Steffan Lewis: I thank the Minister for his answer. As he knows, a lot of discussions have happened in terms of how FE colleges can be a part of the twenty-first century schools programme. Does the Minister agree that that programme should include FE colleges? Indeed, in the Labour manifesto there was a commitment that the £2 million of investment would include FE colleges. Of course, investing means a lot...
Steffan Lewis: As well as addressing what was in the Queen’s Speech, I think it’s important to consider, as others have done, what was not, and also to note that, of the 30 measures announced, 28 were old announcements. The now obligatory mention of Wales was even shorter than usual, with just one sentence on bringing forward a Wales Bill, something on which we’ve already had pre-legislative scrutiny....
Steffan Lewis: 4. Will the Minister make a statement on further education? OAQ(5)0002(EDU)[W]
Steffan Lewis: I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate today, and I thank David Melding for initiating it. As has already been mentioned, there is the situation in Crumlin on the A472, of course, where the emissions there are the highest in the UK outside of London. Of course, it’s more than just a reading on a sensor—this is about the health and well-being of people, and...
Steffan Lewis: I welcome the announcement that the Welsh Government is seeking to repeal the Trade Union Act as it applies to devolved matters, but I’d like to ask the Cabinet Secretary whether he’ll go a couple of further steps, actually. Firstly, will he commit to reviewing all the regressive anti-workers legislation passed in the 1980s and 1990s, with a view to repealing elements that apply to...
Steffan Lewis: I’d like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement and I’d like to welcome the comments he made regarding marking the centenary of the battle of Jutland and the battle of the Somme. Many Welshmen lost their lives, and we owe it to them to remember and to honour their sacrifice. Those who have served in the armed forces face particular challenges as a result of their service, but...
Steffan Lewis: It is with deep regret that this debate today on Wales and the EU occurs in the shadow of the decision of a majority of our fellow citizens to withdraw from the European Union, but that was their democratic right, and they have exercised it. But a vow was made to the people of this country, as the leader of the opposition has said. It was a specific vow, and it was repeated. It included a...
Steffan Lewis: I will not give way. ‘Remain’ results in our nation having the best possible chance of a national future of its own within a proper family of nations. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Steffan Lewis: A very long referendum campaign is, thankfully, due to come to an end, and I’m sure many will agree that the tone, the nature and the content of this campaign has not been a particularly good advertisement for democratic engagement. As the campaign enters its final hours, it appears that the ‘leave’ side in particular wish to focus on two primary areas, those of immigration and...
Steffan Lewis: I thank him for that answer. The Welsh Government, incrementally, is becoming responsible for more and more elements of social protection, if I can use another retro term, from council tax support to the discretionary payment fund and the Work Programme. Despite that, though, citizens in this country are still subject to regressive and punitive welfare policies from Whitehall. As he has...
Steffan Lewis: 3. What discussions has the Welsh Government had regarding the impact of changes to social security on communities in Wales? OAQ(5)0001(CC)
Steffan Lewis: A crucial development for transport for people in Islwyn and across the wider region, of course, would be the creation of a full metro system as part of a wider economic and social policy, but what assurances can the First Minister give to me that at the heart of this approach will be the aim of spreading job creation across the south-east region, so that communities there become growth areas...
Steffan Lewis: I thank all Members for their contributions today. I thank David Melding for his kind comments, although I have to inform him that my quoting of Robert Peel was purely for historical colour and not out of any sympathy for his party. But, he raises an important point about the need for a level of consistency across the constitution of the United Kingdom, and he is absolutely right to say that...
Steffan Lewis: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. It’s a new political term and here we are again with a new Wales Bill from Westminster. And, once again, it’s disappointing that Westminster has decided to refuse to transfer powers to Wales that would improve the policy outcomes for our people, would ensure better accountability and, importantly, would deliver political equality for Wales. Presiding...
Steffan Lewis: Lywydd, wrth alw am ddatganoli plismona i’w le naturiol, mae Plaid Cymru yn cydnabod y byddai hynny’n golygu galw am gydweithredu synhwyrol ac aeddfed rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a San Steffan. Mae’n hanfodol cael fframwaith wrth wraidd y broses ar gyfer cydweithio agos rhwng Gweinidogion plismona yng Nghymru a San Steffan a rhwng heddluoedd yng Nghymru a heddluoedd yn Lloegr, ar ôl ei...
Steffan Lewis: The Welsh Government has pledged that they will provide 100,000 additional apprenticeships over the ensuing years. What specific steps will you take in order to ensure that small businesses can benefit from the opportunities provided by this pledge?
Steffan Lewis: As the First Minister knows, if the British state remains a member of the European Union, it will hold the presidency of the council for six months next year. That would be a golden opportunity to start the process of renewing Europe and creating a partnership that works better for our citizens. Would the First Minister agree to ensure that that presidency is one that is held jointly between...
Steffan Lewis: 5. What is the Welsh Government's assessment of the importance of Wales’s membership of the European Union? OAQ(5)0040(FM)[W]
Steffan Lewis: The First Minister will know of Cwmcarn Forest Drive, an attraction that is an asset to the Islwyn area and one that has benefited from European Union funding. Will the First Minister agree with me that, in order to overcome recent difficulties at Cwmcarn Forest Drive, European funding in the future could be crucial, and will he further agree and commit to Welsh Government working to unlock...
Steffan Lewis: I thank the First Minister for his answer. He’s no doubt aware that in return for underwriting the mineworkers pension scheme, the UK Government takes a significant share of that scheme’s surplus. Indeed, in one year alone, that windfall amounted to three quarters of £1 billion. Miners’ pensions have been turned into a cash cow for the British state. Will the First Minister consider...
