Luke Fletcher: Today, I had the pleasure of co-sponsoring, with Carolyn Thomas, a drop-in event with Communication Workers Union members. As those who attended will know, what they had to say about Royal Mail's disregard for its employees was shocking: casualisation, pay cuts, hollowed-out conditions, even attempting to take away statutory sick pay, which is totally illegal, by the way—'Amazon on...
Luke Fletcher: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on the future of Cardiff Airport in light of Wizz Air's announcement that it is ceasing operations in and out of Wales? TQ705
Luke Fletcher: Diolch, Dirprwy Weinidog. It's a new year, but it's the same old story when it comes to Cardiff Airport. This time, it's Wizz Air; a few months ago, Qatar Airways pulled out, that after investment from Welsh Government; perhaps the Deputy Minister could confirm whether or not Welsh Government provided any similar incentives to Wizz Air. But what is it going to take for the Government to...
Luke Fletcher: I thank the Minister for his statement today.
Luke Fletcher: I'll start by agreeing with the Government: it is disgraceful that UK Government would rather attack workers' rights than deal effectively with the economic hardships that are facing those workers. If I could start with one of those hardships, which is energy, the Minister mentioned that the current UK scheme, whilst providing support some support, does nothing to safeguard against energy...
Luke Fletcher: If I could touch on Welsh-medium education—and I'm sure that the Minister isn't going to be surprised by that—investment in it to achieve Welsh Government targets is going to be vital. Bridgend is a prime example. Yes, we heard last week that, on the face of it, Welsh language provision is increasing, with a new school in Porthcawl and the expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr, but if you...
Luke Fletcher: So, is the Minister confident that Bridgend is moving swiftly enough to meet its target in the WESP? I know that the Minister is aware of the situation in Bridgend. I know that he has had a whole host of conversations with the council. But, like a number of others in the Siambr, I want to see the council moving at a greater pace on this.
Luke Fletcher: 5. How is the Welsh Government working with HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions and local authorities to ensure that financial support designed to assist with the increased cost of living reaches as many people as possible? OQ59006
Luke Fletcher: Thank you for that response, Minister.
Luke Fletcher: I know that a lot of people are grateful for those gaps being plugged, but a concerning case was recently brought to my attention by a constituent in Wildmill who was precluded from claiming the UK Government's last round of cost-of-living support payments. When the cost of living skyrocketed, my constituent sought help but because he receives industrial injury disablement benefit, which...
Luke Fletcher: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you for your chairmanship of the cross-party group.
Luke Fletcher: The reality is that much of the investment for the steel industry must come from the UK Government, and I'd have to join Jack Sargeant in saying that it is disappointing that there is a reluctance from UK Government Ministers to engage with our CPG. In fairness to you, Minister, I think this will be the second time that you've come to the CPG now, and I know Members are very appreciative of...
Luke Fletcher: Will the First Minister provide an update on the Government's work relating to a four-day week?
Luke Fletcher: I thank the Minister and her colleagues for putting this budget together. I’d also thank her for taking the time last week to chat about the budgetary situation. And I’d also actually like to thank the Finance Committee as well for its scrutiny work, and I’m not just saying that because the Chair of Finance Committee is sitting next to me. Turning to that work, there was a very clear...
Luke Fletcher: 5. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy regarding how the education system can help to address Wales's skills gap? OQ59084
Luke Fletcher: Thank you for your response, Minister.
Luke Fletcher: Recent work from the Construction Industry Training Board has shown that, over the next five years, Wales needs 9,100 additional new entrants into construction, with bricklaying, electrical roles and roofing being areas of particular high demand. With the draft budget, there is a chance here to build on how the education system supports people into these industries, but, as I referenced...
Luke Fletcher: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'm afraid my natural cynical and sceptical way of viewing the world might bring down the jovial contribution by the economy spokesperson for the Conservative Party, but I don't think it will surprise Members to learn that I'm not a supporter of the free-port concept. There are a number of ways that we can achieve what my colleague set out, and I am taking a lot of...
Luke Fletcher: Conversations around tax are always difficult. I don't think that any of us in this Chamber would deny that. But it is a conversation that we have to have nonetheless. There's certainly a conversation to be had around the effectiveness of taxes, such as: what are we trying to do? To what level do we want to redistribute wealth? But it is important for us also to remember that tax isn't the...
Luke Fletcher: 8. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy regarding funding for local authorities to promote apprenticeship opportunities for young learners? OQ59131
