Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 175(v5) 

Media

Senedd.TV: View the webcast

Transcript: Transcript for 04/12/2018 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the First Minister

The Presiding Officer has received notification, under Standing Order 12.58, that the Leader of the House and Chief Whip will answer questions on behalf of the First Minister.

 

The Presiding Officer will call the Party Leaders to ask questions without notice to the Leader of the House and Chief Whip after Question 2.

 

View Questions

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The item started at 13.30

In accordance with Standing Order 12.58 the Leader of the House answered questions on behalf of the First Minister

The first 9 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party leaders to ask questions to the leader of the House after question 2.

 

(120 mins)

2.

Debate on the EU Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration

NDM6889 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Takes note of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU agreed by the European Council and the UK Government, but regrets that neither Wales or Scotland are mentioned in either document.

2. Notes in particular the arrangements for the protection of citizens’ rights and for a transition period for which the Welsh Government has consistently argued and which would avoid the catastrophic outcome of ‘no deal’ in March 2019.

3. Notes that the Assembly will have a further opportunity to debate the Withdrawal Agreement as it considers whether or not to give its legislative consent to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill which the UK Government intends to bring forward.

4. Believes that the future relationship as envisaged by the Political Declaration falls short of the model for the UK / EU future relationship set out in Securing Wales’ Future, which has been consistently supported by the Assembly and fails to provide robust guarantees in respect of future workers’ rights, human rights and equalities legislation.

5. Notes that the UK Government’s red lines have constrained the scope of the provisional deal reached with the EU and believes that the UK Government should instead be focused on securing a long-term relationship which provides for participation in the single market and a customs union, seeking to extend the Article 50 period if needs be.

6. Believes that the UK Government should declare now its intention to negotiate on that basis and that if it fails to do so, there should be either a general election or a public vote to decide the terms on which the UK leaves, or whether it wishes to remain.

Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration
Securing Wales’ Future

Supporting Documents

Report of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Gareth Bennett (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that the people voted by a majority on 23 June 2016 without any equivocation, or qualification, to leave the EU, and believes that the UK and Welsh Governments should honour both the spirit and the letter of that decision.

2. Believes that both the UK and Welsh Governments have frustrated the wishes of the 17.4 million people who voted leave.

3. Believes that the UK Government’s draft Withdrawal Agreement is a capitulation, which substantially negates the referendum result, by keeping the UK indefinitely in the EU customs union and, effectively, in the single market, whilst depriving us of any formal voice or vote in EU decisions.

4. Calls upon the UK and Welsh Governments to embrace the restoration of Britain's national sovereignty outside the EU and the global opportunities for trade with the rest of the world.

[If Amendment 1 is agreed, Amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete points 1 to 5 and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Rejects the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU agreed by the European Council and the UK Government.

Believes that the future relationship as envisaged by the Political Declaration falls short of the model for the UK – EU future relationship set out in Securing Wales’ Future, which provides robust guarantees in respect of workers’ rights, human rights, equalities legislation and citizens’ rights.

Notes that the UK Government’s long-term economic analysis projects the UK economy will be worse off by 3.9 per cent over 15 years under the current Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.

Calls on the UK Government to seek UK membership of both the European Single Market and Customs Union.

Calls for an extension to the Article 50 process.

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 6 and replace with:

Calls for a people’s vote on the final agreement between the UK and EU, including an option for the UK to remain a member state of the European Union.

Minutes:

The item started at 14.19

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6889 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Takes note of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU agreed by the European Council and the UK Government, but regrets that neither Wales or Scotland are mentioned in either document.

2. Notes in particular the arrangements for the protection of citizens’ rights and for a transition period for which the Welsh Government has consistently argued and which would avoid the catastrophic outcome of ‘no deal’ in March 2019.

3. Notes that the Assembly will have a further opportunity to debate the Withdrawal Agreement as it considers whether or not to give its legislative consent to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill which the UK Government intends to bring forward.

4. Believes that the future relationship as envisaged by the Political Declaration falls short of the model for the UK / EU future relationship set out in Securing Wales’ Future, which has been consistently supported by the Assembly and fails to provide robust guarantees in respect of future workers’ rights, human rights and equalities legislation.

5. Notes that the UK Government’s red lines have constrained the scope of the provisional deal reached with the EU and believes that the UK Government should instead be focused on securing a long-term relationship which provides for participation in the single market and a customs union, seeking to extend the Article 50 period if needs be.

6. Believes that the UK Government should declare now its intention to negotiate on that basis and that if it fails to do so, there should be either a general election or a public vote to decide the terms on which the UK leaves, or whether it wishes to remain.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Gareth Bennett (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that the people voted by a majority on 23 June 2016 without any equivocation, or qualification, to leave the EU, and believes that the UK and Welsh Governments should honour both the spirit and the letter of that decision.

2. Believes that both the UK and Welsh Governments have frustrated the wishes of the 17.4 million people who voted leave.

3. Believes that the UK Government’s draft Withdrawal Agreement is a capitulation, which substantially negates the referendum result, by keeping the UK indefinitely in the EU customs union and, effectively, in the single market, whilst depriving us of any formal voice or vote in EU decisions.

