Speaking in the Welsh Conservatives Debate on the Welsh Economy, I said that after two decades of devolved Labour Government responsible for economic development and employability in Wales, the employment rate in Wales was both down and lagging behind the increased GB figure; the unemployment rate was up on the quarter and the highest amongst the UK nations; and the largest estimated decrease in workforce jobs in the UK was in Labour-led Wales, at 9,000.
I again sponsored Epilepsy Wales’ annual event in the Senedd, ‘Supporting People With Epilepsy in Wales’, where I provided an update on action to support the 20,000 – 30,000 people living with Epilepsy in Wales. Approximately 1,500 people develop epilepsy each year in Wales. Over 40% of deaths, and 59% of child deaths, could potentially be avoided.
Earlier this month the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, issued a Written Statement referring to a consultants' report which 'concluded that developing new facilities at Wrexham Museum would be the best option to create a showcase for our football heritage', and I called on him to provide further details.
I called for a Welsh Government Statement following publication of updated NICE guidelines for Prostate Cancer diagnosis and management, stating that the Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, must now ensure that Health Boards in Wales offer men with suspected Prostate Cancer a Multiparametric MRI scan.
After marches by veterans across the UK and concerns raised with me by Veterans across North Wales, I also called for a Statement on the Welsh Government’s approach to justice for Armed Forces Veterans who face prosecution. The Minister replied that it was not an issue for them.
Responding to the Statement on Youth Justice and Female Offending, I welcomed the Welsh Government’s recognition of the importance of working in partnership with the UK Government and the Ministry of Justice to deliver improvements, and repeated my call for the Welsh Government to recognise the vital role played by the third sector in preventing offending and rehabilitating offenders.
I also asked the Finance Minister what assessment the Welsh Government has made of pot holes and how it will ensure funding is being targeted where it is needed most.
Assembly engagements included Chairing the Assembly Cross Party Group on Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency, and an event celebrating 10 Years of the Administrative Court in Wales.
North Wales engagements included a meeting to discuss modern slavery and human trafficking.
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