St David’s Day and Welsh Affairs 2025-02-27

MP Adam Jogee congratulated Ruth Jones on her speech and wished Welsh constituents a happy St David’s Day.

Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts expressed pride in Wales's culture, communities and language. She noted the potential of Wales to be more than just brilliant and urged for ambition.

Carolyn Harris spoke about her constituency of Neath and Swansea East, highlighting its rich history and cultural significance. She praised the town's historical landmarks such as Neath abbey, Norman castle, market, and St David’s church. She also discussed local businesses like Miss Jones Boutique and community events like heart screenings for young footballers.

Conservative MP Aphra Brandreth contributed by celebrating the cultural ties between her constituency of Chester South and Eddisbury and Wales, noting the close economic and social connections between them.

Acknowledges the importance of shared heritage across the UK. Emphasises that more unites us than divides us, celebrating the connections between different parts of the United Kingdom.

Celebrates Newport's industrial history and its current transformation into a hub for data and technology. Highlights global investments in Newport, including semiconductor clusters and renewable energy projects like battery storage plants at Uskmouth power station. Stresses the importance of sustaining Newport’s steel industry with robust trade protections and support for future innovation through AI growth zones.

Emphasises the importance of agriculture and farming in Caerfyrddin. She states that 74% of her constituency's land is agricultural, supporting local families and businesses. Cites union figures indicating a £1 spent by the agricultural industry creates £9 locally. Criticises government changes to property reliefs affecting family farms negatively. Proposes a targeted rural economic strategy for job stability and small business support.

Concurs with Ann Davies, focusing on the security of infrastructure and energy supply in Wales. She argues that new electricity lines should be placed underground to preserve natural beauty and ensure stability during extreme weather events.

Celebrates her 25 years as a resident of Wales and the history of the Labour party in Wales. Highlights achievements such as free school meals, investment in schools, and Welsh-medium education initiatives.

Highlights economic disparities between Wales and the UK average, with child poverty rates expected to rise significantly. Advocates for a new strategic economic plan tailored specifically for Wales, emphasising natural resources such as tidal energy projects in Ynys Môn and offshore wind potential.

Supports the need for an ambitious Welsh-specific economic strategy. Points to the Labour Government's industrial strategy efforts, though criticises the lack of specific mention towards Wales in it.

Welsh history and culture were celebrated, highlighting Wrexham's contributions to football, local landmarks like St Giles church and Overton yew trees, and the importance of local industry such as Wrexham Lager. The speech emphasised Welsh pride on St David’s Day.

The speaker acknowledged Cardiff West's vibrancy and community spirit, focusing particularly on the challenges faced by Ely in his constituency. He praised the UK Government for delivering a funding boost to Wales post-election and highlighted the importance of education as an escape route from poverty.

Made a brief intervention supporting schools investment in Wales, particularly praising the Welsh Labour Government's work on school buildings through programmes like 21st century schools and sustainable communities for learning.

Congratulates her hon. Friend on securing the debate, highlights the rich history of Wales with a focus on Glyndŵr's industrial revolution roots, including specific examples like Bersham and the Ruabon-Chester railway. Emphasises the modern transformation of these areas into beautiful natural landscapes and thriving communities. Mentions numerous community initiatives across Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr that contribute to local vibrancy and support.

Welcomes the Labour Government in Wales, praises the work of newly elected MPs and MSs. Acknowledges the importance of seawater quality for her constituency and thanks key individuals involved in testing bathing water throughout winter. Highlights concerns about inheritance tax announcements affecting farmers and expresses pride in local businesses and community events like pubs celebrating awards. Celebrates achievements in women's sport, particularly football.

Describes the beauty of Clwyd North’s coastline and heritage sites such as Denbigh castle and St Asaph cathedral. Acknowledges the Well-being of Future Generations Act passed by Welsh Labour Government in 2015, emphasising the partnership between UK and Welsh Labour Governments to bring funding and regeneration ambitions for communities.

Gratefully acknowledges his hon. Friend and constituency neighbour for securing this debate but does not provide a detailed contribution in the provided text.

Gemmell wished Wales happiness on St David’s Day and highlighted his experience celebrating the achievements of Wales in Mumbai. He noted that Wales has many friends worldwide due to its creative industries.

Chadwick discussed the legacy and impact of industrial closures on communities such as Ystradgynlais. He emphasised the importance of small decisions in governance and highlighted positive developments like a banking hub opening in his constituency. Chadwick criticised government policies for failing to support rural public services, mentioning the closure of police stations and fire stations. He also addressed the controversy surrounding Godre’r Graig primary school's demolition.

Maguire commended Chadwick’s speech, supporting his campaign for St David’s Day to be recognised as a national holiday and extending support to Cornwall’s campaign for St Piran’s Day.

Welsh food and drink showcased earlier, mentioning the Atlantic Edge oysters from Pembrokeshire. Visited JCB at Wrexham with Leader of the Opposition; discussed tourism tax concerns in East Grinstead and national insurance contributions rise.

Met another Ruth Jones, whose TV shows are brilliant. Discussed meeting the other Ruth Jones.

Wore an outstanding daffodil as expected; gave a passionate speech for Wales.

Talked about Neath market, challenging Balancing with Swansea market. Supported pubs, including the Kings Head in Llangennith.

Mentioned her mum from Swansea and being a new archer, reminding everyone to be careful of arrows. Got a tattoo while getting a passport in Newport.

Discussed the rich heritage of steel and silicon in her constituency; mentioned the importance of local production and commissioning opportunities across Wales.

Spoke about the future of Wylfa and Morlais, championing that sector and her constituency.

Contributes to the debate, possibly mentioning local issues or examples relevant to Neath.

Discusses economic, cultural, and personal ties in her constituency, highlighting the importance of these connections.

Requests a meeting with colleagues to discuss Newport's issues, indicating ongoing collaboration within the Labour party on local concerns.

Talks about the 21st century schools programme and pays tribute to public sector workers in Wales for their hard work.

Also discusses the 21st century schools programme, showing support for educational initiatives.

Praises Wrexham AFC's promotion and mentions the local export of Wrexham Lager as an example of cultural pride.

Gives a passionate speech about the history of his constituency, highlighting its rich heritage and community spirit.

Mentions the pride in St Davids city and discusses the £1 million regional skills fund for Pembrokeshire.

Recalls her Wind Street escapades, possibly drawing parallels with shared experiences among Members.