4. 3. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 3:45 pm on 1 March 2017.

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Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:45, 1 March 2017

We move on to item 3 on the agenda, which is 90-second statements and I call Vikki Howells.

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour

Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Getting outdoors is so good for us, not just physically, but also mentally. It takes us away from the stresses of the fast-paced, technology-driven world that we live in and gets us back to simplicity and nature to give our brains that much needed rest. Those are the words of my constituent, Tracy Purnell of Newtown, Mountain Ash, who beat almost 500 hopefuls to become the Ordnance Survey champion 2017, in which role she will lead this year’s GetOutside challenge, inviting members of the public to join her on local walks to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Also today, Ramblers Cymru launched their 10-year vision to create a true walking culture here in Wales, in association with my colleague the AM for Ogmore. Their vision is of a Wales where people understand their rights and responsibilities and where places, landscapes and our natural heritage are treasured community assets and where everyone has the freedom to enjoy the great Welsh outdoors that is, often literally, on our doorsteps.

Walking is the most accessible form of exercise and if we could encourage Welsh citizens to walk more, we could reduce the £314 million that physical inactivity costs the Welsh economy every year. It is also good for Welsh citizens. Heightened physical activity levels through walking reduces the risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and even depression. In particular, we need to encourage our young people to walk more. So, I welcome Welsh Government initiatives like the daily mile to get our schoolchildren into good habits, and look forward to working with ramblers on a project in my constituency this year.

Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:47, 1 March 2017

Thank you very much. Nick Ramsay.

Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. In the last 10 years, skin cancer diagnosis rates in Wales have risen by 63 per cent, with 140 people dying every year from the disease. In the same time, melanoma incidence rates in Wales have risen by 86 per cent for men and by almost half for women. These rates are unacceptably high for a cancer that can be protected against with one simple change: using sun cream. We need to be doing more to warn the people of Wales about the deadly risks of exposing their skin to UV rays without effective protection in the form of sun cream.

Skin Care Cymru is a volunteer-run charity that gives a voice to people with skin conditions in Wales. They campaign to raise awareness and educate on how people can protect themselves and spot the signs of skin cancer. Their message to Welsh people from this March is, ‘Don’t be a lobster on Welsh beaches, and use sun cream as we move into the spring and summer months.’

You may have already seen that, for St David’s Day, Welsh flags across the country have been transformed. Look out for our famous Welsh dragon being replaced by a bright red lobster. This figure—a well-known symbol for sunburn—will be flying in 35 locations across our country: from the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, to Pembroke Castle, and all the way to the summit of mount Snowdon. All of this is to encourage people to be aware of the risk the sun can pose and to encourage them to cover up with sun cream when they expose their skin to harmful rays. Even in Wales, where the sun doesn’t always shine, it’s important to guard against the dangers of UV and to stay protected.

Skin Care Cymru is asking us to fully support its ‘Don’t be a Lobster’ campaign, which launches today and will continue through the summer months. The more Welsh people who are educated about these risks, the more lives will be saved.

Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:49, 1 March 2017

Thank you very much. Sian Gwenllian.

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated)

Yesterday morning at 9 o’clock, a bright, young student from Bangor, and her mother, were supposed to be on a plane to Sri Lanka against their will. Following a brief campaign, Shiromini Satkunarajah was allowed to stay, for the time being at least. Shiromini’s story has grabbed the imagination of thousands of people in all parts of Britain. It’s underlined just how unpleasant the immigration system is. It’s also demonstrated something very important in these troubled days. Shiromini’s story demonstrates what’s possible with determination and perseverance. Shiromini’s story demonstrates that people power, taking action with one strong voice, can make a change. Very late in the day, we succeeded in changing the Home Office’s mind. The role of Hywel Williams, the Member of Parliament for Arfon, was crucial in this. Bangor University and the students’ union were very vocal in their support too. More importantly, perhaps, way over 150,000 people raised their voices—a simple act of signing a petition, but a mass act that was very powerful indeed. Shiromini is now very eager to return to her engineering studies at Bangor University. Her battle to remain in Wales is not over, but at least we succeeded with this first step. She has asked me to send a message. She is very eager to thank everyone who has supported her, so thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, for the opportunity to make that point in our national Senedd today.