The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly has accused Carwyn Jones of being ‘fixated with Westminster’ following 79 references to the UK Government during First Minister’s Questions since September.
Speaking in the Senedd yesterday afternoon, Andrew RT Davies AM highlighted a recent quote by Mr Jones: ‘What happens at Westminster is not a matter for this government here’*.
His comments came following the First Minister’s 79th reference to the UK Government during his weekly questions from Assembly Members. When asked about significant delays in orthopaedic waiting times in Wales, he again referred to the NHS in England.
Speaking outside the Chamber, Mr Davies said:
“It’s about time Carwyn Jones recognised his position as First Minister of Wales – not England.
“It’s not his job to be consistently fixated with what happens at Westminster. It’s his job to lead Wales and to answer questions specifically on our country and what happens here.
“Orthopaedic waiting times are in absolutely appalling shape. The number of people waiting over 36 weeks for treatment is still astonishingly high. It’s an issue that deserves to be properly addressed within the National Assembly, yet all we hear are denials and the now obligatory referral to the situation in England.
“It’s clear to me that Mr Jones doesn’t care about Welsh patients waiting in misery and pain. He’s more concerned with sidestepping the blame for it.”
