Steffan Lewis: 4. Will the Minister make a statement on further education? OAQ(5)0002(EDU)[W]
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Minister for his answer. As he knows, a lot of discussions have happened in terms of how FE colleges can be a part of the twenty-first century schools programme. Does the Minister agree that that programme should include FE colleges? Indeed, in the Labour manifesto there was a commitment that the £2 million of investment would include FE colleges. Of course, investing means a lot...
Steffan Lewis: The key to ensuring success in the capital region is to pursue a multi-hub approach to infrastructure and economic development. Whilst the city deal and the city region model look to build on Cardiff’s international brand, we must recognise the role of other population centres as well. Does the First Minister agree with me that, in moving forward, the distinct status of Newport as a...
Steffan Lewis: Will the First Minister make a statement on road safety?
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement today, although it is disappointing that there is yet another delay on this project—a dash, potentially, to the hopes of the community who’ve had so many false dawns, since their area was deindustrialised some decades ago. As the Cabinet Secretary has mentioned, millions of pounds of public money have already been provided to progress the...
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Conservatives for bringing this motion today for us to have an opportunity to debate and discuss this very important matter. When we mark the centenary of the battles of the Somme, Mametz Wood and the battle of Jutland, we are remembering the loss of the lives of thousands of men. It is easy to forget, given the sheer numbers involved, that each number in the count of the dead...
Steffan Lewis: Before the summer recess, the First Minister dismissed suggestions that within the economic plan for the capital region and the proposed metro, a distinct status should be afforded to the city of Newport and other centres outside Cardiff itself. Will the First Minister therefore confirm that his plans for the capital region amount to no more than making a commute to Cardiff easier, rather...
Steffan Lewis: Of course, one of the ways we can mitigate the effects of UK welfare reform on Welsh communities is to begin developing a unique Welsh system in its place. I was very grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for his positive response, before the summer recess, to a suggestion of developing ‘Social Security Cymru’ as a concept that is backed up by maximising the opportunities we have with...
Steffan Lewis: Will the Member give way?
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Member for giving way. Does he recognise that the United Kingdom will not be negotiating with Germany in trade negotiations? It will be negotiating with the entire European Union, and therefore perhaps he’s taking far too much for granted in his attitude to the Germans overall.
Steffan Lewis: Diolch, Lywydd. I move the amendment in the name of Simon Thomas. I’m afraid my contribution won’t be quite as full as sunshine and lollipops as the previous speakers’. Perhaps at some point I could explain to Neil Hamilton the difference between Welsh nationalism and British isolationism, but there isn’t enough time to go through that today. The past 48 hours or so have shone a...
Steffan Lewis: Will the Member take an intervention?
Steffan Lewis: Does she accept that, of course, we’re still a part of the European Union and that we could expect political and economic fluctuations and turmoil to occur once article 50 is triggered, and during the negotiations and the years of uncertainty that will follow article 50, and that to take for granted that things are going to go swimmingly is perhaps a bit naïve?
Steffan Lewis: I thank the First Minister for giving way. The Scottish Government position is very clear. Scotland voted to remain in the European Union and the Scottish Government position is that Scotland remains in the European Union. If it is dragged out of the European Union against its will, then of course that is a different matter altogether. So, I don’t think you can make a parallel between the...
Steffan Lewis: What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact to its policy priorities relating to children and young people if it were to gain additional powers over policing and criminal justice?
Steffan Lewis: Will the First Minister make a statement on his vision for the constitutional future of Wales?
Steffan Lewis: 3. Will the Minister make a statement on the external advisory panel on EU withdrawal? OAQ(5)0031(FLG)
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. Presumably, as this is an advisory panel that has been called by the Welsh Government itself, the panel, in its inaugural meeting, will be furnished with position papers from the Welsh Government on elements of EU withdrawal and the view of Welsh Government on many of the matters that accompany the process of withdrawal from the European Union....
Steffan Lewis: I thank the Member for Llanelli for giving way. Can he confirm, based on what he’s just said, which I think is very significant indeed, is it now Welsh Labour policy to support an Australian points system as immigration policy in the United Kingdom? [Interruption.] That’s why I’m asking for clarification.
Steffan Lewis: Will the Minister make a statement on his assessment of the future of EU structural funds?
