Vaughan Gething: Thank you. So, there has been an uplift in QR funding that the education Minister provided to higher education institutions. You're right that we have a real challenge in the removal of structural funds and identifying a replacement. It is absolutely essential that Wales is much more successful at gaining funds from UKRI. That's a case that is being made directly and has been made...
Vaughan Gething: Yes. The consultation closed at the end of September of this year, with over 150 written submissions being received. Analysis of consultation responses is now under way and we will continue to work with Plaid Cymru designated Members, in line with the co-operation agreement commitment, to jointly develop a new innovation strategy.
Vaughan Gething: Yes. We'll continue to work with both the Friends of the Newport Ship and also the council, as they are committed to trying to find a permanent home for the ship, and it's a significant enterprise in conserving all 2,000 of the ship's timbers. The challenge will be in identifying a budget for a permanent home at a time when there are very real challenges for our current budget, and we'll all...
Vaughan Gething: I completely agree, and I have been to Caerleon. I visited the amphitheatre and the barracks with my son and in-laws visiting from Ireland. They were very impressed and they would happily go back again at a future point. I'm quite excited about the recent discoveries of more on that site, including what looked like the remains of a port there as well. So, there is much more to do in...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you. Newport boasts heritage sites of international importance, from the Roman period through to our recent industrial past. The Welsh Government will continue to promote and enhance Newport's unique heritage for its residents and visitors from around the globe.
Vaughan Gething: I just want to return to the end point you made about hospitality. I'm very well aware that the summer has been reasonable but not bumper. So, actually, right across hospitality, there are real challenges going into the autumn and the winter. It makes the Halloween budget even more important for them about what that does in terms of our ability to support this sector, but also more broadly...
Vaughan Gething: Interestingly, this is an area where I've already been considering what we might be able to do for some weeks, so it's not led by the question, but it is something that we're actively looking at—about how we can help people both to potentially decarbonise, as well as the potential to generate energy that isn't subject to the fluctuations and the upward rise in energy prices that we've seen....
Vaughan Gething: I think there are a couple of things I'd say in response to the Member. A range of the statements I've made about the economy has certainly had a direct impact on some of the choices we're looking to make on promoting the visitor economy, which is a significant sector of employment and a sector that is under real pressure. People's discretionary spend reducing, as it's likely to do, further,...
Vaughan Gething: Well, actually, you have had opportunities to ask questions on tourism, and you simply directed them to the Deputy Minister. I'm glad you've rediscovered the ministerial responsibility sheet. [Laughter.] Look, when it comes to statements and work, the statements we make in the Chamber are about work as we're progressing it and I am working closely with the Minister for finance on some of the...
Vaughan Gething: I want to start by recognising, of course, that I am looking forward to the men’s team taking part in the finals of the football world cup. I want to start by recognising the achievement of the women’s team though. Albeit they’ve not qualified for the finals, the significant progress they’ve made has made everyone right across this Chamber and outside it tremendously proud and there...
Vaughan Gething: Well, I'll certainly look at the issue together with the Deputy Minister, who normally leads in this area. Of course, she is well aware of Jewish heritage, given the work that has been done in her own constituency. And I'm particularly interested in not just Jewish heritage within the city of Cardiff, which I represent a good chunk of, but also the reality that it still plays an important...
Vaughan Gething: Our religious heritage has an important place at the heart of our communities. The Welsh Government provides funding and support to faith-based heritage projects in various ways. We actively support both buildings and organisations in this sector to conserve and promote this aspect of our shared history.
Vaughan Gething: Well, you're right, it is a difficult time for families and for businesses who are struggling to survive, with the uncertainty and unstable picture at a UK level. That has a real impact for all of us. The cost of business finance has increased, as well as individual costs for home owners as well. Of course, I've noticed inflation is just over 10 per cent in the updated figures today. I think...
Vaughan Gething: We are in preliminary discussions with the current UK Government Minister to understand the investment zone proposals and potential implications for Wales in more detail. Any initiative that comes forward for Wales would need to align with our policies on fair work and the environment, for example, as well as generating genuinely additional growth, rather than simply displacing business activity.
Vaughan Gething: We will continue to support businesses to grow throughout Wales with our partners and stakeholders as set out in our Regional Economic Frameworks.
Vaughan Gething: In Wales, “Levelling-Up” means the Welsh budget being £4 billion less over this three-year spending round, a £1.1bn loss in un-replaced EU funds, and an assault on our devolution settlement. This is already costing us significant investment and jobs, and having a major impact on employers and communities across Wales.
Vaughan Gething: We have progressed our analysis on apprenticeships at Level 3 and 5. From September employers have been able to enrol employees with training providers to qualify as a paralegal or advanced paralegal. My officials continue to work with stakeholders to critically assess the need for a solicitor apprenticeship.
Vaughan Gething: The levers to tackle cost increases on businesses, interest rates for borrowing, taxation of windfall profits and regulation of the energy market, lie squarely with UK Government. Our priority is to support businesses to decarbonise and save. We continue to identify opportunities to redirect resources to reduce burdens on business.
Vaughan Gething: That's why we're investing £24 million of capital into grass-roots facilities. It's why it's such a shame that we saw a cut to our capital budget from the spending review. We, of course, want to do more, but it does mean we need the resources to do more and not to have our resources denuded and taken away by the UK Government. I will take an interest in Huw Irranca-Davies's spotlighting of...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Llywydd. I'd like to thank the Conservatives for tabling this debate today, as it gives me the opportunity to highlight the importance of events to Wales, and how we are supporting our vision as set out in the new national events strategy. Our ambition is that Wales stages outstanding events that support the well-being of our people, place and the planet. It should surprise no-one...
