Targets ‘conspicuously absent’ from new first minister’s priorities

Opposition members criticised a lack of targets in Eluned Morgan’s statement of priorities, accusing Wales’ new first minister of empty rhetoric.

Rhun ap Iorwerth warned milestones, timescales and targets for delivery were “conspicuously absent” from Baroness Morgan’s statement of priorities last week.

The Plaid Cymru leader criticised the first minister’s summer “listening exercise”, saying it identified problems in health, education and the economy already obvious to everyone.

He asked: “Where have Labour-led governments been for 25 years?”
He told the Senedd 20% of the population is waiting for treatment, key industries are shrinking, the economy lags other UK nations and education standards are slipping.

‘Inexcusable’

Leading a Plaid Cymru debate, he accused Labour of listing problems “without any real notion of new solutions” after a quarter of a century in power.

The Ynys Môn politician criticised the Welsh Government’s “pretty inexcusable” commitment to set out details of how the priorities will be delivered in “due course”.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “What is the purpose of having ambiguous priorities without any attempt to offer us a route towards delivery?
“The truth is empty rhetoric and a lack of direction … have led us into some sort of no-man’s land in so many different areas that are hugely important to the people of Wales.”

The former journalist also criticised a “totally ambiguous” plan for cross-border cooperation on health which was unveiled at Labour’s conference . “No detail whatsoever,” he warned.

‘Hypocritical’

Mark Isherwood said it is regrettable the Welsh Government could not identify people’s priorities without conducting a summer “listening exercise” despite 25 years in power.

The Conservative described the motion as “hypocritical at best” as he accused Plaid Cymru of “propping up” Labour since 1999 and backing “draconian” policies such as 20mph.

Mr Isherwood urged Welsh ministers to press the UK Government for HS2 consequential funding and go ahead with electrification of the north Wales main line.

He said: “The previous first minister waxed lyrical during the general election campaign about the benefits that two Labour governments at each end of the M4 would bring.”

The North Wales representative also criticised “mammoth” NHS waiting lists, which reflect “very badly on the Welsh Government’s stewardship”.

‘Meek acceptance’

Heledd Fychan warned fair funding was not among the first minister’s priorities

Pointing to previous Labour demands, she urged ministers in Cardiff Bay to call on the new UK Government to cough up cash for coal-tip safety and rail infrastructure.

The Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central said: “The meek acceptance of the insufficient lot we receive from Westminster typifies the lack of drive at the heart of this government.”

Labour’s Jenny Rathbone said Eluned Morgan’s government has recognised the importance of improving NHS performance by putting “iechyd da” (good health) top of the priorities.

The Cardiff Central MS recognised frustration expressed in the UK general election, pointing out that Reform rather than Plaid Cymru finished second in 13 of 32 Welsh constituencies.

Minister for delivery

Julie James was appointed minister for delivery this month and said Welsh ministers will prioritise practical changes in the 18 months to the end of the Senedd term.

Ms James, who is responsible for internal oversight of the delivery of the priorities, pointed to examples of early progress in health, education, social housing, transport and the economy.

She said: “We will set out in due course more detail on how we will be delivering on those priorities and commit to providing regular updates to the Senedd on the progress.”

Ms James, who is also counsel general, Wales’ chief legal adviser, told the debating chamber or Siambr that there has been “palpable and real” change in Westminster.

Following the debate on September 25, Senedd members voted 41-10 against the Plaid Cymru motion. The Welsh Government’s amended version was agreed, 27-24.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter