Rhianon Passmore: Diolch, Llywydd. I also would like to welcome very much the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure. May I take this opportunity to praise the passionate and committed approach to this important area of responsibility that the Cabinet Secretary has always taken? The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 is an important piece of legislation, and I note in the...
Rhianon Passmore: First Minister, in 2015 small shops and retailers fell into line with large businesses with it being illegal for them to display cigarettes and tobacco in public. At the time the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark Drakeford, stated smoking still causes around 5,450 deaths in Wales each year. Around half of all regular smokers will die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses, and...
Rhianon Passmore: Yes.
Rhianon Passmore: It is right that we invest in correct careers advice across Wales, and I’m glad that we are moving in that correct direction. So, I am grateful for the Welsh Government amendment that recognises fully the vital importance of adult learning and supporting skills development at all ages. Equally, as an adult learner myself, to conclude, I would not be standing here today in the National...
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. As a former visiting lecturer myself and a former director in FE, but most importantly as a mum, I also welcome this debate. The people of Wales can rest assured that the Welsh Labour Party—the party of the many and not the few—will safeguard, promote and increase educational opportunities for our nation. It may then be worth casting a collective eye...
Rhianon Passmore: I also welcome this debate by my fellow Labour Members, Huw Irranca-Davies and Jeremy Miles. It highlights the pre-existing good work of the Welsh Labour Government in practice, and challenges us to continue and further this work as a national priority for Wales. Since 2011, the Welsh Labour Government has invested more than £270 million in the Welsh Government’s Warm Homes scheme and...
Rhianon Passmore: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government's plans to increase access to the countryside in south-east Wales?
Rhianon Passmore: Let’s be clear on context: we recently had a general election that has eviscerated this Tory Government. Its majority has been destroyed and Theresa May’s authority has been smashed. It is difficult to ever remember a campaign where a Prime Minister has sought to actively fight a campaign without meeting the public or answering any questions. It was bizarre to see the Tories run a...
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: If you don’t mind. I think it was Sir Nicholas Macpherson, the former head of the Treasury, who stood down last year, who said ‘£1 billion for Ulster is just a downpayment. DUP will be back for more’ So, in terms of the consistency of this arrangement moving forward, are you concerned about that?
Rhianon Passmore: First Minister, in Islwyn, we face, on the historic Twm Barlwm tump, the scourge of fly-tipping, and it costs Wales nearly £2 million each year in clean-up costs, which ultimately have to be paid by the taxpayer. This rural crime is harmful to human health and spoils the enjoyment of our stunning countryside. Since 2007, Welsh Government has funded Fly-tipping Action Wales, an initiative...
Rhianon Passmore: As a member of the committee, I also want to welcome this report. It is, indeed, a comprehensive piece of work. The committee has been very ably chaired by John Griffiths, and I also want to put on record my appreciation for the work of our committee staff, who have ably assisted us. In my contribution, I wish to focus on some of the recommendations contained within the ‘“I used to be...
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Will the Cabinet Secretary outline what actions the Welsh Government is taking to protect workers in the social care sector?
Rhianon Passmore: First Minister, the Welsh Government has a groundbreaking Fusion programme that contributes to many of the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The Fusion programme seeks to encourage and empower young people to take an active part in arts, culture and heritage, and equally includes innovative work experience placements. Additionally, the Fusion programme in 2017...
Rhianon Passmore: Will the Cabinet Secretary comment on recent forecasts by the Construction Industry Training Board that the Welsh Government's groundbreaking £1.4 billion twenty-first century schools programme will play a pivotal part in the positive area of growth, as evidenced in my constituency with the opening of the new Islwyn High School? So, will the Cabinet Secretary join with me and welcome this...
Rhianon Passmore: What discussions has the European Advisory Group had with representatives from other devolved governments concerning the UK's negotiations on leaving the European Union?
Rhianon Passmore: I wish to very much welcome this debate and the innovative and groundbreaking principles within this Bill for the young people that we all represent. I wish to thank the Minister for the strong, robust and resilient work in this regard, and also the ongoing work of the Children, Young People and Education Committee and its Chair, Lynne Neagle. This innovative Bill, I believe, has potential to...
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
