5. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 3:25 pm on 25 November 2020.

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Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:25, 25 November 2020

Therefore, we move to item 5, which is the 90-second statements. The first this week is Vikki Howells.

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. November 2020 marks the centenary of the birth of Elaine Morgan. Elaine, born into a mining family, achieved the truly remarkable during a long, varied and glittering career. She won a scholarship to Oxford University, a phenomenal achievement for a miner's daughter in the 1930s. After graduation, Elaine worked for the WEA, and then married Morien, who had fought against the fascists in Spain. Three sons were raised from the family home in Mountain Ash, as Elaine embarked on a career as a writer for the BBC. She wrote acclaimed adaptations of—amongst others—How Green was my Valley, The Life and Times of Lloyd George, and Testament of Youth. For the latter, she won a Writer of the Year award, to go with numerous BAFTAs, Writers' Guild Awards, and even the odd international trophy. Elaine also developed and promoted the revolutionary aquatic ape theory, publishing many books on the subject and winning prizes for her contribution to scientific knowledge. In her 80s, Elaine took on a new challenge as an award-winning columnist for the Western Mail.

Elaine died in 2013. Seven years on, there is a new biography of Elaine, recently written by local historian Dr Daryl Leeworthy, and plans to erect a statue in her honour in Mountain Ash, in the heart of the Valleys whose communities she captured so vividly. As journalist Carolyn Hitt observed, Elaine changed the world from her desk in Mountain Ash.

Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:27, 25 November 2020

(Translated)

I rise to celebrate volunteers. As the Member for Ynys Môn and as a Senedd Commissioner, I am very pleased that the Senedd is creating a gallery of COVID heroes who have worked tirelessly for their communities this year. Every Member has been able to select who should be represented in the gallery, and I asked the people of Môn to help choose. With over 40 nominations, it’s clear how much good work has been done.

Congratulations to the three nominees who came to the fore: the Gwalchmai Hotel, the Love Amlwch group and Chippy Chippy in Holyhead. But, I am just as proud of the work done by Stayce Weeder and Matthew Southgate in helping to distribute PPE; Gwyneth Parry and the Rhosneigr volunteers; Eirian Huws and Bryngwran community group; and Steve MacVicar and the Seiriol Good Turn Scheme. Llinos Wyn in Amlwch; Lisa Hall and the Llangaffo volunteers; Roy Fyles and Môn food bank; Julie Parkinson, Vaughan and Louise Evans, Pam Gannon and Delyth Jones-Williams from Llanfairpwll Scouts; and Sophie Mae Roe, seven years of age, for her fundraising.

There were health and care workers: paramedics in Amlwch; Plas Garnedd home; Dr Nia Allen from Llanfairpwll; Dr Claire Kilduff from Ysbyty Gwynedd. The organisations Neges, Medrwn Môn, Menter Môn, the county council, Môn CF, Citizens Advice, Môn Youth Services and COVID-19 Mutual Aid Môn.

Businesses: Dylan’s; Mojo’s; Catch 22; The Codmother, Niwbwrch; the Holland Hotel in Llanfachraeth; Raymond Jones the butcher’s; Blas Mwy at the Black Lion; the Oyster Catcher; Siop Elis and Beaumaris Spar; as well as Anglesey Outdoors for providing accommodation to key workers. To Môn FM; the Côr-ona Facebook group; Môn gymnastics club; and Helen Barton school of dance, your work is appreciated. And, finally, to postman Ben Williams, who gladdened hearts with his fancy dress. Thank you.

Thank you to everyone in Môn. But, on behalf of everyone at the Senedd, thank you to everyone across Wales for showing that we are a nation of allies.

Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 3:29, 25 November 2020

From 30 November to 6 December, we celebrate Electrical Safety Week Wales. The Electrical Safety First charity are the only charity working in Wales who are dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by electricity. They use Electrical Safety Week to promote electrical fire safety in the home, raising awareness that over half of all accidental house fires are caused by electricity.

This year, COVID-19 presents new challenges for electrical safety. There is evidence that COVID concerns are pushing Welsh consumers away from the high street and onto online marketplaces, risking dangerous gifts. New research from Electrical Safety First suggests that 57 per cent of Welsh residents will be shopping online this year, and the majority of these people said they were planning to shop online because they believed these websites are safer than going to the high street during the pandemic. However, Electrical Safety First is concerned that consumers are simply replacing one risk with another, as multiple investigations for the charity have unearthed dangerous electrical products for sale via third parties on these sites, with Electrical Safety First investigations repeatedly finding unsafe electricals for sale on sites including Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Wish.com and others. Repeated calls for online marketplaces to take responsibility for the products sold has not yet yielded significant action. So, the charity is urging consumers to reduce their chances of buying dangerous items by sticking to the stores and websites of well-known and trusted manufacturers and retailers, such as those on our high streets. So, in Electrical Safety Week, ask Santa to bring you safe electrical gifts this year—ho, ho, ho!

Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 3:31, 25 November 2020

Jan Morris led an extraordinary life—an explorer who opened windows onto other worlds with her writing, a pioneer who traversed new terrain and opened doors of possibility. So many of us will be familiar with her evocative books about Venice and Trieste, but it is her magnificent work The Matter of Wales that led readers to discover the hidden treasures of our own nation, her despairs and defiances. Writing when this Senedd was first founded, Jan invites us to capture a glimpse of this country on the brink of her new fulfilment, with place and people joined together.

Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru

(Translated)

Wales was a community for Jan—a community brought together by tragedy and by hope. In an article written in 2011 to mourn the lives lost in the Gleision colliery, she said that her eyes were full of tears, as she extended her love from one end of Wales to the other—from Llanystumdwy near the Dwyfor river to unknown friends who were mourning in the Swansea valley. That mourning for Jan Morris is felt across Wales—this incredible woman, who broke the news to the world that Edmund Hillary had reached Everest base camp. Now, in the words of her son Twm, she has started her greatest journey. May you rest in peace, Jan, from one end of Wales to the other—from base camp to the top of the mountain.

Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:32, 25 November 2020

Thank you. We'll now suspend proceedings to allow changeovers in the Chamber. If you're leaving the Chamber, please do so promptly. The bell will be rung two minutes before we restart our proceedings. Thank you.

(Translated)

Plenary was suspended at 15:33.

(Translated)

The Senedd reconvened at 15:42, with the Llywydd in the Chair.