Michelle Brown: I thank the Counsel General. It's been widely reported that, during COVID-19 lockdowns, we've seen an increase in cases of domestic abuse. Legal aid is still available for divorce cases where there has been domestic abuse, because the UK Government recognises that often, in order to make a safe, clean break from their abuser, a person will need to go to court for a divorce, a financial...
Michelle Brown: 7. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the opportunities it has to build a greener economy? OQ55704
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. One opportunity you announced with great pride last month is the sustainable food packaging hub that you have invested £2 million in at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Flintshire. On the face of it, it sounds impressive, with the laudable aim of making food packaging more sustainable. But all that glisters is not gold, and the hub isn't good...
Michelle Brown: What assessment has been made of the importance of mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Michelle Brown: What assessment has been made of the importance of mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Michelle Brown: How does the Welsh Government propose to improve the North Wales economy once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided?
Michelle Brown: What assessment has the Welsh Government made of how quickly a vaccine can be rolled out and administered to people of high risk, once it has been approved?
Michelle Brown: Bullying of any kind is disgusting behaviour. We must, of course, all do all we can to eradicate it in all its forms. What Neil has been accused of may not have been acceptable, but it isn't necessarily more impactful on the victim than the bullying inflicted in the Chamber, where mobbing is a regular occurrence. We should all be accustomed to challenge and heckling in this place, but the...
Michelle Brown: 6. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of COVID-19 on the rural economy to date? OQ56054
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly hit the rural economy hard and will continue to do so for a long time to come. One shameful feature of the rural economy in Wales is puppy farming. Ministers from other nations have had the determination to ban third-party puppy sales, and your latest statement on this issue is that a ban would be put in place before the...
Michelle Brown: 4. What assessment has the Minister made of the role that the Welsh Government can play in improving public engagement in local politics? OQ56053
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. And, yes, you have put through a number of significant changes to the local elections system, some of which you've actually mentioned today. But there has been an opportunity missed, though, that would have increased engagement from the wider electorate, which is a more proportional electoral system for local councils. Now, I know that your legislation...
Michelle Brown: 4. What action will the Welsh Government take to reduce the risks to public finances in light of the COVID-19 pandemic? OQ56115
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister, and happy new year to you. Last year, I raised the point that the Welsh Government, through the Welsh development bank, is lending money to local councils to buy and let out commercial properties to property developers. Last financial year, it was more than £35 million, and this year, it could be as high as £97 million. My main concern was the news that...
Michelle Brown: What assessment has Welsh Government made of the most effective ways to help children catch up on the education they have missed during the pandemic?
Michelle Brown: 4. What steps is Welsh Government taking to protect the rural economy during the pandemic? OQ56234
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. One of the rural industries that is protected at the moment by being allowed to continue is commercial puppy farming, despite the fact that the public want a third-party puppy sales ban. You have said numerous times that legislation would be brought forward to ban third-party puppy sales before the end of this Senedd term, but you haven't given a clear...
Michelle Brown: 3. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the potential to attract international businesses to Wales now the UK has left the EU? OQ56357
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Counsel General, but I'm not really surprised since you're a remainer. Since a deal with the EU has been implemented, you've said that there are problems with international trade because the UK Government has put sovereignty before well-being. The image of Wales you wanted to leave people with was of a country that would be difficult to do business in and with, and...
Michelle Brown: 7. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to protect its investment in capital projects? OQ56426