6. What considerations has the Minister given to how exiting the EU will impact upon young people’s entitlements in Wales? OAQ(5)0033(CC)

I thank the Member for her question. Our commitment to children and young people is enshrined in legislation and Brexit doesn’t change this directly. Investing in children and young people is intrinsically a good thing to do. It makes sense for the good of society and for the long-term benefit of the economy.

Minister, the result on 23 June has caused great anxiety amongst many people, and young people are not immune to this. You will be aware, I’m sure, of the large demonstration that took place outside this building in the aftermath of Brexit, which was organised by students. Have you yet considered what impact the potential reduction of research funding for universities will have on the prospects of young people and their ability to reach their full potential? Have you, for example, had discussion with Cabinet colleagues regarding the loss of opportunities from programmes like the Erasmus programme and how that can be mitigated? Finally, will you do everything in your power to support a youth parliament for Wales as a vehicle for young people to articulate their concerns and come together for collective action on important issues that affect them, like Brexit?

I’m grateful for the Member’s comments and questions. Of course, the Member will be aware of the First Minister’s announcement of a Cabinet sub-committee to look at the implications of Brexit and what that means to Welsh Government, and the discussions through the UK, which has already had its first meeting. I haven’t had a direct meeting regarding the research finances with my colleagues, but I believe that is under way with that department.

With regard to the youth parliament, the Government’s position has been very clear: we’re supportive of a youth parliament, but we believe that is a matter for the Commission, and I’m sure the Commission has heard that very clearly, both today and from previous correspondence.

Cabinet Secretary, do you agree with me that it’s very concerning to read the findings of the Children’s Society’s ‘The Good Childhood Report’, which reported that one in seven girls in Wales are unhappy with their lives and one in nine boys are unhappy with their lives as well? What specific action is the Welsh Government going to take in order to reverse this trend, which appears to be getting worse—not just in Wales, but across the United Kingdom—so that we can have some concerted action to deal with this problem?

The Member is right to raise this issue and it does concern me also. I’ve asked my team to look at the implications of that report and how much more we can do, not with just this department, but also through educational support within the school setting and in third sector organisations in relation to how we engage with young people and listen to their views. Often, the older generation do things at children because they think it’s the right thing to do, rather than listening to what the action should be. We’re in that space now of engaging with young people and listening to what has an impact on their lives.