Welsh Affairs

Asked about the Prime Minister's visit to Wales and criticised the lack of such visits.

Pressed for a UK Government insurance scheme to support families affected by flooding who cannot obtain insurance due to previous flood damage.

Inquired about the Secretary of State's response if the Welsh Government requested additional support for flooding issues affecting communities in England and Wales.

Pressed on funding assurances for ensuring coal slip safety regardless of liability, referencing historical incidents like Aberfan.

Congratulated the Welsh Labour Government on educational investments in his constituency to prepare younger generations for job opportunities.

Asked about discussions with Western Power and National Grid regarding grid capacity constraints, which hinder renewable energy projects.

Invites Secretary of State to meet with colleagues and proposed developers for Colwyn Bay tidal lagoon project to discuss clean energy opportunities.

Encourages Welsh Secretary of State to re-examine Swansea bay tidal lagoon's financial structure, emphasising its potential as a pathfinder for future export growth and clean energy.

Acknowledges creative industry success in Wales but suggests promoting the location more prominently to attract international recognition.

Welcomes Lowri Morgan and emphasises the importance of raising sport's profile, particularly for women. Invites Secretary of State to meet with her in Downing Street later that day.

Seconded Tonia Antoniazzi’s request for the Secretary of State to join them at Lowri Morgan's invitation, highlighting sport as a significant industry in Wales.

Challenges Welsh Secretary of State's depiction of EU funding as negative, citing positive impacts on road infrastructure and training programmes across Wales.

Defends the benefits of EU funding in Butetown and urges Government to clarify where levelling up funds will come from, questioning lack of answers regarding economic improvements.

He emphasised HS2's benefits for Wales, discussed the defence industry's significance to the region, and pledged support for steel companies. He also highlighted the importance of the Welsh language's vibrancy in attracting new residents.

She thanked the Government for the debate and discussed the impact of recent storms and flooding on communities across Wales, calling for additional UK government funding and support. She also mentioned local community spirit in response to these disasters.

He intervened to point out that the source of the River Severn is in mid-Wales, suggesting collaboration instead of political attacks. He emphasised the need for quick recovery and avoided politicising the issue.

He expressed concern about potential risks from saturated coal tips due to severe weather conditions expected over the coming days, urging an urgent assessment of these risks to protect vulnerable areas in Wales.

The hon. Member questioned the success of infrastructure projects like the Heads of the Valleys Road in light of significant overspending.

Responded to Craig Williams, highlighting that European funding produced the road and clarified that the UK Government prevented its faster progress.

Reiterated the questioning of overspending on infrastructure projects by repeating 'So it’s okay to waste it?'

The hon. Member raised concerns about lack of consultation with Welsh Government regarding Brexit negotiations, expressing fears over the economic impact on Wales due to reliance on exports into the single market.

Responded by agreeing that the Welsh Government should be more involved in UK's negotiation process and expressed disappointment at their lack of involvement.

Mr Tami raised concerns about English votes for English laws, noting that it prevented him from speaking on funding issues related to the Countess of Chester Hospital in his constituency. He emphasised that Welsh MPs should not be second-class and have an important role in representing Wales.

Mr Davies agreed with Mr Crabb on the need for effective use of funds from the shared prosperity fund, but stressed that it must ensure Wales receives a similar amount as before to avoid reducing funding.

Mr Williams expressed concern over the lack of action during previous rounds of EU funding despite Wales' qualification, highlighting persistent inequalities in the region.

Mr Edwards added that one of the benefits of the European system was its multi-annual financial framework, which allowed for long-term planning. He suggested that this aspect should be maintained in UK contexts to ensure a stable financial environment.

Mr Crabb discussed the importance of achieving multi-year funding agreements despite changes in government. He raised a local issue regarding the poor condition of Milford Haven railway station and expressed support for Jasmine Joyce, a rugby player from his constituency.

Mr Thomson congratulated Wales on St David's Day and discussed his personal experiences with devolution. He praised the early success of Welsh devolution compared to Scotland, mentioning the 2011 referendum that transferred legislative powers. However, he noted a sense of drift rather than delivery in recent years. Mr Thomson highlighted concerns about HS2 and called for transformative projects like full electrification of railways, investment in infrastructure such as the A470 road, and digital connectivity to support levelling up. He also commended Welsh politicians for their democratic engagement.

