Decision details

Debates are one of the most frequent items of business on the Plenary agenda. Many types of debate are brought forward in Plenary, including:

• Opposition party debates on a topic of their choice;

Other than in the case of Government debates, the time allocated for all other types of debates and their frequency are determined by the Business Committee

The item started at 14.25

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM5854 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the vital role international connectivity plays in underpinning economic growth through inward investment, trade and tourism;

2. Believes the Welsh Government should adopt a clear plan to enhance international connectivity in Wales;

3. Notes the opportunities to boost international connectivity in Wales by:

a) returning Cardiff Airport to private ownership; and

b) dividing proceeds from its sale between both infrastructure investment and returning original investment to Wales's taxpayers.

4. Recognises the opportunities to boost international connectivity in Wales by supporting the important role Wales's ports play in delivering growth and creating jobs;

5. Believes that to improve international connectivity in Wales, the Welsh Government must bring forward clear plans to improve the A40 to Fishguard and A55 to Holyhead; and

6. Further recognises the role the Heart of Wales Line can play as a transport corridor for Mid Wales, and its potential role in driving the connectivity of Wales.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
11	0	38	49

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 – Aled Roberts (North Wales)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Notes the Welsh Government's stated intention of identifying a private sector operator for Cardiff Airport at the time of purchase and calls for a written update on progress in this regard.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
6	0	43	49

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Notes the opportunities to boost international connectivity in Wales by:

a) supporting the growth of Cardiff Airport as an entry point to Wales

b) supporting connectivity between Wales and key hub airports such as London Heathrow and Manchester.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
38	0	11	49

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 was withdrawn

Amendment 4 – Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

Delete point 6 and replace with:

Further recognises the role of Welsh rail lines in securing internal and external connectivity, and supports;

a) developing the Heart of Wales Line.

b) electrification of the North Wales Coast Line.

c) electrification of the Great Western Main Line and Valley Lines.

d) electrification of the Welsh Marches Line.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
39	0	10	49

Amendment 4 was agreed.

Amendment 5 – Aled Roberts (North Wales)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes significant gaps in rail electrification projects in the Welsh Government's National Transport Finance Plan and calls on the Welsh Government to include electrification of the Ebbw Vale, Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Penarth and Maesteg lines.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	25	49

Amendment 5 was not agreed.

Amendment 6 – Aled Roberts (North Wales)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to provide funding for a feasibility study into re-instating rail links between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen to link up with the existing network.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
48	0	0	48

Amendment 6 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM5854 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the vital role international connectivity plays in underpinning economic growth through inward investment, trade and tourism;

2. Believes the Welsh Government should adopt a clear plan to enhance international connectivity in Wales;

3. Notes the opportunities to boost international connectivity in Wales by:

a) supporting the growth of Cardiff Airport as an entry point to Wales

b) supporting connectivity between Wales and key hub airports such as London Heathrow and Manchester.

4. Recognises the opportunities to boost international connectivity in Wales by supporting the important role Wales's ports play in delivering growth and creating jobs;

5. Believes that to improve international connectivity in Wales, the Welsh Government must bring forward clear plans to improve the A40 to Fishguard and A55 to Holyhead; and

6. Further recognises the role of Welsh rail lines in securing internal and external connectivity, and supports;

a) developing the Heart of Wales Line.

b) electrification of the North Wales Coast Line.

c) electrification of the Great Western Main Line and Valley Lines.

d) electrification of the Welsh Marches Line.

7. Calls on the Welsh Government to provide funding for a feasibility study into re-instating rail links between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen to link up with the existing network.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	0	0	49

The motion as amended was agreed.