Agenda and minutes

This meeting was held in a hybrid format, with some Members in the Senedd Chamber and others joining by video-conference.

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

The item started at 13.30

The first 8 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

 

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

The item started at 14.26

The first 8 questions were asked. Questions 4, 5 and 8 were grouped together for answer. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.18, at 15.13 the meeting was suspended by the Presiding Officer.

No Topical Questions were accepted.

No Topical Questions were received.

The item started at 15.25

Mike Hedges (Swansea East) made a statement on the 80th anniversary of Morriston Ladies Choir.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West) made a statement on Reserves Day.

Mabon ap Gwynfor (Dwyfor Meirionydd) made a statement to remember David R Edwards and his contributions to Welsh music.

The item started at 15.30

NDM7727 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Orders 33.6 and 33.8:

Suspends Standing Order 12.10(ii) and that part of Standing Order 11.16 that requires the weekly announcement under Standing Order 11.11 to constitute the timetable for business in Plenary for the following week, to allow the next item of business to be considered in Plenary on Wednesday, 23 June 2021.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

The item started at 15.31

NDM7729 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.3, agrees that the Interim Subordinate Legislation Committee, established on 26 May 2021, is retitled the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee. Its remit is to carry out the functions of the responsible committee set out in Standing Order 21 and Standing Order 26C, and to consider any other matter relating to: legislation within or relating to the competence of the Senedd or the Welsh Ministers, including the quality of legislation; devolution, the constitution (including Wales’s constitutional future), justice, and external affairs, including (but not restricted to) changes to the devolution settlement, and intergovernmental relations.

NDM7731 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, Establishes a Finance Committee to carry out the functions of the responsible committee set out in Standing Orders 18.10, 18.11, 18A and 19 of the Senedd. Under Standing Order 19, the committee’s responsibilities include considering any report or document laid before the Senedd concerning the use of resources, or expenditure from the Welsh Consolidated Fund, including undertaking budget scrutiny of the bodies directly funded from the Welsh Consolidated Fund. Under Standing Orders 18.10 and 18.11, the committee’s responsibilities include oversight of the governance of the Wales Audit Office, as set out in the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013. Under Standing Order 18A, the committee’s responsibilities include oversight of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The committee may also consider any proposals for, and the progress of, the devolution of fiscal powers to Wales as part of its responsibilities. The committee may scrutinise legislation introduced to the Senedd.

 

NDM7732 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee to carry out the functions set out in Standing Orders 18.2 and 18.3, to consider any other matter that relates to the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources are employed in the discharge of public functions in Wales. The committee may scrutinise any other matter relating to the machinery of government, including the quality and standards of administration provided by the Welsh Government’s Civil Service and Welsh Government Sponsored Bodies.

NDM7733 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Children, Young People, and Education Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): the education, health and well-being of the children and young people of Wales, including their social care.

NDM7734 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Health and Social Care Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): the physical, mental and public health and well-being of the people of Wales, including the social care system.

NDM7735 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes an Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): economic development, regeneration, skills, trade, research and development (including technology and science), and rural affairs.

NDM7736 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Local Government and Housing Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): local government, communities, and housing.

NDM7737 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes an Equality and Social Justice Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): equality and human rights, fair work, community cohesion and safety, tackling poverty, and implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. Additionally, the committee may investigate any area of policy from the perspective of the cross-cutting issues within its remit, including (but not restricted to): equality and human rights, and the implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015.

NDM7738 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): climate change policy, the environment, energy; planning; transport, and connectivity.

NDM7739 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): the Welsh Language, culture; the arts; historic environment; communications, broadcasting; the media, sport, and international relations.       The Committee may investigate any area of policy from the perspective of the Welsh Language.

NDM7740 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1, establishes a Standards of Conduct Committee to carry out the functions of the responsible committee set out in Standing Order 22.

NDM7741 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 16.1 establishes a Petitions Committee to carry out the functions of the responsible committee set out in Standing Order 23.

The motions were agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

The item started at 15.31

NDM7728 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 17.2A, agrees that the political groups from which the chairs of committees are elected will be as follows:

1.        Children, Young People and Education Committee - Labour;

2.        Health and Social Care Committee – Welsh Conservatives;

3.        Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs - Welsh Conservatives;

4.        Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee – Plaid Cymru;

5.        Equality and Social Justice - Labour;

6.        Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International    Relations – Plaid Cymru;

7.        Local Government and Housing - Labour;

8.        Finance Committee – Plaid Cymru;

9.        Public Accounts and Public Administration  Committee – Welsh Conservatives;

10.      Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Labour;

11.      Standards of Conduct Committee - Labour;

12.      Petitions Committee – Labour.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

The item started at 15.31

NDM7730 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 7.1, appoints Ken Skates (Welsh Labour), Janet Finch-Saunders (Welsh Conservatives), Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) and Joyce Watson (Welsh Labour), as members of the Senedd Commission.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM7704 Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the bus service agreement of March 2021 commits £37.2 million of funding to continue to support the bus industry in the coming financial year.

2. Notes that the agreement commits to a fundamental reshaping of local bus services, better meeting the needs of passengers.

3. Notes that the agreement also seeks to rebuild patronage post-covid, encouraging increasing numbers to use public transport over time for a wide range of journeys, as conditions permit.

4. Further notes the publication of Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy 2021, which contains a range of commitments including:

a) extending the reach of bus services;

b) progressing new bus legislation to give the public sector more control over local bus services;

c) delivering innovative, more flexible bus services, in partnership with local authorities, the commercial and third sectors; and

d) ensuring that bus services and facilities are accessible, attractive and safe for everyone.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to set out detailed plans and timescales for delivering the commitments on bus services in Llwybr Newydd.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government and partners to engage meaningfully with local communities across Wales on the strategy and in reshaping bus services to meet the transport needs identified by those communities.

