2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:36 pm on 21 September 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:36, 21 September 2021

Yes, I absolutely agree with the Member around the saga that we've certainly seen unfold. I think what we've seen from the UK Government is a complete lack of long-term planning; they're very good on short-term slogans, but they are not good on long-term planning, and that's what we need to see. You'll be aware of the carbon dioxide issue at the moment, with our abattoirs concerned that they cannot process—[Interruption.] Well, they've put too much emphasis on markets, haven't they? And we're now seeing it with carbon dioxide, we're seeing a cost-of-living crisis, we are seeing energy prices going up, we are seeing food prices going up, we are seeing our national insurance contributions going up, and we are seeing a cut—[Interruption.] You may find it not serious, Andrew R.T. Davies, but people are having cuts of £20 from their universal credit. We have got a cost-of-living crisis, and it's about time the UK Government started planning for the future. So, I absolutely agree with the Member that it is really important that people see Welsh Government standing up for them, and I'll be very happy to put a statement in.