6. Statement by the Minister for Economy: Qatar 2022

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:17 pm on 27 September 2022.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 4:17, 27 September 2022

As you know, I was very keen to hear this statement before the summer. I was concerned prior to the recess that there were no plans in place, but I am really thrilled to see these announcements today. I was particularly pleased to see that you'd received 97 applications in total that could have been worth £7.1 million, which just shows that creativity that has been inspired by this historic event. And I think part of the challenge for us is looking at how, with a legacy, that continues in terms of that outpouring of support, that increase in confidence, how we can carry on with that legacy of creativity as well. 

Another important element is, of course, the opportunity it provides in terms of the Welsh language; the fact that the team now own that word 'Cymru'. When we're playing, it's Cymru there against any other country, rather than Wales, so that ownership and distinctiveness comes across clearly. And I would like to ask, Minister, how within the marketing campaign is that embodiment of Cymru being embraced by Welsh Government, because I think since the team and the Football Association of Wales have personified and owned that word so that it's normalised and used by everyone, whether they speak the language or not—how can we maximise that so that it's used internationally to identify Wales? 

I would also like to ask—. You've mentioned here the Welsh Government's overseas offices and the important role they play. In a previous role, I visited Qatar and saw that it was one member of staff in the Welsh Government offices. So, therefore, can I ask what additional resources have been put into those Welsh Government overseas offices in Qatar to ensure that we are maximising those opportunities? 

I also wanted to ask if you could give a bit more information about how you're working with the UK Government on the opportunities to promote Wales in Qatar, and, specifically, you've referenced the GREAT festival and the UK Day. You'll know that I've previously raised concerns about the risk of Wales being under that GREAT campaign banner, and how we have our distinct presence. So, I wonder if you could perhaps highlight how that distinct identity will be maintained, and that we don't see a union jack rather than our own flag representing us, which would, actually, undermine a lot of the great work being done by the FAW if that were to happen. I hope it's been resolved and there's not that risk, because you have mentioned there about our distinct identity, but I would like to see how that's going to work with this idea of a UK Day and GREAT festival and so on—how we're going to feature there. 

I'd also like to know what funding has been secured from UK Government to support the promotion of Wales specifically and Welsh identity as part of this. Because, obviously, we are competing against our neighbours, England; we have two distinct teams. And I'm sure there will be a great amount of promotion of the English team—we're already seeing it in supermarkets and so on, where some large companies have forgotten that there are two teams in the World Cup from the United Kingdom—and it's therefore important that we have that distinct identity, so I would like some reassurances there.

You've also referenced, of course, the key concern for many, which is around human rights in terms of LGBTQ and workers' rights. And obviously, the fact that some of our fans don't feel safe in travelling is of huge concern, and I note the discussions you've been having, but, obviously, I think one of the things—. For any fans who are LGBTQ+ who are travelling, I think it's knowing that assurances of their safety and how they will be supported is something that we need to make clear. Also, in terms of this world cup, it is likely to set standards for future events, so we need to ensure we are making a stand for human rights. I'm pleased to see you reference that, but I think some additional information would be helpful. Because, as you know, a YouGov survey, commissioned by Amnesty International, found that 73 per cent of people were in favour of using world cup revenues to compensate workers who suffered in preparation. And this increases to 84 per cent for those who are likely to watch at least one game, and 67 per cent want their national football associations to speak out. So, therefore, can the Minister put on record support for these calls to FIFA and the Qatari Government, to ensure workers who've suffered are compensated and that this level of human rights abuse should not be accepted or tolerated for future events.

Finally, if I may, you have mentioned legacy in terms of those sporting facilities. You will know that the FAW have said that, in order to be able to address poor facilities in Wales, it would require an investment of £343 million over the next 20 years. Therefore, can we look at ensuring that, after the evaluation and everything, that legacy part is central to our plans? Because, hopefully, we will be qualifying for the next world cup and can start our preparations for maximising on that legacy after this one. Like you said in your statement, we wish Cymru well in the world cup. There are very exciting plans here, which I'm pleased to see you announce, and I'm looking forward to being able to support the team—from Wales; unfortunately, I won't be travelling like you. Diolch.