Alun Davies: Thank you for raising that. Alongside the draft budget, which we published back in December, the chief economist did provide an update in terms of his assessment of the impact, which included the impact of Brexit, and I would commend that to all colleagues. We know that we have lost, or the UK, I should say, has lost many billions of pounds in tax, as a direct result of Brexit. And, of...
Alun Davies: I accept that Minister, but, sometimes, I think we place too much emphasis on simply spending. My question was about how we raise funds as well. The UK Government's obsession with austerity has created real significant structural problems in the economy. But their decision to go for a hard Brexit, leaving the single market and the customs union, has meant that the UK economy and the Welsh...
Alun Davies: 5. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the UK Government's economic policy on the Welsh Government's budget? OQ58251
Alun Davies: I'm grateful to you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm grateful to you, Minister, for your statement this afternoon, although I have to say I do fear that it's a Titanic waste of your and our time. You've talked about the checks that had been delayed in April, well, of course, those same checks were also delayed in June 2020, March 2021 and again in September 2021. The ludicrously titled Minister...
Alun Davies: Could I ask for a statement, Minister, from the health Minister on the care provided to teenage cancer patients? I was contacted last week by the family of a teenager, an 18-year-old young woman in Blaenau Gwent, who is undergoing some very distressing treatment for cancer at the moment. It is clear, from the treatment that she has received, that there is a structural issue within the...
Alun Davies: Will the First Minister make a statement on the delivery of public transport in Blaenau Gwent?
Alun Davies: I'm grateful to the Minister for that response. One of the most important elements of the economic strategy in the Heads of the Valleys, of course, is Tech Valleys, which is in my constituency. Will the Minister confirm the budget of £100 million for that project?
Alun Davies: 4. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's economic strategy for the Heads of the Valleys? OQ58182
Alun Davies: It was Carolyn Thomas and not Alun Davies.
Alun Davies: I have to say that I was somewhat surprised to see this item on our order paper for this afternoon and the debate that's been taking place. I do agree with much of what the Minister said in opening the debate, but I always find debates on these matters somewhat unsatisfying and, ultimately, disappointing. Because what tends to happen—and we saw this from some of the Conservative speakers...
Alun Davies: Will the Minister take an intervention?
Alun Davies: I appreciate the points that you've been making in your opening contribution, but, of course, you say there is a coalition of support for these matters. The Labour Party isn't a part of that coalition. As far as I'm aware, the policy of Welsh Labour is not to devolve broadcasting.
Alun Davies: —and they always laugh when people are suffering.
Alun Davies: And that is why—and that is why—they're sitting where they're sitting, and they will continue to sit where they're sitting. It is important—it is important, it is important—First Minister, that the people of Blaenau Gwent have a Government that stands with them and by their side. Can you outline to us this afternoon how the Welsh Government will continue to support people who are...
Alun Davies: I'm grateful to the First Minister for that response. I think people across Blaenau Gwent and elsewhere are very grateful that they've got a Welsh Government that stands up for them. I'm aware that it was a visit to Blaenau Gwent that prompted the First Minister's thinking on issues around fuel poverty as well. But we are also aware that the Tory-created cost-of-living crisis is having a real...
Alun Davies: 2. What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle food poverty in Blaenau Gwent? OQ58183
Alun Davies: Will you take an intervention on that?
Alun Davies: Will you take an intervention from me?
Alun Davies: You did mention me by name.
Alun Davies: When the people of Wales voted for devolution in September 1997, the Conservative Party in the Westminster Parliament voted against the legislation in December 1997, and you need to remember that. And the people of Wales also elected a Government and a Parliament committed to reform. You can either come down the route with us and ensure that that reform is agreed across the whole of this...
