Nick Ramsay: First Minister, I'm sure you would agree with me, key to low reoffending rates is training prior to release. I recently opened a very successful jobs fair at Prescoed open prison in my constituency—it was hosted partially by Careers Wales—where ex-offenders had the opportunity to meet with employers, both local and from further afield, to see how they could best apply valuable skills that...
Nick Ramsay: I'm pleased to hear that, Cabinet Secretary. I listened with interest to your exchange with my colleague Janet Finch-Saunders earlier. It did strike me that it was very much groundhog day in terms of the conversation that you had. I have to say that I did agree with you on your comment that you should be—as I often do, actually; it's only big things we disagree. [Interruption.] I'm getting...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch. I wonder if you could update us on your policies for tackling the ongoing problem of bovine tuberculosis in my area and, indeed, across Wales. Farmers in Monmouthshire continue to be deeply concerned at the rates of infection in what is a hotspot area and has been now for some time. I'm sure you'd agree with me that it's one thing to deal with the rates of infection within...
Nick Ramsay: 5. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support agriculture in Monmouth? OAQ52302
Nick Ramsay: 5. What measures is the Welsh Government taking to improve access to public services for residents in Monmouth? OAQ52303
Nick Ramsay: Leader of the house, this lunchtime, I was pleased to attend an event hosted by Julie Morgan for Breast Cancer Care at the Pierhead, and I know that other Members—Siân Gwenllian, Jenny Rathbone, I think, as well, and Hannah Blythyn—attended. It was an excellent, very moving event actually hearing the first-hand experiences of sufferers from breast cancer. The organisation seeks to...
Nick Ramsay: I knew you wouldn't let me. Take this debate where it comes from: it is, as David Melding said at the start, an attempt at a constructive contribution to a debate that I know we all want to have, we all need to have, and let's get on with the job of making our urban areas in Wales a better place for everyone who lives in them.
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. The Minister was very generous there in taking my intervention, given that I was just about to stand up. Feel free to take some of my time, if you want.
Nick Ramsay: Of course, yes. Thank you. I'll get on with my comments. David Melding's highly constructive introduction to this debate set the tone for this debate—and can I thank everyone who has contributed? You spoke in a fine fashion, as ever, David. You used a number of key terms such as 'cities as urban engines' and 'centres of innovation' and you spoke about the need to boost urban...
Nick Ramsay: Will you take an intervention? It's on that specific point about BIDs, and it's a key point. I know that they work very well in many areas, but certainly in my area, I know that Abergavenny was given the option of having a BID and rejected it. So, would you agree with me that, when you're setting up a business area like that, it's important that you get buy-in in advance from the...
Nick Ramsay: I agree with what you just said about developments like St David's 2. What's also great about that type of development is that the car parking areas, which are very useful at the moment, are built in such a way that in the future they could themselves be converted into flats; that could all be residential space. So, it's important to futureproof buildings as well, and make sure that that is...
Nick Ramsay: Would you also agree with me that when it comes to bus services—and I've found this myself from my own experience coming to Cardiff sometimes—that it's one thing having the bus to get you there in the morning, but you've got to make sure there's a bus service back then after 5.30 p.m., otherwise you're stuck and then you have to rely on taxis and other forms of transport?
Nick Ramsay: Will you take an intervention, Mike, if you've got time?
Nick Ramsay: Just one question from me, diolch, Llywydd. I also welcome your statement, Cabinet Secretary, and thank you for arranging the briefing. I went to the breakfast one this morning, and it was inspiring stuff. We just need to make sure that it does work to plan, but what I saw was very positive. Can I ask you in terms of the KeolisAmey commitment to disabled access at our railway stations and...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Llywydd. Can I—? [Laughter.] Thank you for your support, Oscar. Can I concur with the comments of Simon Thomas earlier, when he spoke about the importance of celebrating Wales's Fairtrade status and, I think, the tenth anniversary? It's not just Wales that has achieved Fairtrade status. Abergavenny achieved status as a Fairtrade Town 11 years ago. I went and helped cut the cake last...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, First Minister. Can I ask you, there was great concern about the introduction of the rate revaluation recently—last year, I should say. That revaluation had a mixed effect across Wales: some areas were far better off, others were not so good. Areas like mine in Monmouthshire and also the Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge, were badly affected. There is one business in Chepstow in my...
Nick Ramsay: 6. What measures is the Welsh Government taking to support small businesses in Monmouth? OAQ52274
Nick Ramsay: Yes—Neil McEvoy. I'll still give him a minute of the debate.
Nick Ramsay: The project works in partnership with a local law firm, which has provided over £30,000 pro bono legal advice and representation to fathers in my constituency in south-east Wales. A quarter of fathers involved have gained or improved access to their children over the past year thanks to the initiative. Dads Can has received queries from across south Wales and even as far as London. What's...
Nick Ramsay: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I firstly say that I started planning this short debate before my own paternal situation changed, so I'm not motivated purely by self interest in bringing some of these issues to this Chamber today? I principally want to talk to you today about the Dads Can project in south-east Wales, which I first became aware of when I visited Monmouthshire Housing Association's...
