FMQs : Liz, Class Sizes & Court Closures

Time for another account of the weekly "theatre" of First Minister's Questions. This time the topics include : smaller class sizes, the EU referendum, court closures....and Wales at Euro 2016.

A Visit from Liz 'n' Phil

In what's becoming a ceremonial tradition, FMQs was moved from its usual Tuesday slot to accommodate the Official Opening of the Fifth Assembly by the UK's longest-serving civil servant and record-breaking celebrity ribbon-cutter, Elizabeth Mountbatten-Windsor. It's not a "state opening" but you can argue it's our equivalent of it.

In something that's also becoming part of the ceremony, republican AMs made a gesture by boycotting it....well, one did. There was a near-full complement of AMs (compared to 2011) and just as attending won't diminish anyone's republican credentials, they won't enhance anyone's by staying away.

In her address to the Assembly (clip), the Queen started by congratulating recently-elected AMs. The Assembly had, "established a reputation for being a strong, accessible and forward-looking legislature" and they should be proud of the way it's engaged with a broad audience "in Wales and beyond". She hoped the Assembly would continue to "show innovation and leadership" in involving people in its work.

The Queen was pleased the Assembly serves Wales with full law-making powers and made a nod towards the recently-published new draft of the Wales Bill which will expand those powers further to include fiscal powers. She had no doubts the Assembly would continue to succeed in the discharge of its new duties, wishing AMs "every success" as they face the challenge of future constitutional change.

Carwyn's reply basically amounted to "Ta." Then Liz was whisked away so she could be bored stiff (don't get your hopes up, Chuckles) by psychologists at Cardiff University and cut another ribbon.

FMQs, 8^th June 2016

Party Leaders

Conservative Leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central), said that the (as he described it) "Lib-Lab coalition" agreement included a pledge to reduce class sizes at a cost of £42million. In Labour's manifesto they said they would make an extra £100m available. Andrew queried whether the £42million was additional money or part of Labour's commitment and asked for clarity.

The First Minister was "proud" to pledge the £100million, which was earmarked for educational improvement. On the details it was a matter for the Education Secretary, but the £42million can be met from sources outside the £100million already pledged.

UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), repeated the Prime Minister's description of congestion on the Newport M4 and Severn crossing tolls as a "choke on the (economic) windpipe" and "tax on jobs" in Wales respectively.

He suggested the Labour-Plaid compact means the Newport M4 would be "kicked into the long grass", and despite UKIP backing the Blue Route in May, the "Black Route is better than no route"; UKIP would be prepared to support it. He asked what timescales there were, and linked access problems to the steel crisis.

Carwyn didn't agree the process had been delayed. He accepts there needs to be a proper solution to the Brynglas Tunnel problem and was in favour of examining alternative options. He rejected the idea the traffic problems impacted the steel industry, but admitted it impacts major events in south east Wales. He also said that if the Welsh Government had the option, they would scrap the Severn crossing tolls.

Leader of the Opposition, Leanne Wood (Plaid, Rhondda), said the voter registration system crashed before the midnight deadline following the EU debate last night. She asked the First Minister if he supported extending the deadline to maximise participation? Leanne cited an example of an EU directive which provided pension protections as a benefit of EU membership. She also called for the First Minister to condemn "dog whistle" politics on rape from the far-right which stigmatises immigrants.

Carwyn agreed with extending the registration deadline. It was unacceptable that people could be denied their right to vote due to technical problems and the Prime Minister has indicated the deadline will be extended (note : the deadline has been officially extended to midnight on Thursday 9th June, so there's a few hours left). Pension protections were an example of the EU protecting workers rights. He was "appalled" by some comments, warning that EU referendum debate has become "overheated" and a "spat between public school boys".


Backbenchers

In what's becoming a regular line of Tory questioning, Nick Ramsay AM (Con, Monmouth) asked for an update on plans for local government reform, wondering whether it's a good time to go back to drawing board and come up with new plan?

