Julie James: Yes, on the consultation, I'm not aware of what the delay was, I'm afraid. I'm certainly happy to look, to see, to recommend that the new Government expedites its response. I don't know how practical that is, but I'm happy to make that recommendation. On the minimum price for alcohol Bill, I know that the current health Secretary will be recommending to whoever his successor is, whether it's...
Julie James: I think that the Cabinet Secretary intends to keep the Senedd informed, Deputy Presiding Officer, once the taskforce has completed its work, which—. Dai Lloyd is actually slightly ahead of me, so I think it is early 2019, and I believe that the programme has an update at that point in it.
Julie James: I know the Cabinet Secretary is in discussion with Newport council about the rationale for their withdrawal from the service, and I'm sure that she will report back to the Senedd once those discussions are complete.
Julie James: I share the Member's outrage and concern about the sharing of a platform over the weekend of an Assembly Member. It's appalling to think that somebody amongst our midst thinks that sharing a platform with, effectively, a far-right extremist is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. I think most of us in this Chamber share the outrage that somebody could be seen on a platform of that sort, and I...
Julie James: I’m not aware of the circumstances surrounding that. I wonder if Helen Mary Jones would be good enough to write a letter in, and then it will be sure to be on the top of the inbox of whoever the incoming Member is that has environment in their portfolio.
Julie James: On that one, I think the Cabinet Secretary answered that quite comprehensively in his questions last week. I'm sure that when the new Government has settled, whoever the new Minister with responsibility for business rate relief is will want to outline it. We're putting it into our final budget. On the assumption the final budget passes, I'm sure the new Minister will want to outline their...
Julie James: We continue to implement our national strategy. I launched the VAWDASV perpetrator service standards last week, the statutory regional commissioning guidance will be published in the new year and we are working with the Wales Centre for Public Policy to scope reviews of refuge provision and sexual violence services.
Julie James: The Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, recognising that we need to remove all sorts of barriers that prevent disabled people from living the lives they want. This is increasingly being reflected across our policies, including transport, education, environment and health, as reflected in our new framework.
Julie James: The strategic framework for an ageing society will place older people at the heart of policy making. Preparatory work has sharpened our focus on the issues that matter to older people, including mental health. The framework will drive a rights-based approach that has a practical, quantifiable impact on people’s lives.
Julie James: We recognise that children from Gypsy and Traveller communities face many additional barriers, including in relation to education, health and public perceptions. Our 'Enabling Gypsies, Roma and Traveller' plan contains a comprehensive suite of actions to improve their life chances and well-being.
Julie James: Faith leaders meet with the First Minister and me twice a year through the faith communities forum to discuss issues affecting the economic, social and cultural life of Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to working with faith groups throughout the year to promote understanding and foster community cohesion.
Julie James: Following their successful bid for lots 1 and 3 of the successor programme, I will be meeting with BT to discuss future roll-out. However, the roll-out is just one part of our suite of interventions, with the Access Broadband Cymru and ultrafast connectivity voucher schemes available to secure connectivity.
Julie James: Mark Drakeford.
Julie James: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Human rights are relevant to every one of us every day. Monday 10 December, International Human Rights Day, marks 70 years since the United Nations general assembly adopted the universal declaration of human rights. This was a vital milestone document to safeguard against a repeat of the atrocities committed in world war two. It proclaimed inalienable...
Julie James: Of course.
Julie James: Well, indeed—a point well made. We must be resilient in the face of extremists. Together, we must continue to build a strong and diverse society, where people of every race, faith and colour are valued for their character and their actions. We all want to help create a peaceful and harmonious country, where our children and future generations can thrive. 'Prosperity for All' sets out...
Julie James: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm very grateful to all Members for their reflections and insights on this important anniversary day. Turning to the amendments, we will be supporting amendment 1. The Welsh Government is strongly opposed to all forms of extremism, including far-right extremism. In 'Prosperity for All: the national strategy', we set out our ambition to work with...
Julie James: Formally.
Julie James: Formally.
Julie James: Diolch, Llywydd. I very much welcome this debate and the opportunity to speak for the first time in my new portfolio because housing a key priority for the Welsh Government and because the First Minister has seen fit to draw together a number of related issues in my portfolio with the aim of being able to simplify and accelerate the housing supply. And as David Melding acknowledged, we...