4. Calls upon the UK and Welsh Governments to embrace the restoration of Britain's national sovereignty outside the EU and the global opportunities for trade with the rest of the world.

[If Amendment 1 is agreed, Amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

5

1

44

50

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

[As amendment 1 was agreed, amendments 2 and 3 were de-selected]

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete points 1 to 5 and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Rejects the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU agreed by the European Council and the UK Government.

Believes that the future relationship as envisaged by the Political Declaration falls short of the model for the UK – EU future relationship set out in Securing Wales’ Future, which provides robust guarantees in respect of workers’ rights, human rights, equalities legislation and citizens’ rights.

Notes that the UK Government’s long-term economic analysis projects the UK economy will be worse off by 3.9 per cent over 15 years under the current Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.

Calls on the UK Government to seek UK membership of both the European Single Market and Customs Union.

Calls for an extension to the Article 50 process.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

34

0

16

50

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete point 6 and replace with:

Calls for a people’s vote on the final agreement between the UK and EU, including an option for the UK to remain a member state of the European Union.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

11

0

39

50

Amendment 3 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6889 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Rejects the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU agreed by the European Council and the UK Government.

2. Believes that the future relationship as envisaged by the Political Declaration falls short of the model for the UK – EU future relationship set out in Securing Wales’ Future, which provides robust guarantees in respect of workers’ rights, human rights, equalities legislation and citizens’ rights.

3. Notes that the UK Government’s long-term economic analysis projects the UK economy will be worse off by 3.9 per cent over 15 years under the current Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.

4. Calls on the UK Government to seek UK membership of both the European Single Market and Customs Union.

5. Calls for an extension to the Article 50 process.

6. Believes that the UK Government should declare now its intention to negotiate on that basis and that if it fails to do so, there should be either a general election or a public vote to decide the terms on which the UK leaves, or whether it wishes to remain.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

34

0

16

50

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

3.

Business Statement and Announcement

Minutes:

The item started at 16.53

 

(45 mins)

4.

Statement by the Counsel General: The Legislation (Wales) Bill

Minutes:

The item started at 17.17

 

5.

The Carbon Accounting (Wales) Regulations 2018

NDM6888 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft Carbon Accounting (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 06 November 2018.

Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
Report of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Minutes:

The Carbon Accounting (Wales) Regulations 2018

The item started at 17.48

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6888 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.    Approves that the draft Carbon Accounting (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 06 November 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

46

0

4

50

The motion was agreed.

 

6.

The Climate Change (Carbon Budgets) (Wales) Regulations 2018

NDM6885 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft Climate Change (Carbon Budgets) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
Report of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Minutes:

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6885 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.    Approves that the draft Climate Change (Carbon Budgets) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

46

0

4

50

The motion was agreed.

 

7.

The Climate Change (Interim Emissions Targets) (Wales) Regulations 2018

NDM6884 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft Climate Change (Interim Emissions Targets) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
Report of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Minutes:

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6884 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.    Approves that the draft Climate Change (Interim Emissions Targets) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

46

0

4

50

The motion was agreed.

 

8.

The Climate Change (International Aviation and International Shipping) (Wales) Regulations 2018

NDM6886 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft Climate Change (International Aviation and International Shipping) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
Report of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Minutes:

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6886 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.    Approves that the draft Climate Change (International Aviation and International Shipping) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 6 November 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

46

0

4

50

The motion was agreed.

 

9.

The Climate Change (Net Welsh Emissions Account Credit Limit) (Wales) Regulations 2018

NDM6887 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.  Approves that the draft Climate Change (Net Welsh Emissions Account Credit Limit) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 06 November 2018.

Explanatory Memorandum
Report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
Report of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Minutes:

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6887 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1.    Approves that the draft Climate Change (Net Welsh Emissions Account Credit Limit) (Wales) Regulations 2018 are made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 06 November 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

46

0

4

50

The motion was agreed.

 

(90 mins)

10.

Debate: The Draft Budget 2019-20

NDM6883 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 20.12:

Notes the Draft Budget for the financial year 2019-20 laid in the Table Office by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on 2 and 23 October 2018.

Supporting Documents
Finance Committee Report
Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Report
Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee report - Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport
Children, Young People and Education Committee Report
Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee Report
Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Report
Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Report

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Does not believe that the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2019-20 meets the needs of the Welsh people.

Minutes:

The item started at 18.19

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6883 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 20.12:

Notes the Draft Budget for the financial year 2019-20 laid in the Table Office by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on 2 and 23 October 2018.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Does not believe that the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2019-20 meets the needs of the Welsh people.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

16

1

33

50

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion:

NDM6883 - Julie James (Swansea West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 20.12:

Notes the Draft Budget for the financial year 2019-20 laid in the Table Office by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on 2 and 23 October 2018.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

7

16

50

The motion was agreed.

 

11.

Voting Time

Minutes:

The item started at 20.11

 

Votes Summary

Supporting documents: