3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:14 pm on 20 October 2020.

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Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 3:14, 20 October 2020

I'm sure the Minister would want to join me in welcoming the news that Prescoed prison football team has been now allowed to play in the Sunday league in the Gwent Central League. It was a real tragedy that they were told, after 20 years, that they weren't able to re-enter the league for the coming season. But doesn't this reflect poorly on how we manage rehabilitation in Wales and how we manage people who are leaving the secure estate in Wales? A number of people who have played for this football team have spoken very eloquently about how this gave them the opportunity to start to rebuild their lives again, and it's important that we are able to work towards rehabilitation and to ensure that people who have served sentences in Wales are able to be supported as they leave the secure estate. So, I'd like to ask for a debate in Government time on the future of rehabilitation in Wales, and how the Welsh Government intends to address that issue.

I'd also like to ask for a statement or a debate on our Standing Orders as a Parliament. We've seen again over the last week that our processes, our privileges and our resources are being abused by people who have no electoral mandate at all in this place to play their musical chairs with their politics whilst we pay for it as taxpayers and as Members of this place. It brings this place into disrepute to see these charlatans and chancers moving across and around the Chamber at will. The people of Wales have a right to a democracy, and all of us in this place must respect that democracy. It is clear that some Members have no respect for that democracy, and, until the people of Wales have the opportunity to kick them out next May, it is important that our Standing Orders reflect that and respect that democracy.