2. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:01 pm on 20 May 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 2:01, 20 May 2020

(Translated)

First Minister, this crisis has proved the value of devolution, but has also highlighted a number of structural problems in the political landscape in Wales, and one of those is the weakness of the press. Last week, papers sold in Wales had a front-page advertisement, paid for by the UK Government, with the message, 'Stay alert', which wasn't applicable to Wales. The London newspapers are full of stories that are not relevant to Wales and this isn’t being explained and is causing confusion.

The same situation does not exist in Scotland, where there are Scottish versions of English newspapers and many Scottish-based newspapers. A YouGov survey recently reflected this, finding that 40 per cent of the people of Wales didn’t know enough about you to give a view on your performance. The corresponding figure for Sturgeon in Scotland was 6 per cent.

First Minister, what plans does the Welsh Government have to transform this situation, now that it’s a matter of safeguarding public health? Can you tell me whether the past few weeks have convinced you that we need to devolve broadcasting?