John Griffiths: I first met Carl when he was elected to the Assembly in 2003, and as we've heard, he took great pride in representing his constituency, and as some here, I think, will remember, when local issues arose, he was sometimes keen to differentiate himself from the regional AMs for north Wales who, of course, covered the whole of the area. And often, he would preface his contributions in the Chamber...
John Griffiths: 4. What further steps will the Welsh Government take to reduce health inequalities in Wales? OAQ51278
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, this morning, a launch took place here of the University of South Wales's report on the social impact of problem gambling. It seems clear that this is increasingly becoming a public health issue affecting people's health and well-being. There are questions about the location of bookmakers and fixed-odds betting terminals in the most deprived areas geographically, and also...
John Griffiths: I wonder if I could begin by raising some concerns in terms of capital funds' availability, because I know that there are concerns that limitations to capital may result in offices closing and the unavailability of staff to provide a service in particular areas. For example, when leases expire, if there isn't sufficient capital to obtain premises and, indeed, equipment, then there may be a...
John Griffiths: Air quality is certainly a major issue for public health, and also for the environment. I think we've already heard some very important themes that need to be fully addressed if we are to make the sort of progress I'm sure we would all like to see. Yes, it is a major challenge in urban areas in Wales, in our cities and towns, as well as elsewhere. As far as the towns and cities are concerned,...
John Griffiths: 7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government preparation for the use of its forthcoming powers of taxation? OAQ51416
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, the book The Spirit Level and much other evidence show that we all have much to gain from a more equal society in every way. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation this week stated that 400,000 more children and 300,000 more pensioners are living in poverty in the UK now than in 2012-13. The Social Mobility Commission have resigned en masse in protest, in part at least, at the...
John Griffiths: 6. Will the Leader of the House provide an update on the implementation of the Welsh Government's response to the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report on refugees and asylum seekers? OAQ51402
John Griffiths: Thank you for that response, Cabinet Secretary. There is considerable interest in the committee's report in Newport, which, obviously, is one of the more ethnically diverse cities and areas in Wales, but also there are other areas in Wales that are similarly so. So, there is considerable interest out there and it's good to know that Welsh Government is working with refugees and asylum...
John Griffiths: 4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to promote joint working between the health sector and the leisure and sport sector in Wales? OAQ51484
John Griffiths: First Minister, if we are to meet the challenges of achieving a more preventative and proactive approach to better health in Wales, we do need a more physically active population. That is an important part of making that necessary change. In Newport, the Aneurin Bevan health board public health department, together with Newport Live, Newport City Council, Natural Resources Wales, local sports...
John Griffiths: I am pleased to speak in this debate today as Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee. The commission, of course, is one of the committee's key stakeholders. We have enjoyed a very positive and constructive relationship with them, and, over the past year, they have directly informed a number of pieces of our work, including our report on refugees and asylum seekers...
John Griffiths: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on Welsh Government policy on tertiary education in Wales?
John Griffiths: As others have said, I think we are very fortunate in Wales to have such a high-quality marine environment, and it's very important that we now take forward marine planning as is proposed by Welsh Government so that we do have a more co-ordinated approach that, again, other Members have spoken of. Up to now, I think we have seen different particular interests pursuing their own agendas with...
John Griffiths: I welcome the committee's report, Dirprwy Lywydd, and very much agree with them that we should be proud of our Welsh seas and our Welsh coastal environment, and that the marine protected areas are important for healthy seas that will maintain that advantage that we have, and support tourism, fisheries and other uses. I also agree with the committee that, of course, you can never take that...
John Griffiths: I very much welcome this debate today, as others have, because homelessness and rough-sleeping are very major issues that have come to the fore in recent times. We have seen some changes in the way that Welsh Government seeks to address the issues, and we need to evaluate those and reflect on what else is necessary if we are to make the progress that I'm sure that we would all like to see. I...
John Griffiths: Absolutely.
John Griffiths: It is a problem all over Wales and far beyond Wales, and there's a lively debate going on in Newport, and I'm sure in other parts of Wales, as to what the best approach is. I'm engaging in that debate at the moment. One positive aspect of it, I think, is Newport Now BID, which is an organisation involving lots of the city-centre traders, taking forward a proposal for diverted giving, which I...
John Griffiths: How does the Welsh Government’s prioritisation of walking, cycling and public transport over private motor cars impact on the allocation of resources within the economy and transport portfolio?
John Griffiths: First Minister, for the reasons that you have mentioned and others, we do have a worrying level of rough-sleeping and begging on our streets and I think that's been very visible and noticeable to all of us and the public in general. We do need constructive responses. So, I wonder if you would agree with me that Newport business investment district, representing city centre traders and...
