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Backbench Business
03 March 2022
Lead MP
Wayne David
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyWales
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
Wayne David raised concerns about backbench business 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
Welcoming the debate on Welsh affairs and focusing on two critical issues: the shared prosperity fund and the cost of living crisis. The speaker emphasises the uncertainty around the replacement for EU structural funds, highlighting concerns about funding duration and local authority projections. He also stresses the need for clarity from the Secretary of State and mutual respect between central and Welsh governments. Additionally, he highlights the severity of the fuel and cost-of-living crises in Wales, citing statistics on household finances and personal anecdotes to illustrate the struggles faced by constituents.
Arfon
Concerned about the lack of detail provided by the Government, which is impeding small community organisations and businesses from planning ahead. He supports more transparency and assistance in this regard.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledges concerns regarding the shared prosperity fund but emphasises the importance of celebrating the ties between British and Celtic nations, advocating for better tourism opportunities through the fund.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Pays tribute to Wayne David for his contributions. He highlights systemic problems with Government planning and funding delays affecting local authorities in Wales, stressing that such issues impede economic development in the region.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon
Agrees that the lack of information and governance issues are part of a broader strategy to undermine devolution. He argues for the strategic importance of the Welsh Government's role in overseeing economic development.
Responds positively to Stephen Kinnock, noting that Wales received 23% of the community renewal fund, which is above the UK share. Suggests local authorities appreciate direct engagement with the Government on funding schemes.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Supports Wayne David's argument about the Chancellor’s buy now, pay later scheme being misguided in light of already rising costs for constituents.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
David Jones discussed the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and its impact on Welsh people. He highlighted the efforts of his constituents to support refugees, as well as the Government's commitment of £20 million to the Disasters Emergency Committee fund. Jones also emphasised the need for energy security, suggesting that Wales could play a significant role through initiatives like tidal lagoons and nuclear power stations.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Paid tribute to fellow MP Wayne David and Deputy Speaker, lamenting their upcoming departures. Discussed Welsh leadership during the pandemic, praising Mark Drakeford for his approach compared to UK Prime Minister's actions. Emphasised Wales' response to Ukraine crisis. Mentioned Cardiff Council’s work on food aid, refugees, environment, culture, and business support. Criticised Home Office policy requiring full passports for EU schoolchildren visiting the UK post-Brexit.
Asked about whether British schoolchildren needed a passport to enter Schengen area in Europe.
Pontypridd
Supported Kevin Brennan's points, highlighting the impact of visa issues on cultural exchanges and musicians touring across Europe.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Expressed concern about potential tourism tax in Wales proposed by Welsh Government, questioning its impact on the industry.
Simon Baynes
Con
Clwyd South
Thanked the hon. Member for Caerphilly and followed Kevin Brennan's speech, expressing high respect for his support for cultural activities despite differing views. Recounted making a maiden speech two years ago before the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Emphasised Wales' importance to him and praised Welsh culture, heritage, industrial history, successful businesses, farming communities, outdoor activities, and close-knit communities. Stressed the benefits of being part of the UK Union under the Conservative Government, highlighting financial support during the pandemic and vaccines secured by the UK Government. Mentioned armed forces contributions, levelling-up fund success in his constituency, and historical investment issues with the Welsh Labour Government.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Griffith congratulates her hon. Friend on securing the debate and acknowledges his contributions to government and defence. She highlights Labour's role in Wales since 1922, emphasising its commitment to improving constituents' lives, strengthening community cohesion, and supporting those in hardship. Griffith pays tribute to Jim Griffiths, highlighting his achievements such as family allowances, National Insurance Act, and the National Assistance Act of 1945-1948. She criticises the erosion of benefits under Conservative rule since 2010 and urges the government to address today's poverty and malnutrition issues. Griffith also discusses the Development Bank of Wales, ethical procurement policies, public transport improvements, and devolution efforts in Wales. She contrasts effective collaboration between Welsh Government and local authorities with England’s lack of consultation during the pandemic and calls for better relations within the UK. Griffith emphasises the need to empower devolved institutions through mutual respect and statutory footing.
Craig Williams
Con
Pontypridd
Pays tribute to Wayne David for opening the debate and acknowledges his contributions. Emphasises the role of nuclear energy in Wales, supports Virginia Crosbie's efforts to bring Wylfa and Trawsfynydd nuclear projects to fruition. Acknowledges the contribution of the Royal Welsh battle group during the pandemic and other crises. Expresses support for Wales Week and its promotion by Dan Langford and Mike Phillips, urging the Secretary of State to continue championing it internationally. Discusses the UK shared prosperity fund's allocation to Wales, noting that the community renewal fund gives 23% of UK funding to Wales, which is significantly above any Barnett formula in the past. Acknowledges criticisms about an 'attack on devolution' but argues that mutual respect should not mean vetoing decisions made by this Government. Supports levelling-up initiatives and points out positive feedback from Powys County Council.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Responds to Craig Williams, questioning why hard figures are not provided to support his claims about the generosity of the Government towards Wales. Argues that many financial levers are beyond the control of the Senedd and criticises Conservatives for their involvement in a 12-year period where development could have improved. Asks why there is an aversion to including the Welsh Government in discussions about levelling-up priorities.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
Ms Rees thanked her hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly and paid tribute to Hywel Francis, discussing his background as a child of a communist family in south Wales and his contributions to Welsh history through his PhD and publications on miners against fascism and the 1984-85 miners' strike. She also spoke about his work with Llafur, the South Wales Miners’ Library, and his involvement during the miners' strike, including fundraising efforts and support for striking families. Ms Rees highlighted Hywel's role in organising events such as the annual commemoration of the start of the strike and his contributions to rugby clubs and women’s teams.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Mr David agreed with Christina Rees that the film 'Pride' did not give enough credit to Hywel Francis for his role in organising support during the miners' strike.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Welcomed the debate led by Wayne David, expressed solidarity with Ukraine due to historical ties and current invasion. Urged for swift processing of visas for Ukrainians fleeing conflict and comprehensive support structures as seen in previous crises. Praised Welsh Government's financial aid and community efforts supporting refugees. Recognised efforts during pandemic by local councils, charities, volunteers in Newport East. Highlighted achievements of Labour-led Newport council and Monmouthshire County Council, including distributing devices to pupils, administering grants, and supporting vulnerable residents. Criticised rejection of levelling-up funding bids from Gwent area, urging inclusivity in future tranches. Praised work on cost of living crisis by Welsh Government compared to UK counterparts. Emphasised support for steel industry decarbonization and police funding. Highlighted hospitality sector's challenges post-pandemic.
