, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
Thanks. It's important for me to say at the outset it's probably not appropriate for me to comment in too much detail on the Bevan Foundation's statement without having more of an opportunity to consider in detail what they referred to. But I think the point…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
Absolutely. It's a really good point, although I think, given everything that's happened in politics in the last few weeks, three years is an incredibly long time to look ahead to. But, actually, what we're seeking here is long-term change as well. It goes…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
So, if I kick off on this: I think it's a really good question in terms of actually making sure that practical support's there on the ground, because one thing we have found in both the engagement we've had with social partners, which include public bodies…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
Thanks, Chair. That's a really good question to open up the session today, because as I imagine every one of us Members elected to the Senedd knows, changing legislation is one thing, but changing lives is the reason why we're here, ultimately. I think, just…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
I'll break up the Neils a bit and go to Sue. [Laughter.]
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill: ministerial evidence session
Thanks, Chair. I'm pleased to be back here in front of the committee once again, and can I welcome how quickly you've been able to rearrange this session, following our having to postpone it, as you said? I'll start with Neil on my left here and ask him to…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
Can I genuinely thank the Member for his thoughtful and considered contribution there? I want to start off by saying, James, I'm sure you'd be very welcome to rejoin Unison, but I think there was a ripple—[Interruption.]—there was a ripple of shock waves from…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
Can I thank the Member for his question? It'll come as no surprise to others in the Chamber that I wholeheartedly agree with the points that Jack Sargeant made there. I think the approach of the UK Government when it comes to trade unions and workers' rights…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
We work in social partnership and are embedding social partnership in public bodies through the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill to drive improvements in public services and well-being. This builds on existing arrangements with, for…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
Can I thank Peter Fox for his question? You are right to acknowledge the impact that rising fuel costs are having, not just on the third sector, but I actually heard today in a meeting with the Partnership Council for Wales about the impact it's having for…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
I thank the Member for his question and, obviously, for recognition of a sector that not only helps some of our most vulnerable in society, but also provides employment for people in communities right across the country. As I said, in the most recent third…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the third sector and its workforce was discussed at the most recent meeting of the third sector partnership council. In addition, we are committed to and continuing to work in social partnership and use our wider…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Thank you, Sarah, for those very well-said comments there in terms of calling out the risk of history repeating itself in terms of ignorance. Do you know what? I don't actually think it's ignorance half the time, unfortunately; it's intentional. And that kind…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Can I thank John Griffiths for that contribution? I think he's right to shine a light on the role, not just of Newport City Council, but actually the significant part that local authorities can play in our communities, in terms of not just supporting Pride…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
I think it really is well appreciated, and I think being able to stand and speak in solidarity on issues and matters that make such a difference to people—we're talking about people's lives aren't we—and being able to—. We talk about taking action, but you…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Thank you, Sioned, for the support.
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Can I thank the Member for those warm words of support for Pride at the end of his contribution there, and also very much welcome the supportive comments around what we're trying to do in the LGBTQ+ action plan? I'd be more than happy, as we develop the plan…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Pride was born out of the need and the will to protest, to fight for equal rights, to be seen, to be ourselves, to be respected, to stand together as a community and to demand an end to discrimination. There is still more to do, and so we have a…
, Plenary
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan
Diolch. Pride Month this year marks 50 years since the first UK Pride; 50 years since Saturday 1 July 1972 when people came together to take that first step and bring Pride to the streets of London. Five decades on, we can be proud of how far we've come on…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
Yes—there you go. [Laughter.]
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
So, I think, to be clear at the outset, what we're setting out through this legislation is very separate and distinct to any kind of pay negotiations that may take place separately at a local authority or whatever public body level. That is not something that…
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
Yes.
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
Joel, I've got Sue wanting to come in, if that's okay.
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
Sorry, Joel. I think Neil just wanted to come in.
, Equality and Social Justice Committee
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: ministerial evidence session
Thanks, Joel, and thanks for that question. Just breaking it down into different aspects, the first point I think you touched on was how is this legislation different. Well, I think the first point is that it's the first time we've legislated, and one of the…
