Huw Irranca-Davies: Would the Member give way on that point?
Huw Irranca-Davies: I rise because she’s raised the representations that the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee has made, and that invitation still stands, by the way. The reason it stands is because, in the spirit of the constructive engagement made by the First Minister, by opposition leaders, and also by the Presiding Officer—even to the extent of suggesting amendments—we genuinely feel we...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I concur with the comments that have just been made that it’s a fundamental rethink that we need in terms of investment strategy but also that long-term durability of investment and turning the thing on its head so that we do see the investment flow into the Valleys. But I would like to suggest two things. One is that the metro, for me, has always been more than the metro as currently...
Huw Irranca-Davies: We are a very welcoming people in Wales, known for our hospitality and warmth. So, I wonder if the leader of the house may share my disappointment that, despite our very best efforts on the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, which I now chair, following on from the expert stewardship of Mr David Melding, the Secretary of State has so far declined our invitation to come and give...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Maesteg high school, Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen, Ogmore Vale Primary School—
Huw Irranca-Davies: [Continues.]—Brackla’s co-funded Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School—the roll call of investment goes on and on. There is more to do, but the investment in bricks and mortar is only surpassed by, I have to say, the labour of love by teachers and support staff, governors and parents to improve the life chances of our children and young people. So, in these challenging times of...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Seconded.
Huw Irranca-Davies: Thank you, First Minister. My apologies, Llywydd. I have obviously got a lot to learn in this Chamber. Could I briefly add my comments to those who’ve condemned racism? And we need to mean it. The utterances of politicians, like ourselves—whatever party, whatever Chamber we sit in—are important, and so are the actions of the tabloid media at the UK level as well. We should be welcoming...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Could I add my agreement to those comments made by Members in the Chamber today about condemning—
Huw Irranca-Davies: Indeed. In terms of condemning racism. Sorry, Llywydd. But could I say that we need to send a message strongly, regardless of the vote last week—
Huw Irranca-Davies: Oh, my apologies.
Huw Irranca-Davies: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on the potential impact of the Cardiff capital region on the Bridgend and Ogmore travel to work area? OAQ(5)0074(FM)
Huw Irranca-Davies: Would you give way on that very point?
Huw Irranca-Davies: I thank the gentleman for giving way, but can I just ask him: what does he know that the Ford Europe managing director and my local plant director do not know, when they’ve written to their employees to highlight the very risks that he says are not just inconsequential, but do not even exist? What does he know that Toyota in Britain doesn’t know? What does he know that Rolls-Royce...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s statement and his clear commitment to taking forward and building on the pioneering made-in-Wales legislation that was brought forward by his predecessors Lesley Griffiths and Leighton Andrews. The detailed plans laid out in the statement show there’s a real commitment to take forward and turn bold legislation into bold implementation that will make a...
Huw Irranca-Davies: The commitment of this and the previous Labour Government in Wales to the south Wales metro is commendable, and it shows a real boldness of vision for economic development and for real connectivity. But, can I ask the business manager for a statement or a debate on the importance of the south Wales metro proposals to the whole of south Wales, including the more western, mid-Glamorgan valleys,...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Llywydd, I’m a big fan of The Clash. I remember seeing them at Sofia Gardens when I was 17. I can’t get into those size 28 leather trousers any more—if I ever could—though the ringing in my ears, and there is, is a constant reminder that I may have overdosed on loud music at those concerts—Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Damned, Tom Robinson and, of course, The Clash. So, it’s good...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I concur fully with the comments already made on tidal lagoon and, the potential for Wales, economically and as a world-class leader in this source of energy creation. The Cabinet Secretary will know that major energy infrastructure is often defined in terms of energy generation, but I want to ask the Minister what longer term thought is being given to energy efficiency as a major energy...
Huw Irranca-Davies: I am taking the unusual step for me of speaking in Welsh here in the Chamber. It’s not because I am fluent in Welsh, but because I’m not fluent in Welsh, but I’m trying to get there. So, if Members are willing to bear with me, I will try my best to take faltering steps towards fluency on a very public stage. This is high risk. [Laughter.] In the Bridgend and Ogmore region, like so many...
Huw Irranca-Davies: Will the First Minister explain the Welsh Government's vision for the South Wales Metro, with particular reference to Ogmore?
