10. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s funding priorities for supporting the Welsh coastline? OAQ(5)0048(ERA)

Thank you. Responding to the challenges our coastal communities face in adapting to a changing climate is a funding priority for supporting our Welsh coastline. This Government is working with local authorities preparing a £150 million programme of investment in coastal risk management.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Although, admittedly, my constituency has a very short coastline, namely the Black Rock picnic site—[Laughter.]—which I do enjoy, I’m sure you would agree with me the Welsh coastline belongs to all of us. Many of my constituents appreciate visiting the coastline along the rest of Wales. Recently, I attended the National Trust Welsh coast event in the Senedd, and at that event I discussed with the National Trust ways that the Welsh Government can support the National Trust in developing their interest in the Welsh coastline. Can you tell us what discussions, if any, you’ve had with the National Trust regarding financial priorities for protecting our coasts? Do you still stick to the policy of managed retreat that was believed in by many of your predecessors, rather than actually properly supporting and defending our coastline from threats of erosion and global warming?

I did think that when I saw the question, but I do know there are interests in coastal risks in Monmouthshire, and I quite agree with you about the Black Rock picnic site. I haven’t had any specific discussions with the National Trust on this issue, but I will check if my officials have, and write to the Member.