David Rowlands: I fully agree with Steffan on that matter, absolutely. It would seem that it’s not only environmental regulations that offer no protection to such developments; those surrounding wildlife and archaeological impacts, as well as outdoor leisure facilities, do not either. We understand that only a cursory one-day-long study on the impact on the wildlife habitat of the area was carried out...
David Rowlands: I believe the video you’ve just seen begs the question: what exactly does constitute significant cumulative impact if this array of installations does not? I fear it shows that planning laws offer no protection to residents or communities such as Manmoel, and that any and every community in Wales is in danger of being enveloped by such projects. Further to this, there are many other aspects...
David Rowlands: Absolutely. It’s not, but we don’t come under the whip as do all other parties, as you know, and we can have our own policies within the Welsh Government if that’s what we feel we have to do—
David Rowlands: [Continues.]—as indeed do you on many other aspects when you disagree with your Government in—. No, I’m sorry, Huw; I have to carry on with this. I’m here to debate how we go about reducing carbon. It is envisaged that this form of power generation will replace all forms of fossil fuel generation over the coming years. However, herein lies the fundamental flaw in the Welsh...
David Rowlands: It is true that in order to mitigate against the potential negative impact of these installations on the countryside, the Welsh Government has instigated a set of guidelines for local government planning departments. But one phrase in these guidelines seems paramount if these guidelines are to be effective. It says that the planning authority should take note as to whether any development...
David Rowlands: Of course.
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. The Welsh Government has an outwardly laudable aim of reducing Wales’s carbon footprint by 80 per cent by the year 2050. UKIP broadly agrees with this objective; however, the strategies it employs to achieve these aims must be called into question. At the heart of this carbon-free initiative is the use of so-called clean electricity generation. To a very large extent, it...
David Rowlands: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement, and we in UKIP would like to congratulate all those involved in bringing this hugely prestigious event to Wales. The boost to the economy from the hundreds of thousands set to visit Cardiff will be substantial, and I would like to echo the Cabinet Secretary’s statement regarding the staging of one of the biggest events in the sporting...
David Rowlands: There is, of course, a temptation when addressing this motion to contemplate its—forgive this word—luddite-esque credentials. However, I should declare at the first instance that I believe this debate to have huge merit in seeking to address this important issue in a constructive and thoughtful manner. It is true to say that the increasing use of robotics, be it in the guise of automated...
David Rowlands: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement and his comprehensive comments so far. There can be no doubt as to the importance of our Welsh heritage to the economy of our country, and, indeed, its pivotal role in attracting the 1 million plus tourists we welcome to Wales each year. I’ve noted your comments and your words recognising the work of Cadw and would add my appreciation for the...
David Rowlands: Absolutely.
David Rowlands: Well, just listen to the next few paragraphs and perhaps you’ll change your mind on that, David.
David Rowlands: Anyone who believes otherwise—[Interruption.] Anyone who believes otherwise has no understanding of international trade. Governments don’t sell goods to other nations; businesses sell goods to other nations. It is merely the function and duty of every Government to remove as many impediments to that trade as possible, and that, at the end of the day, is what the Governments of Europe, and...
David Rowlands: [Continues.]—for all their posturing, who will decide on the terms of our exit from Europe; it will be the businesses of Europe who will decide, and it is those that will demand that there is free and unfettered access to our markets.
David Rowlands: Of course, David.
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Well, as usual, this debate is held with that fallacious concept that the European Union and its governing institutions has been a huge benevolent factor for the countries it holds in its sway. The European Union has, in fact, proved itself to be to the advantage of just two groups of people: big business and the political elite. If you challenge the veracity of that...
David Rowlands: I do in fact congratulate the Welsh Government on that extension into Ebbw Vale. It’s certainly very innovative and it’s great to see rail tracks being laid again. Arriva Trains Wales tell us that they’re unable to offer a service into Newport because there is full capacity for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line. Surely electrification and the enhanced service that this promises could help...
David Rowlands: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer, but does he not agree that the South Wales East region fares poorly when it comes to infrastructure improvements under the metro project, compared to other parts of Wales?
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the decision not to electrify the Ebbw Vale line?
David Rowlands: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the progress of Sport Wales's 'A Vision for Sport in Wales'?
