Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has today, in his budget, announced a number of key funding commitments to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as to the hospitality and retail industry, in light of the threat of COVID-19, which was just raised by the Plaid Cymru spokesperson. Today's announcement also includes an extra £360 million a year to the...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you, Minister. I was being mischievous when I mentioned the 'austerity' word—I knew that it would trigger a response similar to that. And some of what you say, in terms of growth, of course there's a basis there, and you're right to point those things out. But I do think that we need to look on the bright side as well. And there is good news in this UK budget, and hopefully the Welsh...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you, Minister. You very cleverly chucked in air passenger duty there, knowing full well that this side of the Chamber do support fully the devolution of air passenger duty. So there are certain things we agree on, and there are other things that we do not agree on. The income tax changes mentioned were around thresholds, but that's aside. Can I just, in terms of my final question, go...
Nick Ramsay: Will you take an intervention?
Nick Ramsay: Thanks for giving way. You mentioned that some cancers are harder to diagnose than others and it's reminded me of a constituent's case that Angela Burns, our health spokesperson, has been involved in with me as well. The constituent that we saw, his wife sadly died of ovarian cancer; I don't think it was diagnosed until stage 4. Certain cancers like ovarian cancer are incredibly difficult to...
Nick Ramsay: Trefnydd, as we've heard from many contributions today in this Chamber, these are worrying, dark times, with currently little light to be seen at the end of the tunnel; we don't know where the end of that tunnel will be. As is always the case in Wales, when a crisis looms large, our communities rise to the challenge, and numerous individuals come forward to support those most in need, as...
Nick Ramsay: Will you take an intervention?
Nick Ramsay: Thanks for that, Rhun. You mentioned the importance of the independence of the community health councils. It's not just a question of independence though, is it? It's also a question of their agility, because they're able to go into those health establishments with very little notice, be a genuine friend and voice to the people who are there, and inspire that sort of confidence. So, it's that...
Nick Ramsay: 3. How is the Welsh Government supporting international town-twinning initiatives across Wales? OAQ55268
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Gweinidog, for that answer. Clearly, this question was tabled before the seriousness of the current situation developed. You'll probably be aware that the dream of twinning Abergavenny in my constituency with Chinamhora town in Zimbabwe has moved from a dream to a fast-developing reality, with several meetings recently. This is great for Wales-Africa relations. You were involved from...
Nick Ramsay: Can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon. I think those last words he used, of compassion, urgency and care, are well-founded. Minister, you've saluted those running our small businesses, and I think that in the same way that we salute those who've been working in the NHS and the care industry, I think that we should also be saluting those running our businesses at the moment...
Nick Ramsay: [Inaudible.]—Dirprwy Lywydd, and can I concur with previous sentiments that we're thinking of those on the front line at the moment in our public services? And I know that the Minister for economy has stated that as well. If I could just ask a couple of questions about the economy specifically, then transport, Minister. First of all, a number of speakers, including Russ George, have spoken...
Nick Ramsay: Is that working?
Nick Ramsay: I was talking to myself for a while. Diolch, Llywydd. And thank you, Minister, for your statement. I've got to say, it's good to hear a statement—we're in such difficult times, it's good to hear a statement talking about some of the opportunities that we face beyond the current COVID pandemic, rather than just some of the immense challenges that we face. Minister, you mentioned the future...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you, Minister, for your statement this afternoon. These are, clearly, dark days for the economy as the lockdown inevitably sees the reduction in economic growth and GDP that you've outlined. So, the role of the Welsh Government in supporting business and preparing for the future at this time is, indeed, vital. With this in mind, you'll be aware that there's...
Nick Ramsay: Thank you, Minister, and, as you say, I am used to the technicality of the supplementary budgets, but this one will be more important than ever, for obvious reasons, so we look forward to that. In terms of the business rates answer that you've just given as well, as I say, I appreciate there are certain reasons for the policy, but I think there are really strong arguments for giving that...
Nick Ramsay: I'm pleased to be able to contribute to this debate. These are certainly unprecedented times. It's clearly vital that the correct balance is now struck between dealing effectively with the current pandemic whilst getting the economy moving again as swiftly as possible and protecting jobs and livelihoods. With that in mind, can I back those calls that have been made already for, as much as...
Nick Ramsay: First Minister, if I can ask you about two areas, firstly, briefly, I've been contacted by a constituent who is concerned that, as businesses come out of lockdown, there could be a number of issues that have developed over a long period of businesses being closed down, such as legionnaire's disease, for instance, that could generate subsequent public health issues. So, I wonder if you could...
Nick Ramsay: Sorry, I was using the mouse that doesn't work. [Laughter.] Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, I wonder if you could just give us a little bit more information about the education of the under-fives that you mentioned earlier in answer to Darren Millar. I think you said that it's impossible to really adhere to social distancing with that sort of age group, and I think you mentioned that it...
Nick Ramsay: Two issues, if I may, First Minister. Firstly, I wonder if the Welsh Government could look again at this 5-mile travel rule and provide guidance on this. I know you've said previously that it is guidance and discretionary for people on how far they do travel, but I've got many constituents who are still unclear and very concerned that they can't travel to see family and friends. So, could we...
