3. Statement by the First Minister: The Legislative Programme

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:23 pm on 16 July 2019.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 4:23, 16 July 2019

It's not a matter of stepping back from the ambition, Llywydd, because our ambition for the future of Welsh agriculture is real, and the changes that we want to bring about I think will go with the grain of those ambitious people in the sector. We can't do impact assessments without knowing the budget. The Member is right about that, and we won't be going ahead with them until we are clearer about the budget we are working within.

On the environmental principles and governance gaps, I felt a slight Mark Isherwood moment coming on: 'How do you answer confused of north Wales, who has said to me that—?' Well, I will try and clarify any confusion by being clear: we do intend to legislate in this field here, yes. We don't think we will be able to rely entirely on legislation elsewhere. It would not be acceptable to us or to the Scottish Government either to have an England oversight body simply operating at a UK-wide level. We're still involved in many conversations with all administrations, not just the UK Government, but the Scottish Government as well, about where the gaps will finally emerge in relation to governance and principles. That's why it wasn't possible this afternoon, Llywydd, to be certain about when legislation would happen. But, if it wasn't clear in what I said that we intend to legislate, I'm happy to confirm that in answer to Llyr's question.