Backbench Business

It is a real privilege to open this debate as we come together to mark St David’s day and discuss Wales’s past, present and future. Ruth Jones highlights the importance of cross-party working in the Welsh Affairs Committee, emphasising its contributions over the year, including inquiries into farming and prison management. She praises St David for his resilience in the face of adversity and discusses the rich cultural heritage of Wales, exemplified by events like the Eisteddfod. She also addresses Wales’s industrial history and current manufacturing landscape, noting the government’s efforts to address past social challenges and invest in former industrial communities.

Commends Ruth Jones on securing this debate and praises St David's day. Emphasises that what brings them together is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, highlighting unity among different regions.

I begin by thanking the hon. Member for Newport West and Islwyn (Ruth Jones) for opening the debate, and indeed for her work as the chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee. As she mentioned in her speech, we work as a team for Wales on the Committee, and it is good that we have this opportunity today not only to speak about the work of the Committee, but to talk to the wider House about the wonders of Wales and how great St David’s day is. In my constituency of Ceredigion Preseli, as much as 81% of businesses are classified as small, making it the small business capital of Wales—an accolade that we are very proud to hold. Unfortunately, they have all told a tale of the difficulties and challenges they face as small employers, citing the impact of rising energy costs, higher employment costs and the burden of increased business rates. I draw the attention of the House to some measures that those businesses have suggested the Government could take to help them build a firmer and more prosperous future, including mirroring support for non-domestic bills and uprating the employment allowance. The VAT rate has long been a concern for these businesses. Again, they would be grateful if the Government could look again at the rate. Decreasing it to 15% would offer them much-needed breathing space to withstand some of these increased pressures and costs, but also the opportunity to invest in their businesses and their staff—something we all want to see if we are to bring about economic growth across the land.

Does the hon. Member not agree that we have the green shoots of recovery already in the economy? We have interest rates going down and retail sales up. The recent massive £14 billion investment in rail will help every single small business and every single person across Wales.

Welsh Affairs debate focusing on tackling child poverty through removing the two-child cap, high fuel prices in Merthyr Tydfil, investment in defence industries like General Dynamics, increased funding for NHS and public services, state pension increases, mineworkers' pension scheme improvements, and tourism initiatives.

Responded with a light-hearted comment about an 'awayday in the tin baths for his party', referring to Gerald Jones's mention of cold water facilities at a wellness centre in Merthyr Tydfil.

Ms Davies highlighted the campaign against new electricity infrastructure and the preference for undergrounding cables instead of using pylons. She also expressed concerns over proposed wind turbine developments and advocated for a banking hub in Rhydaman due to the closure of the last bank.

Ms Antoniazzi supported Ms Davies' petition for a banking hub in Rhydaman, noting that such a hub would also benefit her constituents. She thanked LINK for their work with local councillors to bring banking hubs to Mumbles and Gorseinon.

Ms Ghani mentioned her own petition for a banking hub in the town of Crowborough, expressing support but unable to sign Ms Davies' petition due to this.

Ms Morden recognises individuals who contribute positively to Newport, including Martyn Butler for his work on HIV awareness and Emma Webb for her suicide prevention efforts. She highlights the commencement of two new railway stations in Newport East and the inclusion of a proposed Caerleon station as part of a £14 billion investment in Welsh rail infrastructure. Additionally, she praises the Labour-run council's commitment to road repair, school improvements, and tackling antisocial behaviour. The reduction in crime rates and improved funding for local initiatives are also noted, alongside positive developments in Newport’s cultural regeneration and AI growth zone potential.

Ms Fookes interjects to thank Ms Morden for her previous work with the Magor Action Group on Rail, which has led to the announcement of a new railway station in part of her current constituency. She expresses gratitude for Ms Morden's ongoing commitment to local rail development.

Griffith emphasised the importance of removing barriers to employment through better transport services. She welcomed Labour's commitment to investing in bus routes and services, including a £1 flat-rate fare for 16-21 year-olds and a proposed £2 fare for adults of working age. She also highlighted improvements in rail investment by UK Government.

Discussed his Bill for birth and death certificates in Welsh or English by default. Mentioned Wales' historic achievements, such as establishing the NHS. Emphasised the importance of unity over division within communities and the value of devolution to shape Wales' own path.

