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Infrastructure (Wales) Bill - Clause 9 and amendments to the bill
01 February 2023
Lead MP
Richard Foord
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
EconomyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Richard Foord raised concerns about infrastructure (wales) bill - clause 9 and amendments to the bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Liberal Democrats are moving to amend Clause 9 to include new clauses and amendments that would require the Bank to publish annual reports on geographical spread of investments, ownership details, and create 'Good Jobs' plans for improved productivity, pay, jobs, and living standards. They also aim to add reducing economic inequalities within regions as an objective, support supply chain resilience, improve water quality, and ensure water companies have costed time-limited plans before receiving investment.
Proposed new clause requiring the Bank to publish annual reports on geographical spread and ownership details, as well as a 'Good Jobs' plan for all investments. Additionally, suggested amendments that would include reducing economic inequalities within regions, support supply chain resilience, improve water quality, and ensure water companies have costed time-limited plans before receiving investment.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Argued against the Liberal Democrats' new clause 1 and amendments, stating that the sale of the green bank under coalition government was beneficial as it attracted £3 billion in private investment. He also questioned how adding more objectives to the Bank would affect its clarity and ability to meet its core objective of helping achieve net zero emissions. Suggested that existing objectives cover a wide range of sectors with clear intentions.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
Mr. Hosie supports new clauses and amendments to ensure equitable disbursements, align with devolved Governments’ objectives, and prevent the UK Infrastructure Bank from undermining its goals by working against Scottish interests.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Mr. Edwards supports amendments for spreading geographical investment across the UK, ensuring formal roles for devolved Governments within post-Brexit frameworks like the UK Infrastructure Bank. He welcomes a concession but criticises lack of Senedd committee scrutiny and calls on Labour to form the next Government with a radical realignment of the British state.
Erith and Thamesmead
Supports the establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank but calls for stronger objectives and reporting. Emphasises the need to create good jobs across the country, support the supply chain’s resilience, and contribute to regional economic growth by reducing inequalities.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Complements Abena Oppong-Asare for holding the Government accountable on review period. Supports a five-year subsequent assessment period but questions the initial seven-year period.
Samantha Dixon
Lab
Chester North and Neston
Questions the Minister about Northern Powerhouse Rail, suggesting that assurances are needed to ensure that the UK Infrastructure Bank distributes its benefits across every part of the country.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Concerned that additional objectives could give an Executive more discretion, potentially weakening parliamentary control and accountability over statutory objectives.
Erith and Thamesmead
Asked if the Minister's previous rejection of an amendment about reviews was a U-turn, implying scepticism over changes in stance.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Emphasised that the institutional culture is crucial in the early years and questioned how responsibility would be balanced in the seven-year review period. Also highlighted that focusing on additive capital was essential for attracting third-party private investment.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asked for leave to withdraw the motion.
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Assessment & feedback
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