Rhianon Passmore: The point that I've not had a response to, in regard to the lack of infrastructural funding on the rail network across Wales prior to Transport for Wales, what is your response to the appalling disregard and disinvestment in Wales? In the past.
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you. That's very generous of you in your opening remarks. Thank you for that. Would you acknowledge that, prior to Transport for Wales, when the rail network was completely under UK control in terms of its spend, Wales received a mere 0.2 per cent of the structural funds available to England?
Rhianon Passmore: Would you possibly take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you so much. Nobody would disagree with any of those sentiments—
Rhianon Passmore: —and comments, but my question, really, is: surely, empowering communities is about having the funding within those communities so that we have libraries and leisure centres and vibrant schools, and would you say that the austerity agenda, deliberate cuts to Wales, has diminished that capacity?
Rhianon Passmore: In Wales it is right that from September our new national plan for Wales prescribes that a lack of money does not prevent in particular our young people from learning music, further that music is not anymore the birthright for those who can afford to pay to play. This, I think, is our shared Welsh vision, and I place on record my gratitude for the furthering and safeguarding of our great...
Rhianon Passmore: Diolch, Llywydd. I'm very pleased to be able to give a minute of this debate—sadly, only a minute—to my colleagues Jayne Bryant, across the Chamber, Sam Rowlands and Delyth Jewell. Diolch.
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Do you think that there are potentially ulterior motives in the proposal to sell off Channel 4, and it has more to do with control?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you for that, First Minister. I am proud, however, that our Welsh Labour Government has rightly committed to delivering free school meals to all primary school children in Wales. A recent letter to the UK Government from teaching unions set out the benefits provided by free school meals, and it said: 'Every school day we see the benefits free school meals provide to those currently...
Rhianon Passmore: 6. How is the Welsh Government supporting parents of primary school pupils in Islwyn with the cost of the school day? OQ58190
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you. Would you acknowledge that the rise in national insurance contributions is going to hit the poorest people, pro rata, the most, and that this is taxation by stealth?
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you very much. Do you acknowledge that the level of UK infrastructural spend in Wales has been negligent and when is your party going to stand up for Wales?
Rhianon Passmore: Will you take an intervention?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you. Is there any recognition that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 inhibits the right to protest?
Rhianon Passmore: Thank you, Minister. People in my constituency of Islwyn and across Wales are facing a truly unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. The Office for Budget Responsibility has said that in 2022-23 we will see the biggest fall in living standards since records began. We know that the poorest in society will be impacted the most, particularly those on benefits in constituencies like mine. Minister,...
Rhianon Passmore: 4. What discussions has the Minister had with HM Treasury to ensure that the Welsh Government has the finance it needs to support the people of Islwyn through the cost-of-living crisis? OQ57922
Rhianon Passmore: As a member of the Senedd's Finance Committee, I wish to thank the Chair of our committee, Peredur Owen Griffiths, for his stewardship, and to my fellow committee members, Mike Hedges and Peter Fox, for their solid work on the committee. I also want to take this opportunity to place on record my thanks to my colleagues Jack Sargeant, Carolyn Thomas and Alun Davies, who have ably substituted...
