Ken Skates: The Welsh Government’s tourism strategy, ‘Partnership for Growth’, sets out our priorities for developing and marketing all of Wales, including capital and revenue funding, and marketing activities at home and overseas. The International Convention Centre Wales opening in 2019 will be a catalyst to grow business tourism across east Wales.
Ken Skates: Having taken full account of the technical, social, economic and environmental aspects of the scheme, and listened to the consultation responses, I am confident that this significant investment will address the existing problems and complement improvements across the Deeside area.
Ken Skates: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to start by clearly thanking Members for their contributions and for this opportunity to respond. As I stated in Plenary just last week, this is a bridge owned by another Government, and we've made repeated calls in the past for transfer of ownership of the crossing to Welsh Government. However, these calls have historically been resisted....
Ken Skates: Move.
Ken Skates: No, we won't ask the UK Government to think again. I think it's absolutely right that the Prince of Wales is recognised, and the naming of the bridge after him, I think, whilst it's in the gift of the UK Government, is something that many, many people in Wales will support. But I would say, also, that there are a huge number of other bridges that we could name in honour of other people. I...
Ken Skates: It could well be, and again, there are many, many bridges around Wales that are still unnamed. In terms of giving places, communities, a sense of identity, and enhancing the quality of a place, I see no reason why more bridges couldn't be named after individuals who have made a huge contribution to our past and, indeed, our present. I'd welcome the naming of our bridges after individuals from...
Ken Skates: We are no longer—. My colleague and my friend, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, is absolutely right, we are no longer conquered; we are a proud nation, we are a confident nation, and we should have confidence in our identity as well. In having confidence, we're able to reach out globally, we're able to be tolerant, we're able to be open to people, and we are able to recognise, as a confident nation,...
Ken Skates: Well, I would indeed. I think the removal of the tolls on the Severn bridge will send a very clear message that Wales is open for business, and it's essential, as we exit the EU, that we take every opportunity to promote Wales globally, and it's a fact that few other figures are better known around the world than His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and so I think we should not just...
Ken Skates: Well, there are many talented and able people from our past that this Government has recognised, by naming, for example, health boards after them, other pieces of infrastructure, but it's worth just reiterating the point that this is a bridge owned by another Government, half of which is in another country, and I'm more concerned with the removal of the tolls over that bridge to ease traffic...
Ken Skates: Yes. The second Severn bridge is a UK Government asset. The UK Government wrote to inform the First Minister of the name change in September 2017, and the First Minister did not object to the proposal.
Ken Skates: I'm pleased to say that it remains my intention to set out our detailed proposals for reforming how we plan and deliver local bus services in the near future, and as part of those proposals I'll be keen to ensure that community transport providers will be able to bid for public sector contracts to provide essential public services. The motion calls for the Welsh Government to take action in...
Ken Skates: Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to begin by thanking Members for their contribution today to an important debate about a vital service for many, many communities in Wales. I recognise that the community transport permit regime is a non-devolved matter and that it will continue to be a matter reserved to the UK Government, even after commencement of the Wales Act, but I fully agree...
Ken Skates: Well, it's not just a gap between the north and the south. We see inequalities in all communities, and between the north and the south, between the east and the west, between communities that are adjacent to one another. The whole purpose of the economic action plan is to iron out those inequalities and to offer higher quality jobs to people close to their homes and to equip people with the...
Ken Skates: Yes. A renewed economic vision for north Wales will emerge from the regional agenda contained in the Welsh Government's 'Prosperity for All' economic action plan document, integrating the aspirations of the north Wales growth bid and incorporating and capitalising on opportunities associated with key sectors and, of course, the Northern Powerhouse.
Ken Skates: I listened very carefully to what the Member had to say. I can assure the Member that it is essential that sufficient consideration is given to an inquiry's report in order to avoid any subsequent judicial action. The inspector considered 20 expressions of support for the scheme and 160 objections. The inspector also considered 20 alternative routes as part of the inquiry process. The...
Ken Skates: Diolch. I'm currently considering the findings and recommendations of the inspector's report that has been received following the public local inquiry, before making a decision on the scheme this spring.
Ken Skates: Well, I think the local authority has been very clear in its position on Neath station. I've listened very carefully and I accept the argument that Neath station and, indeed, many other stations in the area shouldn't just be protected but should be enhanced. I will look at any proposals within the metro vision that will deliver improved infrastructure across the entire network.
Ken Skates: Yes, indeed. In fact, just this morning I met with Councillor Rob Stewart to discuss many issues, including the one that the Member has identified, and I think it might be helpful, perhaps, if I was to offer Members sight of my response to the consultation on the GWR franchise route. And I think that will identify how Welsh Government is making numerous demands of UK Government in terms of...
Ken Skates: I can assure the Member that, with a Government debate, there is a vote, and I think it's essential, given that this subject has raised so many differing views, that all Members get a full opportunity to debate the subject and to be able to vote on it, as we've already promised that we will do.
Ken Skates: Yes. The national transport finance plan, which was updated just last year, sets out our programme for the next three years and beyond.
