David Rowlands: Well, of course, that’s why we’re saying that we’re not going to have free access to the European market. It’s typical, I’m afraid, of the attitudes of those who were against Brexit to try and bring out all the negative possibilities from us coming out of the European Union. That’s an example of exactly what I’m saying. We now understand, from sources in the European Parliament,...
David Rowlands: HM Treasury has guaranteed to underwrite all European structural and investment fund projects approved or due to be approved during the ordinary course of business before the UK exits the EU. This guarantee also covers the common agricultural policy, the European territorial corporation programmes, including the Ireland-Wales programme, and the funding awards under the EU’s directly managed...
David Rowlands: I think we will carry on. If you’d like to make an interjection, by all means, Eluned, you can.
David Rowlands: But perhaps we had better put the European funding into perspective. Again, in a response to this report, the Government states that we get just £370 million per annum across all EU funding arrangements. This pales into insignificance when compared to UK funding, even under the flawed Barnett formula, which sees Wales benefit to the sum of over £14 billion per year. This means that the UK...
David Rowlands: It seems as if they are willing things to go wrong, even if it means a disaster for the working classes—
David Rowlands: Yes.
David Rowlands: Of course, and more. [Interruption.] And more. [Interruption.] You can almost hear them saying, ‘Serve them right for daring to vote against we, the intellectual elite.’ Don’t they understand that it’s we who know what’s best for them? Or, as one of them said, ‘Why should the pond life that dragged itself from the estates to the ballot box be allowed to ruin everything for the...
David Rowlands: It’s quoted in ‘The Times’ today, Sir. It’s showing utter contempt for the British working classes. But, of course, what they don’t understand is that the British people did understand what they were voting for, and that’s precisely why they voted Brexit. It is time this Chamber took a positive stance on the UK’s exit from the European superstate. Every single prediction of...
David Rowlands: The reason that we’re having this funding is that Wales is still seen as a very poor country in Europe after 17 years of a Labour Government in Wales.
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the decision not to electrify the Ebbw Vale line?
David Rowlands: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer, but does he not agree that the South Wales East region fares poorly when it comes to infrastructure improvements under the metro project, compared to other parts of Wales?
David Rowlands: I do in fact congratulate the Welsh Government on that extension into Ebbw Vale. It’s certainly very innovative and it’s great to see rail tracks being laid again. Arriva Trains Wales tell us that they’re unable to offer a service into Newport because there is full capacity for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line. Surely electrification and the enhanced service that this promises could help...
David Rowlands: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the progress of Sport Wales's 'A Vision for Sport in Wales'?
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Well, as usual, this debate is held with that fallacious concept that the European Union and its governing institutions has been a huge benevolent factor for the countries it holds in its sway. The European Union has, in fact, proved itself to be to the advantage of just two groups of people: big business and the political elite. If you challenge the veracity of that...
David Rowlands: [Continues.]—for all their posturing, who will decide on the terms of our exit from Europe; it will be the businesses of Europe who will decide, and it is those that will demand that there is free and unfettered access to our markets.
David Rowlands: Of course, David.
David Rowlands: Absolutely.
David Rowlands: Well, just listen to the next few paragraphs and perhaps you’ll change your mind on that, David.
David Rowlands: Anyone who believes otherwise—[Interruption.] Anyone who believes otherwise has no understanding of international trade. Governments don’t sell goods to other nations; businesses sell goods to other nations. It is merely the function and duty of every Government to remove as many impediments to that trade as possible, and that, at the end of the day, is what the Governments of Europe, and...
David Rowlands: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement and his comprehensive comments so far. There can be no doubt as to the importance of our Welsh heritage to the economy of our country, and, indeed, its pivotal role in attracting the 1 million plus tourists we welcome to Wales each year. I’ve noted your comments and your words recognising the work of Cadw and would add my appreciation for the...
