David Rowlands: Has the First Minister made an assessment of how applying the same business rate threshold as England could benefit Welsh high streets?
David Rowlands: Llyr Gruffydd understandably mentioned the fact that he wanted item 2 deleted, because, obviously, that goes against the principles of Plaid Cymru, and I quite understand that. He says that it's important to ensure the market for Welsh fish products remains in the EU, and I can't disagree with that at all. And there's no reason why those channels are not kept open. Llyr also mentioned that we...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Can I thank all the Members for their contributions? I'll very briefly mention some of them. Andrew R.T. Davies spoke of the UK Fisheries Bill, which is to be welcomed, obviously, and he noted the possibility of implementing sustainable fishing policies and emphasised the opportunities that can now be available to us across the whole of the UK.
David Rowlands: Well, I'll accept that, Carwyn. Whilst in the EU, the UK could not exercise control over who, and to what extent other nations could fish in UK waters. This led to what could only be called a plundering of the seas around our coasts. The rape of the fish stocks has led to many, once abundant, species being depleted to such an extent that they're close to being unable to replenish their...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. At 11 p.m. on 31 January—this coming Friday—the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. We will then move into a transition period, when, it could be said, the real work will begin. One of the grey areas of discussion will be the situation surrounding fishing in British waters, which, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, should return to...
David Rowlands: Whilst I accept that protocol dictates I question the Deputy Minister on her statement today, I feel the content and the completeness of the statement leaves little to criticise or add to. I also feel that making some political gain out of the occasion or the actions outlined in the statement would be totally inappropriate. I would therefore like to simply say that, having attended the...
David Rowlands: Yes, of course.
David Rowlands: Absolutely. I think that, if they come to live in Wales, they become part of the Welsh economy. So, let's not look on Brexit as a negative thing, but rather as an opportunity to build a vibrant, outgoing nation, embracing our diaspora with the world in general, not just Europe. By thus building a strong, vibrant economy we shall create, by default, a skilled workforce that is agile, changing...
David Rowlands: I feel I have to begin my contribution by acknowledging the huge number of initiatives the Welsh Government have introduced over recent years to enhance the provision of a skilled Welsh workforce, particularly where they have shifted the focus to vocational training. We should also acknowledge the positive impact that skilled immigrant workers have contributed to the economy of Wales, but the...
David Rowlands: [Inaudible.]—and black people.
David Rowlands: Yes.
David Rowlands: Absolutely. I think that's a very unfortunate epithet, David. There's no doubt about that at all. [Interruption.] Well, I've not used it in this Chamber. What we must not forget, however, is that freedom of movement was the biggest single issue raised by the people of the UK, and especially those in Wales. The Labour party, and to a certain extent Plaid Cymru, have paid a heavy price for...
David Rowlands: Can I say at the outset that we shall be supporting this motion? However, I have to point out that I believe every party in this Chamber has expressed its belief and support for those EU citizens now working in the UK, and how they should be allowed—no, even encouraged—to stay, and that that especially applies to those living and working in Wales. So, this debate on the external affairs...
David Rowlands: I thank you for that response, Minister. The reason I posed this question is to acknowledge co-operatives as a dynamic, thriving sector of the Welsh economy. Not only are there many individual co-operatives doing well, the sector as a whole is outperforming other types of businesses. Eight of Wales's co-operatives are in the top 100, by turnover, of UK co-operatives. These eight alone have a...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Well, can I start by saying that Brexit still congratulates you on you bringing such an iconic mark to Wales and you will have our continued support in your operations with that company? Would the Minister consider supporting the use of co-operatives to rejuvenate our town centres and high streets?
David Rowlands: All I can say is what's coming through my e-mails and through my letterbox, which is absolutely contrary to what you've just said.
David Rowlands: Of course I will.
David Rowlands: Absolutely. We've heard in this Chamber the transposition of what's happened in Ireland. One prosecution. That's all it's resulted in. And how many investigations? How much time and effort by the social services have been involved in the many cases that must have been coming forward to them—the cost of all that when they should be investigating much more serious areas of abuse of children?...
David Rowlands: —by the police. That's the sort of law you're seeking to bring in to this Chamber. I support Janet's amendment, which has overwhelming support from all those who've contacted me about this Bill. I've had probably more contact over this particular Bill than on anything else that's been brought through this Chamber. And from academics, and from people who actually work in this area. And all...
David Rowlands: I will. Yes, of course, I will.
