Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:51 pm on 19 May 2021.
May I thank the First Minister for his statement, and also respond to the spirit of collaboration that was intertwined throughout that statement? You mentioned that Welsh choral tradition as a sign of that spirit of collaboration, and of course we do have to remember that I think the original term for the Welsh Parliament was to create a cymanfa genedlaethol, that gathering for song. So that idea of seeking harmony rather than discord I think is always a good starting point in our proceedings as a Parliament, and may I, on behalf of Plaid Cymru, welcome the offer that you referred to, First Minister? We are of course always willing to seek to find that common ground between us for the benefit of the people of Wales, to get to grips with the issues that they face and to propose solutions that we of course discussed during the election.
May I just touch on some of those issues now where perhaps we will be able to find that common ground? I understand, of course, that you will in due course over the coming weeks be announcing your programme for government, but some of these areas are areas where we do need urgent action, so it would be good to hear more about your initial approaches.
May I just begin by referring to the housing crisis? I don't think that we could deny that there is a housing crisis in Wales at the moment. You have promised action before, during and after the election in terms of second homes. Can you give us a little more detail about the steps that you will be taking immediately in that regard? Housing prices in Wales generally are out of control, with house prices increasing here at a greater level than across the United Kingdom. Three charities have said over the weekend that it's a pipe dream to own a house, for many people in Wales now, and that the plans that you had as a previous Government didn't do enough to make a difference for a number of people. So, will you be bringing forward a genuinely radical proposition to get to grips with that particular problem, which is an increasing problem for so many of our young people in our communities?
Can you tell us, with regard to affordable homes, how you're going to deliver the more ambitious level of construction? My party and one of your advisory group suggested the creation of additional capacity with a specific agency. If you don't go down that path, how are you going to deliver on that?
May I just refer to child poverty, and specifically the concerns with regard to free school meals? This was a major theme in our campaign in Plaid Cymru. You've referred to the review of free school meals. Could you give us more detail on that?
With regard to the economy then, you commissioned—and this is at the heart of everything; this is the foundation—you commissioned a substantial and comprehensive report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development before the election, which suggested the creation of additional and the capacity to deliver economic policy in Wales within the civil service, within your department as First Minister, but also the creation of an economic development agency. Is that still something that you are considering as a Government, because we in Plaid Cymru think that we do need new capacity if we are going to increase economic performance in Wales?
It’s good to see the reference to the agriculture Bill. Of course, we do urge you to reconsider the situation with regard to nitrate vulnerable zones, which are a cause of great concern at a very uncertain time for agriculture in general. I heard the comments, but could I ask you to refer to the discussion that has been had over the past few days with regard to the possibility of a trade deal with Australia, which will set out a template—a very dangerous template, truth be told—for the entire future of agriculture in Wales? How much engagement have you had and has the Welsh Government had on this? Do you share the same opinion that we have, that we need to stand as one as a nation, truth be told, to oppose this suggestion that is coming from the Westminster Government?
In terms of the Senedd’s powers, you had argued during the general election for additional powers and you suggested the creation of a commission on this. Would you be able to give more detail on that?
Finally, may I ask you, as First Minister, to make a statement today in terms of the situation in Palestine and Israel, and demand that the United Kingdom Government does everything within its powers to ensure that there is a solution and that there is adherence to international law, to safeguard the interests of the people who are suffering so much in that region? Thank you.