John Griffiths: I thank the First Minister for that answer. I believe it is really important, for reasons I think all Members here would recognise, First Minister, that we support sport and physical activity at an elite and grass-roots level in Wales. So, I would like to return briefly to Newport County’s success, because I believe it’s very important for both levels. We had a local boy, Michael Flynn,...
John Griffiths: 8. What policy will the Welsh Government follow to encourage and support sporting success in Wales? OAQ(5)0596(FM)
John Griffiths: What further action will the Cabinet Secretary take to improve educational performance in schools serving Wales's most deprived communities?
John Griffiths: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I’m pleased to be able to contribute to today’s debate as Chair of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee. I’d like to thank all those who provided evidence to the committee to help inform its work, including those who took time out to attend our focus group discussions. The UK Government’s Trade Union Bill, introduced at Westminster in 2015,...
John Griffiths: Will the First Minister make a statement on the promotion of active travel in south-east Wales?
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, the Flying Start scheme is making a very significant contribution to tackling issues amongst some of our youngest children and delivering considerable benefits in my constituency, but there are some families that are outwith the reach of the scheme due to the postcode nature of accessing that particular provision. So, are you able to say anything today to those constituents...
John Griffiths: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I very much look forward to that widening of access, which I think is probably long overdue. It’s very important that more people in Wales, Cabinet Secretary, enjoy our great outdoors, which we are so fortunate to have. There are the obvious health and activity benefits, as well as appreciating the countryside more and, perhaps, being more environmentally...
John Griffiths: 3. What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve access to the Welsh countryside? OAQ(5)0113(ERA)
John Griffiths: I would like to—not for the first time—raise the issue of community-focused schools, which I continue to believe is very important to the performance of our education system in Wales. I think one issue that Estyn has raised in its report, and consistently raises, is variability in the education system in Wales. That variability applies to community-focused schools. Some schools are very...
John Griffiths: First Minister, Newport has great economic potential, with its transport, geographical and industrial strengths. On the M4, main rail lines and coast, part of the capital city region, neighbouring Bristol, it is the hub of its wider regional economy. So, First Minister, will you agree with me that driving economic development in Newport will be a major factor in Wales achieving its great...
John Griffiths: 1. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's policy on economic development in south-east Wales? OAQ(5)0493(FM)
John Griffiths: What progress is being made in developing a preventative health agenda in Wales?
John Griffiths: Thank you for that. Cabinet Secretary, the European Union is a great economic, social and political force in the world, and leaving the European Union threatens to greatly diminish the standing of Wales and the UK in the world. So, could you reassure me that as far as Wales is concerned, the Welsh Government must find new ways of working with the European Union and European Union member...
John Griffiths: 5. What steps will the Welsh Government take to strengthen Wales’s international relationships? OAQ(5)0469(FM)
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, I think it is right today to recognise the commitment to the steel industry of the workforce, the trade unions, local management and Welsh Government, as other Members have stated. For me, of course, Llanwern is a real priority and a major concern, and, as with other steel plants, the workforce at Llanwern have shown great commitment over the years, constantly retraining,...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Can I begin by thanking Members for their contributions today, because I think the number of contributors is testament to the strong feeling in this Assembly that we need to effectively prevent domestic abuse, sexual violence and violence against women, and redouble and renew our efforts to make sure that this legislation is effective? There have been quite a...
John Griffiths: Diolch yn fawr, Ddirprwy Lywydd. I am pleased to be opening the first Plenary debate on the report of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee. The Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act is a landmark piece of legislation that sets out a statutory framework to prevent abuse and improve support for survivors. But passing legislation isn’t...
John Griffiths: Counsel General, it seems to me that the absence of representation from Wales on the Supreme Court panel is an important gap in the democratic framework within the UK. Do you agree that the body adjudicating on constitutional matters affecting the whole of the UK population should include representatives from the whole of the UK?
John Griffiths: Cabinet Secretary, are you able to confirm that the running costs for the Welsh Revenue Authority remain within the estimates published last year?
John Griffiths: 7. What representations has the Counsel General made in respect of appointing a Welsh judge to the Supreme Court? OAQ(5)0026(CG)
