John Griffiths: Minister, I think the current coronavirus crisis illustrates yet again how inter-connected the modern world is in terms of communications, in terms of trade, in terms of the way we all work together, and I would say, to a great extent, how we either thrive or suffer together. And in that context, I think international development is very, very important and worth while, as indeed it is...
John Griffiths: How is the Welsh Government working with local government in Wales to respond to the coronavirus outbreak?
John Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. I'm very pleased to be able to contribute to today's debate as Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, and I'd like to thank all those who gave evidence to us to help inform our work. I note that the tight timescale for undertaking our scrutiny caused difficulties for some stakeholders, so we're even more grateful for their input. Much reference has...
John Griffiths: For.
John Griffiths: First Minister, you made mention of the restrictions on movement and leaving home, and I think that everybody understands the importance of discipline and compliance, as you mentioned, and that you will be guided by the medical and scientific advice in terms of any easing of those restrictions. I wonder if there's any more that you can say at this stage in terms of what early easing of...
John Griffiths: First Minister, as we go through this pandemic, it's becoming increasingly clear that there is greater incidence of the disease in our black and minority ethnic communities. I know that there's work going on at a Wales and UK level to try and understand the reasons for that, and address it as effectively as possible. But, as we move out of lockdown, First Minister, and perhaps we move towards...
John Griffiths: Minister, we've heard some reference today to the health service increasingly addressing non-COVID conditions, and the quarter 1 plans, I know, are to be submitted shortly. But I know that the cancer charities, for example, remain very concerned that we're not seeing the consultations, the diagnosis, the detection and early treatment of these very serious cancer conditions, which are all too...
John Griffiths: Minister, as you know, the committee that I chair, the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee has taken a particular interest in rough sleeping and Welsh Government policy. Indeed, we've done two reports in this Assembly, one at the end of last year on specialist services with regard to mental health and substance misuse, and one the year before more generally. So, having given...
John Griffiths: Could I just say—I will, Dirprwy Lywydd—as a committee, we're looking for that sort of preventative approach—housing first. We met with the action group, and we were looking for the sort of corporation rights that—[Inaudible.]—achieve. So, what I'd really like to know in terms of follow-up planning and to avoid slipping back, because people in Newport tell me they're so pleased to...
John Griffiths: Minister, we've seen major investment in the electric car industry across the world, and as we look for economic opportunities coming out of COVID-19, I would suggest that the UK really should develop a first-class manufacturing capacity for electric cars and everything that needs to go around that. And in Newport, of course, we have the Orb works, which could manufacture the electrical...
John Griffiths: Minister, one thing that we've seen through COVID-19 is many people becoming more physically active. I think we've all seen them walking and jogging and cycling around where we live. But some people are becoming less physically active, perhaps because the usual infrastructure that facilitates their exercise, such as gyms, is not available. This seems to mirror health inequalities—people who...
John Griffiths: I first met Oscar when he entered front-line politics in Newport as the Newport city councillor for the Victoria ward, quite some years ago now. At that time, he really blazed a trail as a Muslim councillor, and, thankfully, since then, other members of the community have followed his example. I have no doubt that his presence, his visibility on the authority were instrumental in those other...
John Griffiths: 8. What further action will the Welsh Government take to ensure that the provision of education from September onwards is of a high standard? OQ55330
John Griffiths: First Minister, there is great concern regarding our children's life chances, particularly those in our most impoverished families. Too few pupils considered vulnerable have returned to school, and working at home has been very variable. It seems the return to school at the end of this month will typically be for a few hours once a week and may not include the extra fourth week. And of...
John Griffiths: I would like to contribute as Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee. And like other committees, we are currently undertaking an inquiry in terms of the impact of COVID-19 on our areas of responsibility. And it is clear that responding is placing significant financial pressures on those organisations operating in the areas within our remit, and the ability of those...
John Griffiths: 4. How will the Welsh Government use infrastructure projects to reinvigorate the Welsh economy in light of COVID-19? OQ55369
John Griffiths: First Minister, we know the pandemic has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable in our society, reinforcing existing inequalities of class, ethnicity, disability and gender. We now face an economic crisis and the prospect of further inequality and harm to those least able to withstand it. Infrastructure projects will be an important part of regenerating our economy and could also be...
John Griffiths: What aspects of Wales’s international relations may be strengthened as a result of the experience of Covid-19?
John Griffiths: I think the strong themes in the report that have been echoed in the Chamber today are very important and very timely, and very useful at the current time, and I very much hope that we see speedy action on the points and recommendations. In my own experience, Dirprwy Lywydd, in Newport we have Newport Live, which is an arm's-length trust set up by the local authority. As we heard earlier,...
John Griffiths: 3. Will the Counsel General make a statement on the work the Welsh Government is doing to Build Back Better during and after Covid-19? OQ55460
