The next item on our agenda is the motion to agree to the First Minister’s recommendation to Her Majesty to appoint a Counsel General and I call on the First Minister to move the motion. I call on the First Minister to move the motion.

Motion NDM6025 Carwyn Jones

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, agrees to the First Minister's recommendation to Her Majesty to appoint Mick Antoniw AM as Counsel General.

Motion moved.

Thank you, Llywydd. May I therefore formally move the motion?

I offer no comment on the Labour Member’s ability to do the job of Counsel General. I’m sure that, in many ways, he’s a highly qualified candidate. My only point is this: the Member has already during the fifth Assembly twice raised the issue of his great desire for a public inquiry to be held regarding events at Orgreave during the miners’ strike of 32 years ago. [Interruption.] Fair enough. If the Member becomes Counsel General, will he continue to push for this inquiry, and, if he does so, will this lead to any potential conflict of interest?

I have no other speakers. Does the First Minister want to reply to the debate?

The answer is ‘no’, because, of course, as Counsel General, the Member would not be involved in any legal process regarding Orgreave. That’s a matter for the UK Government and not the Welsh Government.

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? If there is no objection, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36. [Applause.]

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.