4. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Eradicating racism and building an anti-racist Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:49 pm on 22 June 2021.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 3:49, 22 June 2021

(Translated)

First of all, then, on the plan and the consultation, can you explain how the recommendations made by Professor Ogbonna have been incorporated into the plan? You're also extending the consultation period in order to ensure greater input, so what is your process in ensuring that cross-cutting voices can feed into this? And finally on the plan, you're eager to include a number of public and private organisations in the vision of an anti-racist Wales, so what's the system of accountability built into the plan in order to ensure that this vision does become a reality?

Secondly, leadership pathways need to be clear to black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. What is your impression of how reforming the Senedd could have an impact on an anti-racist Wales? Clearly, there are policy areas, such as education and housing, where the Senedd could make positive change. But I also believe that there is so much more that we can do if we devolve policing and justice. It's a cause of sorrow that Wales is tied to a reactionary right-wing Government that is led by a politician who has made racist statements himself, that makes it more difficult for people to insist upon sanctuary and equal rights—for example, given the current threats to the European Convention on Human Rights—and that has cut unconscious bias training to Border Force officials.

There's no time today to list the whole host of other examples that have done nothing to eradicate racism and discrimination. Do you therefore agree with me, in light of this plan, that the Welsh Parliament is far better placed to make decisions on justice that impact on equalities, and that devolving them would be an additional boost in our journey to reaching an anti-racist Wales? Thank you.