For most of this afternoon's FMQs, you would think you were following a parliamentary session in an independent country: foreign policy, condemnation of foreign governments, state visits, discussion of immigration, how to win the battle against Islamic State – and Carwyn Jones was using the language of a Prime Minister, not a regional premier.
As no AMs are openly calling for Welsh independence (to have control over these things) then despite the good intentions a lot of it was, sadly, hot air. Of the 8/9 questions I've covered today, only 3 were directly related to devolved areas. Maybe one day they'll get it.
FMQs, 31st January 2017
Party Leaders
Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda), believes migration has become a toxic debate – demonstrated by the Trump travel ban. One key issue in the Brexit referendum was migrants undercutting wages, but that's due to rogue employers paying migrant workers below the minimum wage. Will the First Minister commit to Wales remaining open to visitors, businesses and those fleeing persecution and clamping down on exploitation?
The First Minister agreed with the sentiments, and it was ironic the debate is at its most toxic in countries made up mainly of third generation immigrants. In terms of breaching immigration legislation, “agreeing is one thing, action is another”; he's heard testimony from Polish workers earning below the minimum wage, mainly because they don't have the benefit of union support. He would like communities affected to come forward with their testimonies without fear.
Conservative leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central) flagged up World Cancer Day on Saturday. One in two of us will be impacted by cancer, and although the Welsh Government have failed to hit targets, progress is being made. What was the First Minister's overview of cancer service delivery in Wales? Did he agree that five year survival rates for some cancers, like lung cancer, are poor, and will he consider setting long-term targets to cut deaths?
The First Minister outlined two key developments. Firstly, more people are living normal lives with cancer as opposed to being completely cured (like diabetics are). Secondly, there's a focus on genetic research to tailor treatments to individuals – and Cardiff University is a major centre for such research. It's “reasonable” to set long term goals to improve survival rates.
UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), said Ford recently cancelled an investment in Mexico and moved it to Michigan. Does the First Minister think jobs at the Bridgend engine plant are now more secure with Trump? Also, as 22% of all exports from Wales went to the US in 2016, we need a positive relationship with the US President, up to and including welcoming him on a state visit.
The First Minister believes the greatest threat to Ford are trade barriers between itself and its main customers, which could result in production being moved. It's right to speak up on policy differences; it was difficult to see a state visit go ahead in the current climate, describing the timing as “strange”. He also questioned what Theresa May knew about the travel ban and how the UK Government are representing the interests of UK citizens.
Backbenchers
John Griffiths AM (Lab, Newport East) asked for an update on Welsh Government progress in improving physical activity rates. Thousands take part in volunteer-run Park Runs every weekend, including himself, and would the First Minister note the significance of these events?
Carwyn believes existing initiatives are having an impact. It's hugely important people feel comfortable taking exercise in ways appropriate to themselves; Park Runs are an example. It's also important people know where they can walk and cycle, with the Active Travel Act helping develop those.
Steffan Lewis AM (Plaid, South Wales East) asked what were the implications for Wales in the UK Government's recently-announced industrial strategy? It'll impact devolved matters, but we won't know for sure until the Welsh Government publishes its own industrial strategy – an idea dismissed by the Economy Secretary recently.
The First Minister has long called for a re-balance of the UK economy; he'll consider the strategy further when there are more details. He rejected complaints about the lack of a Welsh strategy - unemployment is lower than England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while businesses will be supported further through the future Development Bank and National Infrastructure Commission.
Suzy Davies AM (Con, South Wales West) and Huw Irranca-Davies AM (Lab, Ogmore) both asked for statements on the Hendry report into the proposed Swansea Bay tidal lagoon. It was a “clear and resounding endorsement” for the project. However, we don't need marine licences - issued by Natural Resources Wales - to hold up progress.
On the report: “We welcome it”, particularly recognition for Welsh projects around the coast, though NRW are an arms length body and there are limits to what the Welsh Government can say and do. Nonetheless, Carwyn believes it's a project that won't just deliver green energy beyond our lifetimes but could create 1,300 jobs in the Swansea Bay area.
Urgent Questions
Simon Thomas AM (Plaid, Mid & West Wales) wanted an outline of Welsh Government support offered to DWP Llanelli office staff, which is to close with 146 job losses. The opportunity to devolve job centres was lost, and the office was judged as one of the best performing in the UK. Can the Welsh Government pressure DWP to consider their wider responsibility to communities?
Minister for Science & Skills, Julie James (Lab, Swansea West), said it's non-devolved and up to DWP how they manage their Welsh estate. Affected staff will be offered alternative roles subject to consultation. The Welsh Government have discussed possible co-location of offices in other buildings, but nothing specific on the Llanelli office.
Dawn Bowden AM (Lab, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney) asked what assessment the First Minister's made of the impact the 90-day US travel ban will have on dual-nationality Muslims living in Wales? Did the First Minister agree that Donald Trump shouldn't be given the honour of a state visit, and will he call on the Prime Minister to condemn the actions?
Despite assurances from UK Foreign Secretary yesterday, the First Minister said there was still uncertainty and the ban was “beyond any rational defence”. It was imposed without any rational basis – the 9/11 terrorists came from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, for example but they're not covered by the ban. It was also badly executed, with customs officials having no idea of how to implement it.
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