Joel James: I'd like to start by echoing the comments already made, and thanking John Griffiths for bringing this to debate and for all the work he does as Chair of the committee. As someone who has spoken numerous times in this Chamber about how important it is to protect our natural heritage, to protect buildings of community importance even if they do not meet Cadw's overly strict criteria, and to...
Joel James: Counsel General, as part of your assessment, have you considered the International Labour Organization's acceptance, which the TUC subscribes to, that minimum service levels are a proportionate way of balancing the right to strike with the need to protect the wider public? Secondly, yesterday, in her oral statement, your colleague the health Minister said that, and I quote, 'the impact on...
Joel James: Thank you, Deputy Minister. The ITV Wales news story on Monday evening reported that south Wales fire service has had at least two individuals who have fallen short of the exemplary standards promoted by the fire and rescue service. I think we can all agree that their abhorrent behaviour should never, ever be tolerated, and I would like to add my voice to acknowledge the bravery of the...
Joel James: Minister, as we know, inflation is having an adverse effect on every budget, and money allocated to help reduce the impact of flooding and coastal erosion is no exception. Given that the cost of materials that will be used in providing flood defences has risen considerably, budgets are going to be stretched and it's now more important than ever that funds are used efficiently. Can I therefore...
Joel James: 2. What action is the Welsh Government proposing to ensure more rigorous employment standards in Welsh fire and rescue services in light of the allegations against South Wales Fire and Rescue Service? TQ700
Joel James: Thank you, Llywydd—really sorry about that.
Joel James: Thank you, First Minister. The world cup has undoubtedly brought benefits through increasing the profile of Welsh football on the international stage, and I think we can all congratulate the Welsh team on their performance and look forward to one day seeing them—hopefully—in the world cup final. Despite our success, and I'm sure you will agree, it is with sadness that the competition took...
Joel James: —just a wardrobe malfunction there, sorry.
Joel James: Sorry about that—
Joel James: 3. What benefits has the First Minister's trip to Qatar during the World Cup brought to Wales? OQ58862
Joel James: 3. What benefits has the First Minister's trip to Qatar during the World Cup brought to Wales? OQ58862
Joel James: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'm absolutely delighted that the Welsh Government has supported the work of the Petitions Committee and has accepted its recommendations. I'm particularly pleased to see that this Government has recognised that, in order to provide clear and effective leadership and co-ordination for water safety and drowning prevention, there needs to be oversight from a...
Joel James: Dirprwy Lywydd, can I just confirm how long I have to speak?
Joel James: Perfect. Thank you. Firstly, I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of my colleague Mark Isherwood in fighting continuously and rigorously for the introduction of a BSL Bill in Wales. I dearly hope that his work and the work of many others involved won't be in vain and that a BSL Bill will eventually be introduced, because truthfully, making statutory provision for the use of...
Joel James: Thank you, Minister. I look forward to receiving your letter. With regard to the change now with the National Lottery to Allwyn Entertainment Ltd, which is scheduled in 2024, has the Welsh Government had any engagement whatsoever with Allwyn Entertainment Ltd with regard to funding distribution in Wales? Do you anticipate any changes to the funding of good causes in Wales as a result of this...
Joel James: Thank you, Minister. It's my understanding that, up until 2020, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the lottery, Wales had received about £1.75 billion of funding for good causes. Whilst I acknowledge that this is an enormous amount, I'm nonetheless conscious that it only represents around 4 per cent of the total amount of funding provided in the UK, which was in the region of £40 billion....
Joel James: Thank you, Llywydd. Can the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government supports applications to the National Lottery for funding for good causes in Wales, and provide an update on how often the Welsh Government meets with stakeholders to provide oversight for funding distribution? Thank you.
Joel James: First Minister, this Government's announcement of Wales as the first nation of sanctuary and as a supersponsor created headlines as you demonstrated that Wales was ready and willing to help in doing more than its fair share in aiding people who were fleeing conflict and persecution. However, sadly, it does now seem that Wales was ill prepared for the overwhelming response, and the system has...
Joel James: Thank you, Jack, for bringing this petition forward for debate. In principle, the Welsh Conservatives support this petition. We recognise that protecting this unique area with its exceptional landscape is of national importance. We believe that the Cambrian mountains having area of outstanding natural beauty status will undoubtedly bring benefits to the area, helping to improve recognition...
Joel James: Thank you, Llywydd. On these grounds, I therefore encourage Members not to support the general principles of this Bill.
