Peter Fox: Thank you, Minister, for your statement. I broadly welcome the Welsh Government's net-zero plan and would like to put on record my support for the continued ambition to deliver net zero in both Wales and the UK by 2050. One of the key factors in delivering on this plan, as I'm sure the Minister will be in agreement with, is how the aims contained within it will be funded. This is a...
Peter Fox: Trefnydd, could I call for a statement from your colleague the Minister for health on the use of COVID passes in Wales? A number of constituents have contacted me about issues that they have experienced when trying to access paper passes. In particular, they have not been able to speak to an advisor to request a pass, as the phone number listed on the Welsh Government website has not been...
Peter Fox: I'd like to thank Sam Kurtz for giving me a minute of his valuable time. I feel amongst friends today as we talk about this subject that binds us all together and it demonstrates the strength of the YFC movement in bringing us together. That movement has always been a fundamental part of the rural community: as Alun says, a key element of the fabric that binds all that is special about...
Peter Fox: Before I start, can I declare an interest, as my wife is employed as a teacher assistant? I'd like to take this opportunity to thank teaching assistants, as well as all school staff, in Monmouthshire and beyond for everything they have done to help children and young people with their learning throughout the pandemic. First Minister, the workload of teaching assistants has increased...
Peter Fox: Thank you, Minister, for answering Mike's question; it's really helpful. The situation with some of our rivers across Wales is extremely worrying, and we share that worry. An urgent shared endeavour is needed to address the pollution levels currently being experienced. I'm sure you would agree, though, Minister, that river pollution isn't all due to agriculture, as we have seen in the River...
Peter Fox: Well, I can't thank you for that, Minister; I think you've ducked the question. It's a legitimate question from a party that is supposed to hold the Government to account. The Welsh Government's upcoming budget is one of the most significant that we will see in this place, and given the impact that the pandemic has had on people across Wales, this needs to be a budget that is focused on not...
Peter Fox: I've mentioned this, Minister, given that Welsh Labour, your Government and Plaid are currently negotiating a co-operation agreement. Yet, Minister, we still do not know what is in the agreement. What will it mean for the Welsh Government's budget in December? All we have had so far is a vaguely worded Welsh Government statement published last month, and I don't think that's acceptable. And...
Peter Fox: Diolch, Llywydd. Good afternoon, Minister. Minister, do you agree with the First Minister's previous claim that Plaid Cymru believes in voodoo economics and has a habit, and I quote again, of 'promising people things that I know are simply not possible'?
Peter Fox: Thank you, First Minister, for that answer. I'd like to welcome the work that the Welsh Government is doing to support vulnerable people, and I particularly want to pay tribute to our charities and other third sector organisations that are doing some fantastic work to help our communities. As you will know, First Minister, the UK Government has recently announced a package of support worth...
Peter Fox: 1. How will the Welsh Government support vulnerable people over the winter months? OQ57008
Peter Fox: How is the Welsh Government planning to meet the increasing need for energy production across Wales?
Peter Fox: Thank you. You're quite right. This isn't just something that Wales has considered. The New Zealand Treasury looked at this and concluded that the tax was unreasonably complicated to design, and they said that the commission previously suggested that a vacant land tax could reduce housing supply in the longer term, and that the tax incentivises landowners to construct dwellings earlier in...
Peter Fox: Diolch, Llywydd. I move the amendment tabled in the name of Darren Millar. I would like to thank you, Minister, for the statement, although I do question why the Government has used its parliamentary time to bring forward a debate on further devolution of taxation and to drive yet another wedge, it seems, between Wales and the UK Government. Once again, it seems like we're banging on about...
Peter Fox: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Sorry, I didn't hear you introduce me there. I absolutely support the motion put forward by Joel James and I agree with a lot of what Delyth Jewell has just said, as well. When you have a bridge with a toll across it, it is a restriction on economic activity. That was a stark warning, not from a politician but from a respected lecturer at a business school in...
Peter Fox: Thank you for that, Minister. What is clear is that the UK, indeed Wales, is a global leader in the compound semiconductor industry, and it has been a fantastic effort over the last few years in making that happen. I recently visited the Newport-based Compound Semiconductor Application Catapult complex in Newport, where I spoke with the chief executive officer there, who stressed the sheer...
Peter Fox: Minister, you've probably covered most of this anyway in what you've just said, but the pandemic meant that many conventional working methods were severely impacted, and one of those methods that was turned upside down was working from the office. Homeworking, according to the Royal Society for Public Health, is having an adverse impact on many people's mental health, with 56 per cent of...
Peter Fox: 7. Minister, what plans does the Welsh Government have to strengthen the compound semiconductor industry in Wales? OQ56923
Peter Fox: Trefnydd, a couple of weeks ago, I met with the principal of Coleg Gwent, and he shared with me a quite harrowing tale—well, not a tale, a fact—that one of his equestrian students had had a bad accident, and had suspected spinal injuries, and, as a result, the emergency services said that she should not be moved until they get there. Having rung every 20 minutes, for a significant time,...
Peter Fox: What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle ambulance waiting times in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area?
Peter Fox: I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this debate, and I extend my sincere thanks to Paul Davies for giving me the time. I know Paul is very passionate about this, as many of us are. It's an important issue, one that transcends all party lines. We must never forget those people who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for us. War memorials play a central role in...
