Carwyn Jones: I thank the First Minister for his answer. Does the First Minister share my concern that the current arrangements for dispute resolution are inadequate, because we know that the UK Government is the arbiter of disputes, despite frequently being a party to those disputes? And if he agrees with me on that, what kind of system would he like to see in its place?
Carwyn Jones: 3. What progress has been made to establish a proper mechanism for resolving disputes between the governments of the UK? OAQ53385
Carwyn Jones: Well, I mean, that ignores the fact that a large number of Conservative MPs didn't support her either. That's the problem that we have here; she couldn't carry her own party. That's the problem you have in your own party. Just one final point—[Interruption.] Just one final point: circumstances have changed in the last two years. I do not see why we now cannot ask people to express a view in...
Carwyn Jones: Well, it was certainly the policy of the UK party, and, of course, the Prime Minister has been reminded of that in the past. Certainly, it is the case that the referendum was not accepted by the UK—. I hear what he says about the Welsh Conservatives, and I know his own personal view, but the reality is it was not accepted by the UK Conservatives and, of course, it's not accepted by UKIP...
Carwyn Jones: —then what is the problem with the principle now? Of course, David.
Carwyn Jones: There is a film that is very popular at the moment in cinemas. It's called Stan & Ollie. I'm reminded of the catchphrase that that comedy pairing had: 'This is another fine mess you've gotten me into.' And what a fine mess we are in as a result of what has happened at Westminster. The reality is this: the Prime Minister said to Britain, 'I have a deal; the deal is all there is—it's this...
Carwyn Jones: Could I thank the Minister for his answer? He will understand, of course, that the announcement has caused great uncertainty amongst workers at the Ford plant and their families. Minister, will you commit to monitoring the situation closely, and to work with Ford Europe, with the management and unions at the Bridgend plant, and also with those who represent Bridgend to secure the future of...
Carwyn Jones: May I begin by paying tribute to Steffan and his family, and to extend my sympathies to the family in their loss? Although, of course, you might be expecting something to happen, the loss is still a bitter blow.
Carwyn Jones: It's difficult to conceive that Steffan was a Member of the Assembly for such a short time, so great was his contribution. We sat here in this Chamber and in committees and we saw how considerable his knowledge was and, of course, his desire to service his country. He quite quickly became respected by so many around this Chamber in all parties, and when he spoke, what he said was always...
Carwyn Jones: What assessment has the Minister made of the current situation in Ford Europe and its potential effect on the Bridgend Engine Plant? (EAQ0003)
Carwyn Jones: Mark Drakeford.
Carwyn Jones: Llywydd, under Standing Order 8, may I nominate Mark Drakeford as First Minister of Wales?
Carwyn Jones: It's been an honour and a privilege to serve my country as a proud Welshman.
Carwyn Jones: It's been a great honour and privilege for me to serve my country as a proud Welshman. [Applause.]
Carwyn Jones: Thank you all very much, and best of luck to you all.
Carwyn Jones: Many thanks to you all, and the best of luck to you all in the future.
Carwyn Jones: Can I thank Gareth for his comments? And Andrew. Over many years, we jostled—fortunately for me, not physically—[Laughter.]—on the other side of the Chamber. But, certainly, he's absolutely right to say that there were many conversations that took place behind the Speaker's chair, as I think they call it in Westminster, that were needed in order to get business through, and for that I...
Carwyn Jones: Diolch, Llywydd. I won't detain Members for too long, but just to thank everybody for their very, very kind words.
Carwyn Jones: May I thank Paul for his comments? It is true to say that there are many things that happen in this Chamber that happen at a political level not a personal level. May I also thank Adam? I was at the millennium centre on Sunday and I saw a book there that had been published by Y Lolfa—they were articles written by Adam between 2001 and now. I now have time to read them, so I might do that....
Carwyn Jones: You're too generous.
