Questions Without Notice from the Party Leaders

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:50 pm on 11 October 2022.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 1:50, 11 October 2022

Llywydd, I think it is better that I quote the words of the bereaved families themselves, so that there is no ambiguity in what I am saying. So, here is—. I'm quoting now directly from the press release that they issued on Tuesday of last week. They say that they firmly believe that a Wales-wide inquiry would be the best way to,

'achieve the scrutiny that Wales deserves'.

That has always been their view. I have rehearsed it and discussed it with them in five separate meetings. They go on to say that, despite those meetings, the First Minister,

'remains unconvinced that this is the right way ahead'.

That's a very fair summary of my position. And that I believe that,

'all decisions made by the Welsh Government must be seen in the context of those made by the UK Government'.

Again, an absolutely fair representation of my view. They then say,

'CBFJC have therefore shifted their focus to ensuring that Wales is fully scrutinised in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry'.

I think it's easier that I put their words onto the record rather than trying to gloss them myself.