Russell George: Wales has significant structural economic challenges, and I think you've been right over the years to highlight those obstacles to growth. In a spirit of mutual recognition of Wales's challenges, in wanting Wales's economic fortunes to flourish, what do you feel are the main lessons that you have learnt from managing the economy of Wales over the past nine years? What do you feel are the...
Russell George: 10. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on amending permitted development rights in Wales? OAQ53080
Russell George: Last month, the Welsh Government voted against the Welsh Conservative proposals to create an armed forces commissioner for Wales to ensure that the armed forces covenant is upheld. Will the Cabinet Secretary reconsider the Welsh Government's opposition to the creation of the post to ensure that the new cross-Government strategy for veterans in the UK can be delivered effectively?
Russell George: Diolch, Llywydd. Cabinet Secretary, on 31 January, the leaders of both Powys County Council and Ceredigion County Council will be coming here to the Senedd as part of a Growing Mid Wales delegation jointly sponsored by the Llywydd, the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire and me. There'll be an opportunity to showcase produce and services from local businesses from across these two rural local...
Russell George: In my remarks today, I am speaking on behalf of the Welsh Conservative group. In my remarks, I would like to focus on the impact of the Welsh Government's budget in regard to support for businesses and on transport matters as well. Despite what the Cabinet Secretary for Finance said in his opening statement, large investments in this year's budget are only, of course, made possible by...
Russell George: Leader of the house, I've just heard your answer, but can you outline what is the working relationship between the Fair Work Commission and the Welsh Government's economic contract and calls to action?
Russell George: Yes.
Russell George: Yes, and I absolutely accept that position. We are talking a matter of weeks and, of course, the new First Minister—I see the argument for the new First Minister taking the final decision. I do see that argument as well, and I appreciate what you're saying.
Russell George: Of course, we need a solution to the M4 congestion issue—that's an issue that no doubt will be supported by every Member across the Chamber—but what we are waiting for is, of course, the full details of the public inquiry. And we as AMs across this Chamber need to see that report, and I'd say it's essential that the Government publishes the findings and conclusions of the public inquiry...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I thank the Members for taking part in the debate across the Chamber this afternoon? I should also like to thank, of course, the many witnesses who took part in our report—who are mentioned in detail in the report—and representatives of Welsh, UK, European and international businesses, and the cultural and educational organisations that we met with...
Russell George: The committee’s first recommendation sought to address the lack of accountability for international trade and Brexit implementation. Currently, these responsibilities are shared between the First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport. There is a clear danger that shared responsibility can sometimes fall between two stools, or three...
Russell George: Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to move the motion in my name. We are, of course, living in changing times as we define our relationship with the rest of Europe and seek new links with emerging and expanding markets. Following the Brexit referendum in 2016, the First Minister announced that he had made it his intention to prioritise the Welsh Government and sell Wales to the...
Russell George: Cabinet Secretary, how many businesses in Wales has the Welsh Government engaged with directly in relation to the new economic contract, and can I ask: how much does the Welsh Government intend to lend small and medium-sized enterprises as a direct result of the new economic contract?
Russell George: There are concerns, Cabinet Secretary, that electric vehicles could cause more accidents on our roads due to being so quiet. Do you think there is a need for a revision in the highway code in this area?
Russell George: Well, isn't it interesting that the UK Government, in its block grant, provides every person in Wales with £1.20 for every £1 that is spent in England? And why is that? Because there is more need here in Wales. But that need isn't reflected in the local government formula when it comes to rural Wales and needs across Wales.
Russell George: And the Cabinet Secretary will be able to respond to that in his final comments. Also, the leader of Powys County Council talks about the efficiencies that have already been made in management and back offices. What she says in a letter to me and other AMs in our area is that, 'This approach is no longer sustainable, as the cuts are simply too deep.' Simply too deep. Savage cuts. She talks...
Russell George: I'd like to take part in this debate today and support the Welsh Conservative motion, in particular our motion calling for an independent review of the outdated Welsh local government funding formula, which so desperately needs to be revised. When I started thinking about my contribution today, I thought, 'Well, I'll dust out my speech from last year, the year before, or the year before that;...
Russell George: This is a planning question.
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, leader of the house. Of course, the mobile action plan that you talk about hasn't delivered any concrete actions to date. We've seen planning policy updated and guidance updated in Scotland and in England as well. That's helped to prepare the way for 5G deployment and has helped to speed up the process for new mobile phone masts. A report that you commissioned on...
Russell George: 3. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's policy on improving mobile phone coverage in mid Wales? OAQ53016