The First Minister said that over next few weeks, the Secretary for Finance & Local Government will meet local government leaders and stakeholders to consider a long-term approach. There's general agreement to move forward, but varying views on what form that will take.

There are areas where greater collaboration is appropriate and areas where greater consistency is appropriate. However, it wasn't realistic for Local Development Plans to be developed in isolation; there needs to be a proper regional framework to plan the growth of key areas.

Eluned Morgan AM (Lab, Mid & West Wales) asked for an update on what actions the Welsh Government were taking to address climate change? It's already having an impact on many communities, such as flooding. As a former MEP, Eluned also asked whether Carwyn agrees that Wales respects EU environmental laws and targets?

The Welsh Government were committed to fully implementing the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. The UK was been dragged into cleaning its seas, river and air by the EU – and they're much cleaner now that 30 years ago. It's "extremely important" every country plays its part and they can't work in isolation to each other on the environment.

Simon Thomas AM (Plaid, Mid & West Wales) asked what discussions has been held on court closures in Wales (which includes Bridgend Magistrates Court)? Carmarthen's Guildhall Law Courts – an important historic building - will close. Residents are keen to take control of the building and turn it into a community resource.

The First Minister believes the closures will have a significant impact on access to justice, and the Welsh Government provided "a robust response" to the Ministry of Justice's proposals. He prosecuted in his previous job in Carmarthen and will write to the UK Government to ensure there's a response to local concerns. A fundamental principle of EnglishandWelsh law is that justice comes to people, that's why High Court judges travel. Soon it'll be the other way around, which shows "the deterioration of the justice system".

Best of the rest :

• On the benefits of EU membership, the EU accounts for more than 40% of Welsh exports, provides infrastructure funding and supports farming. Economists who back Brexit tend to be "minimalists" when it comes to workers rights, while the South Wales Metro might not go ahead without access to EU funds or a similar amount of money; the First Minister wasn't convinced we would see that money from London - to (yes, it is spelt this way) Rhianon Passmore AM (Lab, Islwyn)
• There was a separate statement given later in the session, but in an answer to a question on the activities of the steel task force, the First Minister was aware of a need to support people who've already lost their jobs. He also reminded the chamber that the UK Government vetoed idea of tariffs on Chinese steel imports; other governments have done it, there's reason for the EU not to do the same - to David Rees AM (Lab, Aberavon).
• On the Euro 2016 legacy for Wales, the FAW and Wales Football Trust are planning to use Euro 2016 to improve Welsh football (another separate statement was issued). The First Minister wished the men's national team well on behalf of the Assembly, particularly on 16^th June. The tournament can help boost sports participation and improve Wales' profile in France - to Rhun ap Iorwerth AM (Plaid, Ynys Môn).

Written Questions of the Week Fortnight

Continuing from the theme last time, Tory leader Andrew Davies AM has taken a keen interest in how Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor), fits in to the Welsh cabinet.

Following a series of questions, the First Minister confirmed Kirsty will be bound by cabinet collective responsibility (she'll have to publicly agree with every decision or resign), will attend all cabinet meetings for their full duration and will have access to a ministerial car for official business. Somewhat contradictory, Carwyn said this didn't amount to a formal coalition despite collective responsibility being about as formal as it gets.

As National Left pointed out a few days ago, the car issue is a little embarrassing for Kirsty as she reportedly told party members back in February "We're (Lib Dems) not here for ministerial cars" – which cost £1.8million to run over the Fourth Assembly. That doesn't mean she'll actually use them, of course.

Statement of Opinion of the Week Fortnight

Five AMs had signed Russell George AM's (Con, Montgomery) statement calling for the Welsh Government to safeguard the future of forest rally stages. Rallying is estimated to be worth £15million to the economy and, by its very nature, primarily makes use of forestry roads.

It comes as Natural Resources Wales were said to have increased access fees which could make smaller rallying events unviable if entry fees have to go up to meet the new costs.