Mandy Jones: Diolch, Llywydd. I formally move the amendments in Caroline Jones's name. I thank Plaid Cymru for tabling this debate today. It raises important issues that go to the core of what sort of country we are and what we want to be. I was horrified to read the reports of the case in Cyprus that hit the headlines last week, and horrified again today to see the reports of an effective cover-up of yet...
Mandy Jones: Minister, the health board remains in special measures, so the state of affairs has developed on your watch. Every year you prepare for winter pressures, and the latest BBC headlines this morning were that, for the whole of Wales, there were 79,150 wasted hours for ambulance crews waiting outside A&E. That's the equivalent of nine years, and that was last year, for crews waiting outside A&E....
Mandy Jones: Minister, there are many points in this statement that I welcome. I believe in a global United Kingdom trading and working freely with the whole world. I think that this can provide the foundations for a bright and prosperous future for Wales. The UK is leaving the European Union at the end of the month. The democratic will of the people of the UK and Wales is finally being respected and this...
Mandy Jones: First Minister, many non-EU countries, as you well know, participate fully in Erasmus+, including Turkey. No-one is arguing that UK students wouldn't actually enjoy the same educational and cultural opportunities that Turkish students would. The Government doesn't need to bind itself by statute to negotiate this at all. Does the First Minister agree that this is an area that both Government...
Mandy Jones: What is the Welsh Government doing to encourage the use of electric vehicles?
Mandy Jones: Minister, one of the reasons I got into politics was the perception that north Wales just doesn't get its fair share of attention, funding or consideration as compared to the south. We've had a Minister for north Wales for over a year, he is yet to make a statement in that role, and I am frankly none the wiser as to whether that perception is correct. Minister, can you confirm that north...
Mandy Jones: Thank you for your statement today, Minister. As someone who has actively campaigned for an independent trade policy for the UK as an independent nation, I believe in a global United Kingdom trading freely with the whole world. I think that this can provide the foundations for a bright and prosperous future for Wales. I agree with you when you say the general election made clear that Brexit...
Mandy Jones: First Minister, as you just said, we discussed this matter at length in the committee yesterday when you asserted that, by recommending to the Assembly that its legislative consent is not given, you are not expecting a constitutional crisis. If the Assembly does refuse its consent, as you want, what do you think the consequences will be?
Mandy Jones: Llywydd, I've got to declare an interest, in that I live in this complex myself, and I know several Assembly Members do, and their staff. What strikes me is the complete lack of information on this. There's been no correspondence through the letterbox in the flats or anything, there's been no notice of meetings, there's been no news apart from what I actually pick up in this Chamber. This...
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that. Minister, we're all concerned about animal welfare, and I've raised in this Chamber before my concerns about live animal exports. I'm pleased to see now that the UK Government will be stopping the live export of animals when we finally leave the EU. Will your Welsh Government be doing the same?
Mandy Jones: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on the agri-food sector in North Wales? OAQ54821
Mandy Jones: First Minister, we all know the pressure the NHS staff are under, especially at this time of year. Another Christmas and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board remains still under special measures. Will the north Wales health board still be under your Government's control and supervision next Christmas?
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that answer, Ken—for Conwy. That's absolutely brilliant. I really appreciate it. Minister, micro- and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I am pleased that my party recognises this and is committed to levelling the playing field. We pledge to review the business rates regime and give local businesses and our high street the shot in the arm they need. What are...
Mandy Jones: I'll keep my contribution short as I believe my colleague Caroline Jones has covered a great deal when opening this debate. I rise today to show my support for introducing a register in Wales. With the additional powers this place is set to gain post Brexit, surely it's time to bring in lobbying reform to ensure that our democracy is as open and transparent as possible. I'm a bit disappointed...
Mandy Jones: I believe that we've all had an e-mail from a very concerned grandmother in Wrexham, who tells us that she feels her granddaughter's school is simply not following procedure on bullying, and, in fact, it appears to her that the school is actively obstructing any move to deal with the issues, regardless of the guidelines, past or present. Can you send any extra message that is loud and clear...
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that answer. We're now in an election period and, once again, it is clear on the doorstep that voters in Wales are confused about what is devolved and what isn't. This is after 20 years of devolution. What is going wrong and what is the Commission going to do about this?
Mandy Jones: Thank you for that. Minister, the Welsh Local Government Association guidance document on European Union and public procurement is an interesting read. It states that the EU sets out the laws under which public procurement contracts must be awarded. The laws are designed to open up the EU's market to competition, to promote free movement of goods and services and to prevent binational...
Mandy Jones: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on the role of the National Procurement Service? OAQ54711
Mandy Jones: 3. Will the Commission provide an update on the effectiveness of the National Assembly for Wales's communications strategy? OAQ54713
Mandy Jones: Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government plans to develop the economy of North Wales?
