Vaughan Gething: The requirements for free ports will need to be supported by the host local authority and indeed their economic region. That's part of the condition for the bids to go in. They'll then be assessed by the two Governments, and, as I've said, and I'm more than happy to repeat again, there has to be a commitment to all aspects of that. That includes the Welsh Government's fair work agenda, it...
Vaughan Gething: I'm very clear that we should continue to invest in our public services. If we had the ability to do so, then, in direct contrast to what's likely to happen, I think we would see direct benefits for the private sector. The numbers of people, the quality of education people get, and the quality of public services make a real difference to all of those things. It also makes a real difference to...
Vaughan Gething: I'm very positive about the Mersey Dee Alliance from the previous conversations I've had with them, but also with the ambition board across north Wales, again, that you'll be familiar with from a previous role before coming to this place. But, actually, the plan that exists there, and making sure that the Mersey Dee Alliance adds to that and doesn't compete with it or potentially duplicate...
Vaughan Gething: I thank the Member for his comments and questions. In my statement, when I referred to the terms of business changing, this is exactly what we're talking about—the terms of business for importers and exporters. With the recent fall in the pound and then the partial recovery, the interest rate rises are still locked in, and the spike in UK terms is very different to other parts of the world...
Vaughan Gething: I think there are two broad questions there. On innovation funds, I am keen, as I’ve said, to see much greater outputs in terms of research funding being awarded, and then outcomes in terms of what those funds will allow us to do. We have really good examples of applied research and the difference it can make. The knowledge transfer partnerships we have are a really good example on a small...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you. I'll just deal with the free-ports point first, and I'll tell you upfront that I'm going to avoid giving you a straight answer, because I'm going to be the decision-taking Minister, so I can't tell you that I definitely won't accept a bid from someone, because I'll have to consider that objectively. I've heard what you've had to say about Porthcawl and Port Talbot, and I'm sure...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the questions. On energy projects, I think you will find that there are green energy projects that are being proposed in every single one of the four regions. Mid Wales isn't just a home to the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth; there's more to be done there. And actually, the UK Government have recently confirmed that they're interested in more onshore wind...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the questions, and I'll try and deal with as many of them as I can promptly, Dirprwy Lywydd. On enterprise zones, I have previously announced a statement on the refresh of enterprise zones, some of which have come to an end, some of which are continuing. So, I won't go through that again. On infrastructure and the point the Member makes, this Government has an ability to invest...
Vaughan Gething: Across all our regions, our Business Wales service helps to inspire individuals to become entrepreneurial and ensures that microbusinesses and SMEs have access to support. I've committed to provide £20.9 million per year up until March 2025, extending the backbone of the Business Wales service beyond the end of EU funding in 2023. This includes dedicated advice and support for our social...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I am pleased to have this opportunity to update on the progress that we are making to support stronger regional economic development against an extremely challenging backdrop. Dirprwy Lywydd, our vision for regional investment is to support jobs and growth in communities across Wales. We know that the inclusive and sustainable growth this requires relies...
Vaughan Gething: The Agriculture Bill will support Welsh farmers to produce food in a sustainable manner whilst also addressing the challenges presented by the climate and nature emergencies. This legislation will set Sustainable Land Management as the framework for future agricultural support and enable economic, social and environmental outcomes to be delivered.
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the points and comments. Look, we’re not responsible for FIFA's choices about how it operates as an organisation on a number of levels. We are responsible for wanting to work alongside the game, the people who run it, and the people who play it and support it. That's why we've set out the balance in what we're doing to ensure the safety of people travelling, what we need to do...
Vaughan Gething: Well, there are many burdens in ministerial life, but I'll take one for the team, literally. Look, on the creative legacy, I actually think, with the programme we've announced, within that creative legacy, not just the projects we haven't been able to fund, but lots of organisations and groups, will be running their own activity anyway. We haven't had any real conversation about fan zones,...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the series of questions. In terms of the metrics that we'll use, I will share some of the information that we're going to be using to judge, but also we're going to have an evaluation on the impact as well, and I'll be very keen to share that—not just in the Senedd; it may be the sort of thing that I would expect the relevant subject committee would be very interested in. And...
Vaughan Gething: To support our objective to promote Wales and engage in diplomacy, the First Minister, the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip and I will attend a range of events, as well as each of Wales's group games against the USA, Iran and England. And I'm hoping to add more, depending on progress in the tournament. The core aim of these visits will be to support initiatives that will...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. With 55 days to go until Wales plays its first game in the men's FIFA World Cup tournament, against the USA on 21 November, the excitement and anticipation of seeing our senior men’s national team compete in our first world cup for 64 years can be felt throughout the nation. With our hope and ambitions on the players’ shoulders, we're...
Vaughan Gething: I think there are two different questions there. Firstly, it's a point that is worth reflecting that agency workers, unless they've got acquired employment rights—. And there is a process; I remember doing this when I was an employment lawyer. If you've been there long enough, you can claim permanent status. Otherwise, they won't have redundancy protection and they won't be entitled to...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you. I'll try and deal with each of those points. Our understanding is that 89 people were employed on the site, and given that it's our understanding that they've gone into administration and it's likely that there will be a site closure, they're all at risk of redundancy. My understanding is that a limited number of employees have been retained for a period of weeks to help support...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the question. We understand that Bearmach Ltd has gone into administration. Working Wales advisers have provided onsite support to Bearmach employees over a three-week period, and we will continue to work with staff affected, providing advice and support. It's my understanding that up to 89 people will be affected by this company closure and are facing redundancy.
Vaughan Gething: We do try to take a rounded approach to the way in which we promote and support Welsh businesses as exporters and, indeed, importers as well. It's part of the reason why we've been concerned about some of the impact of some of the trade deals that have already been agreed, for example their impact on the rural economy here. You'll have heard the First Minister saying that one of the...
