Hefin David: Okay. I wasn't insinuating you were, and I believe I'm right about that. But the issue is, on balance, I'm not as certain as my colleagues. On balance, I think 'remain' is the right action for this country, and I've always thought that, but the problem here I think comes down to the issue of how we do our democracy—how our democracy works. When the Speaker of the House of Commons calls a...
Hefin David: I don't think Plaid Cymru are full of remainers entirely, either. Yes, I agree. The reason I'm willing to support this motion today, after much thought, is because of that point. We are at an impasse. The only other option to a second vote would be no deal, I think, at this point, and that is why I'm saying we probably do need to support this. By the way, one thing I'd say about Gareth...
Hefin David: I really am out of time and I probably don't want to get into that rabbit hole right now. But the point I'm making is our democracy is not functioning. The only way through right now, reluctantly, is a referendum. But we need to look at this. We need to think how we can repair our democracy. There is a way forward, and that way forward is reforming our electoral system.
Hefin David: 8. Will the First Minister make a statement on regulation of the agricultural industry in Wales? OAQ54023
Hefin David: On 14 November last year, the environment Minister outlined her intention to introduce a whole-Wales approach to tackling nitrate pollution, and Assembly Members were told that regulations would come into force next January—that's January 2020. Residents in the communities of Gelligaer, Nelson and Pen-y-Bryn, in the Caerphilly constituency, have long had to put up with the nuisance...
Hefin David: 4. Will the Counsel General make a statement on EU structural funds support for apprenticeships and skills training in Wales? OAQ54014
Hefin David: During yesterday's debate on the shared prosperity fund, Nick Ramsay said that there are unanswered questions about the future of the shared prosperity fund, which led me once again to question why on earth he's a Tory. He surely too nice and intelligent for that kind of activity. [Laughter.] I think the future—[Interruption.] Well, let me get to the question. The future of the structural...
Hefin David: Will the Minister make a statement regarding the apportionment of signage on Welsh Government-maintained trunk roads?
Hefin David: I thank Darren Millar. Which extreme are you supporting—the Rory Stewart extreme or the Boris Johnson extreme?
Hefin David: Will the Minister make a statement on planning policy as it relates to common land in Wales?
Hefin David: 5. Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress of the Cardiff capital region city deal? OAQ54105
Hefin David: In order to address the problems of speculative planning applications along the M4 belt on high-demand land, we've got to work together on a cross-party basis, and parties of all colours need to work together to try and resolve these issues. The first thing I did when I was elected in 2016 was call on the Welsh Government and local authorities to develop a strategic development plan for...
Hefin David: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on measures to manage Cadw-owned land? OAQ54120
Hefin David: On Friday last week, Wayne David MP and I met with Cadw, particularly to discuss this issue, and they confirmed on the evening of 16 May they'd approved contractors to shoot a number of birds within the grounds of Caerphilly castle in order to control their numbers. There was a witness to this, and the witness posted pictures on social media, and these were carried by the Caerphilly Observer....
Hefin David: Will you take an intervention?
Hefin David: Can I just ask: has the Conservative Party got a position now on joint transport authorities?
Hefin David: I'd like to associate myself with the remarks about the tragedy at Margam that the Minister mentioned and has been mentioned by others. According to the Welsh Government's response to the recommendations, the long-term aim of Transport for Wales is 'to deliver a public transport system that aims to give everyone easier access to bus, train and active travel for everyday journeys.' The Chamber...
Hefin David: Yes.
Hefin David: Yes, and the local authority turns it down on those very grounds, it goes to appeal and the Planning Inspectorate overturn it on appeal, and then the Minister approves the appeal because the Minister is concerned that, if she doesn't approve it on appeal, it will be subject to judicial review and the planning inspector's view will hold sway in those circumstances. That's the difficulty...
Hefin David: Am I right in thinking that the evidence we received said that a national JTA and regional JTAs would be a step too far, and would be duplicating themselves?
