David Rees: First Minister, work experience is critical for young people, and those with learning difficulties and perhaps other neurological conditions, such as autism, which we’ll be discussing tomorrow, often find difficulty in getting out to the workplace. Now, there are some schools that put on assimilated work placements, and, for those, it’s wonderful because they are in a safe and familiar...
David Rees: Can I thank Plaid Cymru, actually, for bringing forward this debate this afternoon, on the day before the general election and, as Simon Thomas said, on an issue on which the general election was called? However, I am very disappointed that they tried to jam so much into the motion, because each part of that motion and each sub-part actually deserves consideration in its own right and we...
David Rees: I thank the Member. You just said about Keir Starmer’s comment; would you agree that one of the six points he identified was that we have the same benefits as if we were a member of the European single market and the customs union, and therefore it’s not necessarily being a member, but the benefits we get from it that’s important?
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I think it’s telling, the answer you’ve given. But, last week, I met with senior managers at the Port Talbot works, and we were actually discussing the progress that’s been made within the sector, and particularly in the plant. I think we all came to the conclusion that, unfortunately, there are still serious challenges ahead of the sector here...
David Rees: 8. What recent discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government regarding the future of the steel industry in Wales? OAQ(5)0625(FM)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. I’m sure that you’ll agree with me that air pollution impacts both on our environment and on our health. On the environment issues, we actually have the visible impacts upon our species, our plants and in our towns. Just come to Taibach in my constituency to see some of the visual impacts yourself. But also, there are many organisations in the...
David Rees: 3. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the progress being made to improve air quality across Wales? OAQ(5)0147(ERA)
David Rees: This Saturday marks International Clinical Trials Day. Around the world, people will be celebrating the anniversary of James Lind, carrying out the first randomised clinical trial, aboard a ship, on 20 May 1747. International Clinical Trials Day helps to raise awareness of clinical trials, and honours clinical research professionals and trial participants, by recognising their contribution to...
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, I welcome the reduction in waiting time waits for the diagnostic tests that you’ve identified. It’s very important that we get people through as quickly as possible. I also welcome the investment in the hub at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital that’s been put into place to ensure that diagnostics work with clinicians on site to improve the service for people. Will you be...
David Rees: Well, thank you for that, First Minister. I know that the Welsh Government understands the importance of manufacturing and engineering industries, their strengths within the Welsh economy. Unfortunately, the UK Government seems not to recognise the same thing, by placing steel towards the bottom of their priorities. I look forward to the Welsh Government strategy making sure that steel is at...
David Rees: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress being made regarding the Welsh Government's economic and industrial strategy? OAQ(5)0602(FM)
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: Thank you for taking the intervention. You’ve just said it: are you publicly saying, before you go into negotiations, that the EU-27 are intending to take us down? Because that’s what you just said.
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Minister, and it’s important that we ensure parity of esteem for vocational qualifications as, for many, that’s going to be a stronger route for them into further education and into work opportunities, and it allows young people to demonstrate the skills that, perhaps, the academic route doesn’t offer. Now, as such, too many parents and too many young people...
David Rees: 4. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote the strengths of vocational education amongst 14-16 year olds? OAQ(5)0125(EDU)
David Rees: Leader of the house, last week, we had a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children highlighting the statistics regarding grass fires across Wales and the reduction we saw. That was very welcome news, but two days later there was a huge grass fire within my constituency, which damaged a lot of the Mynydd Dinas areas. Can you also join me in thanking the firefighters for...
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, the investment plan you have in the Welsh Government is huge, but procurement is an opportunity to be used as a tool to support Welsh businesses, particularly in my area with the steel industry. What’s the Government doing to actually support those industries, through procurement, and what strategies are you taking forward in that?
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. As you know, the enterprise zone in Port Talbot was established due to the real threat of closure of the steelworks following Tata’s original decision to sell off its UK operations. That threat is not going away, and it’s important that we now diversify our manufacturing and other industries within Port Talbot. However, this proposed new site for...
David Rees: 5. Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress being made to attract investment into the enterprise zone in Port Talbot? OAQ(5)0571(FM)
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, Vibrant and Viable Places, as projects in Port Talbot, has seen the regeneration of areas of my town, and you’ve seen for yourself some of the work in the Green Park area. These have been an attractive vision for the local people and for future investors. The announcement two weeks ago by the Ministry of Justice of the siting of a new prison in Baglan, which is less than...