I am honoured to be the first Conservative MP elected for Bridgend during my lifetime. My constituency includes areas like Porthcawl and has a rich history with the armed forces, mental health advocacy, and community organisations. I have pledged to continue Madeleine Moon's work on mental health issues and support local communities. The town centre of Bridgend is facing challenges such as declining footfall and empty premises, prompting calls for levelling up initiatives like the £3.6 billion towns fund, which currently applies only to England. Bridgend also boasts natural beauty spots like Kenfig nature reserve and Porthcawl's beaches, attracting tourists annually for events like the Elvis festival.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Bridgend on his maiden speech and discussed flooding issues in Bedwas, Machen, Llanbradach, and Bargoed where homes, businesses, and a rugby club suffered from severe floods due to no insurance and emotional trauma. He praised the community's resilience and thanked local workers who helped deal with the situation. The speaker also planned to meet parliamentary colleagues, Assembly Members, and council leaders to reinforce requests for additional funding. Additionally, he supported Heathrow expansion despite environmental concerns as it could bring economic benefits, including 8,400 jobs in Wales and £8 billion more in economic growth. He emphasised the significance of defence contracts to the Welsh economy and mentioned Drone Evolution from his constituency and General Dynamics' investment in Merthyr Tydfil.

Baynes introduces himself as the new MP for Clwyd South, paying tribute to his predecessor Susan Elan Jones. He acknowledges the support of the Prime Minister in winning the election. He reflects on recent personal and community events, including the passing of his mother due to lung cancer and various natural disasters affecting the constituency. Baynes mentions holding public surgeries following these events to address local concerns and promises to work with stakeholders for improvements. He highlights the industrial heritage and current business landscape, supporting tourism and cultural activities in Clwyd South. The MP also emphasises the importance of farming and environmental protection while stressing the significance of strong communities and the role of the NHS in maintaining health and wellbeing.

Mr. Brennan congratulates Simon Baynes on his maiden speech and discusses the importance of public service broadcasting in Wales, particularly focusing on BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Wales, and S4C. He highlights the role these organisations play in Welsh culture, society, and economy, including their contribution to promoting the Welsh language and employment opportunities. Mr. Brennan argues against proposals to scrap or reduce the licence fee, emphasising its importance for funding culturally and socially vital programming. He also mentions the growth of public service broadcasting production in Wales since 2010 and warns against undermining the BBC’s ability to enforce the licence fee.

Congratulated the maiden speakers and expressed pleasure at the opportunity to discuss Welsh affairs. Emphasised the importance of debates on Welsh issues in Westminster, despite devolution, due to overlapping responsibilities between UK and Welsh Governments. Highlighted political changes in north Wales with a majority Conservative representation post-election. Stressed the need for better broadband infrastructure, citing inadequate internet speeds in remote areas like Pandy Tudur compared to Pitcairn Island. Discussed plans to improve the A55 expressway and urged the Government to collaborate closely with the Welsh Assembly on upgrading this key transport artery. Mentioned HS2's benefits but also called for improvements to regional rail connectivity from north Wales to major cities. Advocated for the development of a tidal lagoon in north Wales, which could generate significant clean energy.

Agreed with David Jones on the importance of clarity around devolved and non-devolved matters. Cited personal experience where constituents were incorrectly informed about responsibility for certain issues, highlighting confusion over devolution.

Welsh MP stressed the importance of recognising Wales's distinct needs in relation to infrastructure, economic development, and devolution. She raised concerns about underinvestment in flood defences and called for more powers over policing and justice to be given to Wales. She also discussed the need for a stronger Welsh identity post-Brexit.

The MP highlighted the importance of working together across sectors and political divides to benefit Wales. He commended efforts like Wales Week London, which showcases Welsh achievements internationally. The MP also discussed the impact of flooding on communities and praised farmers for their resilience. Additionally, he addressed concerns about devolution, emphasising the need for cooperation between the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly to effectively manage crises without political point-scoring. He supported infrastructure projects such as the Montgomery canal and the Centre for Alternative Technology, advocating for a balanced approach in planning renewable energy sites that considers tourism and community impact.

Since Christmas, there has been talk of major infrastructure projects for other parts of the UK, but Wales has received nothing. The Welsh Labour Government is investing £5 billion in rural rail networks and providing a £1.8 billion investment to replace old rolling stock with new ones built in Wales. However, over the past 10 years, Wales has only received 2% of available funding from Westminster for rail infrastructure despite having significant portions of track and level crossings within its borders.

He points out that the failure to address issues related to rail infrastructure development falls on both Labour and Conservative parties, as they agreed to remove measures from the Wales Bill following the St David’s Day process.

Unemployment is low in Wales due to the hard work of the Welsh Government. However, many people are not being paid adequately. The speaker praises Welsh Labour's commitment to creating apprenticeships and ensuring fair wages for workers. In contrast, UK Government policies have resulted in a fake living wage, neglect towards the steel industry, and a worsening universal credit crisis that has plunged thousands into poverty.

