International Relations

Part of Questions to the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 17 November 2020.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 2:29, 17 November 2020

Thank you, Deputy Minister, and can I wish you well with these new aspects of your portfolio? Now, last week, the First Minister set out the Welsh Government's strategy for Wales's place in the world and the important relationships that we're seeking to deliver for the future. Since that time, we've seen two significant events: first, the unsavoury events surrounding the outgoing President of the United States, who continues to bring disgrace to that great office that he will soon have to vacate. Despite this, however, I hope the Welsh Government is working to support a smooth transition of power, and I welcome the First Minister's letters to both President Biden, and, especially, Vice President Kamala Harris, congratulating them on their victory. But, secondly, and much closer to home, the utterly chaotic scenes at the heart of the UK Tory Government over the last week, culminating in COVID spreading around the PM, and ending with his inflammatory comments about devolution—comments on which, by the way, the Welsh Tories have been virtually silent.

So, Deputy Minister, at this critical time, do you agree with me that the behaviours on display in and around Downing Street, just like in the USA, demean Government and are a total distraction from the important issues that need to be resolved in the coming days and weeks in order to help Wales and the wider UK family of nations to face the post-Brexit future with confidence?