3. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Afghanistan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:18 pm on 14 September 2021.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 3:18, 14 September 2021

Thank you, Minister, for bringing today's statement. I think many of the points I was probably going to raise with you, you've already covered off this afternoon, but I'd like to recognise the exceptional work that's been carried out by our servicemen and women in supporting those fleeing persecution in Afghanistan, alongside Government agencies and those in Afghanistan to ensure those people who need it most were able to escape the Taliban. I also very much welcome the four-nation approach that you highlighted in your statement. It was really quite reassuring to see nations working together in the best interests of those who need it. And also, I was very pleased to see, as you mentioned, all local authorities in Wales taking part in the relocation and assistance policy, and they, as you mentioned, will be supporting and assisting Afghan citizens who've been resettled, I think, here. And I think a huge amount of credit is due to local authorities for the urgency and the speed with which they've reacted to this situation, whilst also managing pressures on the ground in other areas.

My concern, perhaps like yours, Minister, has been to ensure, actually, that there's a long-term plan and integration and opportunity for refugees coming into Wales, and I thank you for recognising the significant difference that the additional money from UK Government will make to ensure this integration and opportunity are available for those refugees. You did mention some lack of clarity around how that funding will arrive at councils and health boards. I was wondering whether today you could commit, if that money is going via Welsh Government, that actually all the money does end up at those councils that need it, rather than some being siphoned off to work in the Welsh Government. And also would you commit to listening to councils and continuing that engagement with councils, not just in these reactive stages now but also over the coming months and perhaps even years to make sure that we do get this real integration of these refugees into our communities and it's not a flash-in-the-pan programme right now? Thanks, Minister.