The Welsh Government's budget is around 5% lower than it was in 2010 in real terms. If it had risen at the rate of public expenditure, it would be £6 billion higher today, which could fund significant improvements in various sectors such as homelessness prevention and local government services.

Welsh poet T.H. Parry-Williams' work reflects a sentiment that Wales sometimes blames external factors for its issues, rather than looking internally. The Welsh Government often blames Westminster for not providing enough funding despite having more resources available per capita in Wales compared to England. There are still problems with the funding formula for Wales; the calculation of funding based on headcount does not take into account different needs or costs and is flawed.

Welsh Labour Government is doing some fantastic and pioneering work but with inadequate funding. The flooding in Pontyclun highlights the inadequacy of the Barnett formula, which leaves spending per head at the lowest of the devolved nations. The effects of Storm Dennis show that the UK Government's funding for Wales is insufficient to cope with natural disasters. The First Minister responded appropriately to the crisis and highlighted the need for urgent attention to be paid to the Barnett formula.

Kinnock called for more action on climate change, specifically mentioning the potential of renewable energy projects like the Swansea bay tidal lagoon. He also discussed the importance of rail infrastructure and advocated for sector deals that would benefit industries such as steel manufacturing in industrial towns. Kinnock emphasised the need to replace EU funding with a fairer UK-wide fund and expressed concern about the lack of consultation on these issues. Additionally, he criticised austerity measures imposed under Tory rule, which have resulted in significant budget cuts for Welsh councils.

Winter addressed recent events affecting her constituency, including devastating floods and the future of local hospital services. She acknowledged the hard work of residents, councillors, fire services, and the First Minister during these crises but criticised Tory austerity policies and underfunding of the Welsh Government over the past decade. Winter argued that despite devolved responsibilities for flood defences and healthcare, Westminster holds the purse strings and needs to take responsibility for these issues in Wales. She concluded by emphasising the need for state intervention to share wealth more equitably among the population.

Chamberlain emphasised the significance of St David’s Day and called for it to be made a national holiday in Wales. She discussed the need for devolution of justice powers to Wales, referencing Carwyn Jones’ Commission on Justice in Wales report which recommended full devolution of justice. Chamberlain also highlighted concerns about governance arrangements and their impact on public services in Wales. Additionally, she paid tribute to her Welsh Liberal Democrat colleagues and expressed disappointment at the Prime Minister’s lack of visible leadership during recent flooding events in Wales.

As deputy leader of the Welsh Labour party, Carolyn Harris expressed pride in the achievements of her party despite the electoral defeat. She highlighted policies such as presumed consent organ donation, scrapping hospital car park charges, protecting nursing bursaries, delivering ambitious housing programmes, and providing generous childcare offers. Harris criticised the lack of attention given to Wales in national media and political discourse, urging for better representation and acknowledgment of Welsh Labour's accomplishments.

Calls for urgent action on climate change impacts in Wales, including flood defences and tidal risks. Highlights the need for continued Brexit funding based on need rather than population. Advocates for improved rail connectivity between Bristol, Cardiff, and Swansea to boost economic growth. Urges the Secretary of State to restore train timetables that facilitate better connectivity and inward investment. Emphasises the importance of frictionless trade with Europe for job security and livelihoods.

Expresses sympathy for those affected by flooding in south Wales, but focuses on the closure of the Orb steelworks due to lack of a suitable buyer. Urges more substantial government action beyond warm words regarding steel industry support. Highlights the opening of CAF railway factory and its potential role in HS2. Celebrates urban regeneration and economic growth in Newport. Mentions environmental initiatives like RSPB Newport wetlands.

I express gratitude to all contributors today, including the maiden speeches of Dr Wallis and Simon Baynes. The hon. Member for Bridgend's tribute to Madeleine Moon is noted, as well as Wayne David’s contributions on economic issues. I acknowledge the efforts of Kevin Brennan regarding public sector broadcasting and Chris Elmore’s powerful speech about the impact of UK Government policies over a decade. Mentioning climate change concerns raised by Geraint Davies and the need for urgent action to support the steel industry, such as the Orb plant in Newport East.

Discussed revolving doors in the Wales Office and agreed with the Minister on this issue.

Made a powerful contribution, highlighting her efforts to change laws across the UK through bipartisan cooperation.

Will take over as Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee and is expected to continue tradition of thorough inquiries into issues affecting Wales.

Mentioned flooding in Wales, expressing appreciation for emergency services and local workers' efforts.

Spoke about the impact of recent floods on his constituency and thanked those involved in relief work.

Contributed to the debate on flooding issues affecting Wales, likely expressing concern or support for emergency services.

Acknowledged Dŵr Cymru's response during floods and praised it as an example of a mutualised industry.