6. Debate: The Prosperity for All Annual Report and the Legislative Programme

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:01 pm on 9 October 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 4:01, 9 October 2018

Very quickly, in terms of what Julie Morgan said, I take the point about the no-fault evictions, that's something to look at. On reasonable punishment of children, well, yes, we'll take that forward. Darren Millar said that the defence hadn't been used in Wales in the last year. Well, what's the point of it then if it's never been used? It will not criminalise parents. Yes, it will create a situation where somebody could potentially be convicted of an offence, but that's the very last resort. I know that the Minister is working with the police, with the Child Prosecution Service and other agencies to make sure that the first port of call is not prosecution. It doesn't happen with other offences of this type, so why should it be for this one? The intention is not to criminalise people at the drop of a hat, it's to help people at the beginning, and if things are not resolved, then ultimately there is the possibility of prosecution. That certainly isn't the way the police or the CPS or indeed ourselves would see it. 

I think I've covered—. Just one thing Neil Hamilton said about China. The Chinese people are not stupid and nor is their Government. They've a real problem with pollution, which is why they're investing so much in renewables. They are under pressure from their own people because of the horrific air quality that they have in some parts of China, and they are very much aware of the work that they need to do in order to clean up their own act. That's something the Chinese are moving forward with and are developing the technology to do even as Britain has gone backwards in terms of developing that technology. Carbon dioxide: it's poisonous, it's a greenhouse gas, that's established. The vast weight of evidence says that, but unfortunately he relies on one or two people who disagree. I know from my previous experience in my previous job, you'll always find one person who is an expert who will have a different view to everybody else. You have to look at the weight of evidence. The weight of evidence is clear: climate change is happening, human beings are affecting it, and it's something we need to do something about across the world. I'm sorry I've rushed, but my time is up. Forgive me, Dirprwy Lywydd.