Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
07/10/2020Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales
Will the Minister make a statement on employers' access to public funds in light of COVID-19?
Our £1.7 billion business support package is the most generous help offer anywhere in the UK. On 28 September I announced economic resilience fund phase 3—£140 million—to further help businesses deal with the economic challenges of COVID-19, providing businesses with the reassurance that further support is available when they need it most.
How does the Welsh Government intend to ensure that Islwyn builds back better from the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are providing a £40 million skills and jobs fund, alongside our support for business via the economic resilience fund. We want the people of Islwyn and across Wales to receive the assistance they need, be that work, self-employment or to take up a place in education or training.
Will the Minister make a statement on support for those sectors of the economy most affected by the latest lockdowns in North Wales?
We are doing everything possible to support all businesses in Wales affected by the pandemic. I announced the release of up to £140 million for phase 3 of the economic resilience fund on 28 September. This latest phase includes up to £60 million for a rapid reaction local lockdown fund.
Questions For - Counsel General and Minister for European Transition
Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government’s ongoing assessment of the impact of the UK Internal Market Bill on Mid and West Wales?
We continue to assess the impact of the UK Internal Market Bill on Wales as a whole. The Bill's provisions have cross-cutting impact over a number of areas and we will continue to do our utmost to limit the detrimental impact of the Bill on the people of Wales.
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of whether the UK Internal Market Bill has strengthened the UK’s negotiating position with the EU?
The UK Internal Market Bill will absolutely weaken the UK's position in the negotiations with the EU. Rather than seeking to build trust and confidence at this critical point in the negotiations, the UK Government has sought to increase the risk of talks breaking down by threatening to break international law.
How has COVID-19 impacted the ability of the Welsh Government to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit at the end of the transition period?
COVID-19 continues to affect the ability of all Governments, businesses and wider society to prepare for the end of transition. We are working on an end-of-transition plan that will be published later in the autumn. This will complement our covid reconstruction plan, which I launched last week.