Bus Service Agreement - March 2021

Llwybr Newydd: the Wales Transport Strategy 2021

Co-submitters

John Griffiths (Newport East)

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)

Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)

Natasha Asghar (South Wales East)

Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Hefin David (Caerphilly)

Altaf Hussain (South Wales West)

Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales)

Jayne Bryant (Newport West)

Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

Luke Fletcher (South Wales West)

The item started at 15.32

NDM7704 Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the bus service agreement of March 2021 commits £37.2 million of funding to continue to support the bus industry in the coming financial year.

2. Notes that the agreement commits to a fundamental reshaping of local bus services, better meeting the needs of passengers.

3. Notes that the agreement also seeks to rebuild patronage post-covid, encouraging increasing numbers to use public transport over time for a wide range of journeys, as conditions permit.

4. Further notes the publication of Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy 2021, which contains a range of commitments including:

a) extending the reach of bus services;

b) progressing new bus legislation to give the public sector more control over local bus services;

c) delivering innovative, more flexible bus services, in partnership with local authorities, the commercial and third sectors; and

d) ensuring that bus services and facilities are accessible, attractive and safe for everyone.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to set out detailed plans and timescales for delivering the commitments on bus services in Llwybr Newydd.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government and partners to engage meaningfully with local communities across Wales on the strategy and in reshaping bus services to meet the transport needs identified by those communities.

Bus Service Agreement - March 2021

Llwybr Newydd: the Wales Transport Strategy 2021

Co-submitters

John Griffiths (Newport East)

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)

Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)

Natasha Asghar (South Wales East)

Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Hefin David (Caerphilly)

Altaf Hussain (South Wales West)

Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales)

Jayne Bryant (Newport West)

Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

Luke Fletcher (South Wales West)

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.18, at 16.31 the meeting was suspended by the Deputy Presiding Officer.

 

NDM7716 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that 23 June 2021 marks the fifth anniversary of the people of Wales voting to leave the European Union.

2. Believes that the outcome of referendums should always be respected.

3. Acknowledges that scores of new responsibilities have been transferred to the Welsh Parliament as a result of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to proactively promote and take advantage of the opportunities that our departure from the European Union presents.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the UK Government's ongoing threats to devolution since Brexit, specifically in relation to the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, the levelling-up fund and the shared prosperity fund;

2. Believes that voters should always have clear and detailed proposals for constitutional referendums;

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to commence the process set out in the Government of Wales Act 2006 to seek powers for the Senedd to call for a binding referendum on the constitutional future of Wales, which would put Wales's future in the hands of Wales.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Acknowledges the EU referendum result.

2. Calls on the UK Government to work constructively with the EU to minimise the impact of the deal that they agreed on businesses and citizens across the UK.

3. Condemns the failure of the UK Government to fulfil its promise that Wales would not be a penny worse off outside the European Union.

4. Condemns the UK Government's ongoing assault on devolution through the UK Internal Market Act 2020, levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund.

5. Welcomes the Welsh Government commitment to engage with the people of Wales to consider our constitutional future in a radically reformed United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020

The item started at 16.40

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7716 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that 23 June 2021 marks the fifth anniversary of the people of Wales voting to leave the European Union.

2. Believes that the outcome of referendums should always be respected.

3. Acknowledges that scores of new responsibilities have been transferred to the Welsh Parliament as a result of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to proactively promote and take advantage of the opportunities that our departure from the European Union presents.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
14	0	40	54

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the UK Government's ongoing threats to devolution since Brexit, specifically in relation to the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, the levelling-up fund and the shared prosperity fund;

2. Believes that voters should always have clear and detailed proposals for constitutional referendums;

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to commence the process set out in the Government of Wales Act 2006 to seek powers for the Senedd to call for a binding referendum on the constitutional future of Wales, which would put Wales's future in the hands of Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
12	0	42	54

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Acknowledges the EU referendum result.

2. Calls on the UK Government to work constructively with the EU to minimise the impact of the deal that they agreed on businesses and citizens across the UK.

3. Condemns the failure of the UK Government to fulfil its promise that Wales would not be a penny worse off outside the European Union.

4. Condemns the UK Government's ongoing assault on devolution through the UK Internal Market Act 2020, levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund.

5. Welcomes the Welsh Government commitment to engage with the people of Wales to consider our constitutional future in a radically reformed United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
28	0	26	54

Amendment 2 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7716 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Acknowledges the EU referendum result.

2. Calls on the UK Government to work constructively with the EU to minimise the impact of the deal that they agreed on businesses and citizens across the UK.

3. Condemns the failure of the UK Government to fulfil its promise that Wales would not be a penny worse off outside the European Union.

4. Condemns the UK Government's ongoing assault on devolution through the UK Internal Market Act 2020, levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund.

5. Welcomes the Welsh Government commitment to engage with the people of Wales to consider our constitutional future in a radically reformed United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020

For	Abstain	Against	Total
28	0	26	54

The motion as amended was agreed.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.18, at 17.44 proceedings were suspended to allow a technical break before voting time.

The item started at 17.48

NDM7710 Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

A fair deal for workers.

The item started at 17.51

NDM7710 Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

A fair deal for workers.

NDM7717 Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)

Eradicating Sheep Scab in Wales: the continuing need to have a strong plan in place to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

The item started at 18.05

NDM7717 Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy)

Eradicating Sheep Scab in Wales: the continuing need to have a strong plan in place to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.