Paul Davies: Well, Minister, as you will be aware, there are two ports in my constituency—Fishguard and Milford Haven—and both of them are strategically important for the local economy, and, indeed, for the national economy. A report by the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee in the Assembly into the effects of Brexit on Welsh ports showed that Wales hasn’t taken advantage of the...
Paul Davies: Minister, one way that the Welsh Government could better support small businesses in Pembrokeshire is by tackling the various infrastructure issues that they face, including roads, public transport and digital infrastructure. I'm sure you're aware of the recent report by FSB Wales that found that 63 per cent of Welsh businesses have been affected by poor infrastructure. That same report went...
Paul Davies: 6. Will the Minister make a statement on support for small businesses in Pembrokeshire? OAQ54404
Paul Davies: 6. Will the Counsel General make a statement on the Welsh Government’s Brexit preparation plans for Pembrokeshire? OAQ54405
Paul Davies: As I'm sure the Minister is aware, the UK Government has recently created an office for veterans affairs inside the UK Cabinet Office, bringing in experts from the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that there is a holistic approach to veterans affairs. Now, this new office will work to co-ordinate and drive UK Government policy on veterans' welfare, mental and physical...
Paul Davies: Minister, as we've seen today in the news, it is fantastic to see Cardiff University and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board taking part in this international trial to support veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Currently, our Welsh NHS is receiving a substantial grant of £150,000 from Help for Heroes to fund three full-time psychological therapists across Wales, who have...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, I know the Welsh Government has done some very good work in this area, however what further action can the Welsh Government take to support veterans in Wales?
Paul Davies: I'm grateful to the Minister for that response. You'll be aware, of course, of the calls from the Assembly's cross-party group on armed forces to establish a service pupil premium here in Wales, and I believe a service pupil premium would go a long way in supporting those children who are disadvantaged as a result of their parents' service in the armed forces, either due to their frequent...
Paul Davies: 9. Will the Minister make a statement on what the Welsh Government is doing to support service children in schools? OAQ54365
Paul Davies: I remind the First Minister that he is responsible for health policy here in Wales. And this is not just about hospitals, this particular policy, but it's also about our schools too. A paper published by the Nuffield Foundation and UCL Institute of Education showed that a quarter of teachers work more than 60 hours per week in the UK. We know that your Government has made it clear that it has...
Paul Davies: Well, First Minister, at least you agree with your party at a UK level on one policy, anyway, given you disagree with it on the Brexit issue. Now, First Minister, responding to the announcement, the CBI director Carolyn Fairbairn made it clear that without productivity gains, it would push many businesses into loss. And it's not just businesses in Wales that would be affected by this, is it?...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, the Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, has announced the average working week in the UK would be cut to 32 hours within 10 years under a UK Labour Government. Do you as a Government support that policy?
Paul Davies: This Brexit impasse, and the position we now find ourselves in, has been created as a result of your Labour MPs having frustrated—[Interruption.]—yes, having frustrated the Brexit process, against the will of the Welsh and British people. [Interruption.]
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. You know full well, First Minister, that if your colleagues had voted for the previous UK Government's withdrawal Bill, then we wouldn't be having this conversation. We would have left the European Union by now in an orderly fashion. But we can now see that, given your own Government's position, you don't respect the result of the referendum, because you've now made it clear...
Paul Davies: First Minister, let me reassure you that, within the Conservative Party, we respect the rule of law and the outcome of today's Supreme Court proceedings. But let's look at the root of this particular issue, shall we? This Brexit impasse—[Interruption.]—this Brexit impasse, and the position—
Paul Davies: Deputy Minister, you may be aware of the long-established partnership between the Valero refinery in Pembroke and Sport Pembrokeshire, which has supported sport across Pembrokeshire for many years. This is an excellent example of businesses working with the local authorities and the local communities to support community sport, and certainly the partnership has had a real impact on community...
Paul Davies: Will the Minister make a statement on infrastructure investment plans for Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: Well, you have been squabbling over the money that is actually available to this commission, because on 12 July you said that Lord Burns has the first call on all of that £1 billion, but five days later, your economy Minister said 'we're not going to be inviting the commission to spend £1 billion.' So, as a Government, First Minister, you're all over the place on this. Who is right? You or...
Paul Davies: Well, First Minister, let's discuss some of your immediate proposals, shall we? Back at the start of June, you made the decision to cancel the M4 relief road and waste £144 million of taxpayers' money in the process. Now, as part of that statement you made it clear that a commission would be created and would come forward with a first set of immediate proposals that can be put to work to...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, do you believe that your Government responds appropriately and immediately to the needs of the people of Wales?
