John Griffiths: What steps is the Welsh Government considering to reduce the amount of school time lost as a result of COVID -19?
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. I'm very content with the Government's approach to the LCM. We could see that there was some room for potential confusion, but we noted what the legislation committee had to say and we were quite content to support that. It's obviously an extremely important measure, and as a committee, we've taken a great deal of interest in the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, and we did...
John Griffiths: Early on in the pandemic, it became quite apparent that black and ethnic minority communities were being particularly badly affected. And at that time, locally, we had some issues in our communities, where there was understandably a good deal of concern and anxiety. We then arranged meetings with the local health board, which were very useful and productive, and then, of course, Welsh...
John Griffiths: 2. What recent steps has the Welsh Government taken to prepare for the UK leaving the European Union? OQ55655
John Griffiths: It's very important for Wales, I believe, that EU citizens living here continue to do so, and continue contributing to life in Wales, bringing their skills to our workforce and economy, enriching our culture and communities, taking a full part in life in Wales in all aspects. So, Counsel General, could you update us on the steps taken by Welsh Government to ensure that there is awareness of...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. I'm pleased to open today's debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee's report on inequality and the COVID pandemic. I would like to start by thanking all those organisations and individuals who, despite the many pressures placed upon them by the pandemic, took the time to share their views and experiences. Our report and our 44 recommendations were...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. Well, I'd like to thank everybody, obviously, for their contributions, which were very wide ranging, as is the report, but also, I think, showed a real passion for these concerns that we all have, and a real force to the arguments and the points made to find better ways of addressing the inequalities and the vulnerabilities that we have in Wales, which, as so many Members...
John Griffiths: Many Members and the Minister mentioned the need to engage meaningfully and effectively, and I know Mark Isherwood mentioned this, and he rightly very often does: we have to find new ways to make sure that we really are reaching out into our communities, into those that are most vulnerable and in the greatest difficulty and to those providing the services to them, to really understand their...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Minister, I very much welcome Welsh Government's recent signature to the Edinburgh declaration on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The declaration critically recognises that healthy biodiversity and the ecosystem services that it provides are key for human well-being and to build the resilience of our cities and regions—that's both during and after the...
John Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. I'm pleased to contribute to today's debate, as Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee. I'd like to thank all those who provided evidence to help inform our work, in particular tenants who attended our focus groups held right across Wales and landlords and letting agents who responded to our survey. As a committee, we continue to place a great value...
John Griffiths: Dirprwy Lywydd, yes.
John Griffiths: Thank you very much. The introduction of legislation banning smoking in the grounds of hospitals in Wales does have the potential to play a major role in reducing smoking prevalence by denormalising smoking and encouraging smokers to quit, and I believe the same is true for the possibilities of banning smoking in school grounds and park playgrounds, and, indeed, many other places. I hope that...
John Griffiths: What assessment has the First Minister made of the current levels of COVID-19 in Newport?
John Griffiths: 5. What further steps will the Welsh Government take to combat the harms resulting from COVID-19 in Newport? OQ55875
John Griffiths: First Minister, I had a look around the new Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Grange hospital last week. It officially opened today, but its birthing centre had already seen its first delivery—a baby girl, fittingly born two days ago, on Aneurin Bevan's birthday. Will you agree with me that this state-of-the-art facility is a very welcome addition to NHS capacity to serve generations to...
John Griffiths: Minister, amongst the strong areas in Wales in terms of steel tradition is Newport, of course, with Llanwern—excuse me—and Liberty Steel. We did have Orb, but, sadly, that's now gone, and there's a host of smaller players. So, I would like some reassurance today that that steel tradition and those steel sites will have a strong part in the future of steel in Wales and the UK. There are a...
John Griffiths: 7. What is the Welsh Government’s latest analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on its policies for environmental improvements in Wales? OQ55876
John Griffiths: Minister, during COVID-19, we've seen many local people connect better with their local environments, going out for a walk, perhaps, for their daily exercise and just appreciating nature more. I think there's an opportunity now to capitalise on that new recognition of the value of nature for health and well-being and better quality of life, and I wonder what you could say about more support...
John Griffiths: 1. What is the Welsh Government’s latest analysis of COVID-19 incidence in Newport East? OQ55943
John Griffiths: First Minister, I think there is concern at the latest statistics, and, obviously, we'll need to have a look at that—Welsh Government will need to have a close look at that. One aspect that's very concerning to my constituents is lost school time. In secondary schools. for example, whole year groups continue to self-isolate when one of the group has COVID-19, and learning at home does not...
