4. Debate: International Human Rights Day

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:54 pm on 12 December 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:54, 12 December 2018

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm very grateful to all Members for their reflections and insights on this important anniversary day. Turning to the amendments, we will be supporting amendment 1. The Welsh Government is strongly opposed to all forms of extremism, including far-right extremism. In 'Prosperity for All: the national strategy', we set out our ambition to work with communities, the voluntary sector and local services to counter the threat of extremism and hate crime in all or communities.

In October, I had the privilege to meet with Sara Khan, the lead commissioner for countering extremism. We discussed the developing role of the commission and how it can support our ambition in Wales to tackle all forms of extremism, including far-right extremism—the most prevalent form of extremism in Wales. While in Wales, the commissioner also met with a number of our stakeholders as part of our evidence gathering. This will help inform a better understanding of extremism and how it may be countered. 

We do have an effective mechanism for engagement at senior level through our CONTEST and extremism board Wales. The board is co-chaired by the Welsh Government and the Wales extremism and counter-terrorism unit. The members include the chairs of our regional boards and also senior key representatives of other key partner organisations. Members will be pleased to know that the board commissioned a report on far-right extremism in Wales. They will be considering the findings of this report together with any recommendations from the commission at a future meeting. Despite the extensive work both across the Welsh Government and with our partners, we know that there is no room for complacency. The recent stories in the media about far-right extremism being present right on our doorstep illustrate the need to stay alert to the threat, and all Members, I think, mentioned that threat here today. We will continue to work with our partners and through our established structures to better understand and address these risks.

Turning to amendment 2, although we question whether it’s a priority for the UK Government, the Welsh Government welcomes any action to tackle modern slavery, to defend freedom of religion or belief, to end inequality and discrimination, and to promote democracy. For this reason, we also support amendment 2.

We strongly encourage the UK Government to step up its efforts in all these areas, as there is clearly far more to be done to truly prove it is a priority for the UK Government. In terms of the issues raised, Leanne Wood said quite a lot that I—. Well, actually, everything she said I completely agree with, but there’s quite a lot that we're already doing, and I’ll be sure to update Members about the outcome of the board and it’s commissioned response to far-right extremism. That was mentioned by a lot of Members today, so I’ll be sure to make sure that Members are fully informed on that as it develops.

I was delighted to hear Mark Isherwood and Darren Millar’s strong support of human rights, despite the fact that the abolition of the Human Rights Act 1998 has featured in two Queen’s Speeches. I think it does demonstrate that politics is different here in Wales, and I was delighted to see that support. If only the UK Government would go as far as the Welsh Conservatives have felt able to do, we would all be much better off.

Many Members—Julie Morgan, Helen Mary Jones, Joyce Watson, Caroline Jones and Rhianon Passmore—all mentioned what happens when human rights are ignored, and I think I can do no better than to quote the Counsel General’s speech at the Eileen Illtyd memorial lecture. He said that human rights should be seen as the practical, the basic, the mundane even, rather than be limited, or imposed, or alien. We need a response that portrays human rights as the mundane tools of justice in

‘“small places, close to home”, not the liberal pronouncements of distant marble halls’.

I think all Members today, Deputy Presiding Officer, have underlined the need for us to understand that human rights are basic rights, basic needs that we all have, not something to be used as a weapon, but rather as a shield and a right to dignity and responsibility. I’m so pleased that we’ve had this debate today, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I thank all the Members for participating so freely. Diolch.