2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:14 pm on 19 February 2019.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 3:14, 19 February 2019

We are not here next week, because of recess, but it's Eating Disorders Awareness Week and there's a campaign, 'I'm socking it to eating disorders', where they're asking people to wear snazzy, coloured socks and post this on social media. Assuming that AMs have snazzy, coloured socks, I would encourage people to support Eating Disorders Awareness Week by taking part in that social media activity. I'm also requesting an update from the Government on the review of the framework for eating disorders. I am pleased that the Minister has been working positively with the sector in this review process. Can we have details as to the progress on that? I have been critical of Government on many things, but I would like to thank the Government for embracing the concept of working with sufferers and their families in renewing this framework so that we can get the best deal for those with eating disorders in Wales. 

My second question is something I've raised many times now in relation to the situation of the Kurds here in Wales and further afield. A demonstration was held in Newport over the weekend. I've seen pictures of the police actually being forthright towards campaigners who were simply protesting, i.e. protesting peacefully, walking along the street, wanting to raise concerns about imprisoned Kurdish politicians that have been imprisoned by the Turkish authoritarian regime. I'm dismayed at the way that the police in this country have treated protestors. I do believe that we need to have a debate on community cohesion, because I've also seen some comments on social media by people from Wales saying, 'Well, if they want to campaign on these issues, they should go to Turkey to do so.' Do they not realise that, if they went to Turkey, many of those, especially if they were women, would be imprisoned and beaten on the streets of Turkey because of standing up for the rights of Kurdish people and the politicians? So, I would urge you to give us a statement here on what the police can do to have positive relations with the Kurdish community here in Wales, of which there are many, so that we can ensure that we come to a peaceful political settlement. We know that there may be an imminent attack by Turkey on the Syrian-Turkish border and we really do have to support the people not only in this country, but show solidarity to those in Turkey who are from the Kurdish community and continue to do so.