Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:18 pm on 3 July 2019.
Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I don’t have a great deal of time, unfortunately, but could I just start by thanking Plaid for supporting some of our points? I look forward to you bringing forward your own debate in terms of the amendments that you have tabled. Now, it’s disappointing that you’ve deleted the final point rather than adding a new point. We, perhaps, could have agreed but for that, but I do believe that there should be timetable in place for standards, although we may disagree as to where that should lead us.
That’s why we are slightly confused by the Welsh Government’s decision to delete our motion entirely. Of course the strategy doesn’t just relate to this aspect of things. I am trying to analyse, through individual debates such as this, where we can hold the Welsh Government to account for its failings on certain aspects of its strategy. Today, we’re focusing on small businesses, not education, because it seems to me that the Government isn’t willing to provide the opportunity to scrutinise.
Once again, it has shown disrespect, unfortunately—I have to say that—for this Parliament by removing a substantial part of an opposition motion and, essentially, replacing it with its motion. Well, no: if you have confidence in your strategy, Minister, introduce a debate in your own time. Points 3 and 4 respond to your disheartening engagement with this Assembly on the progress of your strategy and its effectiveness. Why won't you report to this place twice a year on overall progress? Why don't you report back to us on the success or otherwise of the work of your Government with small businesses? What is your significant progress, Minister? Three years, and what exactly has your strategy delivered? Thank you.