations for your approach to keeping people off the streets during the pandemic, with the support of all agencies and the third sector, et cetera. I listened earlier to what you said to other speakers, but I'm really concerned to hear that hostels may be forced to reduce the number of rough sleepers...
Mandy Jones: Betsi Cadwaladr, according to you, is now out of special measures. Okay. I agree exactly with what Rhun and Darren have said, but we will see going down the line how it works out, and my contribution today will still stand. I've had a look, Minister, at my previous statement when it was in special measures, and my responses, and they're all along the same lines. So, I could, if I wanted to,...
Mandy Jones: Minister, it seems to me that the economy of the UK needs to recover, and, more to the point, grow. The approach going forward must be more about encouraging spending and growth and confidence, and not discouraging all of these by imposing any higher tax burdens for Wales. Do you agree with that statement?
Mandy Jones: Minister, you will know I've recently written to you asking about the mental health impact assessments that have surely been carried out in advance of such momentous and long-term decisions to remove our civil liberties. I have long been of the opinion that the impact on our collective mental health will be huge. I'm particularly concerned about our young people, so what discussions are you...
Mandy Jones: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on the progress of the red route in Flintshire? OQ56006
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that answer, Minister. I've had hundreds—literally hundreds—of e-mails about the red route, and I wrote to you in the summer about this; I thank you for your reply. I know you addressed the issues raised by the North Wales Wildlife Trust in a letter in October. Constituents in north Wales are still voicing their concerns even today. What words of comfort can you give them to...
Mandy Jones: Who would have thought last summer that for Christmas 2020 the citizens of the UK would be getting Government permission to gather in family groups? And here in Wales, who would have thought that we'd be told what we could buy, where, and that we can't stay in a pub or restaurant after 6 p.m. and have an alcoholic drink with our early meal? These latest restrictions are the subject of this...
Mandy Jones: 2. Will the Deputy Minister make a statement on efforts to improve community cohesion in North Wales? OQ56038
Mandy Jones: Thank you, Minister. I read the report of the task and finish group led by Gaynor Legall with interest. Now that relevant monuments have been identified, I'm interested to hear your plans for the next steps, and your assessment as to how those steps will impact community cohesion in my region, and indeed in the rest of Wales. Thank you.
Mandy Jones: Will the First Minister make a statement on the use of COVID-19 vaccination cards?
Mandy Jones: 1. What assessment has the Counsel General made of the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns on access to justice in North Wales? OQ56080
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that answer, Counsel General. During the course of last year, many reports suggested a huge and growing backlog of cases in both criminal and civil courts, and concerns have been raised that victims of rape and sexual assault, in particular, may be put off carrying on with their cases, as they just want to move on with their lives. What discussions have you had with the Ministry...
Mandy Jones: I welcome this motion today and welcome the fact that the Trade Bill is another legislative step to embed Brexit, which, after all, was the biggest constitutional change on any ballot paper in Wales since the vote for devolution. I note this is the second time an LCM on the Trade Bill has come before this Chamber, reflective, I believe, of a rapidly evolving situation in the UK Parliament and...
Mandy Jones: 7. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of ongoing school closures on educational standards in North Wales? OQ56079
Mandy Jones: Minister, I've expressed my concerns about our young people previously, but I'm now being contacted by worried parents about the standard and consistency of the online learning that their children are receiving. Apart from what Llyr and Mark said earlier, the Welsh future generations commissioner has also said that a chief digital officer for education could be needed. Can you say what...
