UK and Welsh politics has been shaken to its core following the untimely and tragic murder of Labour MP Jo Cox. There has been an outpouring of grief, shock and sorrow from across the political divide, following the attack which took place outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire on Thursday. Tributes have been led by Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister David Cameron, paying tribute to her dedication, intelligence, wit and caring nature, not only for her constituents but for those fleeing persecution across the world. Jo Cox has been described as an up and coming star and a leading light at charity Oxfam before entering Parliament. Campaigning for the EU referendum has been suspended on both sides, as a mark of respect.
With less than a week to go until we head to the polls to vote on the UK’s future membership of the EU, David Cameron and First Minister Carwyn Jones joined forces to urge voters to back remaining in the EU. Their joint visit to British Gas in Cardiff was a significant event, and the first time they had campaigned together, and showed how both are concerned about the potential impact of the economy.
Taking questions from call centre staff, Carwyn Jones warned that without future EU funding, the South Wales Metro project would not go ahead. The Welsh Government has already invested millions in bringing such a major infrastructure project this far, with plans for work on its second phase along with electrification of the Valley lines to commence in 2019 and be completed by 2022/23.
Meanwhile, ex Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond MP, joined Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood to campaign for a Remain vote in Cardiff this week, but a debate that would have featured Carwyn Jones and Leanne Wood on the same side for the first time was postponed.
Recent inward investment into Wales figures will make positive reading for the Welsh Government as provisional results show that over 6,000 jobs have been created or safeguarded, with the highest profile investment from Aston Martin. First Minister Carwyn Jones has also responded to the latest labour market figures with the improving unemployment rate, which now stands at 4.8%, as proof that Wales continues to outperform the rest of the UK.
Ten of the UK's leading environmental charities have written an open letter to the Welsh Government objecting to current plans for an M4 relief road on environmental grounds, arguing that the money be better spent on improved public transport. Ken Skates, while re-affirming the Welsh Government’s commitment to the road, is keen that they proceed with a public inquiry in order to determine and scrutinise the options that are available. The Cabinet Secretary will be making a statement about the M4 on Tuesday at the Senedd.
As the Assembly gets down to business, Presiding Officer Elin Jones has announced that AMs themselves will choose who will Chair Assembly committees in a secret ballot. The decision had previously been taken by party groups or leaders, a system which very often led to internal disputes and criticisms of over party management. This move follows calls for reform of the system and brings the Assembly into line with relatively recent changes at Westminster.
The First Minister has recommended Mick Antoniw AM be appointed as Counsel General. Mick’s in-depth knowledge of the legislative process and devolution settlement will serve him well in his new role as the Welsh Government’s Chief Legal Adviser and representative in the courts. A significant element of the job is advising on potential challenges by UK Ministers to Welsh legislation, of which Mick is acutely aware as his proposed law on asbestosis compensation fell at the Supreme Court.
We understand that there is an on-going discussion regarding the composition of Assembly committees, and that we may not see them meet until the last week of this Assembly term.