There are two big non-FMQ related stories today. Firstly, the Senedd voting on a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) for the Wales Bill. It's expected to pass and there's little to add. Just cross your fingers and hope AMs haven't been sold magic beans (either way).
Secondly, we've finally got an idea of the UK Government's Brexit position: it's going to be a “Hard Brexit” (the latter options in What type of Brexit suits Wales?). I won't cover it as all the statement's done is rule out EEA membership (making Carwyn's recent trip to Norway a waste of time),
Moving on, here's the weekly summary of this week's FMQs accompanied by a salute to the soon-to-be 45th President of the United States.
FMQs, 17th January 2017
Party Leaders
Leader of the Conservatives, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central), said many people will find it difficult to comprehend why a Trade Union Bill has been prioritised over a publicly-backed Autism Bill? In occasionally firey exchanges, he accused Labour of taking us back to the 70s and potentially being a “trailblazer for regional pay”.
The First Minister was unequivocal that his government wants to protect workers' rights. They wouldn't have to bring the Bill forward if it wasn't for the Conservatives and possible changes to devolved competence in the Wales Bill. It was “odious” to use autism as cover to attack workers.
Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda), highlighted economic figures from December that showed Welsh GVA-per-capita was 71% of the UK average. We face a “Made in London” Brexit plan risking businesses and jobs, as Wales is more dependent on EU exports than the rest of the UK. Did the First Minister agree that staying in the single market and maintaining high standards for workers and consumers was in the Welsh national interest?
Carwyn continues to support “full unfettered access to the single market”. We should avoid anything that limits the ability of businesses to export from Wales. The Prime Minister's speech was welcome, but there's a need for clarity on the customs union and immigration. There's also nothing stopping the Assembly implementing EU directives if they want.
UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), repeated what First Minister said last week that we can't have control of immigration with single market access. As a result of the Prime Minister's speech, a number of matters have been clarified - particularly exiting the single market. Could the First Minister now outline Labour's policy on freedom of movement?
In an almost identical answer to last week, the First Minister supported freedom of movement to work, which removes fears that people will move to claim benefits - a “reasonable position”. There are unanswered questions, such as would there be customs posts on the Irish border or at Welsh ports? The situation has to be the same in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to be fair.
Backbenchers
Mark Isherwood AM (Con, North Wales) asked what the Welsh Government were doing to assist disabled people? A campaigner in Wrexham expressed concerns over the transfer of responsibility for the Independent Living Grant to local authorities, while Disability Wales were disappointed Wales hasn't set up a separate living fund.
A framework for independent living sets out the Welsh Government's plans, drafted with disabled people and public sector bodies. The interim joint-arrangement with councils lasts until March 2017, after which councils will be fully responsible. The First Minister doesn't support devolution of further benefits – like attendance allowance – without additional funding.
Hefin David AM (Lab, Caerphilly) asked for an update on discussions the Welsh Government has had on buying new trains ahead of the new Wales & Borders franchise. Travelling from Caerphilly is a “grim experience”, and Arriva Trains Wales say procuring a new diesel train takes 3 years; rail passengers may not see new carriages until 2021.
The First Minister explained the new contract will stipulate that higher quality rolling stock – disability compliant by 2020 - is expected. Despite devolution of the franchise, the Welsh Government wouldn't be able to run railways themselves, while the current leasing model creates train shortages (I'll have more on this at the weekend).
Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM (Ind, Dwyfor Meirionnydd) asked when the First Minister last met with the UK Prime Minister to discuss Welsh relations with the EU? Is it clear that a UK Prime Minister negotiating on devolved issues is inappropriate?
The First Minister met Theresa May in October 2016 and spoke with her ahead of today's speech. She didn't tell him much other than the UK will be “looking outwards to the world”. There's a promise not to change devolved powers, and she also wants to strengthen the Union; Carwyn didn't know what that meant, but would welcome mechanisms to “discuss common issues”.
Urgent Questions
Firstly, Bethan Jenkins AM (Plaid, South Wales West) asked for a statement on the Welsh Government's decision to suspend funding to Communities First-linked NSA Afan following suspected criminal activity. Sixteen staff face going unpaid at the end of the week. She requested the police and Auditor General carry out an independent investigation before any commitment's made to wind-up Communities First or change policy.
Communities Secretary, Carl Sargeant (Lab, Alyn & Deeside), said NSA is subject to an ongoing investigation and the government were working with relevant authorities - including the police. He criticised Bethan for making “factually incorrect” assumptions (he didn't say which). Nevertheless, he's expecting an update from civil servants on the future of NSA by the end of this week.
Secondly, Mark Reckless AM (UKIP, South Wales East) asked for a statement on the future of the Severn Crossing tolls. He outlined legal clauses that suggest the UK's proposed toll reduction may be “unlawful” and open to legal challenge.
Economy & Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South), repeated the Welsh Government's position that tolling should end once the bridges pass into public ownership as they present a barrier to economic growth. He's happy to discuss the “complicated area of legal work” further and brief AMs on the relevant legislation.
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