Asked Alex Barros-Curtis if he agreed that decisions by the Welsh Rugby Union, particularly regarding heritage, are putting wallets before Wales and threatening the heart of Welsh rugby union. She highlighted concerns about the chairman's lack of understanding of Welsh communities and culture.

Witherden discussed the achievements of the Labour Government in Wales since last St David’s day, including pay rises for workers, significant uplifts in the national living wage, a record-breaking devolutionary settlement, tax increases for non-doms and private jet owners, and a windfall tax for energy companies. He also highlighted the forthcoming Budget measures such as the implementation of a mansion tax, increased taxes on online gambling companies, and the lifting of the two-child benefit cap which will lift more children out of poverty in Wales than any other Parliament since 1961.

Fookes reflected on the resilience and community spirit demonstrated during the flooding caused by Storm Claudia, highlighting the immediate response of volunteers, charities, and emergency services. She also mentioned ongoing recovery efforts, increased insurance costs for businesses, and additional funding from various sources to aid in regeneration. Fookes invited support for independent shops and encouraged visits to Monmouth's high street as a sign of community resilience.

I draw the attention of the House to a serious and entirely preventable animal welfare issue that is affecting our coastlines, particularly in Gower. It is the harm caused to seals by discarded flying rings... There are no boundaries on these flying rings—they should be banned.

Diolch yn fawr, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a real pleasure to speak in my second St David’s day debate in this Chamber... All weekend, there will be special events, including St David’s day markets in Queen’s Square and the surrounding area.

indicated dissent

Welsh governance has failed due to a lack of proper scrutiny and political chumminess. Wales needs equal powers as Scotland, and the Crown Estate should prioritise domestic supply chains in its leasing rounds. The health care system is facing delays due to financial constraints, leading to longer waiting times for patients like Dorothy Griffiths who have been waiting since June 2024 for a knee replacement. The economy must grow through investment in sectors such as agriculture and heavy industry, with an emphasis on supporting small family-owned businesses.

Responded to the criticism of Labour's rail commitment by pointing out that the electrification of the north and south Wales main lines is included in Transport for Wales' vision document. He urged the hon. Member to retract his previous comments and welcome this progress.

Rejected the criticism of economic development, highlighting successful offshore wind auctions and the ongoing construction of an electric arc furnace in Port Talbot. She emphasised the importance of various new technologies being brought to Wales and criticised the hon. Member for not acknowledging these developments.

It is a delight to be in the Chamber, a year on, for another discussion about wonderful Wales. The future of Wales and big choices will come up in May, and every single vote matters. My love and passion for Wales endure and are long-lasting. It has shaped my life in every way. Members have mentioned the challenges facing the NHS in Wales; waiting lists are improving but remain high. We must tackle ongoing scandals like Betsi Cadwaladr. Labour's VAT increase on private school fees is destroying jobs and livelihoods, putting more pressure on state schools. The best readers in the western world were not in Wales under previous Conservative government. Tourism and economic situation discussed; Asda was called out twice for grey seals and flying rings. Concerns raised about separatism; importance of small businesses and tourism highlighted. Labour's decision to include glass in their deposit return scheme could harm UK internal market.

Asked the shadow Minister to reflect on the 14 years of austerity and its damage to Welsh public services. This was a period during which Labour, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats were architects of austerity.

Stevens discussed various initiatives like the £11 million fund for businesses affected by Port Talbot steel transition, significant rail infrastructure investment, a £50 million defence growth deal, and nuclear power projects. She also mentioned tackling the cost of living with increased wages, reduced interest rates, lifting the two-child limit, and real-terms increases in universal credit standard allowance.

Ruth Jones thanked everyone for their contributions to the debate. She highlighted that each Member spoke passionately about their constituencies but none compared to Newport West and Islwyn. She mentioned educational aspects like learning about St David's life, diet, and animal welfare lessons from flying ring toys.

Asked for clarity on the financial year each tranche of rail funding is expected to be spent in, questioned the source of the £14 billion figure mentioned by others, and sought clarification from the Secretary of State for Wales.

Clarified that Mims Davies' point was a matter for debate rather than a point of order.