Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:19 pm on 9 May 2017.
I think the first question you ask, Andrew R.T. Davies, on the Barry incinerator—. I’m very glad, in fact—and, indeed, it is in my Assembly Member capacity—to report on the fact that I chaired a meeting last night, a meeting that was attended by a delegation from the Docks Incinerator Action Group, with senior officials from Natural Resources Wales, and I put out a statement today, which was agreed by all there last night. This was a very constructive meeting in order to make sure—the First Minister came to Barry, as you know, and had a very robust exchange with members of the public at his Carwyn Connect meeting where, as a result, we were able to then move forward in getting an extension on the consultation of the environmental permit, and, of course, that extension has been agreed by Natural Resources Wales.
What is very important and was discussed last night—and the points put to Natural Resources—is that they will, and agreed to, and, indeed, it is their duty to, fully consider the impact of proposals on public health and the environment. Indeed, of course, there will be further opportunities for consultation on that, as they now, later in the week, issue a schedule 5—we saw a draft of it last night—that asks further questions to the company, Biomass 2, in terms of the concerns not only that the public have raised during this consultation period, but also Natural Resources Wales themselves. So, I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to give that very constructive update on that very constructive meeting last night. And we, indeed, agreed to meet again, and I’m sure you will hear that from the Docks Incinerator Action Group.
On your second point, of course, yes, the Vale council, the new Vale council, will have many challenges to face ahead of them in terms of difficult decisions. I’m very proud of the fact that a Labour-led Vale council for the last five years actually was deemed to be the best performing local authority in Wales, and very proud of the councillors, the new Labour councillors, who were also elected on Thursday. But, clearly, the priorities lie ahead, and the challenges, for the new Vale council.