Arfon
The hon. Member welcomed the debate and thanked those who had made it possible, including the Backbench Business Committee. He paid tribute to Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression and celebrated St David’s Day in Wales. He highlighted the support for making St David’s day a bank holiday in Wales, supported by 80% of the population according to a BBC poll. The hon. Member urged the Government to update their net zero commitments in preparation for the upcoming Budget and called for reconsideration on the management of the Crown Estate in Wales to empower local control and maximise benefits from natural resources. He also emphasised the need for the UK government to waive visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK, matching support offered by EU countries like Ireland.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
In an intervention, the hon. Member questioned the confidence in the UK Government listening to their Welsh Conservative colleagues, referring to a recent business statement where the previous Leader of the House could not name the leader of the Welsh Conservative party.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Antoniazzi thanked her hon. Friend for securing the debate and spoke about events held in her constituency to support Ukraine, expressing concern over Putin's actions. She also discussed efforts by local councils and the First Minister to make Wales a country of sanctuary. Antoniazzi then shifted focus to rugby in Wales, highlighting its importance to community identity and grassroots development. She commended several books written by Welsh rugby players and stressed her commitment to empowering women and girls in sport. She criticised the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) for not adequately supporting women's rugby and called on the Secretary of State to press WRU to address issues of sexism and misogyny, publish its review into women’s rugby, and improve conditions for female players.
Pontypridd
Alex Davies-Jones congratulates her colleague on securing the debate and discusses the impact of the pandemic in Pontypridd, highlighting the growth in local businesses and tourism. She emphasises the importance of devolution for Wales and praises the Welsh Government's cautious approach during the pandemic. Additionally, she mentions the support provided by the local authority for free school meals and cultural investments made by the Welsh Government.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Welsh MPs take pride in their resilient and caring nation, especially during the Ukraine crisis. Anna McMorrin praised Wales's humanitarian response and highlighted the Welsh Government’s support for Ukrainian refugees, contrasting it with what she sees as a poor UK Government response. She also commended her local community’s efforts to assist those fleeing Ukraine. Additionally, she acknowledged the leadership of First Minister Mark Drakeford in promoting social justice initiatives and supporting vulnerable groups such as young people leaving care. Furthermore, she praised the Welsh Labour Government for their investment in social housing and climate change mitigation measures.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Central Scotland
Congratulates the hon. Member for Caerphilly on securing the debate, expresses solidarity with Wales and its cultural ties to Scotland, discusses the Senedd election's impact on Welsh politics and cross-party cooperation between Labour and Plaid Cymru. Emphasises ambitious policy programmes such as extending free schools and childcare, establishing a national care service, addressing housing issues, creating a shadow broadcasting authority for Wales, reforming the Senedd, and tackling economic inequalities due to Brexit. Criticises the UK Government's approach to devolution and levelling up agenda, highlighting funding disparities and infrastructure projects like HS2 that negatively impact Wales.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Welsh MPs thanked my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Wayne David) for securing the debate, expressing appreciation for his wisdom, counsel, and contributions to Welsh affairs. The debate focused on a range of topics including historical links with Ukraine, the shared prosperity fund, cost-of-living challenges, local authority support during tough times, cultural exchanges, and the 100th anniversary of Labour majority representation in Wales. Additionally, it highlighted issues such as food banks, community work by councillors, and the impacts of government policies on living standards across Wales. It also emphasised the achievements of Welsh councils in supporting communities through various challenges.
Arfon
The hon. Member for Arfon talked about the need to make St David’s day a bank holiday, climate change challenges in delivering renewable energy, and Wales’s role as a nation of sanctuary.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Simon Hart
Con
South Wales West
Echoes tributes to the hon. Member for Caerphilly, supports his comments on Ukraine, mentions the long wait for clarity and publication of details regarding the shared prosperity fund coming to an end soon.
Intervenes multiple times, focusing on inflation, cost of living crisis, leadership and mutual respect, and questions about who leads Welsh Conservatives. Also mentions confusion in the House and requests for clarity regarding the shared prosperity fund.
Craig Williams
Lab
Swansea East
Intervenes to ask when funds will be released for the global centre of rail excellence coming to Wales, particularly his constituency.
Cardiff North
Expresses happiness about the global centre of rail excellence coming to Wales and requests details on funding release.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Draws attention to her main request for the release of WRU's report on women’s rugby.
Anna McMorrin
Green
Cardiff North
Responds to criticism, highlighting constituents' views that they do not get anything from the UK Government and criticising outdated politics.
Asks if Wales is exempt from problems due to Brexit results, questioning future referendum outcomes.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Hopes that the St David’s Day debate becomes a permanent feature of the parliamentary calendar, recognising its value and importance.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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