Phosphate Regulations

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 7 March 2023.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 2:20, 7 March 2023

(Translated)

Well, Llywydd, the Minister responsible for these matters is aware of the points raised by the Member, because she had an opportunity to visit the railway back in the summer. The substantive point is this: we can't press ahead and agree to developments where phosphate hasn't been taken into account in the plan in a way that doesn't increase the problems that we already have. The impact of phosphate on rivers in Wales is a situation where we can't agree to undertake things that don't contribute to a future where that problem is mitigated. That's why we have this summit again tomorrow, to get everybody around the table—the developers, the regulators, the water companies, the communities and the farmers as well. And I'm looking forward tomorrow to hearing about the role that they can all play. I'm looking forward to hearing about how all sectors intend to undertake their responsibilities, and, when we can collaborate in that fashion, we can find a way for the development that has been outlined by the Member to be undertaken. Without having the contribution from all sectors, that can't happen.