I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement. The construction of the Circuit of Wales is a fantastic opportunity not only for the south Wales Valleys, but for Wales more generally. So, it is disappointing news today; I think there’s no getting away from that. But I hope that the Circuit of Wales project still remains an exciting project that can offer great opportunities to provide investment and jobs in the area.

The project has been estimated to create 6,000 full-time jobs ranging from research and development to hospitality, as well as a further 3,000 construction jobs. I note your comments in your statement today in that regard, but these jobs were promised to be delivered to local people. The project has also promised training placements and providing a significant amount of upskilling as well in the region, and, of course, increased tourist opportunities as well—providing an estimated £15 million to boost the local and regional economy. So, today’s decision is regrettable, especially at a time when the Welsh Government have set up a new taskforce to manage the regeneration of the south Wales Valleys and when local councils have expressed a willingness to contribute to the scheme as well. I understand that the Welsh Government, of course, must exercise caution when spending public money. I fully agree with that concept, but, at the same time, there’s got to be a recognition that the kicking of this project, potentially, into the long grass, beyond the summer, will be a huge blow to the region. There’s no getting away from that.

Now, given the fact that the Welsh Government has rejected the initial proposals, due to the unacceptable risk, can I ask the question—I don’t think you answered this fully—that the Plaid spokesperson did ask with regard to when the 50:50 risk to underwrite was submitted to the developer? I think there are questions here of when that was put to the developer, why the developers weren’t made aware of this at a much earlier stage, why it appears, only now, that this been put forward. Perhaps you can provide some clarity on that.

You also mentioned in your statement that there are uncertainties in the country as a result of the country leaving the European Union, which I accept as well. But are you suggesting that, perhaps, the decision might have been different had the outcome of the referendum been different? There’s a slight implication of that and perhaps you could clarify that as well.

You said in your statement today that you’ve met with the developers this morning or today, and I’d be grateful if you could perhaps talk to us about what you discussed in that meeting with regard to a timetable for when you expect developers to provide revised plans and proposals to you. We also have to accept, of course, the possibility, and I’m sure you will as well, that the project may now not go ahead in that regard, because, clearly, with the announcement today, there may be some uncertainties among potential backers that this project is not so sustainable as it originally may have been. So, with that in mind, perhaps you could outline what regeneration schemes the Welsh Government will put in place to boost regeneration in Blaenau Gwent and the Welsh Valleys.

Can I ask as well what the Cabinet Secretary’s assessment is of the wider impact on the local economy for other businesses that perhaps would have previously committed to setting up new businesses around the circuit of Wales site as well? Finally, is it your view—and I hope you can provide a positive answer to this—that developers are likely to come back with a revised plan that you believe that you will be able to back and support, and the project will go ahead?