Jack Sargeant: Can I thank Joyce Watson for that answer and all the work she does as a Commissioner, but also in a personal capacity as well? I know you are just as passionate as I am about the White Ribbon campaign. It is my role as an ambassador of the campaign to promote to never use, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. We've heard already from Joyce Watson exactly what the Senedd...
Jack Sargeant: 6. What discussions has the Welsh Government had regarding the disinvestment of public sector pension funds from fossil fuels? OQ58703
Jack Sargeant: I thank the First Minister for that answer, and I'm grateful for the commitment from the Ministers in your Cabinet. Llywydd, I have declared an interest with this question because of my committed and continued involvement with the Wales disinvestment campaign, but the clock is ticking, First Minister, on the time that we have to avoid serious environmental catastrophe and the chaos, hunger...
Jack Sargeant: 2. How will the Welsh Government support the development of advanced technology in the defence sector in north Wales? OQ58704
Jack Sargeant: Can I thank the Minister for that answer? You will have seen the recent statement from the Minister for Defence Procurement about the Defence Electronics and Components Agency site in Sealand, and, of course, your plans for the advanced technology research centre are something I've spoken about a number of times in this Chamber. Can I ask you for some particulars of how the Welsh Government...
Jack Sargeant: 9. How is the Welsh Government working to protect children born with serious heart problems? OQ58694
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for that important answer, Minister. I'm sure you'll be aware of the amazing work done by the Test for Tommy campaign, and they are looking to provide life-saving pulse oximetry machines in maternity wards across the United Kingdom. Minister, I understand that I've just brought this to your attention and I'm asking for your consideration to support the campaign. If you are not able...
Jack Sargeant: Unlike my good friend Mr Davies, I did not have the bet in 1990 on the 100:1 winner, as I was yet to be born. But I will say that I do share Alun's connection with his family in terms of my passion for horse-racing. Mine came through my mum's father, Grandad Jim, so I speak with genuine interest in the future of the industry, and I think the best way to secure that future is to continue to...
Jack Sargeant: 5. How is the Welsh Government working to combat access refusals experienced by guide dog owners? OQ58733
Jack Sargeant: Diolch yn fawr iawn, Trefnydd, for that answer. Can I also extend my thanks to the Minister for Social Justice for her letter on 10 November to myself on this very matter? Members will be aware of the work of Guide Dogs Cymru, who are campaigning to end refusal of guide dogs entering businesses. When I met with them in the Senedd a few weeks ago, they told me about guide dog owners being...
Jack Sargeant: 5. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the rising cost of living on local government services? OQ58786
Jack Sargeant: Can I thank the Minister for that answer? And as you've stated, it's clear that finances are under real pressure. Services will be stretched in every direction possible, but the need to react to growing levels of poverty will be extremely tough. Who would have thought it, just even a year ago—one year ago—that we would be talking about warm banks being delivered by local councils across...
Jack Sargeant: Will you give way?
Jack Sargeant: I thank Tom Giffard for giving way, and I understand that this particular committee's report is about the participation in sport, but do you agree with me that it's actually a little bit wider than that as well? It's about going, taking part and maybe watching sport in these disadvantaged areas, because that's very good for mental health as well, in a community spirit.
Jack Sargeant: Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Presiding Officer. Two thousand and twenty two marks the fiftieth anniversary of plans being drawn up to designate the Cambrian mountains as Wales's first national park. Those plans were never implemented. So, today, here in the heart of democracy, the Welsh Parliament—the people of Wales’s Parliament—is debating a petition submitted by Celia Brazell, which was...
Jack Sargeant: Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I start by extending my thanks to the Business Committee for scheduling this debate on the fiftieth anniversary of the initial plans and calls for the area of outstanding natural beauty? I also thank contributors. Joel James spoke in support, in principle, from the Welsh Conservatives, but also noted some of the concerns and what the campaigners...
Jack Sargeant: I might not. The Minister may, I'm sure. [Laughter.] But, just responding to the Minister directly, if I may—Huw Irranca set me up very nicely there—the Minister did importantly note the work the Welsh Government are doing, the work NRW are doing, and the requirements that would be needed to accept a proposal of an area of outstanding natural beauty, in particular one to the campaigners...
Jack Sargeant: I'm not going to speak about haircuts now, and I don't get my nails done. But it's not just nail salons or barbers or hairdressers, it's actually things like tattoo shops, and I can tell you that I got my tattoo for the world cup in Purple Moon tattoo studio in Connah's Quay. Will you join me in congratulating those types of businesses as well?
Jack Sargeant: Minister, as a trained engineer, I'm always keen to use data to develop an evidence-based approach to policy, and the Welsh Government's basic income trial does present us with that opportunity to test the effects of a basic income within the United Kingdom. Can I ask you how that data will be made available to the likes of me and Jane Dodds, who are keen to promote a universal basic income,...
Jack Sargeant: 4. What conversations has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues about supporting care leavers? OQ58832
