Neil McEvoy: Well, First Minister, you said on 14 June that I’ve lived in a land of fantasy for the past three years. Well, you know, I took it to heart, so I did some more research and found the ‘South Wales Echo’ from 5 April 2012, where you were quoted announcing that Labour would introduce a local development plan under the current system, on page 5. Now, the ‘South Wales Echo’, in its...
Neil McEvoy: 4. Does the First Minister stand by his position from 2012 that it is appropriate for Cardiff Council to have plans to build tens of thousands of new houses within the city’s boundaries, with a large number of those on green fields? OAQ(5)0138(FM)
Neil McEvoy: Okay, thanks. In terms of engagement, what I’m really talking about is communication. There was a city deal conference last week, with dozens of Assembly officials and over 200 delegates, but there was only one person from a small business. So, I think that needs to be addressed. So, what will you do to ensure, in particular with reference to the city deal, that SMEs will be included and...
Neil McEvoy: 3. Will the Minister make a statement on the effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s engagement with indigenous SMEs? OAQ(5)0034(EI)
Neil McEvoy: How does the Minister assess the effectiveness of Welsh Government business support?
Neil McEvoy: Do you not think that there’s a contradiction between seeking to increase the number of 4G pitches, and yet, just a mile down the road, there is an all-weather pitch that is locked up? Children are unable to play there because it’s too expensive. Also in this city, in the south of this city, in a very challenged ward such as Splott, the STAR leisure centre is being closed by your Labour...
Neil McEvoy: I submitted a question about cash for access to Welsh Ministers—
Neil McEvoy: So, one is on the record, but my substantive question to the First Minister is: you clearly don’t believe in open Government, otherwise you’d have a register and we’d have regulations. What are you hiding? What are you hiding?
Neil McEvoy: Your Government has made sure that Wales has the weakest protection in the UK against commercial lobbying. There is no register. The last Presiding Officer said that we don’t have the same problems as Westminster. But, from what I can see, companies like Deryn, selling access and information to the highest bidder, seem to be everywhere in this Assembly. I wasn’t even allowed to submit a...
Neil McEvoy: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on access to Welsh Ministers? OAQ(5)0118(FM)
Neil McEvoy: Is closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged and more advantaged pupils a priority for the Minister?
Neil McEvoy: There were hundreds of delegates, from the third sector, from Government, yet there was only one person from a local business. My question is: why are local communities and why are local businesses not being included in the city deal? Small businesses are the backbone of this economy and yet their voice is hardly heard. Why is that?
Neil McEvoy: Before I come to a question, I was heckled by you last week, and you audibly called me a coward. I would suggest, in future, you behave in a more—
Neil McEvoy: With respect, I would ask the First Minister to behave more like a First Minister.
Neil McEvoy: My question is coming now, but my statement remains. I’ve just chaired a conference on the city deal—
Neil McEvoy: I am asking my question, with respect, Presiding Officer, if you’ll let me. [Interruption.] I’ve just chaired a conference on the city deal. [Interruption.]
Neil McEvoy: I’ve just chaired a—
Neil McEvoy: Well, in speaking for my constituency, the action taken by your Government and your council—[Interruption.]—your Government and your council—is to increase air pollution where we live. And that is the irony—that is the irony—because you may very well monitor it but your policies increase it, and that is the key point. Now, I’ll give you some local examples. Llantrisant Road—if...
Neil McEvoy: As my colleague said earlier, the World Health Organization states that 29,000 people in the UK are affected by premature deaths due to air pollution, and 1,500 by road accidents. Listening to what has been said around the Chamber in this debate is very worrying, and it’s good to hear the warm words from every AM. But, I think probably part of the reason I’m stood here now, actually, is...
Neil McEvoy: What I did say, to qualify, was ‘potentially’—’potential untruths’, shall we say? I don’t know. I’ll go with your guidance, Chair.
