7. 3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:19 pm on 1 November 2016.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 4:19, 1 November 2016

Thank you, Julie Morgan, for raising that very important question, because I am sure we all welcome the fact that the inquiry has launched an office in Wales, as you say. I think when you just look at the way that the UK commissioned the inquiry—it covers England and Wales, and we must ensure that people in Wales, living in Wales, have the opportunity to come forward, tell their stories and feel confident in this inquiry. Indeed, when that announcement was made, there was some publicity and people did come forward, and I think that was a powerful and very, very brave way in which some victims and survivors came forward. What we have to ensure now is that those people in Wales are supported.

Now, we have got Welsh Government officials and members of the inquiry team who are now working to support the needs of the inquiry in Wales. We have to have an inquiry and relationships that are transparent. Obviously, it’s an independent inquiry, and I think the fact that Welsh Government, and what part can we play—. As you say, as the Member says, it is about how we can then work together, through the Welsh Government supporting, not just attending the launch, meeting with the inquiry that is taking place—I think they’re meeting in the next couple of days—and also making clear, publicly, how people can come forward and what kind of support they can have and expect to receive and be empowered about how they present their evidence and subsequently feel strengthened by the opportunity that this inquiry will provide.