A refreshingly Brexit-light edition of First Minister's Questions this afternoon.
The choice of musical accompaniment is nothing more than a tribute to the semi-retired Black Sabbath and is in absolutely no way a reference to Michelle Brown AM (UKIP, North Wales).
FMQs, 7th February 2017
Party Leaders
Conservative leader, Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central) called back to Education Committee evidence that the number of teachers in Wales fell by 1,000 since 2010. Also, the funding gap between England and Wales widened to £607 in 2015 – so we have fewer teachers with less money. PISA results show things are going backwards, with news today the new curriculum was facing problems; why have you allowed such a decline? "It's always someone else's fault."
The First Minister argued that as teachers' pay isn't yet devolved, the Tories bare responsibility there; he looked forward to working with teachers to develop an attractive recruitment package. Andrew was “having a laugh” by representing a party that fought Assembly elections wanting to cut education spending by 12%. Under such policies there would be no schools building programme, no pupil deprivation grant and no improvements in GCSE and A-Level results.
UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales) supports the policy of achieving 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050, alongside a principle of tolerance and respect for English and Welsh speakers. Did the First Minister think Welsh language policy is put at risk by Carmarthenshire Council forcing a Welsh-medium school on Llangennech?
The First Minister was unequivocal that it's a matter for Carmarthenshire Council. As a government, they're supportive of Welsh-medium education, but it's for the council to justify their decisions to local people.
Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda), stated that the UK is one of the most unequal nations – in terms of regional income differences - in Europe. Market and post-industrial towns need good public sector jobs, but public employers are centralising sites and closing smaller offices. Was the First Minister concerned about jobs and services being moved out of communities? Also, did he have plans to support devolved public sector jobs in north west and north east?
The First Minister was “certainly” concerned by the withdrawal of HMRC, DWP and commercial banks from towns. The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will be based in Treforest (Porthmadog was mooted) creating 40 jobs. However, skilled tax-specialists are based in London and a local workforce couldn't be trained before next April. It was made clear to him that basing WRA in Cardiff would've been easier – that doesn't mean WRA couldn't move in the future.
Backbenchers
Darren Millar AM (Con, Clwyd West) asked for a statement on the performance of Betsi Cadwaladr health board (which covers north Wales). It remains in special measures, with routine waiting times for orthopaedic surgery at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hitting 112 weeks - four times the target. Nathan Gill AM (Ind, North Wales) also revealed he's been waiting 30 weeks for hip treatment himself and has been prescribed powerful, and potentially addictive, pain killers.
The First Minister said the health board has maintained good performance in treating cancer, strokes and ambulance response times, but admitted perfomances aren't good enough in some areas. An additional locum surgeon has been recruited while some work will be outsourced, with an expectation that orthopaedic waiting times will fall.
Dai Lloyd AM (Plaid, South Wales West) asked what assessment's been made of disabled access to railway stations? As his party's transport spokesperson he's received a number of complaints from disabled people unable to use Cwmbran, Abergavenny and Pontypool stations in particular.
Accessibility is a “cornerstone” of the government's public transport approach, with passenger satisfaction closely monitored. 245 stations lie within the Wales & Borders franchise, though only a quarter are staffed. The First Minister expects improvements to be made over the term of the new franchise.
Jenny Rathbone AM (Lab, Cardiff Central) asked what assurances the First Minister's been given that food standards won't be watered down by Brexit? “Villains across the world” will be keen to test our defences, citing the horse meat scandal. Theresa May seems hell bent on a deal with the US, which has laxer food standards than the EU.
Food safety is devolved and a matter for the Senedd. Ministers have met with the Chair of the Food Standards Agency, who are committed to ensuring Brexit won't compromise the UK's first class food standards.
Urgent Questions
Firstly, Russell George AM (Con, Montgomery) asked for an update on steps the Welsh Government are taking to secure the future of the Bridgend Ford engine plant (more here)? Union leaders are so concerned they've given Ford a fortnight to come up with detailed plans for the future. Are there alternative opportunities for the plant, such as electronic and diesel engines?
Economy & Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South), said himself and the First Minister met senior managers at the factory and Ford Europe. Regional and national secretaries of Unite visited Bridgend to speak with shop stewards and managers, with all concerned committing to making the plant as competitive as possible. A mass meeting of the Bridgend plant workforce to discuss the issue and options is scheduled for 1st March.
Ford say demand and volume of engines produced from Bridgend remains “healthy” and are expected to remain similar to today's levels. The Welsh Government will help identify new business, including electric vehicles.
Secondly, Angela Burns AM (Con, Carms. W. & S. Pembs.) asked whether the Welsh Government intends to provide £4-6million in funding to develop Yr Egin – which includes a new S4C HQ – at Trinity St David University in Carmarthen? The project has political support and could make a major impact on the local economy, which has lost a number of skilled jobs.
The Economy Secretary confirmed that relevant ministers will meet next week ahead of finalising a decision later this month. He agreed west Wales has a huge amount to offer the creative industries and tourism. He's keen to back any project that supports cultural goals, but financial viability has to be a key consideration.
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