Independent

Speeches and questions

Speeches and questions in Plenary and in committees, newest first. The Llywydd's and deputies' chairing of Plenary is left out.

1,252 speeches and questions

16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
First-past-the-post voting leads to tactical voting, which, in itself, is damaging to our democracy. A vote to keep something out rather than casting a positive vote for one's preference. A vote for a larger party very often, rather than a smaller party that…
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
I'm glad you're reading out all your pre-prepared interventions already. Let me answer: this idea that turnouts are lower in PR is absolutely ridiculous. In Australia, it's nearly 100 per cent; Ukraine, it's over 90 per cent; Malta, it's over 90 per cent…
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
Scotland—and I'm coming to your point shortly, Gareth—Scotland introduced a single transferrable vote system in 2007 across all local authorities, and the change has been dramatic. Consensus has become the rule of the day, with councillors working…
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
I'm pleased that the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 enables a more proportional system to be adopted in local elections from this May onwards. But we need national leadership, or the old cliché of turkeys voting for Christmas comes to mind.
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
One more example from the 2017 local elections: in the Whitchurch and Tongwynlais ward in the north of Cardiff, the Conservative Party won all four seats, even though 60 per cent of the voters did not vote Conservative. One hundred per cent of the seats, only…
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
Wales is a community of communities, but we must ensure that people's voices are heard and listened to.
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
If you listen for a bit longer, Gareth Davies, you'll find out—I'm about to get to that point.
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
Yes, I'll take an intervention.
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
Wales is often described as a community of communities, but if democracy is to be strong in our nation, our communities must feel that they are represented and that their voices are listened to and heard.
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
You will hear non-Welsh speakers use the word, whilst speaking English—'chwarae teg', fair play. This current system is certainly not fair play. We have in Wales today parties that fall far short of gaining half of the electorate's vote, but gain control of…
16 February 2022Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Local Government elections
Thank you very much, Llywydd. As everyone in this Chamber will know, 'democracy' comes from the Greek. It stems from the words 'demos' and 'kratia' that mean 'control by the people'. But the 'winner takes all' mentality dominates in Wales, and particularly in…
16 February 2022Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Minister, before I ask my question, I saw this morning on Politico that it's your birthday and Peter Hain's birthday as well, so happy birthday to you. What better way to celebrate than answering questions here in the Senedd? Minister, one of the cornerstones…
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
The fact that the Westminster Government won't even allow a reasonable request that the Welsh Government will consent to any changes they make, or any secondary legislation they make, within devolved areas—. Doesn't that show the complete disrespect they have…
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
Thank you very much, Counsel General.
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
Will you take an intervention?
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
and they will not listen. When, colleagues, will we say enough is enough? We will not pass more powers back, or, I can tell you, by the time of the next election, we will have a very different Senedd here. Look at the figures. In the first year of the fifth…
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
we can play hell as much as the health Minister wants—
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
We cannot hold any despatch box promise to account. They can ignore it entirely, and we can kick up a fuss—
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
That's the Bill I'm discussing at the moment. This Bill will give conferred powers to UK Ministers to make secondary legislation within devolved areas. We don't agree with it, we won't give consent on this occasion, but then again, we're more than happy to…
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
But this Senedd is not a soapbox; it is a legislature, a legislature that the people of our nation have voted for. In 2011, when the people voted with a huge majority in favour of primary law-making powers for this Senedd, they had no idea that we would…
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
'we would play hell with them.'
15 February 2022Plenary
Legislative Consent Motion on the Professional Qualifications Bill
For me, this afternoon encapsulates the problems we have as a Senedd with these legislative consent motions. My colleague Sioned Williams will speak on behalf of Plaid Cymru on the Nationality and Borders Bill, an appalling Bill that will lead to many deaths…
15 February 2022Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Cardiff has been described, Trefnydd, as the fuel poverty capital of the UK, with a quarter of our residents here in the capital suffering in fuel poverty—higher than any other city or town in the United Kingdom. That is 91,000 people suffering. Can we please…
14 February 2022Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
Welsh Tax Acts etc. (Power to Modify) Bill—evidence session with the Minister for Finance and Local Government
No. Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Chair. That concludes my questions.
14 February 2022Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
Welsh Tax Acts etc. (Power to Modify) Bill—evidence session with the Minister for Finance and Local Government
Diolch yn fawr, Gweinidog. That's very refreshing to hear. Just my final question, then, with regard to the Legislation (Wales) Act 2009, it requires Welsh law to be accessible. Are you concerned about applying retrospective powers—that that will not assist…