I’d like to thank the Member and say I wholeheartedly agree with her. In terms of ensuring that people have an opportunity to contribute to the inquiry, I think a lot of people are probably somewhat tired of hearing politicians in any environment debate the merits of any given project, and would like to be able to contribute to that discussion themselves, knowing that there is an independent inspector overseeing that process. So, I’m very keen, like the Member, to ensure that as many people as possible take part in this inquiry, and, for what it’s worth, I’ll ensure that Welsh Government promotes it as much as possible and encourages people and organisations and groups, and all stakeholders to contribute, whether they are opposed to it, whether they are neutral, or whether they are in support of it.

In terms of the impact that the M4 around Newport has on the country, the Member is right to say that this is a nettle that has been avoided for some time. The problem has been there not just for the past few years, but for the past few decades and it’s time that we get to grips with it, we grasp the nettle and we solve the problem. The M4 is a key artery in and out of the country for more than 70 per cent of the population of Wales and, indeed, it’s crucial for our economic well-being as well. It’s essential that we get to grips with the congestion that we see in and around Newport and ensure that there is a modern motorway network for south Wales that is fit for the future.