7. What discussions has the Minister had with the UK Government on the progress of the police covenant? OQ58993

Thank you, Alun Davies, for that question. The Welsh Government is closely involved in the development of the police covenant, including through membership of the covenant oversight group, which is chaired by the UK Government policing Minister. The possibility of a broader emergency services covenant is also being explored in Wales. 

Thank you very much, Minister. I had a meeting with the Police Federation of England and Wales in the autumn, just before Christmas, and I was quite disturbed to hear that they felt there was a great deal of inertia involved in the delivery of the covenant and that there are a number of services that are not being delivered, which should be delivered to police officers as part of this process. Would the Minister be prepared to meet with me and the police federation to discuss their concerns, and also to ensure that the needs of those who protect us are absolutely at the core of what the Welsh Government does, moving forward? I recognise the work that she's referred to in terms of a wider emergency services covenant, but it's important that we get this right, before we try to move on to do something different. 

Thank you very much, Alun Davies, for feeding back from that meeting with the police federation, who I meet regularly, and recently met with the First Minister. The police federation arranged for us to meet many of those fantastic police officers who have shown great bravery and courage across our nation. Just to, again, ensure people, colleagues, are aware of this, the police covenant is a pledge to do more to help those who serve this country, and specifically to recognise the bravery, commitment and sacrifices of those who work or have worked in policing, and it is vital that police officers, staff and their families get equal access to support services during their time in service and afterwards. So, I will be very happy to follow up with a meeting as you propose. 

Finally, question 8. Sarah Murphy.