5. Statement by the Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee: Dignity and Respect in the Assembly

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:54 pm on 7 March 2018.

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Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour 3:54, 7 March 2018

Diolch, Llyr. Again, you've made some very significant points, and some of the points were raised at the committee meeting last week, so I'm glad you're able to do that today. 

In terms of your comments on the ministerial code, obviously, people understand that the ministerial code is not in our remit or our gift to change, but comments you've raised today have been made in our meeting and I'm sure will be raised in future meetings. 

In terms of the points you put about wider societal issues, that is exactly right. We've also seen that this is not an issue that's just confined to politics. It is important, though, that we do show leadership here and I'm really keen that the Assembly—and I'm sure all Members here are keen—that we're really driving forward on progress and making sure that we are a beacon that can be held up as an example. This is our chance to do our best and get these processes right. That's why it's really important that we're doing that, but it can't be just the end of the conversation as you say. It's really important that we're always reassessing and asking people for their views. Is the process right? Are people feeling they can come forward? We should be looking to make sure, as Paul said earlier, that we're doing that preventative role and we're trying to make sure that this Assembly is seen as a beacon, really. So, I'm really keen that we do that. But the points that you raise are very welcome, and thanks for doing that, Llyr.