Mick Antoniw: ...composition has become a serious constitutional issue. We are very alert to these issues in respect of that part of the judiciary that comes within the responsibility of Welsh Government. In representations that we make, we make very clearly the points in respect of diversity. We also make the point very strongly that it is vital that there is Welsh representation in the higher courts by...
Mark Reckless: I know the Government's not the sponsor, but you, First Minister, as an individual Member, were responsible for the representations that you made, and that was why I asked was it not the case that we have the version the Llywydd put forward because of those representations, and because of how strongly and forcefully you put forward that having 'Senedd' on a monolingual basis would command a...
Sioned Williams: ...exist, although report after report points to the contrary, and the make-up of this Senedd proves it beyond a doubt. There are those who feel that we don't need statutory measures to ensure better representation. After all, we wore our early gender balance achievements as a badge of pride and patted ourselves on the back for leading the way. But when we look around this Siambr, we can see...
Darren Millar: I'm pleased you've acknowledged the positive work, as I say, and I'm very pleased also that you recognise the work that's been done not only to engage with those countries whereby we have trade arrangements through the continuity trade arrangements, but also those new nations that we will also be doing trade with on a free-trade basis post 1 January. I was wondering whether you could tell me...
David Melding: ...and quite a small legislature, and how would that work? As I say, I don’t have a closed mind, but, speaking as the constitutional spokesman for the group, I have to emphasise that STV’s not something we are prepared to endorse. I have to say, Gwenllian, I greatly enjoyed your mischief and the outrageous examples of liberal over-representation that you gave. I’m sure it would’ve...
Jane Hutt: Thank you very much, Joyce Watson. I think it's so important that you are going to be marking the day, as you say, on Thursday, by joining Leonard Cheshire. In fact, I spent time not just with the disability equality forum but also with other organisations like Leonard Cheshire, who have engaged with me and with other Ministers, with young people raising questions with us about the issues...
Hefin David: ...across the Chamber. I've spoken to the leader of Plaid Cymru and to Siân Gwenllian today, I've spoken to Jayne Bryant, and one of the things that Jayne Bryant said to me is we need to look at representation as a whole across the UK and how our representation works. I buy into that argument. One of the things I was disappointed with Plaid Cymru—I could have signed up to their motion...
Andrew RT Davies: ...are trying to attract this investment in are already pointing to a downturn in the commercial sector. They are pointing to making it more difficult to bring investment—[Interruption.] Well, it's not four weeks, because the notes that were sent out to the investment funds were already asking for write-downs on investments, Minister, as you well know from the representations you've...
Hannah Blythyn: Can I thank the Member for his further questions? I just want to point to one element where people will be surprised that we may agree. It's around the need for diversity of representation as part of the social partnership council, through those bodies that are represented on the body as proposed. You are right that, actually, you can't extend it to everybody, because, as I've said in...
Mick Antoniw: ...of diversity. And the current President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale, has also said on a number of occasions that the courts have to be representative of society in general, and that they were not, and that it was important that that increasing diversity took place, in terms of gender, and in terms of race, and in terms of the background of those in the judiciary, and, really, from the...
Delyth Jewell: ...about our legislature's remit? Well, a power is a vehicle. It proffers the ability to do something. It offers the capacity to change. In our motion, we set out wide-ranging areas where, if we do not gain these powers from Westminster, we will regress, because the powers have to exist somewhere and if they're not here, they will lie with Westminster. Westminster, which might shortly only...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you very much for that question. I can certainly confirm that the Welsh Government continues to make strong and repeated representations to the UK Government regarding the impact that their welfare reform programme and austerity programme is having on people in receipt of benefits. We are really concerned because, actually, this is just the start. Many people are starting to think,...
Bethan Sayed: I wanted to ask a question with regard to whether the Welsh Government are able to make representations to the UK Government with regard to the potential deportation of a family—the Rebwah family—who are currently based in Swansea. There are two families who left Iraq in tragic circumstances. Two of the fathers froze to death on their way, and the mother died. One of the families have...
Rebecca Evans: ...to our democracy. Anything that impacts them should be taken seriously, so I am pleased to bring these regulations before you and to hear the views of colleagues in the Chamber today on the Representation of the People (Amendment) (Wales) (Coronavirus) (No. 2) Regulations 2021. I want to ensure that local by-elections are conducted safely and in a way that maximises the opportunity for...
Mick Antoniw: ...from across the UK, with the Welsh Government inquiry team recommending to them that advice be sought from the bar's Wales and Chester circuit. It is the case, of course, in terms of the legal representation being organised by the Welsh Government, that there is significant input from the Welsh bar, and obviously I will do everything I can, in every sphere that I work in, to actually...
Jane Dodds: ..., it is incumbent on all of us to use the right language in our respective parties to show leadership on this issue. Lastly, I'd like to highlight, as has already been highlighted, the issue of representation in the Senedd. Without making the issue a political football, I think it's so important to draw attention to the role that we have, once again, as politicians and as members of our...
Jeremy Miles: Well, can I associate myself with the comments the Member makes in her question? We have been making representations to the Ministry of Justice in relation to this point in particular. She will want to know that the data that the Ministry of Justice has made available indicates a dramatic fall in legal aid provision in Wales, with 2,440 fewer civil representations in the last year than in...
Llyr Gruffydd: ...on both of our accounts, then, isn't it? I hear what people are saying about the sizes of wards, but, do you know what, look at what happened in Anglesey? Now, I know this isn't proportional representation, but because of the situation that Anglesey found itself in years ago, with single-member wards et cetera, and the kind of fiefdoms that were really dragging the council down, it's this...
Peredur Owen Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. I wish to make it clear from the outset that this is a probing amendment, designed to ensure the maximum possible plurality for the social partnership council. It's not designed to slight anyone, nor any organisation. It is submitted in good faith to ensure that the voices heard as part of the new and influential council are drawn from as wide a pool as possible. This...
Mick Antoniw: ...re able to pay their chief executive £32 million per annum. So, it seems to me that we have a system that is being bought up by those who stand to make enormous profits out of it, and the issue is not about the procedural fairness of the process, but the ability of people to be fairly represented and to have a fair say within that process. And I think those of us from all parties who...
