Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:49 pm on 15 July 2020.
Okay. The steps that were outlined last week by the Chancellor don't go far enough to meet the scale of the challenges we face. We need more extensive and far-reaching action to tackle this crisis head on, and to build back better.
I'll say finally, Llywydd, that our priority for the Welsh Government today, and every day in the coming weeks, is to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, and the people of Wales would expect no less. But it is relevant to say, in responding to this debate, that, more than ever, we need to jointly establish those inter-governmental mechanisms to ensure we can address the many challenges that lie ahead.
The former First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, subscribed to the 'powers for a purpose' model of devolution. Our First Minister, Mark Drakeford, today spoke of 'assertive devolution', and he has demonstrated the positive impact of this assertive devolution in Wales and in the UK, as our First Minister.
But with our powers, what people want to know is what can we do? We've given key workers free childcare during the lockdown, approved a £500 payment for our care workers, delivered an economic resilience fund over and above UK Government consequentials, granted £20 million to end homelessness, we've worked with local authorities to co-ordinate free school meals and to bring our children back to school, and we've supported those with no recourse to public funds, working with our partners in the NHS, local government, business and the third sector to safeguard and protect Wales. That's been our priority, Llywydd, and I urge you all to support our amendment and reject all the other amendments. Diolch yn fawr.