Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:25 pm on 12 June 2018.
Thank you very much, Llywydd. There have been many references made this afternoon to the fact that we need to bring the public on a journey with us in relation to this legislation, and I believe that in these amendments I am betraying my background as a communicator, or my background as one who worked in the communications industry, because I do believe that it is entirely crucial that all possible opportunities are used to explain what precisely we are trying to achieve through this legislation, that all possible opportunities are used to acknowledge the doubts that some people may have, and to run through the evidence that suggests that we are doing the right thing. Therefore, these amendments are here to ensure that on the face of the Bill the promise is made that communicating the intent and purpose will be a crucial part of what we are doing.
It is of course important, as I say, that the public come along with us on the journey on any public health legislation. I think it has become quite evident among Assembly Members and members of the committee that undertook the scrutiny work, but certainly among the people that we took evidence from and engaged with, that in many parts of this area there was a lack of understanding and a lack of information, and therefore what is contained within the amendment is clarity on the type of communication work that the Government will undertake. I think that what the Government wanted to do initially was to say, 'Right, we will have to communicate with you how you will have to comply with this legislation.' Well, that is not what we were looking for, and this amendment takes a further step and says, 'Here are the reasons for this legislation. Because of health concerns, this legislation is being introduced. It is because of all this evidence that the Assembly has come to the conclusion that introducing a minimum price is or can be an effective tool.'
Therefore, I am confident, following our discussions beforehand with the Government, that we can get agreement and support for this amendment. Indeed, I would hope, even from the benches to my right, that we would be able to get the Assembly's approval and consent for what we are seeking to do here, because whether you support the principle or not, when it comes to an Act being implemented, it is very important that that Act and its intents and purposes are explained clearly to people throughout Wales.