Speaking in the Debate on ‘The Equality and Human Rights Commission Wales Annual Review 2018/19’, I called for action to end discrimination against disabled people, quoted Flintshire-based ‘Changing Places’ campaigner, Kim Edwards, who has stated “currently people with profound disabilities are excluded from their local towns because they are not able to have their basic human needs met; simply use the toilet”, and expressed concern that the Public Sector Equality Duty in Wales continues to be ignored.
Questioning the Brexit Minister, I asked what positive action the Welsh Government has taken since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU “to increase the prosperity of Wales by taking us from an EU-dependant exporter to a global trading success”, emphasising that Wales continues to have the lowest prosperity levels per head amongst the UK nations, and that Brexit can provide an opportunity to help address this.
Responding to the Transport Minister’s Statement on ‘Metro Projects in Wales’, I noted that the Welsh Government announced its proposals for the North Wales Metro weeks after the UK Government announced its Growth Deal offer to North Wales and asked the Minister what direct input the North Wales Growth Board and Economic Ambition Board have had into the design and delivery of the Metro,
I also questioned him about the development of key hubs, and welcomed the Minister’s acknowledgement of the research showing that HS2 High-Speed Railway, if connected through the appropriate Crewe Hub, will have a beneficial economic impact for North Wales and the wider region.
Questioning the same Minister, I called for the Welsh Government to take action to help ensure that the Caernarfon Driving Test Centre for lorry, bus and coach drivers is not moved to Wrexham, as is being proposed.
My Assembly engagements included Chairing the joint meeting of the Cross Party Autism Group and Cross Party Group on Disability, the 'Safe Staffing saves lives' briefing with RCN Wales and BMA Cymru Wales, the Rare Disease UK's annual Welsh Parliamentary Reception, and Grünenthal UK to discuss implementation of the guidance on Living with Persistent Pain in Wales launched by the Welsh Health Minister in April 2019.
As a member of the National Assembly’s Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, I also joined the Wales Committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission for discussions on how we can work together to hold the Welsh Government and wider public service in Wales to account on their equality and human rights obligations.
If you need my help, please email [email protected] or call 0300 200 7219.
