Jack Sargeant: And I'd like to just start by thanking Lynne Neagle and others for tabling this debate this afternoon. However, it is extremely sad that we have to have this and debate this subject today, not just because suicide bereavement support is limited and, frankly, not good enough, but because suicide is still occurring on an enormous scale and is a public health crisis. Last year, I spoke during...
Jack Sargeant: Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government is supporting the economy of north-east Wales?
Jack Sargeant: Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I will start by thanking Caroline Jones for mentioning Connah's Quay. It's not often Members from south Wales mention towns in north Wales, so I do very much welcome that. [Laughter.] Minister, the high street is changing, and if high streets like Buckley in my own constituency are to thrive, then we must ensure that the infrastructure allows them to do so. Firstly,...
Jack Sargeant: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government budget for 2020-21 supports the funding of public services in Flintshire? OAQ55032
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for the answer, Minister. As you know, I've spoken in this Chamber before about the pressures that continued austerity places on local government. Decisions made in Westminster have a huge impact on the ground in Flintshire. Now, many of us are disappointed at the news that the UK Government, post election, have no intention of keeping their promise to end austerity. The impact of...
Jack Sargeant: 5. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government is promoting Alyn and Deeside to the world? OAQ55031
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for your answer, Minister. I was very pleased to welcome the First Minister and the Minister for economy to Tata Steel in my constituency last week, and it was great to hear the commitment that those at the very top of the Welsh Government have towards the steel industry, and it has to be said that that is unlike the Westminster Government—the Westminster Tory Government. Now,...
Jack Sargeant: Can I start by thanking all the staff who work incredibly hard to deliver healthcare in north Wales each and every day? However, it is clear that we do need a focus on improvement and that vision comes from the very top. Minister, you'll be aware that I, along with my colleagues from north Wales—Labour colleagues—have been raising this issue with you and issues of concern with you on a...
Jack Sargeant: This week is Apprenticeship Week—an opportunity to celebrate apprentices, celebrate employers and celebrate training providers. As a former apprentice myself, I know how important the apprenticeship system is for developing technical expertise and professional competence, and it is a key part to preparing the workforce of the future. As well as developing learners' technical skills,...
Jack Sargeant: 4. Will the Minister make a statement on funding for education providers in north-east Wales? OAQ55078
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for that answer, Minister. With the labour market constantly changing, adults often need to retrain and upskill. This is particularly the case with the need for many to acquire new digital and technical skills. The need for a dedicated regional adult skills budget is clear. Now, this will enable us to properly react to the skills required by employers in north-east Wales and will...
Jack Sargeant: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of minor injuries services in north-east Wales? OAQ55077
Jack Sargeant: Thank you, Minister. The Welsh Government's Choose Well campaign rightly urges people to only use accident and emergency departments as and when they need to. It also helps them to choose and advises them to choose other healthcare services where appropriate, such as those provided by community pharmacies, general practitioner surgeries or through minor injuries services. Llywydd, a minor...
Jack Sargeant: Minister, it is important that the north Wales metro delivers for generations to come, and it is the transport network that residents in north Wales deserve. For residents in Alyn and Deeside, this is about delivering the Flintshire corridor to act as the spine of the north Wales metro. It is also about creating key transport hubs to achieve a fully integrated, multi-modal system, and I...
Jack Sargeant: Minister, metro mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham are looking into using their budgets to drive the growth of industry in their areas. We need the flexibility in north Wales to be part of this drive and bring projects like the Heathrow logistics hubs and a second Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to Alyn and Deeside. Minister, when will the Welsh Government publish regional budgets...
Jack Sargeant: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government is supporting the food and drink industry in north Wales? OAQ55170
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for that answer, Minister. As chair of the cross-party group on beer and pubs in Wales, I have recently undertaken a number of visits to independent breweries with Members from across the Chamber, and I look forward to working with many more Assembly Members to promote Welsh beer and cider within their constituencies. Minister, issues that have been raised with me include assistance...
Jack Sargeant: 5. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government is supporting the regeneration of town centres in north-east Wales? OAQ55176
Jack Sargeant: Thank you for your answer, Deputy Minister. As a fellow north-Walian, you'll know Buckley high street in my constituency very well. Unfortunately, over the years, it has seen businesses close, and it has lost all of its banks. Now, it does need real investment in the town centre to go alongside the hard work of the community in Buckley, and their hard work to support the high street....
Jack Sargeant: 10. How is the First Minister ensuring that Welsh Government-funded services promote kinder communities? OAQ55275
