Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:

“This is clearly an investment not just into the airport, but into Wales.

“Our £6m equity injection in exchange of common shares is expected to increase the equity value of the airport by around £12m. We would not be investing this heavily if we had not had sound evidence that the airport is succeeding in its plan to move towards profitability.”

Ken Skates added:

“When I launched our Economic Action Plan at the end of 2017, I recognised the importance of connectivity within Wales, the rest of the UK and the world, to businesses and people. Clearly, for South Wales, Cardiff Airport is a fundamental part of the solution.  

“Since we acquired the airport, it has seen year-on-year growth in passenger numbers, which are now nearing 1.5 million a year. This is a 9% year on year passenger growth, on top of 16% growth in 2016.

“Performance is ahead of the company’s projections, and the airlines taking off from Cardiff fly direct to over 50 destinations including 9 capital cities, and to over 900 destinations via 11 hub airports.

“This, alongside the launch of Qatar Airways which strengthens Cardiff Airport as a gateway for Wales to the wider world, shows very clearly some of the achievements reached to date.”

A range of capital works in and around the terminal building have been identified that will allow the business to capitalise on recent successes, maximise revenue and generate further business growth.  These improvements will also help to achieve the desired customer satisfaction levels which should in turn drive new and repeat business.  

Roger Lewis, Chairman at Cardiff Airport said:

“On behalf of the Board of Cardiff Airport I thank our shareholder, the Welsh Government. This is a ringing endorsement of confidence in the Airport business and will enable us to continue to grow, develop and serve our customers, our people and Wales.”

The travel show is the UK’s leading travel trade event for the domestic tourism industry.   More than 250 exhibitors and over 3000 visitors – key decision makers and trade – are expected during the two days.

Tourism Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:  

“Attendance at key travel trade shows is part of a Visit Wales Spring marketing push to promote Wales during Year of the Sea.  In the last few weeks Visit Wales has been busy selling Wales at the UKinbound Convention, ExploreGB and at ITB Berlin, to an international audience.  This show is our opportunity to speak especially to top level travel buyers including Group Travel Organisers, Coach Operators and Tour Operators primarily from the domestic market.  

“During the event, Visit Wales and stand partners will be promoting our world-class products, activities, events and experiences during Year of the Sea.  The Volvo Ocean Race is fast approaching, and this is one of our key events for 2018 – when the world’s eyes will once again be on Wales.  This will be an invaluable opportunity for us to promote Wales as a top 21st Century coastal destination and celebrate our coastal Capital and communities.  

“Another key initiative for this year is The Wales Way – our new family of three national scenic touring routes which cross the country’s most epic landscapes as a way of showcasing Wales’ fascinating history, coastlines and attractions – and give overseas visitors the confidence and information to explore more of Wales.”

The study on the drug Truvada® was launched in July 2017 and when taken correctly and supported by wider, preventative sexual health services can help to reduce overall HIV transmission and infection rates, according to the World Health Organization.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said:

“In April last year, I announced that Wales would provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV through NHS Wales to all those who would benefit from it. This would be provided as part of a three-year monitoring study in order to evaluate the drug‘s effectiveness. 

“Making PrEP available in Wales is an important part of our wider approach to HIV prevention. I am proud that Wales is able to lead the way in the delivery of PrEP. The initial indications are that PrEP is already beginning to make a difference in the high risk population.   

“I have written to Public Health Wales and the dedicated professionals working in our integrated sexual health services to thank them for the considerable efforts made to deliver PrEP to those that would benefit from it.

“There are clear indications that PrEP is appropriately targeted at individuals participating in risky behaviours. Reassuringly, the most recent figures indicate that since PrEP was first made available in July 2017, 386 patients have accessed the preventative treatment and that no one in this cohort has gone on to develop HIV whilst on PrEP.”

The Grant scheme has helped save listed buildings at risk, contribute to wider regeneration and deliver a range of community benefits over recent years and the Culture Minister is calling on all eligible owners and carers of historic community buildings to apply. He said:

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the re-introduction of the Historic Building Grant scheme, which I’m sure will be welcomed by communities across Wales who stand to benefit from further investment in the magnificent listed buildings we have on our doorsteps.

“I was fortunate enough to recently visit both the Guildhall in Llantrisant and Llanelly House which have previously received support through the Grant, and there is no question that the funding is helping turn beautiful and historically significant buildings into real community facilities and local assets.

“Cadw is very clear that this Grant should continue to focus on delivering maximum benefits within communities with bids supported by community buy-in, through crowd funding or similar models, quite rightly looked upon favourably when deciding which projects to support.

“The exact allocation of the grant will depend on how many bids meet the criteria, but rest assured that I’d like to see this scheme support listed buildings in as many of our communities across Wales as possible. Our heritage is unique and should be looked after and celebrated, with this Grant is just another way of Cadw facilitating this.”

The proposed legislation will impose obligations on Welsh Ministers and the Counsel General to make laws more accessible and also makes bespoke provision about the interpretation of Welsh legislation.

Speaking ahead of his oral statement the Counsel General said:

“The complexity of the law that applies to Wales is a big problem and steps need to be taken to simplify it and make it more accessible to everyone. My goal is to organise Welsh law into comprehensive Codes organised by the subject areas devolved to Wales.

“I see this as an issue of social justice. It is vital that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, they know what the law means and who is responsible for what. That’s why I am today launching a public consultation and engagement on the Draft Bill and would like to encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.”

A clear, certain and accessible statute book is an economic asset and gives those who wish to do business in Wales a more stable and settled legal framework, helping investment and growth. It also enables public sector bodies and other organisations to more easily understand the legal context within which they operate, and makes law-making more efficient and effective. The proposals would also facilitate use of the law in Welsh.

The Draft Bill is an important milestone in the development of devolved government in Wales and designed to help make Welsh law fit for the future.