Michelle Brown: I thank the Counsel General. It's been widely reported that, during COVID-19 lockdowns, we've seen an increase in cases of domestic abuse. Legal aid is still available for divorce cases where there has been domestic abuse, because the UK Government recognises that often, in order to make a safe, clean break from their abuser, a person will need to go to court for a divorce, a financial...
Michelle Brown: 7. What submissions has the Welsh Government made to the House of Commons inquiry into legal aid, given concerns regarding difficulties in accessing legal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic? OQ55653
Michelle Brown: What further steps will the Welsh Government take to improve the capacity of the NHS as we approach the winter spike in demand?
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Your friends at the Trades Union Congress have said this green recovery must be good for the environment, and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales says that we have a once-in-a-lifetime—
Michelle Brown: Okay. Thank you for your answer, First Minister. Your friends at the Trades Union Congress have said that any recovery must benefit the environment and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales says we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come up with visionary ideas and transformative investment to address health, the economy, and the ongoing climate and nature crises, for the sake...
Michelle Brown: 1. What plans does Welsh Government have to build back greener after the COVID-19 pandemic? OQ55625
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Your Government has encouraged local authorities to invest in commercial properties around the country. You've lent them taxpayers' money to do so, and the Development Bank of Wales lends money directly to private companies developing commercial properties. Last financial year, the bank lent £34.1 million of taxpayers' money to property developers,...
Michelle Brown: 2. What assessment has been made of the risks to public finances as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic? OQ55514
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. The restrictions placed on maternity services have been particularly difficult for new and expectant parents. Expectant mothers are being told that they must attend anomaly scans on their own and that, even in the case of bad news, their partner can't be with them. Instead, they may be given written information they can go home with. Birthing...
Michelle Brown: 7. What assessment has been made of how restrictions in the health service, put in place to contain the pandemic, have impacted those needing the NHS for non-COVID-19 related reasons? OQ55477
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Hundreds of doctors in Wales say that important wider patient care has been neglected during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of yesterday, the number of people who have died in Wales from COVID-19 was 1,531. Each one of those is a very sad story of loss for the family concerned, but the drop in the number of people starting vital cancer treatment is far higher....
Michelle Brown: 1. When will the Welsh NHS be operating as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic? OQ55426
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Despite being in special measures for nearly five years, the problems at Betsi continue to let down those who rely on it. The issues at Betsi have not been replicated in all boards across Wales, so it's clearly the running of that particular board that's at fault. A new chief exec may help, but a chief exec doesn't act alone—he or she is part of a board...
Michelle Brown: 4. Will the Minister provide an update on any progress made in the recruitment of a new chief executive for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board? OAQ55219
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. It looks like the EU may try to insist that continued subservience to the European Court of Justice is a prerequisite of any trade deal. Do you think that UK courts, or Welsh courts, should our judiciary ever be devolved, should remain subservient to the European Court of Justice when the Brexit transition period ends?
Michelle Brown: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Leaving the EU means that we can open new free ports that can actually offer the tax and duty benefits traditionally associated with such ports. Under the EU, state-aid rules prevented new free ports offering such benefits, effectively making them free in name only. The Westminster Government seems keen to establish a number of new free ports in the UK...
Michelle Brown: 6. What plans does the Welsh Government have to stimulate the economy in North Wales? OAQ55128
Michelle Brown: 3. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the EU’s negotiating position during the current trade deal talks? OAQ55133
Michelle Brown: Flood problems aren't limited to the Conwy Valley or Llanrwst. We have problems with flooding throughout north Wales. In some cases, the flood problems are exacerbated by the actions of local authorities. So, how will you be working with local authorities to make sure that the things they do with the environment, such as tree felling, for instance, in the vicinity of roads and in areas that...
Michelle Brown: What assessment has been made of how the Welsh Government’s housing strategy influences planning decisions made by local authorities?
