MEMBERS of the public were given the chance to grill First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, at a question and answer session held at Pembrokeshire College last Thursday.

Hosted by Western Telegraph editor Steve Adams, the ‘Carwyn Connects’ evening allowed people to raise their concerns on numerous local and Wales-wide issues.

The public submitted their questions before the event and hot topics included Brexit, healthcare, education and bovine TB.

With concerns over funding for local projects subsidised by the EU, the first minister was first asked how he sees Brexit affecting Pembrokeshire.

The leader of the Welsh Labour Party, who supported the UK remaining in the EU, said it was vital that there are no trade barriers put in place between the EU and Wales.

“It’s critical that we have access to the European market,” he said. “It’s hugely complicated, in rural affairs particularly.”

Under the current EU Common Agricultural Policy, Wales receives £250m a year in direct payment to farmers.

Mr Jones said: “After 2020, there is no money to pay in subsidies. This gives us the opportunity to develop a specific Welsh farming policy.”

The discussion turned to healthcare. Questions were asked on the shortage of staff at Withybush as well as the use of agency staff.

Mr Jones said that the Welsh government is launching a new campaign to attract GPs to Wales.

“You have a good hospital in Pembrokeshire and we have the best doctors treating people,” he said.

“We’re not going to say to doctors from abroad that they’re not welcome here; it’s a world market.”

The first minister also highlighted the importance of the new walk-in surgery in Tenby.

With controversial plans by Pembrokeshire County Council to close both Haverfordwest schools scrapped earlier in the year, Mr Jones was asked how education could be improved in the county.

“The local education authority here was awful,” he said.

“We’re still monitoring Pembrokeshire. Standards are going up and results are improving. The council has to decide what it wants to do."

He also highlighted the progress made at a Wales-wide level.

“Wales is at the same level as England for GCSE results – they have improved hugely,” he said. “Next year I think we’ll do better than England.”

The first minister went on to speak out against Theresa May’s plans to approve new grammar schools due to a “postcode lottery”.

“At 11 you were branded for life. I would never want my children in grammar schools,” he said.

With recent concerns from Pembrokeshire dairy and beef farmers over the TB vaccination programme following a shortage of the vaccine, Stephen Alderman questioned how the Welsh government plans to find a solution.

The first minister said there is no “silver bullet” that can resolve the TB issue on its own.

“I understand the need for action and it’s a question of doing what’s scientifically right,” he said.

“There are plenty of people who wouldn’t want to see a cull of badgers.

“We will look at the best way of trying to control TB.”