6. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's economic priorities for South Wales Central? OAQ53167

I thank the Member for the question. Our economic priorities are set out in the Welsh Government's economic action plan. These include investing in people, places and businesses through skills, infrastructure and business support.

Thank you, First Minister, for that answer. Obviously, people, places, require good transport links. We know much about the metro system that is promised over the coming years. But a decision that was in your predecessor's inbox and is now in your inbox, the M4 relief road, is desperately required. It will dramatically improve the fortunes of the area that I represent, South Wales Central. Because, time and time again, when I talk to business, the logjam around Newport seems to be stopping goods and people moving around the south Wales economy. Can you give any indication on the timeline when your Government will be making a decision on this important infrastructure—and, if it is to be a negative decision, allow the Government to bring forward other proposals so that people can have confidence that the car park that is the M4 today will be relieved and businesses can get on with investing in their businesses and creating job opportunities in South Wales Central?

Well, Llywydd, I entirely recognise the challenge that is faced in that part of the south-east Wales infrastructure. I remain in the position that I explained the last time I was asked here in the Assembly. There is advice that needs to come to me as First Minister, following receipt of the independent local inquiry inspector's report. That advice is yet to be concluded. When it is received, I will approach it in an entirely open-minded way, relying on the report itself and all the other considerations on which advice will come to me.