Russell George: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government spending for 2019-20 in Powys?
Russell George: Can I agree with the comments—
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I agree with the view that it's riding roughshod over the local community? This doesn't do anything for local democracy, when the Minister rides roughshod over the views of the local authority and the inspector as well. But could I specifically ask, when the Minister does respond to this particular amendment, that she also addresses the concerns...
Russell George: I have to say, Cabinet Secretary, I have been quite complimentary of the Welsh Government with regard to its rail franchise. I think I'm on record as saying you've been heroically ambitious with regard to the rail franchise, but in doing so you have, of course, set a high bar, and in doing that you have set expectations of passengers. Now, in the summer, you said that in the coming weeks you...
Russell George: What is the rationale for preventing cancellations on Valley lines by cancelling services in other areas, which is what is effectively happening? Does Transport for Wales's service contract include a different performance requirement for the Valley lines, and why is it that the Cardiff Bay service is regarded as a higher priority of use per unit, when Cardiff Bus operates a frequent...
Russell George: 3. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's policy on improving mobile phone coverage in mid Wales? OAQ53016
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, leader of the house. Of course, the mobile action plan that you talk about hasn't delivered any concrete actions to date. We've seen planning policy updated and guidance updated in Scotland and in England as well. That's helped to prepare the way for 5G deployment and has helped to speed up the process for new mobile phone masts. A report that you commissioned on...
Russell George: This is a planning question.
Russell George: I'd like to take part in this debate today and support the Welsh Conservative motion, in particular our motion calling for an independent review of the outdated Welsh local government funding formula, which so desperately needs to be revised. When I started thinking about my contribution today, I thought, 'Well, I'll dust out my speech from last year, the year before, or the year before that;...
Russell George: Well, isn't it interesting that the UK Government, in its block grant, provides every person in Wales with £1.20 for every £1 that is spent in England? And why is that? Because there is more need here in Wales. But that need isn't reflected in the local government formula when it comes to rural Wales and needs across Wales.
Russell George: And the Cabinet Secretary will be able to respond to that in his final comments. Also, the leader of Powys County Council talks about the efficiencies that have already been made in management and back offices. What she says in a letter to me and other AMs in our area is that, 'This approach is no longer sustainable, as the cuts are simply too deep.' Simply too deep. Savage cuts. She talks...
Russell George: There are concerns, Cabinet Secretary, that electric vehicles could cause more accidents on our roads due to being so quiet. Do you think there is a need for a revision in the highway code in this area?
Russell George: Cabinet Secretary, how many businesses in Wales has the Welsh Government engaged with directly in relation to the new economic contract, and can I ask: how much does the Welsh Government intend to lend small and medium-sized enterprises as a direct result of the new economic contract?
Russell George: Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to move the motion in my name. We are, of course, living in changing times as we define our relationship with the rest of Europe and seek new links with emerging and expanding markets. Following the Brexit referendum in 2016, the First Minister announced that he had made it his intention to prioritise the Welsh Government and sell Wales to the...
Russell George: The committee’s first recommendation sought to address the lack of accountability for international trade and Brexit implementation. Currently, these responsibilities are shared between the First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport. There is a clear danger that shared responsibility can sometimes fall between two stools, or three...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I thank the Members for taking part in the debate across the Chamber this afternoon? I should also like to thank, of course, the many witnesses who took part in our report—who are mentioned in detail in the report—and representatives of Welsh, UK, European and international businesses, and the cultural and educational organisations that we met with...
Russell George: Of course, we need a solution to the M4 congestion issue—that's an issue that no doubt will be supported by every Member across the Chamber—but what we are waiting for is, of course, the full details of the public inquiry. And we as AMs across this Chamber need to see that report, and I'd say it's essential that the Government publishes the findings and conclusions of the public inquiry...
Russell George: Yes.
Russell George: Yes, and I absolutely accept that position. We are talking a matter of weeks and, of course, the new First Minister—I see the argument for the new First Minister taking the final decision. I do see that argument as well, and I appreciate what you're saying.
Russell George: Leader of the house, I've just heard your answer, but can you outline what is the working relationship between the Fair Work Commission and the Welsh Government's economic contract and calls to action?
