Siân Gwenllian: Exactly, but it is clear that one of the major risks of exiting the European Union is that some of those who were on the leave side of the campaign, including some of those who funded that campaign, have an ideological vision that is very different to the one that you and I hold: the UK as a low-taxation nation, where public services are privatised, and where employers can treat their...
Siân Gwenllian: But I wonder whether we need to go further than the continuity Bill. I wonder whether we need specific legislation on rights. Professor Simon Hoffman has presented evidence stating that legislation on rights is within the competence of this Assembly. He has stated:
Siân Gwenllian: 'When the revised Schedule 7A—' of the Wales Act 2017— 'is in force the Welsh Minsters will have power to introduce legislation, and the NAW will be competent to enact legislation in the field of human rights generally'.
Siân Gwenllian: Therefore, to me, that suggests that there is a window of opportunity here between the time that Schedule 7A comes into force and when the UK leaves the European Union. There is a window of opportunity to legislate to safeguard as much as possible of these human rights and the workers' rights currently in place. Do you believe that it would be valuable to pass specific legislation in terms of...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Llywydd. Our motion today is one that would begin the journey towards devolving broadcasting, and all we are asking for, if truth be told, is a commitment to looking to the practicalities of devolving broadcasting to Wales and reporting back to the Assembly within a year. So, as the Labour amendments delete that simple request, we will be voting against them. Plaid Cymru...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. I have to say that the lack of ambition of the Minister is very disappointing. He doesn’t want to even have the discussion, not even wanting to see what’s possible, not even wanting to look at the options—
Siân Gwenllian: Exactly. That’s what I’m saying. The position of the Government is not wanting to have the discussion, not wanting to see what’s possible—[Interruption.] Yes, because those are the amendments that have been tabled. The amendments that you’ve tabled delete what we and the opposition party want, namely to have the debate, and that’s very disappointing. And I have to ask: where did...
Siân Gwenllian: I thank Suzy Davies for explaining the purpose of your amendment. I do see the sense of what you’re saying, and, even though it’s weaker than our motion, we are willing to support that if necessary, because you’re calling for the debate as well through your amendment. The Minister has said that the Government does intend to hold a debate on broadcasting in the future. Well, well done....
Siân Gwenllian: 6. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's plans for local government reform? OAQ51870
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you. Here, last week, your Cabinet Secretary for local government confirmed that he will not proceed with the earlier proposals made to regionalise on a mandatory basis, and therefore, to all intents and purposes, his predecessor’s proposals are going to be binned, as far as I can see. Is there an agreement within your Cabinet on this fundamental change of direction?
Siân Gwenllian: Every year, we do mark International Women’s Day. We recall the successes of our predecessors, and pledge to do everything within our ability to improve things for the women who will follow us. I do believe that this year feels different. In light of the scandals in film and television, in politics, journalism and many other areas of life, there is a new conversation that has started, and I...
Siân Gwenllian: 12. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government plans for the Bontnewydd and Caernarfon bypass? OAQ51868
Siân Gwenllian: Forgive me for my increasing frustration here. It's about time we had an announcement on the bypass. It's two years behind schedule already, and I was given a pledge by you that there would be an announcement in the new year. For me, the new year has long since passed, and we are into March and we still haven't had an announcement. As well as reducing traffic jams, the area would benefit...
Siân Gwenllian: Will you take an intervention?
Siân Gwenllian: You talked about looking at different kinds of models: what is the timetable with this now? I mean, that's what people are asking. They understand your commitment to having a ban, but what is the precise timetable and when will we see this coming into force?
Siân Gwenllian: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the value of healthy relationships education in Welsh schools?
Siân Gwenllian: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on the white paper on local government reform? OAQ51890
Siân Gwenllian: You mentioned that I'd asked this question last week. When I asked about the u-turn that your Government has made, you said that 'the situation hasn’t changed with regard to the way forward.' This suggested to me that you weren't aware of the recent statements made by your Cabinet Secretary Alun Davies, and this is shocking to me, and it suggests to me 1) that you're not taking a great...
Siân Gwenllian: There is some concern about the timetable for scrutinising and voting on the regulations on Welsh language standards in the area of health. We’ve been waiting over two years now since the Welsh Language Commissioner introduced those regulations to the Government in the area of health. That happened, and the standards were published a fortnight ago. But the timetable from here on in is very...
Siân Gwenllian: Just on that point.
