3. Statement by the First Minister: Delivering the International Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:16 pm on 11 November 2020.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 3:16, 11 November 2020

Can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon? Now, today's statement refers to a number of interesting reports and actions that the Welsh Government is taking forward with partners, and as Members will be aware, there have been some developments in working with others to strengthen the Welsh Government's response to tackling COVID-19. For example, the priority regional relationships and networks action plan outlines where the Welsh Government has been sharing information with others in relation to the impact of the virus, and exploring opportunities for the recovery phase. In the short term, the Welsh Government has committed to sharing its intelligence with other regional Governments across Europe, with a particular focus on economic resilience and mitigating vulnerabilities. So, in response to today's statement, perhaps the First Minister could tell us more on what information the Welsh Government has received from other Governments so far, and how that has had an impact on the Welsh Government's decision making and policies. And can he also tell us what information the Welsh Government is sharing with other regional Governments in relation to COVID-19?

Of course, the statement makes it clear that the Welsh Government's international strategy was initially crafted in response to Brexit and developing resilience for Wales and our economy. There's a clear commitment in terms of participating in some of the same European and international networks that Wales currently participates in, and the Welsh Government make it clear that there are brokerage opportunities for European programmes. However, neither the priority regional relationships and networks action plan nor the international relations through public diplomacy and soft power action plan provide actual concrete examples of what those brokerage opportunities have actually delivered so far for Wales. So, perhaps in responding to today's statement, the First Minister will publish a list of the brokerage opportunities highlighted in these action plans, alongside a list of where those opportunities have been taken, and what that has delivered for the people of Wales.

Of course, much of the impact of Brexit will come down to on what terms Britain will leave the European Union, and so it's more important than ever that the Welsh Government and the UK Government are working together where they can in the interests of the people of Wales. Therefore, following the recent joint ministerial committee meeting last week, I'd be grateful if the First Minister could tell us a bit more about any outcomes reached from that meeting, and for a general update on current inter-governmental relations at this time, as strong inter-governmental relations will certainly be of key importance in raising Wales and the UK's international profile post Brexit. 

Today's statement refers to some interesting developments in relation to diaspora engagement, and it's clear from the 2020-25 action plan that the Welsh Government is making significant efforts to develop its diaspora and envoy networks in order to promote Wales on the international stage. However, in relation to the business diaspora network and the worldwide Welsh diaspora networks mentioned in the action plan, there's little detail about the contractors tasked with taking on the networks, and as a result, it's difficult to properly evaluate any initial outcomes. Therefore, will the First Minister tell us a bit more about the contractors chosen by the Welsh Government, and the reasons for their appointments? And can the First Minister also tell us how the Welsh Government is suitably evaluating the outcomes of those networks, and how it's determining their level of success?

The Welsh Government's international strategy commits to commissioning an independent rapid review of current international health activity and existing international health infrastructure in Wales, and that review is particularly important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and informing the Welsh Government's direction of travel. So, can the First Minister provide an update on that rapid review, when it's to be conducted and when the conclusions of that review will be made publicly available?

Llywydd, today's statement refers to climate change and sustainability, and one way that we can achieve that is by addressing deforestation, which is a very significant driver of climate change and habitat loss, as well as pandemic risk. The WWF and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' 'Riskier Business' report shows that many commodities that drive deforestation in places like the Amazon are imported into Wales and used in everyday items, including food. Therefore, can the First Minister confirm whether he supports the calls of Size of Wales, WWF Cymru and RSPB Cymru for Wales to be the first deforestation-free nation? If so, can he provide an update on the work being done to achieve that goal?

In closing, Llywydd, the First Minister knows that it's my view that whereas some Government departments rightly have to consider international trends and developments, the overarching strategy for international development should continue to lie with the UK Government, with collaboration from the Welsh Government. The people of Wales are, to my mind, best served as part of a strong United Kingdom, and I hope that the First Minister will continue to advocate that working with Governments across the UK, under a joint structure, delivers the best possible outcomes for the people of Wales. Diolch.