Speaking on the Welsh Government’s Substance Misuse Delivery Plan, I noted that the Welsh Government had failed to develop promised detoxification and rehabilitation units or joined up treatment for substance misuse and mental health problems.
When I asked the Welsh Government to respond to the ‘North Wales Growth Vision’ report, which calls on the Welsh Government to devolve powers to North Wales, they instead said that they would await the UK Government response.
When I asked the First Minister to respond to the call by rail users in north east Wales for interests either side of the border to be represented in the devolution of the Wales and Borders Rail Franchise to Wales, he dismissed this.
Responding to the First Minister’s ‘Brexit’ Statement, I said the aim must be to close Wales’ prosperity gap with the EU and the rest of the UK, which had widened despite access to EU funding streams, and that the Farmers Union of Wales Panel at the Denbigh and Flint Show were unanimous that the decision to leave the EU should be seen as an opportunity to shape a future that suits Welsh farmers.
Speaking in the debate on Britain leaving the EU, I said “Brexit must now be championed as an opportunity to boost trade, industry, employment, agriculture and fishing, but this will only happen if we grasp the nettle.”
I called on the Rural Affairs Secretary to respond to Forest Industry concerns that the Welsh Government’s plan for new woodland creation is unlikely to succeed unless obstacles are resolved.
Questioning the Communities Secretary, I called for action on Wales’ working age worklessness levels, still almost 3 per cent higher than UK levels, and urged him to protect Supporting People Programme funding, which saves lives and reduces statutory services costs.
Speaking at charity Hafan Cymru’s AGM in North Wales, I commended their housing related support for people escaping domestic abuse.
I Chaired the Cross Party Group on Fathers and Fatherhood, with speaker Erin Pizzey, founder of the first Women’s Refuge in Chiswick, the Cross Party Group for Hospices and Palliative Care and, in North Wales, the Cross Party Autism Group.
It was pleasure to attend both Mold Food and Drink Festival and NWAMI/Centre for Cultural Engagement’s Inter-Culture concert.
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