4. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 3:02 pm on 13 October 2021.

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Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 3:02, 13 October 2021

(Translated)

Therefore, the next item is the 90-second statement, and the first statement is from Huw Irranca-Davies.

Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd. Today, in my role as Chair of the cross-party group on active travel, and after many months of behind-the-scenes cross-party work, we launched the much-anticipated active travel school toolkit at Penyrheol Primary School in Gorseinon. In Wales, we've made important steps to change the way we get to school, but the figures show we need to do so much more, especially on cycling, where fewer than 1 per cent of Welsh children regularly ride a bike to school, in stark contrast to European neighbours like the Netherlands, where 49 per cent of pupils travel to school by bike every single day. So, it was lovely to join the headteacher Alison Williams and pupils and others today on my bike as well along with children who travel to school on their bikes and scooters and by shanks's pony, too. Active travel benefits the physical and mental well-being of children, reduces emissions, helps combat the climate crisis, reduce congestion and pollution around school gates, improves the attentiveness of pupils in the classroom by giving them an energetic start to the day, and so much more. And our toolkit is not a fixed prescription; each school faces a unique set of challenges, but with this initiative, we provide school leaders and parents and governors with the ideas and resources they need to determine their own path towards being an active travel school and community. And by emphasising the importance of persuading others to travel to school actively, this kit aims to create an overwhelming local consensus on active school travel.

From start to finish, this has been about collaboration, partnerships between schools and families on the ground and the behind-the-scenes work of the cross-party group. So, the toolkit will be sent to all Members of the Senedd, to ask them to link with schools on this active travel journey. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd.

Photo of Cefin Campbell Cefin Campbell Plaid Cymru 3:04, 13 October 2021

(Translated)

Thank you very much. I'm sure that each and every one of you will wish to join me in congratulating the Welsh darts player, Jonny Clayton, on his excellent victory in the World Grand Prix of darts last Saturday evening, the first time he has won that championship. As it happens, he won by defeating his great friend and fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price in the final. In addition to winning the Grand Prix, one of the major darts titles, he's also won the Masters and the Premier League this year, and he was also part of the victorious Welsh team that won the World Cup of Darts last November when, of course, he played with his great friend Gerwyn Price. Yes, it has been quite a year for him.

Jonny, or The Ferret, as he's known, is a Welsh speaker who lives in Pontyberem and the people of Pont, the Gwendraeth Valley, Carmarthenshire and the whole of Wales take great pride in his success. But astonishingly, despite his success, he continues to work as a plasterer on a part-time basis for Carmarthenshire County Council, and I understand that he intends to continue with this work for some time to come. It's clear that he can turn his hand to virtually anything. I'm sure that we would all want to wish Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price well over the next 12 months as the darts season picks up pace, and congratulate him once again on his success over the weekend. Thank you.

Photo of Altaf Hussain Altaf Hussain Conservative 3:06, 13 October 2021

Arthritis is the most prevalent disease in the world, and affects 1 in every 4 individuals. World Arthritis Day is globally commemorated on 12 October—which was yesterday—every year, to educate the public on timely diagnosis and management of arthritis. Today is the last day of National Arthritis Week here in the UK. The theme of this year’s campaign is 'Don’t Delay, Connect Today' with a focus on work with the strapline 'Time2Work'.

In 1996, Arthritis and Rheumatism International established World Arthritis Day. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases all over the world. Most people don’t realize that there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. Arthritis is a disease that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. There are around 120 million people currently living with a rheumatic disease like arthritis, in Europe.

Pain is the most disabling symptom of arthritis. Many myths surround the management of arthritis, which can be a barrier to effective management. Many believe that exercise is dangerous, that findings on imaging—that is, x-ray and MRI—dictate what one can do, and surgery and rest are the only treatments. We now know that excessive rest and avoidance of activity can make pain and disability due to arthritis worse. While a small proportion of individuals will benefit from surgery—that's like a knee replacement—not everybody requires surgery or will benefit from surgery. Graded exercises and activity are safe and good for your muscles and joints. Thank you, Presiding Officer.