John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. Well, I'd like to thank everybody, obviously, for their contributions, which were very wide ranging, as is the report, but also, I think, showed a real passion for these concerns that we all have, and a real force to the arguments and the points made to find better ways of addressing the inequalities and the vulnerabilities that we have in Wales, which, as so many Members...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. I'm pleased to open today's debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee's report on inequality and the COVID pandemic. I would like to start by thanking all those organisations and individuals who, despite the many pressures placed upon them by the pandemic, took the time to share their views and experiences. Our report and our 44 recommendations were...
John Griffiths: It's very important for Wales, I believe, that EU citizens living here continue to do so, and continue contributing to life in Wales, bringing their skills to our workforce and economy, enriching our culture and communities, taking a full part in life in Wales in all aspects. So, Counsel General, could you update us on the steps taken by Welsh Government to ensure that there is awareness of...
John Griffiths: 2. What recent steps has the Welsh Government taken to prepare for the UK leaving the European Union? OQ55655
John Griffiths: Early on in the pandemic, it became quite apparent that black and ethnic minority communities were being particularly badly affected. And at that time, locally, we had some issues in our communities, where there was understandably a good deal of concern and anxiety. We then arranged meetings with the local health board, which were very useful and productive, and then, of course, Welsh...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr. I'm very content with the Government's approach to the LCM. We could see that there was some room for potential confusion, but we noted what the legislation committee had to say and we were quite content to support that. It's obviously an extremely important measure, and as a committee, we've taken a great deal of interest in the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, and we did...
John Griffiths: What steps is the Welsh Government considering to reduce the amount of school time lost as a result of COVID -19?
John Griffiths: First Minister, it is important for people to know that complying with restrictions to drive down cases will result in timely easing of those restrictions when it is safe to do so. So, I hear what you say about some indications that matters are moving in the right direction, but is there anything more you can say about compliance and the effectiveness of the local measures and what that might...
John Griffiths: 4. Will the First Minister provide an update on COVID-19 restrictions in Newport? OQ55599
John Griffiths: Gweinidog, Newport Cricket Club, as I know you are aware, have done a great job over a period of years in building up their activities and improving their ground. They're volunteer run; they produce some really good girls' cricket teams, players for Glamorgan and have hosted Glamorgan matches. They're in some difficulty at the moment, really, around coronavirus because their winter cricket...
John Griffiths: Minister, would you agree with me that if UK Government has funding available for transport infrastructure in south-east Wales it should come to the Welsh Government to decide how it should be spent? And, in line with the M4 commission, it should be spent on public transport infrastructure, for example, a new walkway station in Magor, which is very much supported by the local community.
John Griffiths: Minister, the UK Government is talking about a six-month period now, and I guess that's one alternative approach, rather than having lockdowns, easing the lockdowns and then reimposing them, perhaps there could be a consistent level of restriction over a longer period of time, which I think would give greater understanding and certainty to communities, and probably feed through to greater...
John Griffiths: First Minister, from 6 o'clock this evening there will be further restrictions in Newport and other local authorities. The length of time involved will depend on the incidence of cases, but are you able to say anything more about how long these measures may be in place? An increasing number of school pupils are self-isolating, further damaging their education after the loss of school time in...
John Griffiths: 5. How will the Welsh Government adapt its response to COVID-19 given the experience of the virus to date? OQ55577
John Griffiths: I very much welcome what Helen Mary said, particularly in terms of the strong and principled position behind devolution of benefits, and the ability it would give us to look at some innovative ways forward, such as the universal basic income, which I know is very interesting to very many people, and offers all sorts of possibilities. Huw Irranca-Davies, I think, was very strongly saying that...
John Griffiths: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to thank everybody for their contributions. I think there was a great deal of common ground in what we heard in the Chamber and remotely today. Mark Isherwood mentioned the importance of lived experience and I don't think there's any Member who would not agree with that. It is absolutely crucial; it's becoming increasingly common as a feature in the way that...
John Griffiths: Having waited so long for a substantive response to the recommendations, it was therefore disappointing that the Welsh Government did not provide the detailed response we expected. They stated that, against the background of COVID and the uncertainty around the emergency changes to the benefits system, now is not the time to consider long-term changes to social security. Yet, the pandemic has...
John Griffiths: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm pleased to open today's debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report on benefits in Wales. We published a report in October 2019, when the world was a very different place. While the pandemic has played a significant role in delaying this debate, it is not the only reason for that delay. Initially, the Welsh Government did not respond...
John Griffiths: Minister, would you agree with me that reintroductions of species should only take place where there is good ecological evidence and that planning needs to be thorough? There needs to be good engagement with local communities. I'm aware, for example, that Cardiff University has done some research looking at habitats and food availability for eagles in Wales, and they favoured building an...
John Griffiths: Minister, those living in our more deprived communities have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic in terms of their health, economically and socially, and one aspect of this is higher rates of smoking in these communities—those are significant for vulnerability to the virus but also in terms of lower life expectancy generally. Thankfully, smoking is in decline, with restrictions...
